Songs That Changed Music: Ian Dury The Blockheads Hit Me With Your Rhythm Stick

Learn more about Ian Dury here: With its distinctive 16notestothebar bassline and unashamedly honky sax solo (played on two saxes at once), Ian Duryand the Blockheads signature hit was certainly one of the more idiosyncratic Number 1s of the 1970s. The same could be said of their inimitable frontman, who exemplified the postpunk eras particular ability to allow unlikely and extraordinary characters to infiltrate the mainstream. Then he met Chaz Jankel after a Kilburns gig. The latter disbanded, and the pianistguitarists tunes and Durys words provided the foundation for a new group, the Blockheads (including Kilburns saxophonist Davey Payne). Durys fortunes were transformed: they produced such classic singles asSex Drugs Rock RollandWhat a Waste, along with the 1977 Top 5 album, New Boots and Panties Hit Me with Your Rhythm Stick was first released as a single onStiff Recordsin the UK on 23 November 1978.