Dexys Midnight Runners – Too Rye Ay

Review

"Too-Rye-Ay," the sophomore release from the British band Dexys Midnight Runners, truly stands out as a hallmark of the early '80s music scene. This 1982 album diverged significantly from the band's initial offering by incorporating a vibrant tapestry of soul, Celtic folk, and pop. Crafted under the watchful eye of lead vocalist and artistic mastermind Kevin Rowland, whose Irish roots run deep within the music's veins, "Too-Rye-Ay" soared to the top of the charts, most notably with its unforgettable hit "Come On Eileen." This track not only enjoyed international acclaim but also had the distinction of dethroning the King of Pop, Michael Jackson, from his number one spot in the United States—a testament to the track's magnetic appeal.

The album's eclectic sound was no accident; it was the product of a myriad of talented musicians, from "Big" Jim Paterson with his trombone exploits to Helen O'Hara's poignant violin strains, not to mention Rowland's singular vocal style, which became a defining characteristic of the band's identity. Stitched together at Genetic Studios in Streatley, "Too-Rye-Ay" is a testament to Dexys Midnight Runners' ingenuity in fusing diverse musical elements to captivate a wide audience. Interestingly, despite the commercial triumph, Rowland has not shied away from voicing his discontent with the original production, a sentiment that eventually led to the release of "Too-Rye-Ay: As It Should Have Sounded" in 2022, an endeavor to reconcile the album's sound with his original artistic intent. - Karl