Dexys Midnight Runners - This Is What She's Like (Mercury, 1985)

Simply one of the most staggering songs which shines like a star even among the pretty staggering Dexys portfolio. Released as a single in the wake of the album, it was an almighty flop after the worldwide success of 'Come On Eileen'. It's hard to understand why in hindsight but pop's a funny business.

This song typifies the genius of the 'Don't Stand Me Down' album. Utterly singular in its vision and realisation. Totally soulful and heartfelt. Completely uncompromising.

A twelve-minute lovesong stretching across five sections, encompassing a spoken word intro, strident soul-pop, a Beach Boys harmony interlude and all winding up into a Van Morrison stomp and the staggering, heart-breaking beauty as the horns kick in at 8'14". At this point the video captures the weightlessness, giddiness and euphoria of unbridled love-stroke-passion. And Kevin Rowland can fly.

Sadly 'Don't Stand Me Down' seems to be out-of-print again after a 90s reissue on Creation and then EMI about five years ago. This track is available on the 'Let's Make This Precious' compilation, alas in abridged form.

Perfection.

Oh, and The Little Nibble isn't there any more. I looked last time I was in Bearwood. Indeed, The Hearing Aid blog confirms that it shut down. Shame.