Customer Reviews

Sex & Drugs & Rock N Roll: Best of

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Aw, now this just isn't fair, Ian Dury dying. Here's one guy from the "new wave" days who was provocative, but in the way that British music hall "bawdy ditties" or Benny Hill were provocative. Naughty, but with a lot of humor and heart. This compilation only scratches the surface ("Dance Of The Crackpots" and "Spasticus Autisticus" are two songs that really should've been included), but you get everything else that made Dury great, including "Hit Me With Your Rhythm Stick," "Billerickie Dickie," "Superman's Big Sister" and---what else?---"Sex & Drugs & Rock 'N Roll, " a major anthem of the past century. Ta, mate, you'll be missed!

Ian Dury wrote lyrics that told stories about British life (in particular, Cockney life). He was a songwriting genius, although his insistence on avoiding pretensions and affecting a common touch tended to deprive him of serious recognition as a lyricist. In addition he put together a tight band of good musicians, sometimes funk-flavored, sometimes barely noticeable behind the stories told in Dury's songs. He was a brilliant man who died too soon. This collection of his few British hits includes some B-sides, which are especially memorable and may be unfamiliar to the US audience. There is relatively little overlap between this CD and Dury's various albums; and his later work (which was musically disappointing) is not represented.

I first became aware of Ian Dury in the early 80s. His music was often played in the NY discos, with "Reasons to Be Cheerful, Part 3" probably the most popular. But this is not just disco music, it's good rock with very funny lyrics, such as the ones on "...Clever Bastards" which include comments on Noel Coward and Albert Einstein. In summary, good and FUNNY rock.

Ian Dury was one of those rarities - with acute vision of his culture and an ability to express it with humane humour. But genius was not enough - he needed a vehicle to carry his poetry to the people. His vehicle was musical collaborator Chaz Jankel - a gifted musician and producer. He managed to translate Dury's left of centre lyrics into infectious rhythms and seductively simple tunes over an eclectic range of musical styles. The two together were magic - separate they descended to the mundane - and Dury - like other genius could be guache to awful when he wasn't being brilliant. This album celebrates much of Dury's best work and just one or two bits of "Craggy on the Waggy".

I'm from Essex in case you couldn't tell. My given name is Dickie and I come from Billericay and I'm doing very well!!! Ian Dury & the Blockheads have always been one of my favourites, ever since I saw them at the Ilford Odeon in 1979. This album is an excellent retrospective of his good stuff. All of his best tunes are there and they still sound as fresh as they did when first released. However to get to grips with the stunning musicianship of the Blockheads you've got to see them live. The group are playing a few dates this year in England. Come over and see him, before its too late!!!!!!!!! Coz we're all Blockheads too!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

This is an excellent collection of Ian Dury. Anyone into 70s-80s Punk, New Wave or Classic Rock & Roll will love this. I'm only sorry I waited so long to get it!

If you are reading this review then you were probably born in the 50's or 60's !! Then again if you are a new fan and discoverer of Ian Dury & the Blockheads then congratulations !! Without a doubt this is the utmost BEST & most BRILLIANT album / compilation of their work. Most people start off with "New Boot & Panties", but overall if you are looking for a album with ( in my most humble opinion! ) the greatest songs from one of the best bands to come out of the U.K. in the seventies then look no more!! Not only are all of the well known hits and songs here, but also many not known which all come with the Ian Dury / Blockheads humor..YOU WILL DEFINATELY NOT BE DISAPPOINTED !!

Ian sold London. We have all heard of the songs celebrating San Fransico, Los Angeles and Memphis (Mott the Hopple!) but Ian celebrated his home turf and more importantly spurned a generation who did the same. Madness it may be, without him there would not be Madness. Ian celebrated life, regardless of the infirmities it brings - even those that are not deserved. Death where is your Sting ? (no that should be Suggs)

he is inconsistent. The first few tracks are 5 stars but the remainder is spotty. Good for a laugh as well.