Big Time (The Best Of Rudi) - Rudi

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1. Big Time
I think this track describes Rudi as a whole, even just looking at the chorus, “Big Time – You ain’t no friend of mine,” this defines there bad luck. My rating 9/10.

2. Number One
Ok track, not that memorable. My rating 5/10.

3. Overcome by Fumes
Great track, took awhile to get used to, but very catchy – I find myself singing it even after I haven’t listened to ...
...didn’t make it to the big time. But I am glad this album is out and it does the boys justice. It’s full of punk, pop and is bursting with blues. It’s energetic the whole way through and showcases the boy’s real talent.

The artwork of the album is brilliant with a patchwork of all of their old single covers, the liner-notes are done by Brian Young and tell the great story of Rudi's roller-coaster of a ride.

I definitely ... more

I think it’s fair to say that Rudi must have been one of the unluckiest bands ever. This is the only album available which signposts the band that time forgot…

Let me start off by saying that his album is truly remarkable, definitely one of the best in my collection. After listening to is through I started to wonder what actually happened to this band, and why are there no other albums by such a quality artist. Its true to say that I could fill up a few pages about the history of the ill-fated band, but that would be going off topic as this is a review of the album, but I am going to tell you a little bit about the band as I feel it will give you a better insight into this album, and exactly why it is so essential.

Away from contrary believe, Stiff Little Fingers weren’t the only, nor the first, punk band from Northern Ireland, Rudi were. Rudi were also the first band to release a single on the famous ‘Good Vibrations’ label, and “Big Time” proved a great success. After gigging their Asses off for a few years and supporting bands like the Adverts and the Jam, Rudi were about to be signed the Jams record label, but out of the blue the Jam split and the record label had to fold. The lads from Rudi saw this as a sign and decided to call it a day, never releasing a full LP.

Although they never released a full LP, they had many great tracks recorded. And although time had forgotten the band – their fans lived on. And in 1996 due to popular demand Anagram Records added a Rudi compilation to their ‘Punk Collectors Series’, and so this CD was born.

This CD is brilliant, anyone who likes Punk, Pop-Punk etc. will love this, it truly does map out Rudi’s greatest hits. The track-list is as follows,

1. Big Time
I think this track describes Rudi as a whole, even just looking at the chorus, “Big Time – You ain’t no friend of mine,” this defines there bad luck. My rating 9/10.

2. Number One
Ok track, not that memorable. My rating 5/10.

3. Overcome by Fumes
Great track, took awhile to get used to, but very catchy – I find myself singing it even after I haven’t listened to the album in months. My rating 8/10.

4. I Spy
Brilliant, you got to love the ‘James Bond’ theme guitar playing at the start. My rating 8/10.

5. Genuine Reply
Nice song, quite catchy. My rating 7/10.

6. Sometimes
Nice guitar playing in the middle, the rest of it’s all right as well. My rating 7/10.

7. Ripped in Two
Undistinguished, but still a good thing to pass time. My rating 6/10.

8. Who You [Demo Version]
Great track. Punk-pop at its best. My rating 9/10.

9. Time to Be Proud [Demo Version]
Nice bass rhythm. My rating 7/10.

10. Without You [Demo Version]
Quite good, but lacks strength of mind. My rating 6/10.

11. Pressure's On [Demo Version]
Brilliant track: strong, vibrant and a kick-ass guitar rhythm. My rating 8/10.

12. Yummy, Yummy, Yummy [Demo Version]
This is honestly most likely the best cover song ever. It’s absolutely dazzling! If you haven’t heard it, I strongly recommend you do. It’s not very often I give a 10/10 but this time I feel I have to: My rating 10/10.

13. Tigerland [Demo Version]
Very memorable, it’s a strong track – definitely one of the best on the album. My rating 9/10.

14. When I Was Dead
Good track. My rating 7/10.

15. Bewarewolf!
Like “Tigerland” this track is very memorable, and again one of the best on the album. My rating 9/10.

16. Pressure's On
Basically the same as the above ‘[Demo Version]’. Still a great track though. My rating 8/10.

17. Prince of Pleasure
Ok, not the best track on the album, although still quite good. My rating 7/10.

18. Love Goes On
Quite an annoying track, although I have talked to people before who say they love it. My rating 6/10.

19. Crimson
Great track, unquestionably one of my favourite songs ever. My rating 9/10.

20. 14 Steps
Another great track, gets a little restless after the first minute or two. My rating 7/10.

21. Cops [Live]
This track is very hard to rate. It is probably Rudi’s most remembered and revered track, with the course “We hate cops.” Although this live version is almost impossible to hear. My rating 6/10.

22. Excitement
Nice track, not quite as good as others though. My rating 6/10.

23. Frozen by Your Touch [Live]
The first time I heard this it blew me away, it really set the standard for a live band for me. It’s absolutely a brilliant performance of a great song. My rating 9/10.

As you can see above this album is full of real gems. Rudi were a young and lively band with talent oozing out of them. I still don’t understand how them didn’t make it to the big time. But I am glad this album is out and it does the boys justice. It’s full of punk, pop and is bursting with blues. It’s energetic the whole way through and showcases the boy’s real talent.

The artwork of the album is brilliant with a patchwork of all of their old single covers, the liner-notes are done by Brian Young and tell the great story of Rudi's roller-coaster of a ride.

I definitely recommend it to anyone. I’m going to leave you here with a quote from Brian Young (vocalist of Rudi), talking about this album.
“So.. we never did make it big but we came pretty damn close! I hadn’t listened to much of this stuff in years but I’m kinda amazed and real proud of how well it still stands up.”
 

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