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The Clash — Rudie Can't Fail
Album: London Calling
Avg rating:
7.2

Your rating:
Total ratings: 1505









Released: 1979
Length: 3:23
Plays (last 30 days): 1
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Sing, Michael, sing
On the route of the 19 bus
We hear them saying

How you get a rude and a reckless?
Don't you be so crude and a feckless
You've been drinking brew for breakfast
Rudie can't fail (no, no)

We reply,
I know that my life makes you nervous
But I tell you that I can't live in service
Like the doctor who was born for a purpose
Rudie can't fail (okay)

I went to the market to realize my soul
'Cause what I need I just don't have (oh no)
First they curse, then they press me 'til I hurt
(We say) Rudie can't fail

First you must cure your temper
Then you find a job in the paper
You need someone for a savior
Rudie can't fail

We reply,
Now we get a rude and a reckless
We been seen looking cool and speckless
We been drinking brew for breakfast
Rudie can't fail (no no no)

I went to the market to realize my soul
'Cause what I need I just don't have
First they curse, then they press me 'til I hurt
Rudie can't fail

So where you wanna go today?
Think fast, man!

So you think you're pretty smart
(in the chicken skin suit) with your chicken skin suit
You think you're pretty hot
(pork pie hat) with the pork pie hat

Rudie can't fail
Rudie can't fail
Comments (90)add comment
"Think fast man! "
Posted 5 months ago by GINRUSH    [ Reply ]
For the usual adolescent reasons and being shy and raised in a strict home, I found Disco and Folk just didn’t connect for me. Peace Love and Understanding were not really “working” for me. Punks got angry and that spoke to me. I shied away from anarchy (hard to break a conservative heart) but the stripped down, lean, raw and energetic sound, body movement of music that exemplified Brando’s “…whaddya got?”  saved my life. And I think Punk had been with us for longer than conventional wisdom admits. I believe The Stones were the first Punk band. And it is not dead, for example Green Day continues the ethos and sound. 
Posted 8 months ago by mach-hog    [ Reply ]
 Stephen_Phillips wrote:

I am probably one of the few RP listeners that have actually seen both the Clash and the Buzzcocks live.

The Clash concert was back in the late 1970's in the Ulster Hall, and the Buzzcocks concert was in the late 1990's in the Empire Hall.

Both bands sounded live exactly like they did on record and considering many thought punks could not really sing or play their instruments the reality proved that they were the 'real deal'.

I am not saying they were great instrumentalists or singers, just that they were genuine.

For American RP listeners, I also saw the Ramones in the Ulster Hall, Belfast in the 1970's and they were the same in real life as on video or recordings - straight from the heart and no pretension.

So Punk Rock may have been here today, gone tomorrow, but they will never be forgotten in my memory. 




I've seen them all, see the thing is punk rock is still around and there have always been talented people that chose to play punk music.  No auto-tune for that crew, what you got was raw and real.  The Clash will always remain one of the best in my book for this very reason.
Posted 10 months ago by ick    [ Reply ]
Sounds like the Minions singing. Minions
Posted 11 months ago by tsundeen    [ Reply ]
Kind of  ironic that it can NOT apply to former NYC mayor Rudy G!   
Posted 1 year ago by joejennings    [ Reply ]
Love Joe and Mick singing as a duet on this song.  One of my favorite Clash songs (of many!).  
Posted 1 year ago by Jayesea    [ Reply ]
Raise a toast to Saint Joe Strummer. I think he may have been our only decent teacher - the Hold Steady

i love the intro to this song. Iconic
Posted 1 year ago by naturalman    [ Reply ]
When did all the RP listeners become so vile? Keyboard warriors with no talent themselves. Lighten up, we are here to enjoy the eclectic and varied auditory pleasures that Bill (and crew) bring us.
Posted 1 year ago by markkinney7    [ Reply ]
I don't know why I keep landing on the Clash. Ideology?
Posted 2 years ago by itsme_bygolly    [ Reply ]
 Stephen_Phillips wrote:

I am probably one of the few RP listeners that have actually seen both the Clash and the Buzzcocks live.

The Clash concert was back in the late 1970's in the Ulster Hall, and the Buzzcocks concert was in the late 1990's in the Empire Hall.

Both bands sounded live exactly like they did on record and considering many thought punks could not really sing or play their instruments the reality proved that they were the 'real deal'.

I am not saying they were great instrumentalists or singers, just that they were genuine.

For American RP listeners, I also saw the Ramones in the Ulster Hall, Belfast in the 1970's and they were the same in real life as on video or recordings - straight from the heart and no pretension.

So Punk Rock may have been here today, gone tomorrow, but they will never be forgotten in my memory. 



I am another. I actually preferred The Buzzcocks back then but the Clash has proved to be way more enduring. Pete Shelley stopped the concert because there was so much spitting (gobbing) and they were getting covered. One of the more disgusting parts of punk gigs.  Along with The Undertones, The Damned, Siouxsie and The Banshees was my gang in the late 70s
Posted 2 years ago by gbt    [ Reply ]
Okay I finally came and looked up what it was
...for some reason, I always thought it was Ruuuudeee Scott Baio!

Posted 2 years ago by igwanna    [ Reply ]

Oh Boy!
Posted 2 years ago by On_The_Beach    [ Reply ]
Great to hear a deeper dive into this album than London Calling again.  If I'd only heard the title track back in the day, I'd never have gotten into the Clash
Posted 2 years ago by obankenobi    [ Reply ]
But his hairdye most certainly can...
Posted 3 years ago by maxvonevil    [ Reply ]
 grexe wrote:
and I thought it was a name, Rudie Capelle 😆

...and as a kid I through the BeeGee's were referring to the Scandinavian ferry company Stena Line, LOL

Posted 3 years ago by maxvonevil    [ Reply ]
 Ipse_Dixit wrote:
Thought the lyrics were "Rudy got beer"... Thanks to Bill for posting the lyrics and reminding me how little I've grown since high school....
 
It's really hard to understand, he's singing something more like "Rudi Chapelle", thought it was the full name 😅
Posted 4 years ago by grexe    [ Reply ]
 pazifi5t wrote:
Haha, the whole time I heared Rudi Carrell and thought "what a weird tribute.... by The Clash!"
 
Funny-- I kept hearing Rudy Gobert... but that's probably the pandemic talking.
Posted 4 years ago by YourNameHere    [ Reply ]
Haha, the whole time I heared Rudi Carrell and thought "what a weird tribute.... by The Clash!"
Posted 4 years ago by pazifi5t    [ Reply ]
 Stephen_Phillips wrote:
I am probably one of the few RP listeners that have actually seen both the Clash and the Buzzcocks live.

The Clash concert was back in the late 1970's in the Ulster Hall, and the Buzzcocks concert was in the late 1990's in the Empire Hall.

Both bands sounded live exactly like they did on record and considering many thought punks could not really sing or play their instruments the reality proved that they were the 'real deal'.

I am not saying they were great instrumentalists or singers, just that they were genuine.

For American RP listeners, I also saw the Ramones in the Ulster Hall, Belfast in the 1970's and they were the same in real life as on video or recordings - straight from the heart and no pretension.

So Punk Rock may have been here today, gone tomorrow, but they will never be forgotten in my memory. 
 

I also saw the Clash in San Francisco circa 1982 or '83, and the Ramones around the same time. Both great shows. 
Posted 5 years ago by poetdancer    [ Reply ]
and I thought it was a name, Rudie Capelle 😆
Posted 5 years ago by grexe    [ Reply ]
Thought the lyrics were "Rudy got beer"... Thanks to Bill for posting the lyrics and reminding me how little I've grown since high school....
Posted 5 years ago by Ipse_Dixit    [ Reply ]
 Stephen_Phillips wrote:
I am probably one of the few RP listeners that have actually seen both the Clash and the Buzzcocks live.


 
I'm also in that select group!

The Clash --  9/12/79 in St. Paul (Civic Center)
Buzzcocks -- 6/20/03 in Chicago

Can't really remember too much about either show, but The Clash closed with "White Riot" and Buzzcocks closed with "I Believe", which was a great way to end it before I staggered out from the Cabertet Metro.

I wasn't able to find a setlist for that Buzzcocks show, but according to setlist.fm, here's what I saw 39 YEARS AGO from Joe Strummer & Co.:




I'm So Bored With the U.S.A.
 
Complete Control
 
London Calling
 
The Prisoner
 
(White Man) In Hammersmith Palais
 
Koka Kola
 
I Fought the Law
(The Crickets cover)
Jail Guitar Doors
 
Clampdown
 
Police and Thieves
(Junior Murvin cover)
Stay Free
 
Safe European Home
 
Clash City Rockers
 
Capital Radio
 
Janie Jones
 
What's My Name
 
Garageland
 
Armagideon Time
(Willie Williams cover)
Career Opportunities
 
Jimmy Jazz
 
White Riot
Posted 6 years ago by treatment_bound    [ Reply ]
I am probably one of the few RP listeners that have actually seen both the Clash and the Buzzcocks live.

The Clash concert was back in the late 1970's in the Ulster Hall, and the Buzzcocks concert was in the late 1990's in the Empire Hall.

Both bands sounded live exactly like they did on record and considering many thought punks could not really sing or play their instruments the reality proved that they were the 'real deal'.

I am not saying they were great instrumentalists or singers, just that they were genuine.

For American RP listeners, I also saw the Ramones in the Ulster Hall, Belfast in the 1970's and they were the same in real life as on video or recordings - straight from the heart and no pretension.

So Punk Rock may have been here today, gone tomorrow, but they will never be forgotten in my memory. 
Posted 6 years ago by Stephen_Phillips    [ Reply ]
The Clash - Rudie Can't Fail
Posted 6 years ago by treatment_bound    [ Reply ]
 Wizzo_oz wrote:

I was/am a fan but it sure sounded better back then...

 
Critics drooled over these guys, and I never understood why, but then I really learned to love London Calling.  Not a huge Ska fan or Reggae in general, but Guns of Brixton is probably my fave Reggae influenced song.
Posted 7 years ago by junebaby65    [ Reply ]
 poetdancer wrote:
Great cafes in Oakland and Emeryville called Rudy's Can't Fail Cafe. Owned by members of Green Day, Inspired by this song. 

 
Here's their web page:

https://www.iamrudy.com/

Looks EXACTLY like my kind of place!
Posted 7 years ago by NeilBlanchard    [ Reply ]
 hayduke2 wrote:
Clash - GODLIKE

 
As in, "God!  Like, that's AWFUL!!!"
Posted 7 years ago by pinto    [ Reply ]
 MM_Oz wrote:
always was crap. still is. no substance. yeah - never into punk, in case one didnt realise! 

 and probably guessing anyone cares about it ?


Posted 7 years ago by tournemire    [ Reply ]
 poetdancer wrote:
Great cafes in Oakland and Emeryville called Rudy's Can't Fail Cafe. Owned by members of Green Day, Inspired by this song. 

  Excellent use of the comments board.  Interesting.  Fun.  Cool.  Not like all the comments that amount to nothing more than "I don't like this." Use PSD or rating for that.  Unless you're a rock star, no one cares what you like or don't like.


Posted 8 years ago by PRoeder61    [ Reply ]
Great cafes in Oakland and Emeryville called Rudy's Can't Fail Cafe. Owned by members of Green Day, inspired by this song. 
Posted 8 years ago by poetdancer    [ Reply ]
always was crap. still is. no substance. yeah - never into punk, in case one didnt realise! 
Posted 8 years ago by MM_Oz    [ Reply ]
Clash - GODLIKE
Posted 8 years ago by hayduke2    [ Reply ]
 Thin_Air wrote:
I don't want to be over critical of the Clash but I agree with the comments about the hype that went with them.  For me their music never really seemed representative of what was going on at the time or where it went afterwards and I struggle to like them.  Their music comes across as light pop to me - which isn't necessarily a bad thing but just not my cup of tea.  Perhaps it was their lyrics?

Whatever the case, and of far more importance IMHO in terms of his/their influence both then and since were Howard Devoto / Magazine who for some reason never get played here on RP.  I confess to being a died in the wool devoto of all that is Magazine and have never understood why they seemed to miss the "fame" boat. 

 
I was a fan of The Buzzcocks/Magazine/DeVoto as well, but I'm not sure if any of those iterations were more important or influential than The Clash. It is unfortunate that they never achieved more success and attention though.
Posted 9 years ago by Proclivities    [ Reply ]
LOVE this song!
Posted 10 years ago by radiozep    [ Reply ]
A great example of the versatility of The Clash. Awesome tune.
Posted 11 years ago by Rick_V    [ Reply ]
 Thin_Air wrote:
I don't want to be over critical of the Clash but I agree with the comments about the hype that went with them.  For me their music never really seemed representative of what was going on at the time or where it went afterwards and I struggle to like them.  Their music comes across as light pop to me - which isn't necessarily a bad thing but just not my cup of tea.  Perhaps it was their lyrics?

Whatever the case, and of far more importance IMHO in terms of his/their influence both then and since were Howard Devoto / Magazine who for some reason never get played here on RP.  I confess to being a died in the wool devoto of all that is Magazine and have never understood why they seemed to miss the "fame" boat. 

 
I was/am a fan but it sure sounded better back then...
Posted 11 years ago by Wizzo_oz    [ Reply ]
I don't want to be over critical of the Clash but I agree with the comments about the hype that went with them.  For me their music never really seemed representative of what was going on at the time or where it went afterwards and I struggle to like them.  Their music comes across as light pop to me - which isn't necessarily a bad thing but just not my cup of tea.  Perhaps it was their lyrics?

Whatever the case, and of far more importance IMHO in terms of his/their influence both then and since were Howard Devoto / Magazine who for some reason never get played here on RP.  I confess to being a died in the wool devoto of all that is Magazine and have never understood why they seemed to miss the "fame" boat. 
Posted 11 years ago by Thin_Air    [ Reply ]
 GreggH wrote:

The Bo Diddly riff drives what there is of this song. Over rated song and album.



 

I agree and that is not a knock on The Clash at all, they were pretty good.  But the incredible praise and hype inexplicably attached to this band makes being overrated remarkably easy to achieve.
Posted 11 years ago by sirdroseph    [ Reply ]
 GreggH wrote:

The Bo Diddly riff drives what there is of this song. Over rated song and album.


I CANT AGREE MORE
 


Posted 11 years ago by zappa501    [ Reply ]

The Bo Diddly riff drives what there is of this song. Over rated song and album.


Posted 11 years ago by GreggH    [ Reply ]
Oh, sweet relief after "Owiny Techno!"
 
Posted 11 years ago by lostintokyo    [ Reply ]
Zilcho folks. Zilcho.
Posted 11 years ago by ziakut    [ Reply ]

Everybody in my church loves this punk reggae song...  what a great classic album...
Posted 11 years ago by Lazarus    [ Reply ]
 The_Enemy wrote:

I remember seeing that back in the day.  My friends and I used to quote it a lot in high school.

And the guy was a piece'o'work. 
 

If The Clash really was indeed "The Only Band that Matters", they deserved a better film than Rude Boy.  If you ever saw 'em back in the day, you know just how exciting it was.  The movie doesn't do the experience justice, but then again, it really wasn't trying to, 
While it got some props for attempting to merge drama with a documentary, it really leads to nowhere.  When Mick Jones tells Rude Boy to "Get the F**k off the Stage", I should have done myself a favor and hit the stop button on my remote.  Somehow, I slogged on 'til the end, but other than the live performances, there ain't no payoff. 

"Stay Free" of this one.
Posted 12 years ago by treatment_bound    [ Reply ]
Didn't know Clash went Buddy Holley.
Posted 12 years ago by joelbb    [ Reply ]
 Bobert_ParkCity wrote:
They actually made a movie about this guy called "Rude Boy". He was a roadie and quite the piece of work.
 
I remember seeing that back in the day.  My friends and I used to quote it a lot in high school.

And the guy was a piece'o'work. 
Posted 12 years ago by The_Enemy    [ Reply ]
Age defining and timeless. A rare combination. "Drinking brew for breakfast!"
Posted 12 years ago by Far    [ Reply ]
Great song.  Great album.  Great band.  
Posted 12 years ago by hencini    [ Reply ]
They actually made a movie about this guy called "Rude Boy". He was a roadie and quite the piece of work.
Posted 12 years ago by Bobert_ParkCity    [ Reply ]
  

 The_Enemy wrote:

I forgotten the song "Julie's Been Working for the Drug Squad".  I  liked it (don't know if it was one of your 3, though :) ).


IMO, here's the 3 standouts on Give 'Em Enough Rope:

"Safe European Home"
"Stay Free"
"All the Young Punks (New Boots and Contracts)"
Posted 12 years ago by treatment_bound    [ Reply ]
 treatment_bound wrote:
Always a treat to hear this...but still no love at RP for anything off this Clash album:


 

I forgotten the song "Julie's Been Working for the Drug Squad".  I  liked it (don't know if it was one of your 3, though :) ).

Posted 12 years ago by The_Enemy    [ Reply ]
 lemmoth wrote:
Not in my book.  This is IMHO one of the Top 10 records every delivered by a rock band not named the Beatles.
 
I rate your post a '10'.  I loved the hell out this record when it came out and I still think it's excellent.

Posted 12 years ago by The_Enemy    [ Reply ]
fails to clash
Posted 12 years ago by srose96    [ Reply ]
London Calling is simply THE Album. Creative, intelligent, touching, fun. Unique.
Posted 13 years ago by Luciano    [ Reply ]
 neuticle wrote:
is there a bad song on this album? I think not
 

Not in my book.  This is IMHO one of the Top 10 records every delivered by a rock band not named the Beatles.
Posted 13 years ago by lemmoth    [ Reply ]
It would be cool to hear, "Straight to Hell"  again.
Posted 13 years ago by terrapin52    [ Reply ]
is there a bad song on this album? I think not
Posted 13 years ago by neuticle    [ Reply ]
When first I heard this, oh so long ago, I though it was 'Rudy got bail.'  Maybe because of the aura of this lyric...

"Don't you be so crude and a feckless
You been drinking brew for breakfast"

Feckless rhymes with more than one would think! 
Posted 13 years ago by dc_zee    [ Reply ]
Yep, it's the Clash. Meh.
Posted 13 years ago by sirdroseph    [ Reply ]
Love hearing The Clash - thanks Bill!
Posted 13 years ago by Merritt    [ Reply ]
YES!

{#Clap}
Posted 13 years ago by jersey_birdman    [ Reply ]
Always a treat to hear this...but still no love at RP for anything off this Clash album:



I know it's not their best effort, but there's at least 3 cuts here that are certainly playlist worthy, and "Drug Stabbing Time" surely ain't one of them.  

Side one
No.TitleLength
1."Safe European Home"  3:50
2."English Civil War" (Traditional; arranged Mick Jones/Joe Strummer)2:35
3."Tommy Gun"  3:17
4."Julie's Been Working for the Drug Squad"  3:03
5."Last Gang in Town"  5:14
Side two
No.TitleLength
1."Guns on the Roof" (Topper Headon/Mick Jones/Paul Simonon/Joe Strummer/Pete Townshend)3:15
2."Drug-Stabbing Time"  3:43
3."Stay Free"  3:40
4."Cheapskates"  3:25
5."All the Young Punks (New Boots and Contracts)"  4:55


Posted 13 years ago by treatment_bound    [ Reply ]
You're lucky!

 pauleywalnuts wrote:
So glad that I got to see them live many years ago. What a band!  {#Bananajam}
 


Posted 13 years ago by dkwalika    [ Reply ]
So glad that I got to see them live many years ago. What a band!  {#Bananajam}
Posted 14 years ago by pauleywalnuts    [ Reply ]
 FlatCat wrote:
I fought the law, and the... law won.
 

they covered that too.
Posted 14 years ago by lemmoth    [ Reply ]
Where ever did people get the idea that somehow RP would never play the same artist twice (or more) in the same day?
Posted 14 years ago by dwhayslett    [ Reply ]
 ronniegirl wrote:
I am pretty sure this is the third or forth Clash today.   WTF?
 
Well - — there was a time when the late great Lester Bangs called them — fairly accurately IMHO - "the only band that matters"

Posted 14 years ago by lemmoth    [ Reply ]
I am pretty sure this is the third or forth Clash today.   WTF?
Posted 14 years ago by ronniegirl    [ Reply ]
I fought the law, and the... law won.
Posted 14 years ago by FlatCat    [ Reply ]
"Sing, Mick, Sing!"   (helps if I actually listen....)

Posted 14 years ago by milkovic    [ Reply ]
Hey Bill, second time the clash today?! But i dont mind....
Posted 14 years ago by helgigermany    [ Reply ]
If I can't rock out, I don't want to be in your feckin' revolution!

Posted 15 years ago by lmic    [ Reply ]
Sooooo good... 10, 10, 10!

I need to dig this album out again.
Posted 15 years ago by le_colonel    [ Reply ]
Reminds me of many of the tracks on the Stone's 'Exile on Main Street", a little murky maybe but joyously loose and ragged ....and brilliant.
Posted 15 years ago by peter_james_bond    [ Reply ]
 copymonkey wrote:
points to Joe for using the word "feckless" in a song.
 

Yeah, I always liked that line, too. The Clash were never afraid to challenge society, and they were pretty good with the turn of a phrase, too.

I sure miss Joe. I never got tired of listening to him. Happy trails, brother. {#Wave}
Posted 15 years ago by toterola    [ Reply ]
If you're in the San Francisco East Bay, check out this restaurant opened by a Green Day member.

https://www.rudyscantfailcafe.com/


Posted 15 years ago by jsjacob    [ Reply ]
 ick wrote:
The Clash can't fail... for me anyway.
 
My sentiments exactly!!!

Posted 15 years ago by MaryM    [ Reply ]
The Clash can't fail... for me anyway.
Posted 15 years ago by ick    [ Reply ]
I can never get enough of the Clash.  They rule!
Posted 15 years ago by jgirl63    [ Reply ]
 treatment_bound wrote:
Another great Clash song.

This was used when Rudy Giuliani showed up at the MTV awards a few years ago.  I's surprised it hasn't yet been sampled by somebody there who was no doubt hearing it for the first time.
 
The very idea of using a Clash song to "intro" Rudy Giuliani ( other than making fun of him) is surreal.

Giuliani would beat, gas, and shoot all the "rude boys" of the world, given the chance.

"America's Mayor", my ass! {#Ass} {#Razz} {#No}

Posted 15 years ago by toterola    [ Reply ]
{#Bananajam}
Posted 15 years ago by etcarroll    [ Reply ]
Another great Clash song.

This was used when Rudy Giuliani showed up at the MTV awards a few years ago.  I's surprised it hasn't yet been sampled by somebody there who was no doubt hearing it for the first time.
Posted 15 years ago by treatment_bound    [ Reply ]
points to Joe for using the word "feckless" in a song.
Posted 15 years ago by copymonkey    [ Reply ]
Now we get a rude and a reckless
We been seen lookin cool an a speckless
We been drinking brew for breakfast

{#Dancingbanana}

Posted 15 years ago by islander    [ Reply ]
{#Cowboy}
Posted 15 years ago by mybaldbird    [ Reply ]
Hooray! I'm so glad this song was added.
Posted 16 years ago by membeth    [ Reply ]
Wow. First play of this song? I am surprised that it hasn't been played before.
Posted 16 years ago by Mugro    [ Reply ]
Always one of my favorite Clash songs.
Posted 16 years ago by sutcliff    [ Reply ]
Yay! One of the best songs from one of the greatest albums of all time!
Posted 16 years ago by holborne    [ Reply ]