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Review
Well, that album opened some doors and lo and behold, a benevolent sponsor in the shape of EMI stepped in. That's right, that EMI, the one that has the Beatles and Coldplay. It is testament to the accomplishment and downright tenacity of the group to find themselves in such illustrious company.
The musicianship here is remarkable, of course. MD and co-writer Chaz Jankel delivers some hummable epics and the band is as tight as they've ever been. What is different is that they have decided that Derek Hussey is to be the album's sole vocalist. In Hussey, they have a song stylist who takes on former leader Ian Dury's mantle with accomplishment. Comparisons, inevitably, are going to be drawn, but this is Derek, not Ian, you are listening to.
Hussey's lyrics make you both giggle and think and are sufficiently three-dimensional to not simply be a disgruntled old bloke railing against 21st Century. He uses terms like 'shove off' and 'rozzers' with such great sincerity; you think you've found a lost artifact from the 50s.
Staring Down The Barrel, with its Peter Blake sleeve, musical and lyrical references to the group's thirty years and some very modern concerns in the subject matter, is a rather enjoyable romp. Whether it sells is another affair, but as a signpost to their stunning live work and a postcard to prove they have survived without the wondrous Dury, it does the job. --Daryl Easlea
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Customer Reviews
If ever there was an artist who was irreplaceable it was Ian Dury - such an amazing presence: fierce, witty, honest, brutal and charismatic; surely his death was the end of the Blockheads!
Not so!
This cd is stuffed full of expert musicianship, cutting lyrics and a sense of mischief, all things that were present in Dury's work.
There is a mixture of styles, tempos and moods; some songs are state of the nation in an understated way whereas others encourage us to have a long hard look at ourselves and accept the fact that we have made a mess of everything. Songs like 'Prophet of doom' deliver a scathing message with a laid back feel, whilst 'no go central' describes urban sprawl with a nod to John Cooper Clarke and 'A little knowledge' provides a cheeky commentary on the achievements of the famous (despite getting the wrong King Charles!). Derek the Draw delivers in a vocal style reminiscent of the great man himself!
If you liked Ian Dury - give this a go - play it a few times, each time listening to a different instrument - what you have is exceptional -
This is indeed a 'reason to be cheerful'
I recommend it to anyone!
This album is a real winner it is great, it is in the style and whit that we came to love but based on up-to-date themes. There is not a bad track on the album and I predict a renaissance for the Blockheads. Half way through I was thinking this is fantastic, a way for us 'older rockers' to make a statement about current day issue without rioting at the Bank of England (or dying from a heart attack like poor Mr Tomlinson). I believe the reference to bankers and wankers will be on the audience lips at future live concerts.
As Ian wrote on a signed photo for me in the 70's, "Alex is a pest, but its for the est(tablishment)". Well Alex is still a pest (albeit) an 50 year old one and The Blockheads have just made my day with this brilliant new CD. Well done.
First class musicianship coupled with Derek's sometimes witty, sometimes poignant but always meaningful lyrics. Read more
One of Roy Angel's favourite live bands, The Blockheads are as tight as ever, with several of the original personnel from the glory days... Read more
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