Ian Dury And The Blockheads -Greatest Hits UK Import Cassette LP

Greatest Hits by Ian Dury And The Blockheads.

UK Import cassette LP.

Excellent Condition.

1982

Ian Dury and the Blockheads were a British band known for their sharp, witty lyrics, funky rhythms, and a uniquely British take on punk, pub rock, and new wave. Fronted by the charismatic and unconventional Ian Dury, the group was a standout in the UK music scene of the late 1970s and early 1980s.

🔹 Quick Facts:

• Formed: Mid-1970s, UK

• Frontman: Ian Dury – vocals, lyrics (1942–2000)

• Band: The Blockheads – tight, genre-blending musicians known for their groove and precision

• Style: Punk attitude + funk/soul/jazz musicianship + cockney storytelling

🔹 Key Members of the Blockheads:

• Chaz Jankel – guitar, keyboards, co-writer of many hits

• Norman Watt-Roy – bass (legendary groove player)

• Mick Gallagher – keyboards

• John Turnbull – guitar

• Charley Charles – drums (died in 1990)

• Davey Payne – saxophone

🔹 Musical Style:

• Lyrics: Clever, cheeky, often working-class and socially observant

• Sound: Funky basslines, punk energy, music hall humor, jazz touches

• Dury often spoke or chanted lyrics more than sang them—think early rap meets pub poetry

🔹 Essential Albums:

1. New Boots and Panties!! (1977)

   • Debut solo album by Ian Dury (pre-Blockheads as official band)

   • Includes classics like "Sex & Drugs & Rock & Roll", "Wake Up and Make Love with Me", "Sweet Gene Vincent"

2. Do It Yourself (1979)

   • First album officially with the Blockheads

   • Features "Reasons to Be Cheerful, Part 3", "Inbetweenies", "Sink My Boats"

3. Laughter (1980)

   • Darker in tone, dealing with illness and fame

   • Includes "Superman's Big Sister", "Yes & No (Paula)"

🔹 Iconic Songs:

• "Hit Me with Your Rhythm Stick" (1978)

  • #1 UK single; funky, bilingual wordplay, and virtuoso bass line

• "Reasons to Be Cheerful, Part 3" (1979)

  • A stream-of-consciousness list of life's pleasures; uplifting and unique

• "Sex & Drugs & Rock & Roll" (1977)

  • Defining anthem of late-70s counterculture

• "What a Waste"

  • Witty exploration of wasted potential and choices

🔹 Ian Dury: The Man

• Contracted polio as a child, which affected his mobility—a visible part of his onstage persona

• Known for his acerbic wit, Cockney accent, and being a champion of outsiders

• Dury died in 2000 from cancer, but remained active and beloved until the end

🔹 Legacy:

• A cult hero in British music

• Merged high-level musicianship with punk attitude

• Influenced artists like Blur, Sleaford Mods, and The Streets

• The Blockheads continued playing after Dury’s death, with various guest vocalists

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