The only record of Derek's I had was his excellent "Cheapo Album" - which, I think, included Icarus - and that was on vinyl, so I've been deprived of listening to him for a long while. I may have to invest.
Regarding his "cosmopolitan background", do you you remember his tale about his Uncle Hymie, who used to spend family gatherings moaning "No one cares about the Jews. If that National Front get into power, they're going to kill 3,000 Jews and four postmen." To which Derek replied: "Four postmen?"

"You see," he said. "No one cares about the Jews."

And the thing is, he always convinced me. Every time he told a story I'd believe him - right until he got to punchline.