RUDER THAN YOU was founded in 1989 at Penn State University and relocated to Philadelphia in 1991. Long known as Philly’s top ska band, Ruder Than You’s 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 unique sound. The consistent factor however is the band’s energy and enthusiasm, which inevitably pulls people out onto the dance floor.
“An impressive album that sits well in the contemporary setting, while still having strong connections to America’s most popular period for ska music.”
Glen Smyth - Dizzybeat.com
“Every now and then a ska band comes around and plays ska from the heart... This time around it was Ruder Than You.”
Mike - Battle of the Midwestern Housewives
“Ruder Than You have it all, splashing third wave that's crisp, tight, and exhilarating...”
Jo-Ann Greene - All Music Guide
“Eight great tracks of pick it up, pick it up, dit dit dit, horn laden ska. I'm pretty damn pleased.”
Jerry Actually - !upstarter Punk Reviews
“The musicianship is outstanding... The record is certainly striking as a whole...”
Alex - Punktastic
“Ruder Than You is the unsung epitome of modern ska.”
Sara Cooper - MuzikReviews.com
“The band's debut CD Big Step Big Step is a ska revivalist masterpiece.”
Battle of the Midwestern Housewives
“RTY Celebrate 20th Birthday - interview about ska, being in a band for 20 years and who helps keep the ska scene alive today.”
Steve Ciccarelli - Phrequency Philadelphia Music
“Founded in 1989 at Penn State Univ. Relocated to Philly in 1991. 20 Years of ska and reggae.
* BIG STEP - 1992 *
* HORNY FOR SKA - 1996 *
* PHILLY STYLEE - 2005 *
* GOD'S GHETTO - 2008 *
* CREATION SOUNDS - 2009 *”
Ruder Than You official website
“This extended interview with Doug Dubrosky, founder and band leader, provides a good history of the band.”
Brian Jennings - The Local Music Network Compendium