Wallpaper and Vinyl: Ian Dury’s ‘Do It Yourself’
Some weeks ago, I found the vinyl album Ian Dury & the Blockheads’ “Do It Yourself” at a small vinyl market in the once-famous Buk Buk in Heiloo. The album largely slipped from my memory, waiting to reveal its surprises.
Ian Dury did not want to include singles on his albums. This choice results in a more nuanced collection of songs. These album tracks showcase a different side of the artist—more restrained and soulful than the raucous energy of familiar hits like “Hit Me” and “Reasons to Be Cheerful.” The songs feel more intimate, trading pop exuberance for subtle musical depth. The album’s last track, “Lullaby for Franci/es” underscores this.
My copy is a later release, interestingly bundled with a 7″ featuring “Hit Me” and “There Ain’t Half Been Some Clever Bastards.” I’m uncertain whether this bonus single was part of the original release or added subsequently.
Funny facts: Stiff Records released it with an extraordinary twist. The album came in 34 or more alternative sleeves, each featuring a unique Crown Wallpaper design. Each sleeve displays the Crown catalog number for its specific wallpaper pattern in the bottom left corner. In a delightful bit of cross-promotion, Crown even wallpapered the sets for the Blockheads’ subsequent promotional tour.
