While the two previous Best of UB40 collections neatly divided the band's output between their more political early period and their later, covers-oriented pop success, they were also only ten tracks apiece. The Very Best of UB40 1980-2000 is the first comprehensive single-disc overview of the band's career, and it's a lot more generous at 20 tracks. It isn't arranged chronologically, which actually helps the programming by splitting up the covers over the course of the running order. There's a bit more toughness to the earlier songs, both in the lyrics and the punchier performances. Yet in the end, the sonic differences are subtle enough that casual fans should still be able to enjoy them (unless they only want to hear the band performing reggae-pop versions of oldies they already know).
2014 Official Release, only available as an Import. The final concert was recorded in Dortmund, Germany on December 21, 1986. Available in very limited quantities. Features the last performance of Jaco Pastorius. Japanese original release. This live album, recorded in Dortmund, Germany, Dec 12, 1986, is Jaco's memorable last performance in his life. Jaco at the time was vibrant, good in health, and played well. The recording plan as The Holy Ghost, power trio with a gutarist and a drummer, was in progress with MCA Records at the same time. Jaco stated "Although I have played in many form of bands like Wheather Report, Word of Mough Big band, sextet, I am now having fun with trio. I expect I can create new sound with lots more space."