A Rudy A Message To You – Dandy Livingstone
B Trouble In The Town – Dandy Livingstone
British-Jamaican musician and record producer Dandy Livingstone is celebrated for his ska, rocksteady, and reggae contributions. He’s particularly famous for his 1972 hit Suzanne Beware of the Devil, which peaked at number 14 on the UK Singles Chart and Rudy, a Message to You. In the early 1960s, he recorded some of the most successful UK-produced ska singles of that time.
This double-A-sided 7″ single by Dandy stands as a highlight among Buyreggae’s recent reissues. The undeniable 1967 classic Rudy A Message To You requires little introduction. The song was one of many “rude boy” anthems protesting the street violence in Kingston. It’s also worth remembering The Specials’ version, which sparked a renewed interest in ska and rocksteady in the UK during the late 1970s.
Complementing this classic is Trouble In The Town, released in 1968 under the Bobby Thompson moniker, a true revelation! Picture a mellow rocksteady groove, a smoky sax solo, and the faintest whisper of a violin in the background. Absolutely indispensable stuff!