When Dexys Midnight Runners' 1980 album SEARCHING FOR THE YOUNG SOUL REBELS became a huge success, long-brewing tensions among the bandmembers and leader Kevin Rowland caused a major rift and the band split. Rowland was left with the Dexys name while most of the band formed a similar sounding soul-influenced outfit called the Bureau. Kevin "Al" Archer, who was Rowland's main musical partner in Dexys, left to form a new band that would head in a slightly different direction: the Blue Ox Babes. After a few semi-successful singles, the Babes were set to release their debut album, APPLES & ORANGES, in 1988 when fate stepped in yet again: their label, Go-Discs, decided not to release the album at all and dropped the band from its roster. Now, 21 years later, the album finally gets an official release on Cherry Red complete with nine bonus tracks--and what a release it is. APPLES & ORANGES is everything you would expect a Dexys-related album to sound like--only better. Archer's voice recalls both Rowland and Liverpool legend Pete Wylie (with a little Marc Bolan quiver thrown in), while the bandmembers are accomplished and energetic. The production is top-notch and the songs are fantastic. This would have been a great follow-up to TOO-RYE-AY, and it makes you wonder why a label would choose not to release an album this strong. Standout tracks include "It Could Have Been Love", "Walking on the Line", the instrumental bonus track "The Last Detail", and "There's No Deceiving You". The cover of "Take Me to the River" is a bit awkward, but the rest of the album more than makes up for it. If you are a Dexys fan or just dig great timeless music, then this is a treat worth investing in.

May 2009

Legendary lost album from Dexys Midnight Runners spin-off band, scheduled for release on Go! Discs in 1988.

Blue Ox Babes were founded back in 1981 by Kevin Al Archer, co-founder of Dexys Midnight Runners. This first-ever CD boasts some original 1981 demos which inspired Kevin Rowland to create Dexys Too-Rye- Ay sound.

Eight of the 19 tracks are previously unissued. All three of the band s A s and B s for Go! Discs appear. Lengthy sleeve-notes include quotes from various band members, including Kevin Archer. Substantial media interest is expected for this release, following the high profile coverage for another Dexys spin-off project, The Bureau.

• Record Collector - 3 stars out of 5 -- "[I]t packs a blue-eyed soulful punch, especially on the cover of Al Green's 'Take Me To The River'..."
• Record Collector (magazine) (p.78) - 3 stars out of 5 -- "[I]t packs a blue-eyed soulful punch, especially on the cover of Al Green's 'Take Me To The River'..."

When Dexys Midnight Runners' 1980 album SEARCHING FOR THE YOUNG SOUL REBELS became a huge success, long-brewing tensions among the bandmembers and leader Kevin Rowland caused a major rift and the band split. Rowland was left with the Dexys name while most of the band formed a similar sounding soul-influenced outfit called the Bureau. Kevin "Al" Archer, who was Rowland's main musical partner in Dexys, left to form a new band that would head in a slightly different direction: the Blue Ox Babes. After a few semi-successful singles, the Babes were set to release their debut album, APPLES & ORANGES, in 1988 when fate stepped in yet again: their label, Go-Discs, decided not to release the album at all and dropped the band from its roster. Now, 21 years later, the album finally gets an official release on Cherry Red complete with nine bonus tracks--and what a release it is. APPLES & ORANGES is everything you would expect a Dexys-related album to sound like--only better. Archer's voice recalls both Rowland and Liverpool legend Pete Wylie (with a little Marc Bolan quiver thrown in), while the bandmembers are accomplished and energetic. The production is top-notch and the songs are fantastic. This would have been a great follow-up to TOO-RYE-AY, and it makes you wonder why a label would choose not to release an album this strong. Standout tracks include "It Could Have Been Love," "Walking on the Line," the instrumental bonus track "The Last Detail," and "There's No Deceiving You." The cover of "Take Me to the River" is a bit awkward, but the rest of the album more than makes up for it. If you are a Dexys fan or just dig great timeless music, then this is a treat worth investing in.