REVIEW: UB40’s ‘Signing Off’ gets 40th anniversary vinyl
Image courtesy of EMI/UME. Provided by Reybee Inc. with permission.
Fans of UB40, the UK band that forever changed the landscape of reggae music, can celebrate the 40th anniversary of Signing Off, one of the group’s most influential records. EMI and UME are marking the occasion with a double-vinyl reissue of the classic album.
Listeners will have the chance to enjoy such songs as “Tyler,” “King,” “12 Bar” and “Burden of Shame” on 33 RPM, while “Madam Medusa,” “Strange Fruit” and “Reefer Madness” are presented on 45 RPM.
The songs still hold up four decades after their initial release. There is an infectious beat and pulsating rhythms, not to mention socially-conscious lyrics. Most of all, there’s a raw and almost improvisational feel to these tunes, and they sound wondrous on vinyl, with that slight crisp in the background thanks to the spinning record on the turntable.
Both the 33 RPM and 45 RPM are worth a listen, but there’s something special about “Madam Medusa” as the A side of the 45. It’s nothing short of a reggae magnum opus, running almost 13 minutes, and there’s a lot to enjoy on the B side of the 33 as well. Such songs as “Adella,” “I Think It’s Gonna Rain Today,” “25%” and “Food for Thought” are included.
Fans can expect the album cover art to be somewhat confusing at first glance — that is until they read the fine print. Apparently the name UB40 comes from the UK “Unemployment Benefit Attendance Card,” and for those who would like to inspect one of those forms, well, there’s a chance to do just that on the album cover. The only sign that this is an actual album is a red stamp stating “Signing Off.” Also, after digging into the packaging, listeners will be able to hold in their hands red-retro vinyls that are beautiful when spinning around (there’s also a standard, non-red version).
Aficionados should head back in time, some 40 years, to remind themselves of the reggae excellence of this highly impactful band. UB40 have unlimited musical talents, and Signing Off proves that statement true.
By John Soltes / Publisher / John@HollywoodSoapbox.com
EMI and UME are celebrating UB40’s Signing Off with a double-vinyl re-release of the classic album. Click here for more information.
