In the bleak, post-punk landscape of 1979, a garish pink album cover exploded onto the scene, promising a sonic rebellion against the prevailing gloom. Ian Dury & The Blockheads, a motley crew of musical misfits, delivered on that promise with their "Do It Yourself" LP, a raucous, irreverent, and utterly unique record that defied easy categorization.
This wasn't your typical punk album. Sure, it had the raw energy and anti-establishment attitude, but it was infused with a distinctly British wit and a musical eclecticism that drew from pub rock, funk, music hall, and even a touch of reggae. It was a sound that was both familiar and alien, like a pub sing-along led by a deranged ringmaster.
At the helm was Ian Dury, a polio-stricken wordsmith with a voice like gravel and a penchant for outlandish attire. He was a true original, a poet of the everyday who could turn the mundane into the marvelous. His lyrics were a mix of sharp social commentary, surreal humor, and Cockney slang, delivered with a sneer and a wink. This unique persona, coupled with his disability, made him an icon of outsider art and a champion for the underdog.
Backing him was The Blockheads, a band of virtuosos who could seamlessly switch from a punk thrash to a jazz-inflected groove. Their musical dexterity was matched only by their sartorial flair, sporting everything from leopard-skin jackets to fezzes. This visual eccentricity, along with their eclectic sound, made them a perfect foil for Dury's outlandish personality.
The album's title track, "Do It Yourself," was a call to arms for the disenfranchised, urging them to take control of their lives and create their own destinies. It was a message that resonated with a generation disillusioned by economic hardship and social unrest. This anthem of self-reliance became a rallying cry for the DIY punk movement, inspiring countless bands and artists to take charge of their creative endeavors.
Other standout tracks included "Inbetweenies," a tongue-in-cheek ode to the working class; "Hit Me With Your Rhythm Stick," a funky dancefloor filler that became an unlikely chart-topper, sparking a dance craze and cementing the band's crossover appeal; and "Reasons to be Cheerful, Part 3," a spoken-word list of life's simple pleasures, delivered with Dury's inimitable swagger. This track, with its playful wordplay and infectious optimism, became a signature song for Dury, capturing his unique blend of cynicism and joie de vivre.
"Do It Yourself" was recorded at the legendary Stiff Records studio in London, with production by the equally legendary Chaz Jankel, a member of The Blockheads and a musical chameleon in his own right. The album's sound was raw and unpolished, capturing the energy and spontaneity of the band's live performances. This DIY aesthetic, along with the album's vibrant pink cover, became a symbol of the band's independent spirit and rebellious attitude.
Upon its release, "Do It Yourself" was met with critical acclaim and commercial success, reaching number two on the UK Albums Chart. It solidified Ian Dury & The Blockheads' status as one of the most innovative and exciting bands of their time. The album's success also helped to establish Stiff Records as a major force in the independent music scene, paving the way for other punk and new wave acts to break through.
The album's legacy has endured, inspiring countless musicians and fans with its fearless originality and unbridled joy. It remains a testament to the power of music to challenge, entertain, and uplift, even in the darkest of times. In the words of Ian Dury himself, "Don't ask me what I mean, just listen to the bloody song."
