UB40 - Present Arms (1981)

Artist:  UB40
Title:  Present Arms
Release:  1981
Format:  LP
Label:  Epic Records
Catalog#  EPC 85126

“Present Arms” is the second album by UB40 and was released in 1981. An album of original songs, it spawned two top 20 hits in “One In Ten” and “Don’t Let It Pass You By/Don’t Slow Down”.
Like their first album “Signing Off”, “Present Arms” contained many socially and politically charged lyrics, from the anti-militant title track to ‘Sardonicus’ which was linked to both President Ronald Regan and Risus sardonicus, an ironic smile on tetanus victims’ faces, The UK top-ten hit “One In Ten” was an attack on Thatcherism. The album also touches on a subject very dear to UB40’s heart: “Lamb’s Bread” and “Don’t Walk On The Grass” are written as part of the band’s longstanding campaign for the legalization of cannabis. Musically, the album continued in the heavy, reverb-drenched, mellifluous style of the debut.
The title track has been used to open UB40 concerts from the mid 90s onwards, usually with the blasting horn section beginning the concert.
A Dub version of this Album called “Present Arms In Dub” was released soon after.


Side one
1.  Present Arms  (4:08)
2.  Sardonicus  (4:29)
3.  Don’t Let It Pass You By  (7:45)
4.  Wildcat  (3:04)

Side two
1.  One in Ten  (4:32)
2.  Don’t Slow Down  (4:28)
3.  Silent Witness  (4:15)
4.  Lamb’s Bread  (4:48)

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