KEVIN ROWLAND & DEXY'S MIDNIGHT RUNNERS

Kevin Rowland & Dexy's Midnight Runners ‎– Vinyl

Label: Mercury – MERS 5
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album, Stereo, Master Room Cut
Country: UK
Released: 1982
Genre: Rock, Funk / Soul, Pop
Style: New Wave, Pop Rock, Folk, Rhythm & Blues, Soul

About This Release
This UK 1982 pressing of Too-Rye-Ay captures Dexys at their creative peak—the moment they fused Celtic folk instrumentation, blue-eyed soul, and sharp pop songwriting into a sound that became instantly recognisable. Produced during the band's most ambitious period, the album marked the full arrival of the “Celtic Soul” era, complete with brass, fiddles, and Kevin Rowland’s unmistakably emotional delivery.

Cut at the respected Master Room facility, this pressing is known among collectors for its clarity and punch, especially in the rhythm section and the brass arrangements. The UK edition remains the version most fans consider definitive, featuring the original mixes and sequencing before later remasters altered some elements.

Too-Rye-Ay became a major success upon release and cemented Dexys Midnight Runners as one of the most innovative UK bands of the early 1980s. It includes their biggest worldwide hit, the enduring anthem “Come On Eileen”, a track that topped charts internationally and remains a staple of 80s pop culture. The album blends soulful introspection with exuberant, danceable arrangements, creating a unique listening experience that still sounds fresh today.

Other standout tracks include the rousing opener “The Celtic Soul Brothers”, their energetic cover of Van Morrison’s “Jackie Wilson Said (I'm In Heaven When You Smile)”, and the emotionally charged “Until I Believe in My Soul”, showcasing Rowland’s powerful vocal range and deeply personal songwriting.

Tracklist

A1. The Celtic Soul Brothers – Patterson, Rowland, Billingham
A2. Let's Make This Precious – Patterson, Rowland
A3. All In All (This One Last Wild Waltz) – Patterson, Rowland
A4. Jackie Wilson Said (I'm In Heaven When You Smile) – Van Morrison
A5. Old – Patterson, Rowland

B1. Plan B – Patterson, Rowland
B2. I'll Show You – Patterson, Rowland
B3. Liars A To E – Patterson, Rowland, Torch
B4. Until I Believe In My Soul – Patterson, Rowland
B5. Come On Eileen – Adams, Patterson, Rowland

This UK edition remains highly regarded for both its audio quality and its historical significance. A must-have for fans of Dexys, 80s pop, or classic UK vinyl.

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