I purchased this on vinyl years ago and have since lost the recording. It was my first UB40 purchase I could afford and the one I have sought out today. This isn't the Pop version of UB40 like the over-played Red Red Wine, this is the roots version with thoughtful songs and complicated music. Truly, if you are to purchase one CD to add to a great collection, this is a MUST HAVE.

This is simply a great, great reggae album. A classic reggae album by any standards. If you know only UB40 from their "Labour of Love" albums, you may not be thrilled with the "deeper" and more authentic reggae sound on this CD. And if you are a reggae fan and haven't heard these recordings, get ready to be both surprised and thrilled. To my ears, these were the best recordings the band ever made, although their "Present Arms" album the following year was also very good. Basically, this is their debut album, the classic "Signing Off" along with some extra tracks and extended mixes. Every song on here is powerful, riveting, vital. Forget reggae; this is just amazing music no matter how you "file" it. If you aren't hooked by the opening track, "Tyler," the next one "King", or the one after that, "Burden of Shame" will leave you with your mouth open. Then comes their brilliant cover of Randy Newman's "I Think It's going to Rain Today." And I can't forget their eery cover of "Strange Fruit." But the song that always sends me into orbit is "Madam Medusa." Aaaahhhh! Just get his CD. Classic stuff.

"Wise men say, only fools rush in". You probably already have most of these songs from the first two albums. There are three additional tracks from early singles that make fine additions to anyone's "File". Put it in and listen, nothing surprising here, new familiar sounds from a group you already love.