New Boots and Panties - Ian Dury and The Blockheads

My first exposure to Ian Dury was as lead singer with Kilburn and the High Roads (named after a road sign in the London area) with the album “Handsome” and songs like “Rough Kids” and “Bill Bentley”, and most of their songs were Dury originals. They were pub rockers with a cockney sparkle and Dury class.

Fast forward to 1977, punk and “New Boots and Panties” and The Blockheads featuring Chaz Jankel and Norman Watt-Roy and the first solo album by Ian Dury backed by the Blockheads taking their name from a song in the middle of side two of the album. Though this appeared in the middle of the British Punk explosion it definitely was not punk but it definitely had attitude, and annoyed a lot of parents as you will find out anon.

Unusually I will start this with a song that was not originally on the album but it's probably the archetypal Ian Dury song.

“Sex and Drugs and Rock and Roll”

A fantastic riff and a life-affirming set of lyrics for the punk generation this was a single that snuck it onto side two represses of the album. This was backed by “Razzle In My Pocket” a story of stealing a girly magazine from a newsagent in Dury’s inimitable cockney drawl.

So on to the album, warning there are some sweary bits so I will calm them down where necessary with a grawlix (a character or series of characters that often appear in place of profanity)

"Wake Up and Make Love with Me" – 4:23

A fairly started opener with Mr Dury asking his partner in no uncertain terms to give him satisfaction before he leaves the bed. One for all young would-be romantic young men.

"Sweet Gene Vincent" – 3:33

This starts with a beautiful poignant slow intro before metamorphosing into a full-on Gene Vincent style rocker. Pure rock and roll class.

"I'm Partial to Your Abracadabra" – 3:13

This is a jaunty number, again a eulogy to Dury’s partner whoever that was at the time. Quite a gorgeous three minutes.

"My Old Man"– 3:40

A lovely tribute to Ian’s father, songs like this are definitely not punk but are beautiful.

"Billericay Dickie"– 4:17

Almost seaside music hall in this vinyl side one closer, with lots of double-entendres like a seventies George Formby (who used to live in a big house across the road from me).

This is where “Sex and Drugs and Rock and Roll” was inserted into the vinyl repress.

"Clevor Trever" – 4:53

A languid piece, with Trevor refuting the question that he might not live up to his name.

"If I Was with a Woman" – 3:24

I think the title of this needs no expansion or explanation, very close to "Wake Up and Make Love with Me" in mood and feel.

"Blockheads" – 3:30

This is vicious and gave the band its name. We all know these. Opinionated, loud, often privileged and bullying. Oh and not very intelligent. A stunning song.

"Plaistow Patricia" – 4:13

This is the family story, don’t read it if easily offended. My disowned brother had a van. In the van was an 8-Track Music player.that switched when the ignition key was engaged. The tape in the 8-Track was “New Boots and Panties” If you don’t know what an 8 Track is check out the story on Music Media at the end.

My mum needed to move the van, got in , switched on the ignition and this came out of the player.

“Ars*h&les, b*st*rds, f*cking c*nts and pr*cks

Aerosol, the bricks”

She was not impressed.

The song is rather excellent though, but my mum didn;t listen to any more.

"Blackmail Man" – 2:14

The album finale is loud and raucous.

Concluding New Boots and Panties

A truly classic album shaped by Ian Dury and the Blockheads.