Ian Dury

England has a rich history of caustic social commentary, but the arrival of Ian Dury -- a middle-aged, polio-crippled former art teacher --with New Boots And Panties in 1977 remains a brilliant, bold and breathtaking moment. As hard-edged as they are heartbreaking, the likes of "My Old Man," "Clever Trevor" and "If I Was With a Woman" are indelibly inspirational.

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Dury is a pub rock survivor, as tough and homely as a dandelion, as English as music halls, billingsgate, and Gene Vincent. The tenacious wit and accuracy of his lyrics betray how uncommon he believes his blockheaded protagonists really are, and his music rocks out in the traditional blues-based grooves without kissing the past's ass. Tender, furious, sexy, eccentric, surprising. (Grade - A-)