The Giant Panther

I don't know how many of you folks know that UB40 is a the British equivalent of our unemployment application over here in the states. I love the name of this band. I know there were UB-40 German submarines in the first World War, but the band UB40 was allegedly formed while actually waiting in the unemployment line. How appropriate is that for today's economy? Brother. UB40 is a reggae band formed in Birmingham of the UK in 1978. The word is they were discovered in a bar by Chrissy Hynde of The Pretenders. I tell you, I learn more about the bands I listen to by posting than by natural curiosity sometimes. I haven't posted much about Reggae music so far, but I'm working on it. I definitely enjoy it from time to time, though I'm no aficionado. The Giant Panther dumped a bunch of modern day reggae artists on me recently, but it's taking me forever to go through them for a number of reasons. I'm on it though. I have goals. It'll happen and I'll report back to you eventually.

UB40 had a number of hits of their own, but they really embraced the cover as a money making vehicle. They had great taste in music as they covered The Temptations, Neil Diamond, Al Green, Jimmy Cliff, Bob Marley, Elvis Presley...even Sonny & Cher. Labour of Love (I & II) was the name of two full albums of cover songs released in the mid 80's. They later added a third in the late 90's. They have sold over 70 million records worldwide and they have been called the most successful reggae act of all time. I guess Bob Marley wasn't around long enough, but I'm only going by what fact king Wikipedia is saying. UB40 still records today, although lead vocalist Ali Campbell left the band in 2008. Apparently Maxi Priest has taken over for him, but don't quote me. Although bands like The English Beat, The Clash and The Police were mostly contemporaries, I can't help but think a little UB40 rubbed off on these guys. There was quite a reggae scene in the UK once upon a time.

I'm going to post UB40's cover of the Al Green classic "Here I Am (Come and Take Me) today. I am an Al Green fan from way back and this cover, while fairly close to the original, is a nice blend of Reggae without sacrificing the Soul of the original. It's a great song to begin with, but UB40 does a nice version of it. I've been lacking on my cover posts lately, but mostly it's because I can't think of the ones I want to post when under the gun. My cover posts are some of the most popular for some reason so I'm cognizant of that and will post more in the future. Thanks for reading.