Ian Dury - New Boots and Panties - 1977

Listen to 'Billericay Dickie' on YouTube

And now for something completely different - from my two previous selections that is.

I realize that Ian Dury may not translate well. I'm sure most people will only know him by 'Hit Me With Your Rhythm Stick' or 'Sex & Drugs & Rock & Roll', but this album undoubtedly launched him out of his Kilburn and the High Roads era. The reason he may not translate well for some is the same reason he is held in such high esteem by others. He was the epitome of a cheeky, chirpy cockney ( though technically, he wasn't born within the sound of Bow Bells, but in Harrow ).

Ian, who graduated from college and taught art was without doubt, larger than life.

It was easy to forget the fact that he was disabled by polio, at the age of seven. Never easier than, when being fortunate enough to see him live with The Blockheads at The Hammersmith Odeon, he embarrassingly took a standing ovation, like something you would only expect to see at an opera - after which, he blurted out the curliest selection of swear words imaginable.

I like 'My Old Man' for personal reasons, but 'Billericay Dickie' has to be the track on this album that sums him up best.

Vic Clark