Ten More Turnips from the Tip cover

Ten More Turnips from the Tip

Ian Dury · 2001

48 min · 10 tracks · new wave

A playful blend of quirky lyrics and catchy melodies, underscored by Dury's signature wit and pub rock sensibility.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Dance Little Rude Boy — Opening the album with an infectious rhythm and playful lyrics, this track sets the tone for Dury's innovative blend of storytelling and musicality.
  • →
    Ballad of the Sulphate Strangler — This track exemplifies Dury's clever wordplay and narrative style, weaving a tale that balances dark humor with social commentary.
  • →
    I Believe — A poignant reflection on faith and doubt, this song showcases Dury's emotive vocal delivery paired with a catchy melody that resonates deeply.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

51 /100
Foothills
Higher than 34% of albums we've rated

The album showcases clever songwriting and unique vocal delivery but has mixed execution and cohesion.

What we noticed

  • The album opens with a lively track that sets a mid-tempo pace, which is maintained through the first half before shifting to more reflective pieces in the latter half.
  • Several tracks feature unconventional song structures, including abrupt transitions and unexpected instrumental breaks that keep the listener engaged.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
6/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
5/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
7/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
6/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 3/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • playful lyrics with witty charm
  • steady mid-tempo for sing-alongs
  • quirky melodies for lighthearted moments
  • ideal for casual gatherings
  • consistent vibe throughout the album

Maybe skip if you

  • seekers of intense emotional depth
  • prefer fast-paced, high-energy tracks

Where this album fits

Career context
Released in 2001, Ten More Turnips from the Tip marked Ian Dury's return to the music scene after a significant hiatus. Following a series of health challenges, this album demonstrated his resilience as an artist and reaffirmed his status within the British music landscape, coming nearly a decade after his last studio release.
Stylistic neighbors
Joe Jackson· Squeeze· The Blockheads

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 Dance Little Rude Boy 4:34
  • 2 I Believe 4:24
  • 3 It Ain’t Cool 5:46
  • 4 Cowboys 4:41
  • 5 Ballad of the Sulphate Strangler 5:29
  • 6 I Could Lie 4:35
  • 7 One Love 3:33
  • 8 Happy Hippy 4:43
  • 9 Books and Water 6:36
  • 10 You’re The Why 4:30

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata