BAXTER DURY
I Thought I Was Better Than You (Heavenly)
Recently, there’s been a lot of discussion around nepotism in the music industry. Baxter Dury takes this head-on in the new album I Thought I Was Better Than You, exposing the overshadowing from when your dad is Ian Dury. “Why am I condemned because I am the son of a musician?” asks Baxter, in a recognisable raspy voice, on Leon.
But he need not worry, as his recent work shines over his heritage, especially in songs like Aylesbury Boy, exploring his childhood with a funky bass and JGrrey’s angelic backing vocals – while Celebrate Me has muffled, underwater-sounding riffs to back humorous lyrics about hipsters that makes it a standout for me.
The sharp wordsmith delves into a new self-proclaimed ‘faux conversational’ era in this record, and the wit of this man’s tongue impresses the most. Some of the songs seem to get lost within the album, but Baxter Dury proves he’s always been in his own league, and will continue to be – regardless of any family affairs.
words INDIA MUNDAY
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