Myspace Layouts at Pimp-My-Profile.com / Jamaican Colors
RUDER THAN YOU was founded in 1989 at Penn State University and relocated to Philadelphia in 1991, arguably becoming the most popular ska-influenced Philadelphia band - EVER. The Ruder Than You identity has never fit too neatly into any of the generic ska categorizations. While ska and reggae stylings have always provided the common musical thread, over the past 20(!) years they've been mixing in dancehall reggae, hip-hop, rocksteady, rub-a-dub, funk, jazz, and punk - to create their own sound. What is consistant is the band’s energy and enthusiasm, which inevitably pulls people out onto the dance floor.
Independent ska label Moon Records, a.k.a. MoonSKA NYC, jumped to put out the band’s debut album BIG STEP in 1992 and its follow-up HORNY FOR SKA in 1996. By the mid 90s the group had morphed from a five-piece into a nine-piece outfit and captured a passionate, loyal following from New York to DC. The group toured nationally, regularly opening up for groups like the Skatalites, Steel Pulse, Mighty Mighty Bosstones, Blink 182, Desmond Dekker, Ziggy Marley, 311, English Beat, Bad Manners, Fishbone, Yellowman, Eek a Mouse, No Doubt and countless others. Ruder CDs were released in Japan and England, and songs can be found on dozens of compilation CDs far and wide.
In 2005 the band self-released their long-awaited third album, PHILLY STYLEE on their own God's Ghetto label. The CD features the late Trish Johnson on bari-sax and several top Philadelphia guest musicians including Philly jazz trumpeter extraordinaire, John Swana. Philly Stylee was recorded in spurts during the Third Wave ska heyday between 1996 and 1999 with final vocal overdubs and mixes completed in 2004. Despite several personal obstacles and a nearly 3-year hiatus, the band started back up in 2003 and completed the CD that many fans had given up on.
The band’s first studio endeavor of the decade is the 5-song EP entitled GOD’S GHETTO relased in 2008. The band chose tunes influenced by old school hip-hop and dancehall and emphasized lyrics penned by Weaver.
The most recent recording is the 8-song CD CREATION SOUNDS to be released in October 2009. The CD goes back to the band's roots featuring contemporary ska and ska-influenced rock with a healthy dose of reggae.
The band’s current roster of veteran members includes the Round Mound of Dub Sound - singer FREDDIE 3D WEAVER. Band leader DOUG DUBROSKY still sings and plays tenor sax. He and DON PANCOE on bass hail from the earliest days of RTY. ROD MARTINO and CHRIS KLIMCHAK fill out the lineup on guitar and trombone, respectively. LARRY "ACE" SNELL of the Toasters and Public Service sits on the drum throne.
So, whether it be on the CD player, web, or HOPEFULLY live in concert, you are oh so encouraged to let your mind and body succumb to the rude sounds of those brothers of love, Ruder Than You. http://www.ruderthanyou.net
