NEVILLE & SUGARY STAPLE – RUDE REBELS
A Spill Exclusive Album Premiere
Today brings the release of the first joint album between ska legend Neville Staple and his wife Sugary Staple (real name Christine). Named ‘Rude Rebels’, Cleopatra Records is making this long-awaited album available on both CD and special clear vinyl with black and white splatter. This record is being released ahead of celebrations for the 40th Anniversary of 2Tone Records.
High energy and a fine mix of ska with reggae, including one great cover of a Jamaican ska classic at the request of it’s original performer (Stranger Cole), the Staples have outdone done themselves here. It truly was due time for such a brilliant release as this to appear. Sugary Staple shines as bright as any legendry ska diva did, with a buoyancy and confidence that is endearing and truly a powerful force in these sonic offerings.
‘Rude Rebels’ is full of original upbeat music with vocal statements on life, fashion, love and morals, plus some smooth reggae vibes. It features brand new songs and recordings from Neville Staple, legendary singer and toaster of The Specials and co-founder of Fun Boy Three, and his partner-in-crime Sugary Staple, as well as former Specials’ guitarist Roddy Radiation (a.k.a. Roddy Byers).
With 2019 being the 40th Anniversary of The Specials and 2Tone Records, this is a timely release. This album follows Sugary Staple’s sold out ‘Rudegirl Sounds’ EP and Neville Staple’s ‘Return of Judge Roughneck’ double album, also released via Cleopatra Records.
The Staples are a permanent fixture of the widely regarded and enormously active ska scene in the UK, performing regularly at both clubs and massive festivals. In the Neville Staple Band, who have been actively touring both at home and abroad, Sugary joins Neville Staple to front the band.
Sugary and Neville wrote and produced this rebel-lishious offering, alongside Tom Lowry (The Specials, Neville Staple, Spectrum) at Planet Studios in Coventry, which brings a super blend of punked up anthems, dancehall ska and sweet rebel reggae and bluebeat.
“The album was produced with our love of punk, ska, 2tone and reggae, which we mixed into an indulgent sub-culture blend. A bit like me. Working alongside Neville on the production was just perfect. He gets me, and he understands where I am at musically and about my promotion of women going for it, regardless of age and situation. We both still have something to say in our productions, while still creating a dancing beat or a sing-along vocal,” says Sugary Staple.
Tracks like ‘Rebel Down’, ‘Way of Life’, ‘Be As One’ and ‘Original Rudegirl Sound’, are reminiscent of 1970’s & 80’s fun punky ska with 2Tone echoes, while ‘Tattoo King’ and their reworking of Stranger Cole’s ‘When I Call Your Name’ celebrates long-standing traditions of ska. Roddy Radiation features on three tracks – ‘Rebel Down’, ‘Way of Life’ and ‘Be As One’.
“I felt really free on this production. Having the freedom to be creative with someone on your wave-length is really refreshing for me. I love how we celebrate the great musical genres of my 40-year career. There’s a little taste of The Specials in there, a Clash type of punk vibe and even Trojan Records styles. We’ve been touring some of the songs and the fans have gone nuts for it. Great to have my buddy Roddy on board too,” says Neville Staple.
Apart from Roddy Byers’ excellent guitar arrangements (currently with the Skabillyy Rebels), a host of other musical professionals are involved, including the members of the Neville Staple Band (Joe Atkinson, Matty Bane, Steve ‘Sledge’ Armstrong, Spencer Hague, Billy Shinbone), Daddy ‘Nuff Lyrics’ Woody and Alvin ‘Horn-blower’ Davies.
‘Rude Rebels’ can be ordered digitally via Bandcamp and via Cleopatra Records directly.
Also check out the new videos for ‘Rebel Down’ feat. Roddy Radiation and ‘Original Rude Girl Sound’:
Neville & Sugary Neville
Rude Rebels
(Cleopatra Records)
Release Date: September 28, 2018
Rude Rebels Track Listing
1. Rebel Down
2. Tattoo King
3. When I Call Your Name
4. Boy (Dub Out)
5. Be As One
6. Wrong Shoes
7. Original Rudegirl Sound
8. Why Oh Why
9. Ska To The Beat
10. Dirty Little Liar
11. The Border
12. Way Of Life
13. Way I Love You
14. Woulda Coulda Shoulda
Tour Dates
Sep 29 Ware – Drill Hall
Oct 06 Cardiff – The Globe
Oct 13 Norwich – Epic Studios
Oct 20 Chesterfield (TBA)
Nov 10 Bognor – Butlins
Nov 16 Llangollen – Sun Inn
Nov 17 Bristol – Fleece
Nov 23 Skamouth – DJ Party
Dec 01 Hastings – Black Market VIP
Dec 08 Devon (TBA)
Dec 21 Frome – Cheese & Grain
Dec 22 Swansea – The Garage
Neville Staple Links
Sugary Staple Links
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