Dexys - Are classic in every way at the Bearded Theory festival

***1/2

Kevin Rowland and his gang play the hits!!!

(Bearded Theory Festival - Pallat Stage)

Dexys***1/2 In the 80's / 90's Dexy's midnight Runners took the charts by storm, and they are a household name still now. With their mega hit 'Come on Eileen' being played on near enough evey radio station most days. I think everyone has a little space in their heart for a Dexy's song, I know I personally have so many great memories of them. And I think others must do too, because there is a lot of people wanting to see their set today. They come to the stage for a laid slow version of the Bee Gees classic 'To love Somebody', which I have to say is one of my favourite numbers by the Disco / Soul band. I love the Billy Corgan (Smashing Pumpkins) cover of this track, that he did on his solo album 'Future Embrace'.

I think with Dexy's it must be a Copywrite issue, because the majority of the set is all Dexys midnight Runners material. So I think the name change, must be because they don't own the Copywrite to use the full name. Dexy's was always the nickname of the band, so I do think it's right they call it that.  They play a nice cover of 'Grazing in the Grass', which was originally done by The Friends of Distinction. I don't know this act very well, but I do know this song. It's a song that you would have heard on the radio, over the years. Dexy's version of it, actually is one highlight of their set. They make it their own, you wouldn't even know it is a cover.

Dexy's have a distinctive sound that mixes up Pop / Soul and Funk, with an old school feeling. A transcending sound that was also popular in American, as well as the UK. You got to hear their No.1 hit 'Geno' twice at the festival, because Jim Bob (Carter USM) also played this song on the Saturday of the festival in tribute to the band that he loves. But every track is a classic, and I think this is why Dexy's is as popular as ever now. Also I think the fact that a new generation is discovering the music of the 70's / 80's and 90's, is helping a lot of bands to have a chance at stardom again or to make a good living from their music.

Singer Kevin Rowland is quite a character, he is distinctive in every way. And I really like that, I think though this comes from suffering. If you have struggled in life, it seems to turn you into a much better person. And Rowland suffered from financial problems, drug addiction and depression. But I think he has now come through it, and he is back at his best.  I love a quote from him "I'd been too confident, too arrogant", I feel these are the words from someone that has learned from life, I know I have learned my own lessons too. I remember seeing Kevin Rowland at the Reading festival, wearing suspenders, bra and panties. When his solo record 'My Beauty' came out, and I was a little take a back. Especially when he said "It's not a Gay thing, and it's not a Transvestite thing!". I think it was an exploring himself and life thing, and I respect that. You need to know about everything, if you are going to make your opinion on things. And I have to say I liked the imagery and sound of that album, it was unique in every way.

The song that Dexys midnight Runners is known for is 'Come on Eileen', which is a monster of a song. It hit No.1 in the UK and very high in the US chart as well. So when they play it the crowd go crazy and are singing every word. This song is made for a festival atmosphere, so it is nice to hear it in this place. I also like how they end their set with the interesting 'This is what she's Like', a song that has a video you should see. I know in a way that Dexys midnight Runners were always Pop / Soul easy listening music, but this doesn't mean you have to be subdued. And for me their Bearded Theory performance is just this: it's slow-paced. And at no time you feel they really come alive, they just do what they are to do. And nothing more, which is a real shame. Because I think we all like to be surprised, so I think this is why their performance is enjoyable, but not very memorable.

Review  by Dan Devour and Photos by Dan Devour and Dezadie

Dexys - Setlist
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To love Somebody (Bee Gees Cover)
Tell me when my light turns Green (Dexys midnight Runners Cover)
Grazing in the Grass (The Friends of Distinction Cover)
Plan B (Dexys midnight Runners Cover)
I'll Show You (Dexys midnight Runners Cover)
Geno (Dexys midnight Runners Cover)
Jackie Wilson Said (I'm in Heaven when you Smile) (Van Morrison Cover)
Until I believe in my Soul (Dexys Midnight Runners Cover)
Free
Come on Eileen (Dexys Midnight Runners Cover)
This is what she's Like (Dexys Midnight Runners Cover)

Check Out! the Dexy's midnight Runners Video for 'Geno' Below...