The Blockheads

The Blockheads were always more than Ian Dury’s backing band but they have struggled to get their due recognition since his sad demise nine years ago. They have toured with a number of guest vocalists, notably Phil Jupitus, but this is the first album that really proclaims them as a musical entity in their own right.

All the best features of the music are here – the funky basslines courtesy of Norman Watt-Roy, Chaz Jankel’s piano and guitar figures, Mick Gallagher rolling out Hammond licks and especially Chaz Jankel’s songs with lyrics by Derek Hussey. New members Gilad Atzmon on Sax and Dylan Howe (drums) both add something to the sound and this is all completed by Derek Hussey on vocals. Hussey was Dury’s minder (Derek the Draw) for years and his vocal style is not dissimilar to his mentors Essex Boy persona.

Ok – will I be listening to this next week / next month / next year? My guess is a resounding YES. The album could well have been a classic period article and musically it does what the band always have and the use of Derek The Draw simply adds more continuity to the Blockhead heritage but this isn’t simply a way to cash in on that heritage – this really is a valid and new Blockheads album even while it immediately reminds the listener of the great days of the band..
Opener 'Roll Over’ describing the state of the world today or 'Prophet of Doom’ or 'A Little Knowledge’ are all in the style of Dury’s story telling and gently humoured presentation but the stories are of today and Hussey’s vocals are perfect for his lyrics.

There is always a danger that a fan of the band might ignore the modern irrelevance of music that harks back to a golden period but the sheer quality of this album makes that concern itself irrelevant – it should appeal to fans of The Streets or Lily Allen just as much as original Blockheads. Timeless and up there with their best.