Album: “Present Arms”

Description

UB40: Ali Campbell, Robin Campbell (vocals, guitar); Astro (vocals, trumpet); Jim Brown (vocals, drums); Brian Travers (saxophone); Norman Hassan (trombone, percussion); Michael Virtue (keyboards); Earl Falconer (bass). <p>Recorded at the Music Centre, Wembley, England. <p>UB40's second album is often overlooked by the band's latter-day fans, especially in the US, where PRESENT ARMS wasn't properly released until an early-1990s reissue program of the group's early catalogue. This is a particular shame, since hearing PRESENT ARMS in its proper context makes the transition from SIGNING OFF's earnest roots reggae to LABOUR OF LOVE's good-time covers of old reggae and rock steady hits a bit clearer. For the first time, trumpeter Astro takes a more prominent role as the band's in-house toaster, his thick and dread-filled voice a perfect contrast to Ali Campbell's sweeter tones. Although the record only scored one UK hit single, "One in Ten," it is every bit the equal of its better-known predecessor. The 1992 CD edition includes two tracks from a UK-only dub version of the album.