Ian Dury & The Blockheads - Sex&Drugs&Rock&Roll - The Essential Collection (2010)

The reams of press that greeted the new Dury biopic tended to focus on the fact (news just in!) that the loveable old mock Dickensian music hall scamp could be a nasty piece of work. Even his best friends were quick to talk about the less savoury aspects of his character, so a no-nonsense disc focusing on just the music is more than welcome.

Subtitled The Inspiration For The Motion Picture, this compilation almost completely restricts itself to the Dury portrayed on screen by Andy Serkis, all but one track taken from his time at Stiff between 1977 and ’80. The exception is a live version of the controversial “raspberry ripple” anthem Spasticus Autisticus, which pretty much brought Dury’s time as a playlist favourite – and therefore pop star – to an end.

New Boots & Panties!! features in almost its entirity, adding weight to the theory that Dury hit a creative peak all too early. Later singles showcase his dextrous wordplay (What A Waste, Reasons To Be Cheerful), though it’s The Blockheads who take centre stage on the loose-limbed pop-jazz on Inbetweenies.