The title refers to the band's home city of Kingston upon Hull and is in the format of a football score.

[7] The title 'London 0 Hull 4' was used by various newspapers[8][9] as a headline in October 2008 after the city's newly promoted football team, Hull City, beat West Ham United to take a fourth win out of four against London-based clubs (having previously beaten Fulham, Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur).

The liner notes and lyrics reflect singer Paul Heaton's interest at that time in Christianity and Marxism.

The CD release of the album featured four additional tracks along with the front cover phrase, "16 songs – 17 hits!".

The album was re-released on 22 June 2009, as London 0 Hull 4 Deluxe, containing a second CD of bonus tracks, B-sides and live recordings.