There's obviously something strange in the water supply to Birmingham - the one city capable of producing such disparate and successful artists as UB40, Black Sabbath, Duran Duran and half of Led Zeppelin. Taking their name from an income support claim form, UB40 have been cranking out reggae goodness since 1979. Continuing the income support related theme, the album 'Signing Off' built up a dedicated following in the early eighties, but it was only 'Labour Of Love' in 1983 that saw them claim major success overseas. The hit single off that album, 'Red Red Wine' was their first UK number one despite the fact that it's a cover version of a Neil Diamond song. The formula seemed to work however, as all their subsequent number one singles were also cover versions. In this testament to the brain cell reducing qualities of alcohol, UB40 show why they are among the best selling reggae artists of all time. 'Red Red Wine' is classic lilting reggae, well produced and ultimately very hard not to nod your along head to. UB40 are still hugely popular around the world, regularly selling out stadiums. ~Martin Gadgil. Copyright (c) Shazam Entertainment Limited 2009. All rights reserved

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