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The Specials — Message to You Rudy
Album: The Specials
Avg rating:
7.3

Your rating:
Total ratings: 1824









Released: 1979
Length: 2:51
Plays (last 30 days): 2
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Stop your messing around (ah-ah-ah)
Better think of your future (ah-ah-ah)
Time you straighten right out (ah-ah-ah)
Creating problems in town (ah-ah-ah)

Rudy
A message to you, Rudy
A message to you

Stop your fooling around (ah-ah-ah)
Time you straighten right out (ah-ah-ah)
Better think of your future (ah-ah-ah)
Else you'll wind up in jail (ah-ah-ah)

Rudy
A message to you, Rudy
A message to you

Stop your messing around (ah-ah-ah)
Better think of your future (ah-ah-ah)
Time you straighten right out (ah-ah-ah)
Creating problems in town (ah-ah-ah)

Rudy
A message to you, Rudy
A message to you, Rudy
Oh, it's a message to you, Rudy
Yeah, it's a message to you, Rudy
Comments (264)add comment
My son (Rudy) is named in part because of this song. It's a long story but has powerful associations in our household.
And it's cool...
Posted 1 month ago by salice    [ Reply ]
They should play this song whenever Rudy Giuliani shows up anywhere to speak.
Posted 2 months ago by Laptopdog    [ Reply ]
As a recovering trombone player, I have to give this at least a 7.
Posted 4 months ago by Pound33    [ Reply ]
Get yer dance on.
Posted 4 months ago by GingerandMe    [ Reply ]
 scrubbrush wrote:


RIP Terry Hall!  I do love me some Specials. Makes ploughing through a boring Wednesday at work SO  much more smile inducing 
Posted 6 months ago by hellsgardener    [ Reply ]
Y’know, the horn playing and mix is not exactly top shelf. Great song, though. 
Posted 6 months ago by mdnlsn    [ Reply ]
Posted 6 months ago by scrubbrush    [ Reply ]
I remember bopping to The Specials at a party c. 1980, when I was just a wee lad.
Posted 8 months ago by ElCamoteLoco    [ Reply ]
Special!
Posted 8 months ago by deniseperry    [ Reply ]
Fabulous memories of ska music back in the day. RIP Terry Hall,thank you for the wonderful music 😊
Posted 1 year ago by Easyrider    [ Reply ]
 treatment_bound wrote:
 

But they didn't write it, so I'm guessing they didn't make much cash having Fidelity use their version:

>>"A Message to You, Rudy" is a 1967 rocksteady song by Dandy Livingstone. Originally entitled "Rudy, A Message to You", the song later achieved broader success when, in 1979, The Specials' cover reached number 10 in the UK Singles Chart.

Veteran trombone player Rico Rodriguez played on both Livingstone's and The Specials' versions.<<


Dandy Livingstone had a cool look back in the day.  He's still with us, and turns 75 on Dec. 14.  Happy Birthday, Dandy!


Image result for dandy livingstone





Aren't you a clever one...🌝 I know all this but that wasn't the issue now was it?
Posted 2 years ago by VH1    [ Reply ]
 natural_tools wrote:
"The tide is high, but I'm holding on... I'm gonna be your number one..."
 
This was released before Blondie's cover of "The Tide Is High"  The original ska versions of both songs were released in 1967.
Posted 4 years ago by Proclivities    [ Reply ]
I remember coming out of my rock n roll bubble and a friend turned me on to this A must have in the collection Always love this song big time
Posted 4 years ago by stephen.king12101    [ Reply ]
Great band.
Posted 4 years ago by mach-hog    [ Reply ]
Rudy was offsides!

<movie reference>
Posted 4 years ago by unclehud    [ Reply ]
I bought a 2-disc Dandy Livingstone compilation on the strength of this song alone. Great stuff.
c.
Posted 4 years ago by cc_rider    [ Reply ]
 kingart wrote:
Rudy who? Valentino? Giuliani? The reindeer? What's the message? 
 

"Rude boy"
Posted 5 years ago by Proclivities    [ Reply ]
 natural_tools wrote:
"The tide is high, but I'm holding on... I'm gonna be your number one..."
 
Both this and Blondie's "The Tide Is High" are covers of 1960s ska classics.
Posted 5 years ago by Proclivities    [ Reply ]
 VH1 wrote:
If this song is being used, then with consent of The Specials....sad...but true!
 


But they didn't write it, so I'm guessing they didn't make much cash having Fidelity use their version:

>>"A Message to You, Rudy" is a 1967 rocksteady song by Dandy Livingstone. Originally entitled "Rudy, A Message to You", the song later achieved broader success when, in 1979, The Specials' cover reached number 10 in the UK Singles Chart.

Veteran trombone player Rico Rodriguez played on both Livingstone's and The Specials' versions.<<


Dandy Livingstone had a cool look back in the day.  He's still with us, and turns 75 on Dec. 14.  Happy Birthday, Dandy!


Image result for dandy livingstone



Posted 5 years ago by treatment_bound    [ Reply ]
 treatment_bound wrote:
This song is now being used in a commercial for Fidelity Investments.

I wish I was kidding. 
 

What did you expect......that they do not want to make money ...

If this song is being used, then with consent of The Specials....sad...but true!


Posted 5 years ago by VH1    [ Reply ]
This song is now being used in a commercial for Fidelity Investments.

I wish I was kidding. 
Posted 7 years ago by treatment_bound    [ Reply ]
 kingart wrote:
Rudy who? Valentino? Giuliani? The reindeer? What's the message? 
 
Who cares, as long as it's non-Marley reggae.
Posted 11 years ago by joelbb    [ Reply ]
Rudy who? Valentino? Giuliani? The reindeer? What's the message? 
Posted 11 years ago by kingart    [ Reply ]
"What the hell do we have to do?!!!!!"  cry out the hundreds of excellent bands never heard on RP that have to listen to this drivel played over and over....
Posted 11 years ago by buddy    [ Reply ]
 sirdroseph wrote:


{#Yes}I have always said RP should just open up its entire library and let it go randomized. We should never have to hear the same song more than once or twice a week much less once or twice a day!
 
You don't comprehend the art of the segue.  Sad, because Bill is awesome at it.
Posted 11 years ago by Tippster    [ Reply ]
oldsaxon wrote:

I'd much rather have Bill doing the mix, thanks anyway.
 

ditto. if i wanted random i would just hit shuffle on my mp3 music directory.
Posted 11 years ago by rickhoran    [ Reply ]
 sirdroseph wrote:


{#Yes}I have always said RP should just open up its entire library and let it go randomized. We should never have to hear the same song more than once or twice a week much less once or twice a day!
 
I'd much rather have Bill doing the mix, thanks anyway.
Posted 11 years ago by oldsaxon    [ Reply ]
Ha, I am 17 again and getting chased out of Torquay nightclubs by marauding skinheads.

Loving the trombone.
Posted 11 years ago by garycha    [ Reply ]
 Stranglersfan wrote:
Reminds me of wing tipped shoes and Ganja!
 
Me too - except for the shoes!
Posted 11 years ago by Stingray    [ Reply ]
True classic.
Posted 12 years ago by icemang    [ Reply ]
Remember sorting through the titles at Newbury Comics in Harvard Square during the early 80s looking for this album. Just brings back great memories of teenage exploration and figuring what is cool. This song definitely was.
Posted 12 years ago by iTuner    [ Reply ]
 sirdroseph wrote:


{#Yes}I have always said RP should just open up its entire library and let it go randomized. We should never have to hear the same song more than once or twice a week much less once or twice a day!
 
I have never heard the same song twice in one day.  A few times a week at most.  I do like the idea of more variety though, but you exagerate.   
Posted 12 years ago by rdo    [ Reply ]
Once again.................... its easy to see that our esteemed DJ is a bass player.  {#Dancingbanana}
Posted 12 years ago by mrdak    [ Reply ]
 gemtag wrote:
Time for a rant.

Don't get me wrong I love RP. The best.

Problem is I rarely hear The Specials, Pixies, XTC, Stone Roses, Guided By Voices,  Maybe once a week.

And over and over I hear Radio Head, Gomez, Arcade Fire. Many times a day.

Don't get me wrong. I love these guys. I just want a little more variety.

But I know the newer stuff plays well. Just like a real radio station...  
 

{#Yes}I have always said RP should just open up its entire library and let it go randomized. We should never have to hear the same song more than once or twice a week much less once or twice a day!
Posted 12 years ago by sirdroseph    [ Reply ]
Reminds me of wing tipped shoes and Ganja!
Posted 12 years ago by Stranglersfan    [ Reply ]

I haven't heard this in a long time - still love it.


Posted 12 years ago by stackarukk    [ Reply ]
I'm bumping it up one to an "8" .. this track grows on me ..
Posted 12 years ago by Misterfixit    [ Reply ]
 johnjconn wrote:
I gotta a message to Rudy.  Burn the orignal copy of this song, mankind will be better off
  
I'm not sure I'd trust you (or any single person) to dictate what's better for mankind.  By the way - the original version of this song was recorded in 1967 by Dandy Livingstone.


Posted 12 years ago by Proclivities    [ Reply ]
Time for a rant.

Don't get me wrong I love RP. The best.

Problem is I rarely hear The Specials, Pixies, XTC, Stone Roses, Guided By Voices,  Maybe once a week.

And over and over I hear Radio Head, Gomez, Arcade Fire. Many times a day.

Don't get me wrong. I love these guys. I just want a little more variety.

But I know the newer stuff plays well. Just like a real radio station...  
Posted 12 years ago by gemtag    [ Reply ]
Nice
Posted 12 years ago by mkinnan    [ Reply ]
I like it, it's bouncy
Posted 12 years ago by Snoopy2    [ Reply ]
 Byronape (Purgatory) wrote:
For some reason I am thinking this sucks less then it did when I first heard it.  3 > 4
 
The sun is shining a little more brightly in Purgatory today...
Posted 12 years ago by kcar    [ Reply ]
I thought they were singing houdini...
Posted 12 years ago by madebytim    [ Reply ]
 frootloopsfan wrote:
This is why RP is so amazing. The only channel that knows I love The Specials!
 
That, and all your friends here know you love Froot Loops, too!

Posted 12 years ago by Carl    [ Reply ]
This is why RP is so amazing. The only channel that knows I love The Specials!
Posted 12 years ago by frootloopsfan    [ Reply ]
lemmoth wrote:
Special place in my 8 track collection has translated into a special place in my heart for this album.

These guys started the Ska revival in the UK in the late 80's, also the interracial makeup of the band was unique for the times.

And the producer was a pretty savvy fellow, who, if he only produced this album and Squeeze's East Side Story (singing his one line on Tempted) would deserve kudos. Of course his 27 (or so) studio albums were enough to get him into the RNR Hall of Fame.
A pearl, Thanks!

Posted 13 years ago by Businessgypsy    [ Reply ]
Ska fans should check out this album (if you can find it): https://www.discogs.com/Various-One-Original-Step-Beyond-The-Story-Of-Ska/release/1795818

Lots of original Jamaican recordings of mainstream ska songs going back to the early 60s, including Dandy's original recording of this one. Cool stuff.

Posted 13 years ago by NigelTufnel    [ Reply ]
9 instead of 10 because of the slightly weak vox. Great song!

Posted 13 years ago by bluedot    [ Reply ]
Crawley Town FC(a lower division English soccer team) supporters, before their cup game against Manchester United covered this song, slightly altering the lyrics. Here's the link, it's quite cool.
Posted 13 years ago by dead_flowers    [ Reply ]
Special place in my 8 track collection has translated into a special place in my heart for this album.

These guys started the Ska revival in the UK in the late 80's, also the interracial makeup of the band was unique for the times.

And the producer was a pretty savvy fellow, who, if he only produced this album and Squeeze's East Side Story (singing his one line on Tempted) would deserve kudos.  Of course his 27 (or so) studio albums were enough to get him into the RNR Hall of Fame.
Posted 13 years ago by lemmoth    [ Reply ]
For some reason I am thinking this sucks less then it did when I first heard it.  3 > 4
Posted 13 years ago by Byronape    [ Reply ]
{#Bananapiano}  dated but not old

Posted 13 years ago by michaelc    [ Reply ]
and the message was?  What a crock of S-H-*-*!

Posted 13 years ago by treatment_bound    [ Reply ]
rude bwoy!
Posted 13 years ago by ziggytrix    [ Reply ]
 Marcvs wrote:
Just can’t stand this. {#Snooty}
 

Agreed.  Although. it was quirky and interesting the first couple times I heard it.

Posted 13 years ago by SinisterDexter    [ Reply ]
 Danimal174 wrote:
So, wait...Rudy needs to stop messing around, but Rudy also can't fail? Which is it?
 
Well, you see, when Rudy was young he used to do a lot of messing around but as he got older and more desperate Rudy absolutely couldn't fail.  So, there you have it!

Posted 13 years ago by ick    [ Reply ]
 Stingray wrote:
Fine song and album!
 

Reminds me of some of those first fine world changing days of MTV.

Posted 13 years ago by joemama    [ Reply ]
Here's that Rudy bloke again ! {#Dancingbanana_2}


Posted 13 years ago by HazzeSwede    [ Reply ]
Fine song and album!
Posted 13 years ago by Stingray    [ Reply ]
 MM13 wrote:
This is one of those songs that irritate the hell out of you, but you still enjoy listening to. Is this strange form of masochism familiar to anyone or am I a lost soul in this as well?
 
I find that to be true with some songs (eg., William Shatner's "Mr Tamborine Man"), but certainly not with this tune.  This is a great song - you may have just missed the boat on The Specials (and Terry Hall).


Posted 13 years ago by Proclivities    [ Reply ]
What a fun song this one is!{#Dancingbanana_2}
Posted 13 years ago by sirdroseph    [ Reply ]
I like it!
Posted 13 years ago by 2cats    [ Reply ]
I CAN¨T STAND THIS TOO

 prickelpit96 wrote:

I'm so sorry for you. In fact this is AWESOME! 
 


Posted 13 years ago by petrfas    [ Reply ]
This is one of those songs that irritate the hell out of you, but you still enjoy listening to. Is this strange form of masochism familiar to anyone or am I a lost soul in this as well?
Posted 13 years ago by MM13    [ Reply ]
 Marcvs wrote:
Just can’t stand this. {#Snooty}

 
I'm so sorry for you. In fact this is AWESOME! 

Posted 13 years ago by prickelpit96    [ Reply ]
Just can’t stand this. {#Snooty}

Posted 13 years ago by Marcvs    [ Reply ]

Love that trombone.


Posted 13 years ago by garycha    [ Reply ]
 CamLwalk wrote:
Oh yeah,  I have this intraweb thinghie.  Rudy is short for rude boy.  OK.
Thanks! 


Posted 13 years ago by Christopher_T    [ Reply ]
Oh yeah,  I have this intraweb thinghie.  Rudy is short for rude boy.  OK.
Posted 13 years ago by CamLwalk    [ Reply ]
I listen to a lot of ska.  They're always talking about Rudy.  Who is this Rudy? 
Posted 13 years ago by CamLwalk    [ Reply ]
Disappointed that they cancelled their show in April, but can't wait to see them at the rescheduled date in August!
Posted 13 years ago by rtb    [ Reply ]
SPECIAL!
Posted 13 years ago by Stingray    [ Reply ]
Playing Coachella this weekend. Wish they were coming to SF!!!
Posted 14 years ago by teapot    [ Reply ]
wow, 3 to an 8. what was I thinking? I do enjoy this on a sunday morn!
Posted 14 years ago by Mandible    [ Reply ]
ska lives! watch it, rudie!
Posted 14 years ago by zenhead    [ Reply ]
Allways good, Ahh miss spent youth
   I went out with her once
Posted 14 years ago by michaelc    [ Reply ]
If one like's Ska, try Hepcat. Old school Ska at it's best.
Posted 14 years ago by parttime    [ Reply ]
This should have been used in that Notre Dame movie.
Posted 14 years ago by Jack_Jefferson    [ Reply ]
Saaaweet!! The Specials! Just what I need to remind me of good times and good people. 
Posted 14 years ago by OlafofIceland    [ Reply ]
If you want to read a really good book about this band, with insights into the Two Tone movement and its associated craziness, I highly recommend the book 'Ska'd For Life' by their bassist Horace Panter.
Posted 14 years ago by teapot    [ Reply ]
 The_Enemy wrote:

My name is Judge Roughneck, and I will not tolerate any disobedience on my chat forum.

You have been brought in front of me and charged with not rating this song high enough.

Before I sentence you, what have you got to say in your defense?


 

Naked woman, naked man, where did you get that bright suntan
Posted 14 years ago by lemmoth    [ Reply ]
 crockydile wrote:

Which is like being the toughest guy in 6th grade...

 

oy, you: outside.

Posted 14 years ago by apd    [ Reply ]
 crockydile wrote:

Which is like being the toughest guy in 6th grade...

 
Ha ha!        Good tune though....

Posted 14 years ago by ZedLeppelin    [ Reply ]
 SweTex wrote:
One of the best if not THE best ska band that were around at the time.

 
Which is like being the toughest guy in 6th grade...

Posted 14 years ago by crockydile    [ Reply ]
A long time ago I named a dog Rudy because of this song. Every time I hear it, I think back to my Rude Dog and smile...RIP Rude boy. 
Posted 14 years ago by Sleepytyme    [ Reply ]
Ruby, a massage for you
Posted 14 years ago by ThePoose    [ Reply ]
 Wizzuvv_oz wrote:
I had to bump it up to 10
more Specials needed on RP (Desmond Dekker too!) 
 
Agreed.  Fun Boy Three as well.

Posted 14 years ago by Proclivities    [ Reply ]
One of the best if not THE best ska band that were around at the time.

Posted 14 years ago by SweTex    [ Reply ]
makes me happy too!
Posted 14 years ago by Mewsique    [ Reply ]
Phew - great: back home on Planet Earth!

(having just been in outer space with Lou Reed and Sweet Jane, for those seeing this in the future.)
Posted 14 years ago by lawman    [ Reply ]
This song makes me happy.
Posted 14 years ago by newwavegurly    [ Reply ]
I had to bump it up to 10
more Specials needed on RP (Desmond Dekker too!) 
Posted 14 years ago by Wizzuvvoz    [ Reply ]
 The_Enemy wrote:

My name is Judge Roughneck, and I will not tolerate any disobedience on my chat forum.

You have been brought in front of me and charged with not rating this song high enough.

Before I sentence you, what have you got to say in your defense?


 
Brilliant!

Posted 15 years ago by Ag3nt0rang3    [ Reply ]
Woo Hooo! The Specials are part of my "Happy Place"! :D
Posted 15 years ago by audiophelia    [ Reply ]
 The_Enemy wrote:

My name is Judge Roughneck, and I will not tolerate any disobedience on my chat forum.

You have been brought in front of me and charged with not rating this song high enough.

Before I sentence you, what have you got to say in your defense?


 

hehe.

i rated the song the 10 it deserves.


Posted 15 years ago by prickelpit96    [ Reply ]

My name is Judge Roughneck, and I will not tolerate any disobedience on my chat forum.

You have been brought in front of me and charged with not rating this song high enough.

Before I sentence you, what have you got to say in your defense?


Posted 15 years ago by The_Enemy    [ Reply ]
128295149867813750psstrudyla.jpg
more animals
so I'm looking at this, and what song starts up?
This!! 
 wow.
Phantasmagorical!
Posted 15 years ago by jpfueler    [ Reply ]
GODLIKE {#Motor}
Posted 15 years ago by milchschnitte    [ Reply ]
A Classic!
Posted 15 years ago by giotto    [ Reply ]
and they're playing live again next year!
 ghost town
 message to you, rudy,
 free nelson mandela,
 gansters

whoot!
Posted 15 years ago by craigf    [ Reply ]
 Danimal174 wrote:


What do you mean? Rudy can't fail!

(Great song to follow this one up with)
 

I'm just jealous because you beat me to it....{#Whistle}
Posted 15 years ago by Panama_Floyd    [ Reply ]
Stop your messin' around
Better think of your future
Time you straightened right out
Creatin' problems in town
Rudy a message to you

Stop your foolin' around
Time you straightened right out
Better think of your future
Or else you'll wind up in jail
Rudy a message to you

Stop your messin' around
Better think of your future
Time you straightened right out
Creatin' problems in town

Rudy a message to you

Stop your messin' around
Better think of your future
Time you straightened right out
Creatin' problems in town


Rudy a message to you



Posted 15 years ago by Candela    [ Reply ]
 laroue wrote:
Ska also? You have my heart now, RP {#Roflol}
 
It only gets better. {#Cheesygrin}
Posted 15 years ago by sutcliff    [ Reply ]
Ska also? You have my heart now, RP {#Roflol}
Posted 15 years ago by laroue    [ Reply ]
 kaosmonkey wrote:
I'm beginning to think Rudy is never going to learn...

 

What do you mean? Rudy can't fail!

(Great song to follow this one up with)
Posted 15 years ago by Danimal174    [ Reply ]
not so "Special."

Posted 15 years ago by jjbix    [ Reply ]
jahroots wrote:
I LOVE THIS SONG !!!!!
Me too, mon.
Posted 15 years ago by nigelr    [ Reply ]
ArbiterOfGoodTaste wrote:
Another good reason not to get too drunk in a strange place.
Posted 15 years ago by toterola    [ Reply ]
Posted 15 years ago by ArbiterOfGoodTaste    [ Reply ]
ho hum . . .
Posted 15 years ago by jjbix    [ Reply ]
Ain't no better!
Posted 15 years ago by teapot    [ Reply ]
theanniewithin wrote:
I double that remark!
Posted 15 years ago by EssexTex    [ Reply ]
prickelpit96 wrote:
Glockman45 wrote:
Go and search your gun, redneck.
Posted 15 years ago by Danny_G    [ Reply ]
Glockman45 wrote:
I double that remark!
Posted 15 years ago by theanniewithin    [ Reply ]
Posted 15 years ago by sutcliff    [ Reply ]
sub-arctic wrote:
Woaa - thats Joseph Beuys doing the dog or milking the cat
Posted 15 years ago by arserocket    [ Reply ]
I LOVE THIS SONG !!!!!
Posted 15 years ago by jahroots    [ Reply ]
So, wait...Rudy needs to stop messing around, but Rudy also can't fail? Which is it?
Posted 15 years ago by Danimal174    [ Reply ]
love the specials. there are other songs RP should investigate though to add. concrete jungle for one.
Posted 15 years ago by rickhoran    [ Reply ]
Love the horns.
Posted 15 years ago by Papernapkin    [ Reply ]