ALBUM OF THE WEEK: THE NIGHT CHANCERS — BAXTER DURY (2020)

Dury clearly borrows elements from French 80s electronic music and the likes of Serge Gainsbourg, but he remains distinctly British, with a dry sense of humour to his lyrics, vivid and often absurd imagery, and filthy, elaborate insults thrown in a lazy cockney drawl.

His songs are clever (listen for the twist in Carla’s Got a Boyfriend) and the man is a master at world building and characterisation. Both in his lyrics and in his music videos, where he struts in filthy wife beaters, 80s suit jackets, and silver chains, all dripping in neon lighting. He plays the scumbag whilst still feeling authentic and personal, and it all comes together to form a very original “cockney french sleaze” aesthetic.

Honestly, this is more of an artist highlight than an album highlight, but if you haven’t listened to him before then The Night Chancers is where I’d start (his newest release, I Thought I Was Better Than You is also solid).

I should also mention that his Spotify playlist was one of the inspirations for my podcast, so go check that out.

Similar artists:

Serge Gainsbourg

The Limiñanas

Charlotte Gainsbourg J

ohn Cooper Clarke

Ian Dury

Balthazar

Fat White Family

Sleaford Mods

Originally published 24/12/23 on Medium.