There are some artists you don’t discover until years later, and then you wonder how they managed to stay off your radar for so long. That was Ian Dury for me. While he was a major figure in Britain during the late 1970s, his music never received much attention here in the States. Once I started listening, though, I realized I’d been missing out on one of the most original voices of the era. This is one of those songs that hooked me right away, especially because of that irresistible groove.
It was released in 1978 as Ian Dury’s second solo single, and it featured The Blockheads, one of the tightest backing bands of the time. The song was written by Dury and Chaz Jankel, whose guitar and keyboard work helped shape the band’s sound. It was produced by Laurie Latham and appeared on the American version of the album New Boots and Panties!!, although it had originally been released as a stand-alone single in the UK. By this point, Dury had already built a reputation for mixing pub rock, funk, new wave, and rhythm and blues into something entirely his own.
It is built around one of the best bass lines you’ll ever hear. Norman Watt-Roy’s bass drives the entire song, locking in with the drums to create a groove that’s impossible to ignore. Over the top, Ian Dury delivers a half-sung, half-spoken vocal, rattling off humorous observations about all the things he could have become. His lyrics are clever and self-deprecating. It doesn’t fit neatly into rock, punk, or new wave, and that’s exactly what makes it so much fun.
The song peaked at #9 in the UK in 1978, but it wasn’t a huge hit outside the UK; it has become one of Ian Dury’s signature songs and a favorite among fans. Looking back, it’s easy to hear why so many musicians admired The Blockheads. They were an incredibly talented band capable of blending funk, rock, jazz, and soul into a sound that was unlike anyone else at the time.
I love songs that have a great groove, and this one has it from the first note. Norman Watt-Roy’s bass line is perfect, and it’s the first thing I notice every time I hear it. The whole band is outstanding, but that rhythm section keeps everything moving while Ian Dury does what Ian Dury did better than anyone else. His songs never sounded like anyone else’s. They’re funny, quirky, and full of personality. I wish I’d discovered him years earlier, but better late than never. If you’ve never gone beyond Hit Me With Your Rhythm Stick, give What A Waste a listen. I have a feeling you’ll end up exploring a lot more of Ian Dury and The Blockheads, just like I did.
What A Waste
I could be the driver in articulated lorry
I could be a poet, I wouldn’t need to worry
I could be the teacher in a classroom full of scholars
I could be the sergeant in a squadron full of wallahs
What a waste!
What a waste!
What a waste!
What a waste!
Because I chose to play the fool in a six-piece band
First-night nerves every one-night stand
I should be glad to be so inclined
What a waste! What a waste!
Rock’n’roll don’t mind
I could be a lawyer with stratagems and ruses
I could be a doctor with poultices and bruises
I could be a writer with a growing reputation
I could be the ticket-man at Fulham Broadway station
What a waste!
What a waste!
What a waste!
What a waste!
Because I chose to play the fool in a six-piece band
First-night nerves every one-night stand
I should be glad to be so inclined
What a waste! What a waste!
Rock’n’roll don’t mind
I could be the catalyst that sparks the revolution
I could be an inmate in a long-term institution
I could lead to wild extremes, I could do or die
I could yawn and be withdrawn and watch them gallop by
What a waste!
What a waste!
What a waste!
What a waste!
Because I chose to play the fool in a six-piece band
First-night nerves every one-night stand
I should be glad to be so inclined
What a waste! What a waste!
Rock’n’roll don’t mind
Chose to play the fool in a six-piece band
First-night nerves every one-night stand
I should be glad to be so inclined
What a waste! What a waste!
Rock’n’roll don’t mind
What a waste! What a waste!
Rock’n’roll don’t mind
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Fun! It’s new to me but clearly it’s Ian. You’re right, the Blockheads were pretty tight for a punk or pub rock group.
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Oh that great groove hooked me on it right away. I love that bass…but of course I would!
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many people liked his suits too. They always fit. Rumor has it he had a tailor called Simon.
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LOL…yep!
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I would say I overlooked his talent as well. So this is a good bit of insight into Dury.
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The opening with the funky bass and synthesizer reminded me of Talking Heads…in a way, the whole thing did, in that it doesn’t fit into any neat category.
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Good call! I can hear that as well.
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Ian Dury was great. He kept going even though he struggled with polio and sadly passed away in March 2000.
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Yea that is so sad that he passed so early. HIs music is just so likable…if that is the right word.
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I’ve pretty much equated Ian Drury and the Blockheads with the odd yet catchy “Hit Me With Your Rhythm Stick,” so it was nice hearing another song. “What a Waste” definitely doesn’t live up to its title. In fact, spontaneously, I think I might prefer over the rhythm stick. Granted, overexposure to the latter might play a role in my initial sentiment. “What a Waste” has a cool groove.
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They also had another one Christian called Sex, Drugs and Rock and Roll that was pretty big. I like this one…you called it! A Cool Groove.
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Right, I forgot and knew that one I knew as well. For some reason, the song’s title stuck! 😆
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A little to quirky for mainstream but right up my alley. Lots going on musically.
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CB…I LOVE that bass line that guy is playing. That of course drew me in
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Yes the musicians in the Blockheads were good. Same vibe as as some of Zappa for me.
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I never thought of that…but yea.
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I like just about everything I’ve heard from Ian Drury and the Blockheads. First time hearing What a Waste and it keeps the consistency streak alive. Very eclectic band. I admire that. It takes courage to live outside of the box.
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Pam…they are very worth checking out deeper.
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I know Glyn wrote a post about Hit Me With Your Rhythm Stick which I liked, and this one is also very cool. Ian Dury’s coughing during What A Waste captures a raw, unpolished, and live feel. I like what they did with the horns on this song, great post Max.
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Thanks Jim! You might like the song Sex, Drugs, and Rock and Roll by them as well.
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A singer and group I had heard of before, but had never really heard their sound until now, Max. Definitely edgy, outside-the-box, kinda funky energy.
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Thanks Bruce. One of those bands that hit in Britain more than here.
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Weirdly intriguing. No genre, it just does its own thing.
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I am hooked on that bass rumbling through this.
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This was a really enjoyable read! Thanks for sharing. I’d love for you to check out my latest work at weurd.com, if you’re interested – i appreciate any feedback. Keep up the great work!
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I’ll admit to being from the UK, knowing Ian Dury and the Blockheads, but not knowing too much of their stuff. This has a great groove.
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It does! It’s a little reggae in there as well…that bass does it for me on this one.
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That’s pretty cool, I’ve heard the album but can’t remember if this track was in that version.
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It was on the American version…I’m not sure if they added it to others as well.
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Sometimes he is like an old bum who has nothing left to lose, standing on a street corner and commenting on the goings-on around him with the most exquisite malice.
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Wonderful description fox…
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I love and very much miss Ian Dury. If you are interested, Will Birch has written a great bio on the man!
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Ok…thank you Mike!
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Good to hear Ian and the Blockheads again. I only knew the hit me with.. song before. Watching and listening, Roxie Music with a different lead singer came to mind.
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Yes…that is a good comparison.
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