I still mourn his passing. I'd seen the earlier "Kilburn and the High Roads" a couple of times (don't you dare call me grandpa you young whippersnapper. And get off my lawn), and followed the Blockheads around London as they started to become well-known. All in all, I saw them maybe 30 or 40 times. Never a bad gig.

We'll not see his like again, and I think we're much the worse for it. I know many see it all as a bit "saucy seaside and kiss me quick" but I loved his use of the language, and that rhythm section was TIGHT. I still remember the first time I put "New Boots and Panties" on the crappy little record player I had in my bedroom, turned it up to 11 and played it all the way through, with a massive SEG on my face. The introduction to Plaistow Patricia made quite an impression on my staid step-monster, let me tell you.
(Large Hardon Collider Bah Bloody Humbug, Thu 30 Sep 2010, 4:12, 1 reply)

Ian Dury was great
When I was a young kid I drove my parents mad playing 'Hit Me With Your Rhythm Stick' over and over again, what a great song; just as well the b-side was never played, 'There Ain't Half Been Some Clever Bastards' as that might have cuased some eyebrows to be raised.

Post Blockheads his career was a bit patchy with the best track being 'Spasticus Autiticus' that he did with Jankel. Jankel's solo career had its moments www.youtube.com/watch?v=uf0JKWSLd3I and his first album, 'Questionnaire' had its moments, the follow-up 'Chazonova' was dreadful.

I bet Plaidstow Patricia left an impression on your stepmother with that memorable intro!
(Chuckman, Thu 30 Sep 2010, 10:31, closed)