HausTransmissions #1: Ian Dury & The Blockheads

My fiancé (Dennis) and I, like many of you I’m sure, go through phases of music. However, we seem to fly right into the deep dive… we can’t let it go with a simple listen. The whole thing often results in records, vintage t-shirts and sometimes even posters purchased.

Beyond a shared love of dark music, our obsessions seem to drift into different realms. For example, when we first met and realized we both love INXS, we spent hours not only watching every video possible but we also delved into INXS tribute bands as well. There are MANY of them out there but our favorite by far is the Argentinian band NEXT that takes their INXS craze to a whole new level. Last winter we were on a real Robert Hazard kick all because of the song “Escalator of Life.” Alas, the list continues but this year, we introduce to you HausTransmissions, so you can go along this journey with us. 

These will be released as the spirit moves us because you can’t force these things to happen…

Our first HausTransmissions is Ian Dury & The Blockheads. While we’ve both been familiar with his music for quite awhile it was just recently that I heard “Hit Me With Your Rhythm Stick” on 1st Wave (Sirius XM) and couldn’t get the song out of my head. I came home and probably put it on YouTube (Dennis and I always play music videos on YouTube before dinner). We decided it would be a good night to watch Sex & Drugs & Rock n’ Roll (Dennis had seen it before, I had not). And from there, we became certified Blockheads. 

If you’re not familiar with Ian Dury, the movie Sex & Drugs & Rock n’ Roll is a fabulous introduction/overview of his life and career. Ian was born in England and contracted polio at age seven that seriously impaired his ability to walk. However, this somehow added to his swagger as a musician decked out with stylish gear and a cane. Here are 5 songs of his that we think you must add to your music catalog:

“Sex & Drugs & Rock n’ Roll”-- If you’re a true rock n’ roller, this needs to be in your essentials playlist. It's danceable, driving and just dang catchy. This was a go-to for when Dennis was a DJ in NYC (The Black Baron). 

“Hit Me With Your Rhythm Stick”-- My personal favorite!! It’s so smooth and almost disco-y with just the right amount of edge… it’s nice to be a lunatic. 

“What a Waste”-- A club ready song of self disappointment and yet resolve on being who he is… and we’re sure glad he stayed true to himself.

“Reasons to Be Cheerful Pt. 3”-- This song takes on a marching band vibe of a rhythm section. I couldn’t help notice the slight similarity between this song and The Kills’ 2008 song, “Cheap and Cheerful” that appeared on their third studio album, Midnight Boom. A coincidence or a subtle nod to the late, great Ian Dury? 

“Sweet Gene Vincent”-- A lovely tribute to the legendary rock n’ roller. Ian Dury looked up to him as both a musician and someone with a similar lifelong leg impairment (Gene Vincent’s leg was left severely injured after a motorcycle accident). 

A necessary jewelry observation– Ian Dury seems to be the king of mismatched earrings. We are all about this and love how he paired his!!! **See the video for "What a Waste."