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 βRude Rebelsβ, 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 itβs 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.
βRude Rebelsβ 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 Stapleβs sold out ‘Rudegirl Soundsβ EP and Neville Stapleβs βReturn of Judge Roughneckβ 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.
βThe 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,β says Sugary Staple.
Tracks like βRebel Downβ, βWay of Lifeβ, βBe As Oneβ and βOriginal Rudegirl Soundβ, are reminiscent of 1970βs & 80βs fun punky ska with 2Tone echoes, while βTattoo Kingβ and their reworking of Stranger Coleβs βWhen I Call Your Nameβ celebrates long-standing traditions of ska. Roddy Radiation features on three tracks – ‘Rebel Down’, ‘Way of Life’ and ‘Be As One’.
βI 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. Thereβs a little taste of The Specials in there, a Clash type of punk vibe and even Trojan Records styles. Weβve been touring some of the songs and the fans have gone nuts for it. Great to have my buddy Roddy on board too,β says Neville Staple.
Apart from Roddy Byersβ 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 βSledgeβ Armstrong, Spencer Hague, Billy Shinbone), Daddy βNuff Lyricsβ Woody and Alvin βHorn-blowerβΒ Davies.
βRude Rebelsβ can be ordered digitally via Bandcamp and via Cleopatra Records directly.
Also check out the new videos for βRebel Downβ feat. Roddy Radiation and βOriginal Rude Girl Soundβ:
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 Β Β Ware – Drill Hall
Oct 06 Β Β Cardiff – The Globe
Oct 13 Β Β Norwich – Epic Studios
Oct 20 Β Chesterfield (TBA)
Nov 10 Β Β Bognor – Butlins
Nov 16 Β Β Llangollen – Sun Inn
Nov 17 Β Β Bristol – Fleece
Nov 23 Β Β Skamouth – DJ Party
Dec 01 Β Β Hastings – Black Market VIP
Dec 08 Β Devon (TBA)
Dec 21 Β Β Frome – Cheese & Grain
Dec 22 Β Β Swansea – The Garage