Are there any fans of Ian Dury (1942-2000) and the Blockheads here? Their best known song is probably the 1979 hit 'Hit Me With Your Rhythm Stick' which was a rather cheeky and knowing Cockney journey around the world from 'Milan to Yucatan' and from 'Bombay to Santa Fe.' Ian Dury, the lead singer also had a solo career outside of the band, and his voice is reminiscent of the late actor Mike Reid's (who of course also released a few novelty singles). It is a brilliant song with clever namechecks.

Another song you'd hear from time to time by Ian Dury is 'Reasons to be Cheerful.'

What would you say are the bands best singles and albums?

Ian Dury is one of the best wordsmiths the UK has ever produced. For example:

Had a love affair with Nina
In the back of my Cortina.
A seasoned up hyena
Could not have been more obscener

Genius!

He had a fine backing band too. The Blockheads are top-notch musicians that serve each song without showing off. Except for that double-sax solo in 'Rhythm Stick', maybe.

Their best album is the first one, 'New Boots And Panties'. Virtually every track is a classic.

My favourite of his singles is 'What A Waste' - here are the lyrics:

I could be the driver an articulated lorry
I could be a poet I wouldn't need to worry
I could be a teacher in a classroom full of scholars
I could be the sergeant in a squadron full of wallahs
What a waste
What a waste
What a waste
What a waste

CHORUS:
Because I chose to play the fool in a six-piece band,
First-night nerves every one-night stand.
I should be glad to be so inclined.
What a waste! What a waste!
But I don't mind.

I could be a lawyer with strategems and ruses
I could be a doctor with poultices and bruises
I could be a writer with a growing reputation
I could be the ticket man at Fulham Broadway Station
What a waste (x4)

Repeat CHORUS

I could be the catalyst that sparks the revolution
I could be an inmate in a long-term institution
I could dream to wide extremes, I could do or die
I could yawn and be withdrawn and watch the world go by
What a waste (x4)

Repeat CHORUS

(Repeat CHORUS with crescendo, then again with fade)

I once heard it sampled on a hip-hop track. A Tribe Called Quest, I think it was. It's a gorgeous track anyway.

czgibson - Thank you very much for your reply. There was a very interesting documentary celebrating 30 years of Stiff Records late one Saturday night on BBC 2 shortly after I posted this topic. It was very informative and featured a sizeable section on Ian Dury and the Blockheads and their 1979 No. 1 hit, (the first such No. 1 for Stiff Records) and they also noted the freefall jazz saxophone break in the middle of the song, which made it so unusual in a hit song.

Surely others have some views they'd like to share on Ian Dury and the Blockheads? I'd be very interested to hear them.