A Joe White – Rudies All Arounf
B joe White – Bad Man
A rare gem of the rocksteady era gets the reissue treatment courtesy of Germany’s Skank and Groove: Joe White’s double-sided 7″ inch single featuring Rudies All Around and Bad Man. Originally released on Jamaica’s WIRL label in 1967 and later issued by Doctor Bird in the UK in 1968, this powerful pairing showcases White’s fine singing backed by riddims from the legendary Lyn Taitt & The All Stars. Each self-penned track channels the vibrant intensity and shifting mood of 1960s Jamaica, echoing the rise of the rudeboy movement as both a cultural and sonic phenomenon.
On the A-side, Rudies All Around reflects the rise of the rudeboy movement in Jamaica. Its infectious riddim, tight horn section, and White’s vocal delivery make it a standout in the rocksteady genre. Flip it over to listen to the equally strong Bad Man. The latter takes a somber turn, offering a gritty, groove-laced warning about the dangers of the rudeboy lifestyle. The song’s reflective mood makes it a perfect counterweight to the A-side.
A must-have reissue for an old and a new generation of fans that distills the spirit and struggle of the rudeboy era into one unforgettable spin.