Unfinshed Business With The Bureau

Just read about the release of an album by a band called The Bureau.

The Bureau was formed by the members of Dexy's Midnight Runners, after Kevin Rowlands had left and taken the name with him. They were joined by Mick Talbot (later of Style Council) and singer Archie Brown. Their album was recorded in 1981 and but was never released.

I'm probably biased, but it was an excellent band, with that Dexy's big brass sound.

When my relationships with Geoff (love of my life and fiance) fell apart, I lost not just him, but all my friends in the band whom I cared for very much. I went abroad (Nigeria first and then Malaysia)- hoping distance would salve a pain in my heart. (As if!)

Twenty-three years later, the Bureau is back together again and the album is being released at last. It should do well. The first Dexy's album has become a classic and rated as one of the best albums of the last 50 years. The album by The Bureau is the true successor to Searching for the Young Soul Rebels.

Wish with all my heart I could be there at the Birmingham gig to cheer them on:

Shall perhaps send flowers ... or champagne. For all of my friends from back then.

And especially for Geoff:



Geoff Blythe: tenor sax
Before forming The Bureau, Geoff was a founding member of Dexy's Midnight Runners, recording the album "Searching for the Young Soul Rebels", which included the no.1 hit "Geno". In 1984, Geoff became a member of the T.K.O. Horns, touring and recording "Punch the Clock" with Elvis Costello. Other T.K.O recording sessions included Difford & Tilbrook, The Fixx, Nick Lowe and many others. After a stint with London based EMI recording band "The Neighbourhood", Geoff moved to New York, where for the past 15 years he has been a member of the celtic rock band "Black 47", often referred to as New York City's house band. Other credits have included music for TV and film, Off Broadway and classical compositions, and musical appearances in two major motion pictures, "The Saint of Fort Washington" and "Looking for an Echo".

Website: Black 47