The Blockheads - Greed

Greed - a song that singer Derek 'The Draw' Hussey wrote in 2007 with Chaz Jankel has especially prescient lyrics fiercely critical of bankers and speculators, resonating strongly with the credit-crunched times (Money doesnt talk it swears). Dereks conversational London voice singing lyrics rich in wordplay, cheek and aphorism are complimented by The Blockheads distinctive funk and grooves.

The video features cameos from actor and well-known music fan Martin Freeman (The Office, Hitchhikers Guide To The Galaxy, The Good Night); Toby Jones (Truman Capote in Infamous, agent Irving 'Swifty' Lazar in Frost/Nixon and Karl Rove in OIiver Stone's "W"); and comedian, actor and TV presenter Rowland Rivron.

Stuart Harris, who has worked as a cinematographer with directors as diverse as Ridley Scott, Julien Temple, Tim Pope and Storm Thorgerson, directed and photographed the video. Brian Tufano, whose credits as a cinematographer range from Quadrophenia to Kidulthood and who is about to photograph the Ian Dury biopic, jumped at the chance to get up close to the real Blockheads and operated the camera on some of the performance footage.

The Blockheads are one of the UKs most inventive, distinctive and influential bands who, along with the late, inimitable Ian Dury, recorded some of the most memorable songs in the British pop cannon (Hit Me With Your Rhythm Stick, Sex & Drugs & Rock & Roll, Reasons To Be Cheerful, Part 3), as well as five celebrated album (New Boots & Panties, Do It Yourself, Laughter, Mr. Love Pants and Ten More Turnips From The Tip).

The new album Staring Down The Barrel was released on 6th April 2009. It features 10 new songs, pondering and exploring prescient themes of our time (financial collapse, selfishness, the environment, societys outsiders, urban decay), shot through with humour and juxtaposed by The Blockheads unique brew of rock n roll, jazz, music hall, soul, funk and tight grooves, fomenting an album for the feet as well as the head.

The album features original members Chaz Jankel, Mick Gallagher, Norman Watt-Roy and Johnny Turnbull, plus Dylan Howe and Gilad Atzmon both of whom played on and have been with the band since Mr. Love Pants and, on lyric and vocal duties, Durys late minder and friend of 10 years, Derek The Draw, who wrote all the albums songs with Jankel.

As well as the aforementioned actors and directors, the band continue to inspire the work of a diverse range of artists: the albums artwork was designed by Durys former Art Teacher, and Pop-Art genius, Sir Peter Blake.

Category:

Music

Tags:

• the blockheads
• greed
• martin freeman
• toby jones
• rowland rivron
• chaz jankel
• dylan howe
• norman watt roy
• john turnbull
• mick gallagher
• derek the draw
• dave lewis
• ian dury
• credit crunch

[wiltner]

Great to see that these guys are as good as ever. Ian would be proud. Derek the draw is the perfect choice to carry his torch, although you could never really replace Ian Dury. He was a genius.

[APBass69]

Grooooooooveeeeeee !!!!

Norman Watt Roy........Cool as !

Great to hear the Blockheads again..

[k213389]

MARTIN FREEMAN OH MY GOD

[TheDisappearHere]

MARTIN FREEMAN MARTIN FREEMAN MARTIN FREEMAN

[whizzkid69]

There will NEVER be another Ian, but Derek comes pretty damn close...Ledge

[muddymaeable]

I love your music its awesome thanks for doing what you do

[longclawson]

Seeing you guys on Saturday at Coxs Yard, Stratford-upon-Avon...it's my Birthday!! A rare treat indeed!!

[walchseewinkl20]

Nice song. There is another video on youtube that shows the political impact of greed for us all: Peter Martell "Master of Greed". Great lyrics.

[Aamonath]

I was looking for songs by the French grindcore band of the same name, and I accidentally ended up here. Not complaining though, this is actually a pretty awesome song. Great song! Nice bass groove especially!

[georgehussey1]

ITS MY GRANDAD YEAH BOYYY

[rappyyyyy]

Bognor Rox will be rocking when they come July 24th!

[49Eleonora]

Brilliant song !!!!!!!!!!!!!