| Release Date | 05/12/2025 |
| Format | LP Black |
| Label | Demon |
| Catalogue Number | DEMREC1317 |
After two platinum – selling solo albums on the bounce, Ian Dury found himself at a creative crossroads with ‘Laughter’. His songwriting partner Chas Jankel had exited The Blockheads afer a gruelling promotional tour and was replaced with Dr. Feelgood legend Wilko Johnson on guitar duties. Meanwhile Blockheads keyboard player Mick Gallagher returned to the band following a US tour with The Clash.
The ironically titled ‘Laughter’ (“I called it ‘Laughter’ to cheer myself up”) saw Dury genius for lyrics turn towards his personal and historical demons on an angry and harrowing set of songs, such as ‘Delusions Of Grandeur’, ‘Manic Depression (Jimi)’ and ‘Fucking Ada’, while ‘Hey, Hey, Take Me Away’ recalled the time he’d attended a special school stricken with polio. ‘Laughter’ also carried one of the all-time classic singles ‘Sueperman’s Big Sister’.
Pressed on black vinyl.
Tracklist:
Sueperman's Big Sister
Pardon
Delusions of Grandeur
Yes and No (Paula)
Dance of the Crackpots
Over the Points
(Take Your Elbow out the Soup) You're Sitting on the Chicken
Uncoolohol
Hey, Hey Take Me Away
Manic Depression (Jimi)
Oh Mr Peanut
Fucking Ada