Dub
UB40
UB40 experienced its greatest achievements in the 80s and 90s by producing sophisticated and softer, Jamaican-style music that complemented the social and political plights experienced in their native area of Birmingham. The name UB40 was a sarcastic reference to the UK unemployment benefit form and also was the cover art for its first album called Signing on.
Their early music style was unique, with a heavy influence of analogue synthesizers, psychedelic rock guitar, saxophone and dub producer techniques.
The band formed its own record company called DEP International by the time it released its second album, Present Arms, that featured the single One in Ten. UB40 solidified its reputation for serious reggae with its hit single Red Red Wine which featured on its third album, Labour of Love. Other notable singles from this time were Please Don’t Make Me Cry, Cherry Oh Baby and If It Happens Again.
In 1987, the band released a Greatest Hits compilation which also contained collaboration with Pretender’s vocalist, Chrissie Hynde. Hynde was a catalyst in the band’s early success. She noticed them performing in a pub and offered them the supporting act spot for her band’s tour.
CLICK HERE FOR EVEN MORE UNIQUE UB40 VIDEOS
Chart triumphs continued into the 90s with a cover of Elvis Presley’s Can’t Help Falling in Love which was the group’s third UK #1 single. The band also had top ten hits with Kingston Town, I’ll Be Your Baby Tonight with Robert Palmer, Higher Ground and Come Back Darling.
By the 21st Century, UB40 could lay claim to a three-decade long career, many sell-out live performances and over 70 million records sold.
Unlike other similar ensemble-structured bands, UB40’s line-up remained unchanged from 1978 to 2008. The band was spearheaded by the Campbell brothers, Ali and Rob. Ali Campbell was eventually replaced by another Campbell sibling, Duncan in 2008. The band also toured with another popular reggae vocalist, Maxi Priest.
This information is provided as a brief overview and not as a definitive guide, there are other sources on the net for that. If however you have a story or information that is not generally known we would love to hear from you. Content@rokpool.com
Why Not Check Out:
Robert Palmer
Elvis Presley
Bob Marley
Ike Turner
Exclusive, Rare, Un-Edited, Unheard Interview with Robin Campbell
Rokpool's Official Merchandise Store
The Clash
The Clash was an English Punk Band founded in 1976. The bands stalwarts were Joe Strummer on lead vocals and rhythm guitar, Mick Jones lead guitar/ vocals and Paul Simon on on bass guitar and backing vocals. Nicky “Topper" Headon on drums and percussion would join the band later.
Click on the image to visit the ebay shop:
CLICK HERE FOR A UNIQUE SELECTION OF THE CLASH VIDEOS
After some time, Headon left the group as did Mick Jones, however the band continued to perform with new members until they disbanded in 1986. The Clash’s sound was based on punk rock, reggae, ska, dub, funk, rap and rockabilly and their lyrics and musical experimentation had such an influence on rock and, in particular, alternative rock they were referred to by some as “The Only Band That Matters".
Why Not Check Out:
Have You Seen This???
The Clash signed to CBS Records in 1977. Their first album "The Clash” was a major success in the UK and while CBS released only a “radio friendly” version in the US, the original album became the best selling imported album of all time in the USA. The Clash’s third Album “London Calling” released in 1977 is regarded as one of the greatest rock albums every recorded.
The band recorded a further three albums: “Sandinista,” “Combat Rock” and “Cut the Crap” before disbanding in 1986.
Unfortunately Joe Strummer died of a heart problem in 2002, The Joe Strummer Foundation (Strummerville) was set up by Lucinda, his wife shortly after his death and continues to champion new music.
Mick Jones continues to play and collaborates with Tony James releasing several albums under the Band name Silicon/Carbon.
This information is provided as a brief overview and not as a definitive guide, there are other sources on the net for that. If however you have a story or information that is not generally known we would love to hear from you. Content@rokpool.com
