Dexys Midnight Runners – or Dexys, as the band now prefer to be known – have started work on their new album, which is expected to be released in 2012. Singer Kevin Rowland, who is due to play a rare DJ set at indie club How Does It Feel To Be Loved? in London on July 16, revealed on Twitter that Dexys are currently rehearsing songs for the group’s first album since their 1985 masterpiece, Don’t Stand Me Down.
The new Dexys twitter account, opened in June this year, lists the bands members as Rowland, ex-Style Council keyboardist Mick Talbot (who was briefly in Dexys Midnight Runners in 1980, and featured in the short-lived 2003 live incarnation), original Dexys bassist Pete Williams and guitarist Neil Hubbard. Talking about the inclusion of Talbot in the line-up, Rowland said on Twitter: “Mick Talbot is a huge part of this, not just his playing, he’s influential in the whole of this process. Commitment beyond the call of duty.”
Two new songs were recorded for a best of in 2003, Rowland then talked about a new Dexys album during a Radio 2 interview in 2005 and even posted a demo of a song, ‘It’s OK Johanna’, on his myspace page in 2007, but nothing further materialised. This time, however, it really seems to be happening. Yesterday (July 10), Rowland posted photos of himself, Talbot and Williams in rehearsals, while he opened the Dexys twitter account on June 24 with the comment: “Dexys new album. Can’t really say why, because it’s hard to put it down to any 1 thing, but it’s working. It’s early days, but so far so good.”
Rowland’s DJ spot at How Does it Feel To Be Loved? will be his third visit to the cult indie club, which is held at The Phoenix on Cavendish Square. During his 2009 appearance at HDIF, Rowland sang along with some of his selections, and is expected to do the same on Saturday. He DJs from 10.30pm-midnight.
You can follow Dexys on twitter on @DexysOfficial and find out more about Rowland’s HDIF appearance at HowDoesItFeel.co.uk
Kevin Rowland and Maddy in rehearsal
Pete Williams rehearsing for the first Dexys album in 26 years
