Dexys

[Chris P]

Is this the time we should be all having a bit of a banter 'bout the erstwhile Midnight Runners?

[NormanD]

Kevin Rowland has got himself a good agent - press interviews, radio and tv, all this week. He's doing much better this time than his last relaunch, with that bedroom mirror pose.

Musically, I think the band still has it, but is his voice still up to it? They did some fine songs, which still sound good, and the album seems promising. They've my vote.

[AndyM]

His voice isn't what it was, judging by 'Later'. I have great affection for their first album, qualified affection for their second, and remain mystified by the cult classic status foisted upon the third. The new one? People I respect tell me it's great, but I'm wary.

[Chris P]

Interesting answers chaps (I've not gone retro or tweedy I just fancied a change from 'guys' & what other friendly words are there: we're only virtual buddys or mates, not the full potato). I find myself thinking along similar lines to you. I've got a certain respect for Rowland, but I think his true fans are just a bit younger than me, and probably accord him the sort of status and even affection I had for Kevin Coyne or still have for Robin Williamson. Without that it's probably a bit easier not to feel this is the Second Coming, and to see a few weaknesses amidst the splendour. Anyway I recommend the R4 documentary about that difficult third album, from earlier this week: should be quite easy to find on the iPlayer

[Rob Hall]

Kevin Rowland has got himself a good agent - press interviews, radio and tv, all this week. He's doing much better this time than his last relaunch, with that bedroom mirror pose.

Musically, I think the band still has it, but is his voice still up to it? They did some fine songs, which still sound good, and the album seems promising. They've my vote.

I'm glad you qualified your comment by saying that they still have it "musically" Norman because on the evidence of this picture, it looks like they lost it sartorially some time ago:

http://www.guardian.co.uk/music/2012/ma ... oul-rebels

For my part, I was never really part of the demographic that they appealed to. I liked their singles well enough, but I wasn't really looking for a gang to join by the time they came along. I thought Kevin Rowland's voice sounded pretty good on Jools last week though.

[NormanD]

Sartorially.... hmm, not that bad a combo, but not exactly age-appropriate. Despite the style advice, the men have that unfortunate look of people in an adult care home who have been dressed in other people's clothes. I like their levis, but I'd prefer them cut and hemmed rather than with big turn-ups. Still, somewhat more attractive than Kevin in his M&S undies flashing all his wherewithals.

So what's their new album like?

[AndyM]

Kevin in his M&S undies flashing all his wherewithals.

I thought Alan McGee would've shelled out for Victoria's Secret.