Hit me with your rhythm stick - Ian Dury and the Blockheads

According to its author Ian Dury, 'Hit me with your rhythm stick' has an anti-violence message. It was reportedly written during a jam session and inspired by a piano part near the end of the track 'Wake up and make love with me'. At least 11 takes of the song were recorded before one was chosen to be released as a single. Much of the band as well as producer Laurie Latham remain unhappy with the chosen take's mix, claiming it to be too dominated by piano and vocals.

When the single reached the UK singles chart, it was initially kept from the top spot by The Village People's smash hit 'YMCA'. However, after that single had spent five weeks at the top, 'Rhythm stick' still reached number 1. In the Dutch Top 40, this single peaked at number 4.

My collection: 7" single no. 1595
Found: Record fair, March 28, 1992
Cost: 1 guilder
Tracks: 'Hit me with your rhythm stick' / 'There ain't half been some clever bastards'