Kevin Rowland’s debut DJ set went down a storm at celebrated indie-pop club How Does It Feel To Be Loved? at the Canterbury Arms, Brixton, on Friday night. (February 2).
The Dexys Midnight Runners frontman served up a superb set of ’70s rock soul and reggae, including tracks by the Rolling Stones, T Rex, David Bowie, Serge Gainsbourg, and Toots And The Maytals.
Click here to check out Rowland’s HDIF set list
Rowland also sang – karaoke-style – over the end of a couple of songs, to rapturous response from the sold-out crowd.
HDIF’s main man, Ian Watson, said that Rowland’s star turntable turn was full of memorable moments. His personal highlight was soundchecking with Kevin: “He’s set “Young Americans” by David Bowie playing, and is singing into the mic I borrowed from Brixton boy Fruitbat. And he sounds spectacular. That voice you know so well from any number of classic Dexys songs, belting out “Alright! Young Americans, Young Americans…”
Rowland ended his set with The Stooges “No Fun,” by which point everybody was dancing – even Uncut!
Rowland’s appearance marks the start of a hectic month for HDIF. This Friday (February 9) the club features Butcher Boy, the first band signed to the HDIF label.
The Scottish seven piece, who have been compared to The Smiths by The Guardian and Belle & Sebastian by Pitchfork, will be promoting their debut single, “Girls Make Me Sick”. It’s out on February 12 – just in time for Valentine’s Day. Butcher Boy’s debut album, “Profit In Your Poetry”, follows on March 5. See next month’s Uncut for a review.
As previously reported, Kevin Rowland is keeping busy, too. A new Dexys Midnight Runners album is due to be completed this year. Watch this space for details.
Pic credit: Ian Watson