UB40 Signing Off

Like most I thought long and hard about this, playing over in my mind, what is essential, who is it essential to etc.
I concluded that I’d pick albums that were essential to me and what I thought should be in everyone’s record collection as part of a well-balanced pop culture musical journey. A bit arrogant I know.

Anyhow, this album was an album born from the times it was made by people who were randomly brought together by their social and artistic circumstances of that time. No matter what you think of the dross they’ve turned out post Labour of Love their first albums were unique and arguably more thought provoking and complex musically and politically than their Ska counterparts of the same time.

2Tone/Ska was an amazing movement, and it went through our school in the late 70’s and early 80’s like a whirlwind. I went to school in North Leeds – Allerton Grange Middle 80-84 I think. In the 80’s Leeds schools’ catchment was like the spokes of a wheel so the kids at school came from the outskirts of Leeds up to Alwoodley, Shadwell and down into inner city Leeds through Chapeltown, Harehills and Little London. A bi product of this is that we had a pretty good mix of kids from all walks of life, socially, financially, and most important culturally. A punk and black music inspired movement which was uniquely British and still is fascinating in so many ways.

My eldest brother went to Roundhay he was the main reason I love this album and music of its kind. Although the middle one (I’m youngest) got me into Clash and Stranglers and all things punk and indie, Mark my eldest used to bring home stuff like; Specials, Beat, LKJ and UB40 this album. It was like nothing Id ever heard before. Slower than SKA more thought provoking and rhythmical a driving beat and in some of the songs subject matter I had no idea what it was about until I was much older.

The thing that stays with me from this album is that these lads all different backgrounds had managed to pull off this masterpiece of commentary of life in English Cities at that moment in time. The post-industrial almost police state what was spiralling out of control.

The mix of cultures the massive impact the Windrush generation had on the musical fabric of all our lives and how they managed to make something original and poignant from scratch. They’re not everyone’s cup of tea and I can see why. Most of their stuff is landfill. But I’ve always loved this album and always will. I was 9 when it was released and probably 10 when I heard it, these songs seeping into a child’s mind. It’s formed part of who I am musically and as a person.

Musically it’s not hard hitting and can to most be samey but that’s lovers and reggae, I guess. They were trying to make their own version. Inner City UK social commentary reggae and lovers. Spark up a fat one sit back in the garden with your headphones on and drift away on the chilled-out rhythms and melodies.

My reggae gateway album, I’m glad I listened to it and the musically journey it sent me on. Hope it takes some of you back to growing up in 1980, hand me down clothes, vestas curries, pop men, dodgy wallpaper, stone fireplaces, making dens, chopper bikes etc.. good times.

Enjoy.