Album: 7 by Madness (1981)
Genre: Pop | Style: Rock/Pop | Mood: Excitable
Record Label: UMC (Universal Music Catalogue)
Format: Album

Description: 7 is the third album from the British ska/pop band Madness. Released in October 1981, it reached #5 in the UK album chart. All but one track was recorded at Compass Point Studios in Nassau, Bahamas in the summer of 1981, the exception being Grey Day which was recorded in London earlier in the year. Although in 2011 Co-producer Alan Winstanley stated in the 'Guided Tour Of Madness' boxed-set that a lot of the album was re-recorded in London when they returned from Nassau. There were several different versions of the album released throughout the world. Some territories removed the not so tourist-friendly A Day On The Town while others replaced it with Never Ask Twice aka Aeroplane / Airplane, which was issued on the Shut Up 12" in the UK. In Belgium Never Ask Twice was issued on a one sided 7" single with initial copies of the album. France renamed A Day On The Town as A Place In The City. Australia added It Must Be Love as the first track on side one. And Japan added In The City, which was issued there as a single after it was initially written for and used to promote Honda cars in TV commercials.
Later vinyl pressings featured different mixes of some tracks (most notably Mrs Hutchinson and A Day On The Town). When first issued on CD in 1989 these 'later' mixes were the ones used, and have been since.

Artist Background: Madness are a pop/ska band from Camden Town, London, England that formed in 1976. As of 2007, the band has continued to perform with their most recognised lineup of seven members, although it's varied slightly over the years. They were one of the most prominent bands of the late-70s 2 tone ska revival. However, as their career progressed, the band moved away from ska & closer toward conventional pop music. The core of the band formed as The North London Invaders in 1976, and included Mike Bar... Part of the London, England music scene. Emerged in the 1970s era. Associated with Ska movement. Known for Rock/Pop style.

Related Artists: The Specials, The Selecter, Bad Manners, The Beat

Music Scene: Part of the London, England music scene. Emerged in the 1970s era. Associated with Ska movement. Known for Rock/Pop style.

Tags: Pop, Rock/Pop, Excitable, 1980s, Album, UMC (Universal Music Catalogue)

Additional Context: Available on Discogs marketplace


7 is the third album from the British ska/pop band Madness. Released in October 1981, it reached #5 in the UK album chart. All but one track was recorded at Compass Point Studios in Nassau, Bahamas in the summer of 1981, the exception being Grey Day which was recorded in London earlier in the year. Although in 2011 Co-producer Alan Winstanley stated in the 'Guided Tour Of Madness' boxed-set that a lot of the album was re-recorded in London when they returned from Nassau. There were several different versions of the album released throughout the world. Some territories removed the not so tourist-friendly A Day On The Town while others replaced it with Never Ask Twice aka Aeroplane / Airplane, which was issued on the Shut Up 12" in the UK. In Belgium Never Ask Twice was issued on a one sided 7" single with initial copies of the album. France renamed A Day On The Town as A Place In The City. Australia added It Must Be Love as the first track on side one. And Japan added In The City, which was issued there as a single after it was initially written for and used to promote Honda cars in TV commercials.
Later vinyl pressings featured different mixes of some tracks (most notably Mrs Hutchinson and A Day On The Town). When first issued on CD in 1989 these 'later' mixes were the ones used, and have been since.

Album: 20th Century Masters: The Millennium Collection: The Best of Madness by Madness (2005)
Genre: Pop | Style: Rock/Pop | Mood: Excitable
Record Label: UMC (Universal Music Catalogue)
Format: Compilation

Artist Background: Madness are a pop/ska band from Camden Town, London, England that formed in 1976. As of 2007, the band has continued to perform with their most recognised lineup of seven members, although it's varied slightly over the years. They were one of the most prominent bands of the late-70s 2 tone ska revival. However, as their career progressed, the band moved away from ska & closer toward conventional pop music. The core of the band formed as The North London Invaders in 1976, and included Mike Bar... Part of the London, England music scene. Emerged in the 1970s era. Associated with Ska movement. Known for Rock/Pop style.

Related Artists: The Specials, The Selecter, Bad Manners, The Beat

Music Scene: Part of the London, England music scene. Emerged in the 1970s era. Associated with Ska movement. Known for Rock/Pop style.

Tags: Pop, Rock/Pop, Excitable, 2000s, Compilation, UMC (Universal Music Catalogue)


"Theatre of the Absurd presents C'est La Vie" showcases Madness's signature ska sound, infused with theatrical flair and an excitable energy. The production is crisp and vibrant, layering punchy brass sections over tight, syncopated rhythms that drive each track forward. Upbeat tempos create an infectious groove, while the playful interplay between guitar riffs and keyboard melodies adds a rich texture. The album's narrative structure, evident in the track titles, enhances its dynamic flow, transitioning seamlessly between whimsical storytelling and danceable anthems. Distinctive moments arise from the clever use of vocal harmonies and unexpected tempo shifts, making each song feel like a lively performance. This album is a celebration of exuberance and creativity, encapsulating the essence of ska with a theatrical twist.

Album: Theatre of the Absurd presents C'est La Vie by Madness (2023)
Genre: Ska | Mood: Excitable
Format: Album

Artist Background: Madness are a pop/ska band from Camden Town, London, England that formed in 1976. As of 2007, the band has continued to perform with their most recognised lineup of seven members, although it's varied slightly over the years. They were one of the most prominent bands of the late-70s 2 tone ska revival. However, as their career progressed, the band moved away from ska & closer toward conventional pop music. The core of the band formed as The North London Invaders in 1976, and included Mike Bar... Part of the London, England music scene. Emerged in the 1970s era. Associated with Ska movement. Known for Rock/Pop style.

Related Artists: The Specials, The Selecter, Bad Manners, The Beat

Music Scene: Part of the London, England music scene. Emerged in the 1970s era. Associated with Ska movement. Known for Rock/Pop style.

Tags: Ska, Excitable, 2020s, Album


"Full House: The Very Best of Madness" encapsulates the quintessential sound of Madness, characterized by their vibrant blend of ska and pop with reggae undertones. The production is crisp yet retains a raw edge, allowing the infectious energy of tracks like "One Step Beyond" and "Baggy Trousers" to shine. The instrumentation is rich with brass sections, punchy bass lines, and rhythmic guitar work, creating a lively and danceable atmosphere. The tempo varies from the upbeat, frenetic pace of "Night Boat to Cairo" to the more laid-back groove of "It Must Be Love." The album's distinctive charm lies in its ability to balance playful melodies with a sense of nostalgia, making it a definitive collection for fans of the genre.

Album: Full House: The Very Best of Madness by Madness (2017)
Record Label: UMC (Universal Music Catalogue)
Format: Compilation

Artist Background: Madness are a pop/ska band from Camden Town, London, England that formed in 1976. As of 2007, the band has continued to perform with their most recognised lineup of seven members, although it's varied slightly over the years. They were one of the most prominent bands of the late-70s 2 tone ska revival. However, as their career progressed, the band moved away from ska & closer toward conventional pop music. The core of the band formed as The North London Invaders in 1976, and included Mike Bar... Part of the London, England music scene. Emerged in the 1970s era. Associated with Ska movement. Known for Rock/Pop style.

Related Artists: The Specials, The Selecter, Bad Manners, The Beat

Music Scene: Part of the London, England music scene. Emerged in the 1970s era. Associated with Ska movement. Known for Rock/Pop style.

Tags: 2010s, Compilation, UMC (Universal Music Catalogue)

Additional Context: Rating score: 9. Based on 1 votes


Album: One Step Beyond... by Madness (1979)
Genre: Pop | Style: Rock/Pop | Mood: Excitable
Record Label: UMC (Universal Music Catalogue)
Format: Album

Description: One Step Beyond... is the 1979 debut album by the British ska group Madness. It was ranked 90th in a 2005 survey held by British television's Channel 4 to determine the 100 greatest albums of all time. The album peaked at number 2 and remained in the UK Albums Chart for over a year. It was the first album produced by the team of Clive Langer and Alan Winstanley, who would go on to work with artists such as Elvis Costello and the Attractions, Morrissey, Dexys Midnight Runners and They Might Be Giants, as well as producing all but one of Madness' subsequent albums.
The title track, released as a single, was originally written and recorded by the Jamaican ska musician Prince Buster. The spoken line, "Don't watch that, watch this" in the intro is from another Prince Buster song, "The Scorcher." It was their second single after "The Prince" which was a tribute song to this musician. The song heard between the two last titles on the album's original track list is "Madness", a cover of the Prince Buster song. While it is not listed on the UK LP sleeve or label, it was appended to the U.S. Sire LP release and later releases on CD. This recording is different from the version found as the B-side of the "The Prince" single.

Artist Background: Madness are a pop/ska band from Camden Town, London, England that formed in 1976. As of 2007, the band has continued to perform with their most recognised lineup of seven members, although it's varied slightly over the years. They were one of the most prominent bands of the late-70s 2 tone ska revival. However, as their career progressed, the band moved away from ska & closer toward conventional pop music. The core of the band formed as The North London Invaders in 1976, and included Mike Bar... Part of the London, England music scene. Emerged in the 1970s era. Associated with Ska movement. Known for Rock/Pop style.

Related Artists: The Specials, The Selecter, Bad Manners, The Beat

Music Scene: Part of the London, England music scene. Emerged in the 1970s era. Associated with Ska movement. Known for Rock/Pop style.

Tags: Pop, Rock/Pop, Excitable, 1970s, Album, UMC (Universal Music Catalogue)

Additional Context: Rating score: 9. Based on 1 votes. Available on Discogs marketplace


One Step Beyond... is the 1979 debut album by the British ska group Madness. It was ranked 90th in a 2005 survey held by British television's Channel 4 to determine the 100 greatest albums of all time. The album peaked at number 2 and remained in the UK Albums Chart for over a year. It was the first album produced by the team of Clive Langer and Alan Winstanley, who would go on to work with artists such as Elvis Costello and the Attractions, Morrissey, Dexys Midnight Runners and They Might Be Giants, as well as producing all but one of Madness' subsequent albums.
The title track, released as a single, was originally written and recorded by the Jamaican ska musician Prince Buster. The spoken line, "Don't watch that, watch this" in the intro is from another Prince Buster song, "The Scorcher." It was their second single after "The Prince" which was a tribute song to this musician. The song heard between the two last titles on the album's original track list is "Madness", a cover of the Prince Buster song. While it is not listed on the UK LP sleeve or label, it was appended to the U.S. Sire LP release and later releases on CD. This recording is different from the version found as the B-side of the "The Prince" single.

Album: Oui Oui, Si Si, Ja Ja, Da Da by Madness (2012)
Genre: Pop | Style: Rock/Pop | Mood: Excitable
Record Label: UMC (Universal Music Catalogue)
Format: Album

Description: Oui Oui Si Si Ja Ja Da Da, which translates as "Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes" from French (Oui Oui), Spanish/Italian (Si Si), German/Dutch/Swedish/Danish (Ja Ja) and Russian/Ukrainian/Romanian/Croatian/Serbian/Macedonian (Da Da), is the tenth studio album by the British band Madness, released on their own Lucky 7 Records label through Cooking Vinyl in the UK on 29 October 2012 and in the US on 13 November 2012. The album cover is by Peter Blake (best known for creating the artwork for Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band) and features rejected titles for the album crossed out.
The album was preceded by a 'teaser' song, "Death of a Rude Boy", available as a digital download from 12 August 2012 (along with a remix by Andrew Weatherall), and the official first single from the album "My Girl 2", available as a digital download from 30 September 2012.
Oui Oui Si Si Ja Ja Da Da debuted at number #10 in the UK Albums Chart on 4 November 2012, becoming Madness' seventh studio album out of ten to reach the top 10 in the UK. It received favourable reviews in Q, Mojo, The Arts Desk and London evening newspaper Evening Standard amongst others, the notable exception being a poor review in the NME.
"Never Knew Your Name" was the second single of the album, released in January, 2013. Early that month it was added to the BBC Radio 2 A list (high rotation), making the song their biggest airplay hit since 1999's Top 10 hit Lovestruck. Never Knew Your Name reached UK Airplay Chart Top 25. After performing the song on the Jonathan Ross show on January 19, the album stormed back into the Amazon Album Top 3 and iTunes Top 20. It re-entered the UK Album Top 75 at #16 on January 27.
On February 22, 2013 Chris Evans debuted 'How Can I Tell You' as the new (3rd) single from the album during his Breakfast Show in which Suggs was his guest.
Guitar player Chris Foreman mentioned a planned box set version of the album, expected to be released in May 2013. It is expected to contain outtakes like Can't Keep A Good Thing Down, 1978 and Crying. On February 28th, it was revealed the album would be rereleased in a deluxe version, containing 70 songs in total, including various originals not included on the album, a series of band demos and remixes, a John Lennon cover and a DVD of the band's performance of the album at the Butlins House Of Fun Weekender from 2011, along with a live CD of the following year's gig. The latter CD also features Foreman's karaoke version of the Beastie Boys' 'Fight For Your Right To Party' and Ian Dury's 'Sex And Drugs And Rock And Roll'.
The deluxe version features new artwork, featuring the band in various fancy dress costumes representing the different rejected titles for the album, in a similar vein to the cover of their The Rise And Fall album from 1982. It is also notable for being the first appearance on a record sleeve of Sir Peter Blake, who has never featured on any album artwork despite designed some of the most celebrated record sleeves in British music history.

Artist Background: Madness are a pop/ska band from Camden Town, London, England that formed in 1976. As of 2007, the band has continued to perform with their most recognised lineup of seven members, although it's varied slightly over the years. They were one of the most prominent bands of the late-70s 2 tone ska revival. However, as their career progressed, the band moved away from ska & closer toward conventional pop music. The core of the band formed as The North London Invaders in 1976, and included Mike Bar... Part of the London, England music scene. Emerged in the 1970s era. Associated with Ska movement. Known for Rock/Pop style.

Related Artists: The Specials, The Selecter, Bad Manners, The Beat

Music Scene: Part of the London, England music scene. Emerged in the 1970s era. Associated with Ska movement. Known for Rock/Pop style.

Tags: Pop, Rock/Pop, Excitable, 2010s, Album, UMC (Universal Music Catalogue)

Additional Context: Rating score: 8. Based on 1 votes. Available on Discogs marketplace


Oui Oui Si Si Ja Ja Da Da, which translates as "Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes" from French (Oui Oui), Spanish/Italian (Si Si), German/Dutch/Swedish/Danish (Ja Ja) and Russian/Ukrainian/Romanian/Croatian/Serbian/Macedonian (Da Da), is the tenth studio album by the British band Madness, released on their own Lucky 7 Records label through Cooking Vinyl in the UK on 29 October 2012 and in the US on 13 November 2012. The album cover is by Peter Blake (best known for creating the artwork for Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band) and features rejected titles for the album crossed out.
The album was preceded by a 'teaser' song, "Death of a Rude Boy", available as a digital download from 12 August 2012 (along with a remix by Andrew Weatherall), and the official first single from the album "My Girl 2", available as a digital download from 30 September 2012.
Oui Oui Si Si Ja Ja Da Da debuted at number #10 in the UK Albums Chart on 4 November 2012, becoming Madness' seventh studio album out of ten to reach the top 10 in the UK. It received favourable reviews in Q, Mojo, The Arts Desk and London evening newspaper Evening Standard amongst others, the notable exception being a poor review in the NME.
"Never Knew Your Name" was the second single of the album, released in January, 2013. Early that month it was added to the BBC Radio 2 A list (high rotation), making the song their biggest airplay hit since 1999's Top 10 hit Lovestruck. Never Knew Your Name reached UK Airplay Chart Top 25. After performing the song on the Jonathan Ross show on January 19, the album stormed back into the Amazon Album Top 3 and iTunes Top 20. It re-entered the UK Album Top 75 at #16 on January 27.
On February 22, 2013 Chris Evans debuted 'How Can I Tell You' as the new (3rd) single from the album during his Breakfast Show in which Suggs was his guest.
Guitar player Chris Foreman mentioned a planned box set version of the album, expected to be released in May 2013. It is expected to contain outtakes like Can't Keep A Good Thing Down, 1978 and Crying. On February 28th, it was revealed the album would be rereleased in a deluxe version, containing 70 songs in total, including various originals not included on the album, a series of band demos and remixes, a John Lennon cover and a DVD of the band's performance of the album at the Butlins House Of Fun Weekender from 2011, along with a live CD of the following year's gig. The latter CD also features Foreman's karaoke version of the Beastie Boys' 'Fight For Your Right To Party' and Ian Dury's 'Sex And Drugs And Rock And Roll'.
The deluxe version features new artwork, featuring the band in various fancy dress costumes representing the different rejected titles for the album, in a similar vein to the cover of their The Rise And Fall album from 1982. It is also notable for being the first appearance on a record sleeve of Sir Peter Blake, who has never featured on any album artwork despite designed some of the most celebrated record sleeves in British music history.

Album: Hit Parade by Madness (2025)
Format: Digital Media

Artist Background: Madness are a pop/ska band from Camden Town, London, England that formed in 1976. As of 2007, the band has continued to perform with their most recognised lineup of seven members, although it's varied slightly over the years. They were one of the most prominent bands of the late-70s 2 tone ska revival. However, as their career progressed, the band moved away from ska & closer toward conventional pop music. The core of the band formed as The North London Invaders in 1976, and included Mike Bar... Part of the London, England music scene. Emerged in the 1970s era. Associated with Ska movement. Known for Rock/Pop style.

Musical Influences: Chas Smash, Chas Smash, Chas Smash, Chas Smash

Related Artists: The Specials, The Selecter, Bad Manners, The Beat

Music Scene: Part of the London, England music scene. Emerged in the 1970s era. Associated with Ska movement. Known for Rock/Pop style.

Tags: 2020s, Digital Media


Album: Absolutely by Madness (1980)
Genre: Pop | Style: Rock/Pop | Mood: Excitable
Record Label: UMC (Universal Music Catalogue)
Format: Album

Description: Absolutely is the 1980 second album from the British ska band Madness. It peaked at #2 in the UK album charts.
The album is named after one of expressions of the band's then tour manager, and sound man Tony Duffield. The front cover sees the band standing in front of Chalk Farm tube station in Camden. The inner sleeve features a London Underground-style roundel for a railway station called "Cairo East" on one side (this roundel later reappeared in the video for "(Waiting For) The Ghost Train" and a history of the group on the other.
In 2009 and 2010, Madness re-released their entire back catalogue of studio albums up until 1999's Wonderful with a bonus CD and extra tracks. The re-release of Absolutely has seven bonus tracks plus an additional CD featuring a 1980 concert recorded at the Hammersmith Odeon.

Artist Background: Madness are a pop/ska band from Camden Town, London, England that formed in 1976. As of 2007, the band has continued to perform with their most recognised lineup of seven members, although it's varied slightly over the years. They were one of the most prominent bands of the late-70s 2 tone ska revival. However, as their career progressed, the band moved away from ska & closer toward conventional pop music. The core of the band formed as The North London Invaders in 1976, and included Mike Bar... Part of the London, England music scene. Emerged in the 1970s era. Associated with Ska movement. Known for Rock/Pop style.

Related Artists: The Specials, The Selecter, Bad Manners, The Beat

Music Scene: Part of the London, England music scene. Emerged in the 1970s era. Associated with Ska movement. Known for Rock/Pop style.

Tags: Pop, Rock/Pop, Excitable, 1980s, Album, UMC (Universal Music Catalogue)

Additional Context: Rating score: 8. Based on 1 votes. Available on Discogs marketplace


Absolutely is the 1980 second album from the British ska band Madness. It peaked at #2 in the UK album charts.
The album is named after one of expressions of the band's then tour manager, and sound man Tony Duffield. The front cover sees the band standing in front of Chalk Farm tube station in Camden. The inner sleeve features a London Underground-style roundel for a railway station called "Cairo East" on one side (this roundel later reappeared in the video for "(Waiting For) The Ghost Train" and a history of the group on the other.
In 2009 and 2010, Madness re-released their entire back catalogue of studio albums up until 1999's Wonderful with a bonus CD and extra tracks. The re-release of Absolutely has seven bonus tracks plus an additional CD featuring a 1980 concert recorded at the Hammersmith Odeon.

Album: Total Madness: The Very Best of Madness by Madness (1997)
Genre: Pop | Style: Rock/Pop | Mood: Excitable
Record Label: UMC (Universal Music Catalogue)
Format: Compilation

Description: Total Madness – the Very Best of Madness is a greatest hits album by a British ska/pop band Madness, released in 1997. It was released exclusively in the United States and Canada.

Artist Background: Madness are a pop/ska band from Camden Town, London, England that formed in 1976. As of 2007, the band has continued to perform with their most recognised lineup of seven members, although it's varied slightly over the years. They were one of the most prominent bands of the late-70s 2 tone ska revival. However, as their career progressed, the band moved away from ska & closer toward conventional pop music. The core of the band formed as The North London Invaders in 1976, and included Mike Bar... Part of the London, England music scene. Emerged in the 1970s era. Associated with Ska movement. Known for Rock/Pop style.

Related Artists: The Specials, The Selecter, Bad Manners, The Beat

Music Scene: Part of the London, England music scene. Emerged in the 1970s era. Associated with Ska movement. Known for Rock/Pop style.

Tags: Pop, Rock/Pop, Excitable, 1990s, Compilation, UMC (Universal Music Catalogue)

Additional Context: Rating score: 6. Based on 1 votes


Total Madness – the Very Best of Madness is a greatest hits album by a British ska/pop band Madness, released in 1997. It was released exclusively in the United States and Canada.

Album: Mad Not Mad by Madness (1985)
Genre: Pop | Style: Rock/Pop | Mood: Excitable
Record Label: UMC (Universal Music Catalogue)
Format: Album

Description: Mad Not Mad is the sixth album by the British ska band Madness, released in 1985. It was their only album not to feature founder member Mike Barson, who had left the group the year before.
Only a few weeks after its release, the writers of NME included this LP on their list of the 100 best albums of all time. The band themselves have been less satisfied with the album. In a BBC Radio 1 interview in 1993 Suggs described Mad Not Mad as "a polished turd" (referring to its glossy 1980s over-production).

Artist Background: Madness are a pop/ska band from Camden Town, London, England that formed in 1976. As of 2007, the band has continued to perform with their most recognised lineup of seven members, although it's varied slightly over the years. They were one of the most prominent bands of the late-70s 2 tone ska revival. However, as their career progressed, the band moved away from ska & closer toward conventional pop music. The core of the band formed as The North London Invaders in 1976, and included Mike Bar... Part of the London, England music scene. Emerged in the 1970s era. Associated with Ska movement. Known for Rock/Pop style.

Related Artists: The Specials, The Selecter, Bad Manners, The Beat

Music Scene: Part of the London, England music scene. Emerged in the 1970s era. Associated with Ska movement. Known for Rock/Pop style.

Tags: Pop, Rock/Pop, Excitable, 1980s, Album, UMC (Universal Music Catalogue)

Additional Context: Available on Discogs marketplace


Mad Not Mad is the sixth album by the British ska band Madness, released in 1985. It was their only album not to feature founder member Mike Barson, who had left the group the year before.
Only a few weeks after its release, the writers of NME included this LP on their list of the 100 best albums of all time. The band themselves have been less satisfied with the album. In a BBC Radio 1 interview in 1993 Suggs described Mad Not Mad as "a polished turd" (referring to its glossy 1980s over-production).

"Madness" by Madness (1983) encapsulates the band's signature blend of pop and rock with an excitable energy that permeates each track. The production is crisp and vibrant, reflecting the early '80s penchant for bright, polished sounds. The instrumentation is a lively mix of punchy brass, jaunty piano, and rhythmic guitar, all underpinned by a steady, danceable beat. Tracks like "Our House" and "House of Fun" showcase catchy melodies and infectious choruses, while "Night Boat to Cairo" adds a touch of ska-infused rhythm. The album's tempo varies, maintaining a buoyant pace that keeps the listener engaged. Distinctive for its playful yet polished sound, the record captures the exuberance and charm typical of Madness's style.

Album: Madness by Madness (1983)
Genre: Pop | Style: Rock/Pop | Mood: Excitable
Record Label: UMC (Universal Music Catalogue)
Format: Compilation

Artist Background: Madness are a pop/ska band from Camden Town, London, England that formed in 1976. As of 2007, the band has continued to perform with their most recognised lineup of seven members, although it's varied slightly over the years. They were one of the most prominent bands of the late-70s 2 tone ska revival. However, as their career progressed, the band moved away from ska & closer toward conventional pop music. The core of the band formed as The North London Invaders in 1976, and included Mike Bar... Part of the London, England music scene. Emerged in the 1970s era. Associated with Ska movement. Known for Rock/Pop style.

Related Artists: The Specials, The Selecter, Bad Manners, The Beat

Music Scene: Part of the London, England music scene. Emerged in the 1970s era. Associated with Ska movement. Known for Rock/Pop style.

Tags: Pop, Rock/Pop, Excitable, 1980s, Compilation, UMC (Universal Music Catalogue)


Album: Madstock by Madness (1992)
Genre: Pop | Style: Rock/Pop | Mood: Excitable
Record Label: UMC (Universal Music Catalogue)
Format: Live

Description: Madstock! is a live album by ska/pop band Madness, released on 2 November 1992. The album includes highlights from Madness' first concerts since their disbanding in 1986, on 8 and 9 August 1992 at Finsbury Park in London. The bill included Flowered Up, Gallon Drunk, Ian Dury and The Blockheads, Morrissey and Madness. At the Saturday show, Morrissey wrapped himself in a Union Jack flag, attracting a group of right-wing types to gather close to the stage. This controversy ended up garnering more attention than the re-union of Madness.
The album reached #22 in the UK album charts. "The Harder They Come", a cover of the Jimmy Cliff song, was released as the only single off this album and reached #44 in the UK charts.

Artist Background: Madness are a pop/ska band from Camden Town, London, England that formed in 1976. As of 2007, the band has continued to perform with their most recognised lineup of seven members, although it's varied slightly over the years. They were one of the most prominent bands of the late-70s 2 tone ska revival. However, as their career progressed, the band moved away from ska & closer toward conventional pop music. The core of the band formed as The North London Invaders in 1976, and included Mike Bar... Part of the London, England music scene. Emerged in the 1970s era. Associated with Ska movement. Known for Rock/Pop style.

Related Artists: The Specials, The Selecter, Bad Manners, The Beat

Music Scene: Part of the London, England music scene. Emerged in the 1970s era. Associated with Ska movement. Known for Rock/Pop style.

Tags: Pop, Rock/Pop, Excitable, 1990s, Live, UMC (Universal Music Catalogue)


Madstock! is a live album by ska/pop band Madness, released on 2 November 1992. The album includes highlights from Madness' first concerts since their disbanding in 1986, on 8 and 9 August 1992 at Finsbury Park in London. The bill included Flowered Up, Gallon Drunk, Ian Dury and The Blockheads, Morrissey and Madness. At the Saturday show, Morrissey wrapped himself in a Union Jack flag, attracting a group of right-wing types to gather close to the stage. This controversy ended up garnering more attention than the re-union of Madness.
The album reached #22 in the UK album charts. "The Harder They Come", a cover of the Jimmy Cliff song, was released as the only single off this album and reached #44 in the UK charts.

Album: The Liberty of Norton Folgate by Madness (2009)
Genre: Pop | Style: Rock/Pop | Mood: Excitable
Record Label: UMC (Universal Music Catalogue)
Format: Album

Description: The Liberty of Norton Folgate is the ninth studio album by the British band Madness, released on 18 May 2009. The band worked on the album for close to three years and it was their first album of new material since 1999's Wonderful. The band showcased a number of songs from the new album during three concerts at London's Hackney Empire in June 2008.
This 10-minute title track recounts the social history of a corner of east London that until 1900 was controlled by St Paul's Cathedral. As a 'liberty' it was not legally independent however, merely the rights of the Crown over the land had been waived. A shortened version of the track "The Liberty of Norton Folgate" was made available on YouTube in mid May 2008. In December a boxset of the album was offered for pre-order on the Madness website; those who ordered were entitled to a digital download of the album on 20 December. Twenty-three tracks were recorded for the album, although fifteen made it on to the album to be released in May. The twelve tracks issued in the digital download leaked onto the internet on December 25, 2008. During concerts in Sydney, Melbourne and Adelaide at the end of March 2009, Suggs stated that "Dust Devil" would be the second single off the new album; second when accounting for the 2008 release of NW5. It was released on the 11th of May, one week before the album. A third single, "Sugar and Spice" (with slightly different lyrics and intro to the album version) was released to radio in July, and on 21 July it was confirmed that it would be made available as a download single from 2 August on iTunes and 3 August from other retailers.
In November 2009 the band announced the release of a fourth single scheduled for 11 January 2010: "Forever Young", a favourite of both fans and band. Apart from several remixes, one of the single formats contains Love Really Hurts (Without You), a Dangermen era cover of the Billy Ocean classic. The release was put back one week and the single was released on 18 January, becoming the second single from the album to fail to chart.
It was produced by Clive Langer and Alan Winstanley, who have worked with Madness on all but one of their albums. Recording sessions also took place in Toe Rag studios in late 2006 with Liam Watson, who engineered and mixed Elephant by The White Stripes.

Artist Background: Madness are a pop/ska band from Camden Town, London, England that formed in 1976. As of 2007, the band has continued to perform with their most recognised lineup of seven members, although it's varied slightly over the years. They were one of the most prominent bands of the late-70s 2 tone ska revival. However, as their career progressed, the band moved away from ska & closer toward conventional pop music. The core of the band formed as The North London Invaders in 1976, and included Mike Bar... Part of the London, England music scene. Emerged in the 1970s era. Associated with Ska movement. Known for Rock/Pop style.

Related Artists: The Specials, The Selecter, Bad Manners, The Beat

Music Scene: Part of the London, England music scene. Emerged in the 1970s era. Associated with Ska movement. Known for Rock/Pop style.

Tags: Pop, Rock/Pop, Excitable, 2000s, Album, UMC (Universal Music Catalogue)

Additional Context: Sales figures: 100000. Rating score: 8. Based on 2 votes. Available on Discogs marketplace


The Liberty of Norton Folgate is the ninth studio album by the British band Madness, released on 18 May 2009. The band worked on the album for close to three years and it was their first album of new material since 1999's Wonderful. The band showcased a number of songs from the new album during three concerts at London's Hackney Empire in June 2008.
This 10-minute title track recounts the social history of a corner of east London that until 1900 was controlled by St Paul's Cathedral. As a 'liberty' it was not legally independent however, merely the rights of the Crown over the land had been waived. A shortened version of the track "The Liberty of Norton Folgate" was made available on YouTube in mid May 2008. In December a boxset of the album was offered for pre-order on the Madness website; those who ordered were entitled to a digital download of the album on 20 December. Twenty-three tracks were recorded for the album, although fifteen made it on to the album to be released in May. The twelve tracks issued in the digital download leaked onto the internet on December 25, 2008. During concerts in Sydney, Melbourne and Adelaide at the end of March 2009, Suggs stated that "Dust Devil" would be the second single off the new album; second when accounting for the 2008 release of NW5. It was released on the 11th of May, one week before the album. A third single, "Sugar and Spice" (with slightly different lyrics and intro to the album version) was released to radio in July, and on 21 July it was confirmed that it would be made available as a download single from 2 August on iTunes and 3 August from other retailers.
In November 2009 the band announced the release of a fourth single scheduled for 11 January 2010: "Forever Young", a favourite of both fans and band. Apart from several remixes, one of the single formats contains Love Really Hurts (Without You), a Dangermen era cover of the Billy Ocean classic. The release was put back one week and the single was released on 18 January, becoming the second single from the album to fail to chart.
It was produced by Clive Langer and Alan Winstanley, who have worked with Madness on all but one of their albums. Recording sessions also took place in Toe Rag studios in late 2006 with Liam Watson, who engineered and mixed Elephant by The White Stripes.

Album: Complete Madness by Madness (1982)
Genre: Pop | Style: Rock/Pop | Mood: Excitable
Record Label: UMC (Universal Music Catalogue)
Format: Compilation

Description: Complete Madness is the first greatest hits album by ska/pop group Madness. It was released in 1982 (see 1982 in music) and included Madness' biggest hits from their first three studio albums and all the stand-alone singles. Complete Madness spent 99 weeks on the UK charts peaking at number 1. A corresponding VHS video was also released, containing all thirteen of the group's music videos up to that point (the twelve singles plus "Bed and Breakfast Man").

Artist Background: Madness are a pop/ska band from Camden Town, London, England that formed in 1976. As of 2007, the band has continued to perform with their most recognised lineup of seven members, although it's varied slightly over the years. They were one of the most prominent bands of the late-70s 2 tone ska revival. However, as their career progressed, the band moved away from ska & closer toward conventional pop music. The core of the band formed as The North London Invaders in 1976, and included Mike Bar... Part of the London, England music scene. Emerged in the 1970s era. Associated with Ska movement. Known for Rock/Pop style.

Related Artists: The Specials, The Selecter, Bad Manners, The Beat

Music Scene: Part of the London, England music scene. Emerged in the 1970s era. Associated with Ska movement. Known for Rock/Pop style.

Tags: Pop, Rock/Pop, Excitable, 1980s, Compilation, UMC (Universal Music Catalogue)


Complete Madness is the first greatest hits album by ska/pop group Madness. It was released in 1982 (see 1982 in music) and included Madness' biggest hits from their first three studio albums and all the stand-alone singles. Complete Madness spent 99 weeks on the UK charts peaking at number 1. A corresponding VHS video was also released, containing all thirteen of the group's music videos up to that point (the twelve singles plus "Bed and Breakfast Man").

Album: Keep Moving by Madness (1984)
Genre: Pop | Style: Rock/Pop | Mood: Excitable
Record Label: UMC (Universal Music Catalogue)
Format: Album

Description: Keep Moving is the fifth album by the British ska band Madness from 1984. It was the last Madness album prior to their 1999 comeback album Wonderful to feature Mike Barson.
The US/Canadian pressing had a different running order and included the singles "Wings of a Dove" and "The Sun and the Rain", neither of which were on the standard UK version. However, a picture disc version using the US/Canadian track listing was issued in the UK.
The album takes its name from a phrase used repeatedly in the 1970 post-apocalyptic film The Bed Sitting Room.

Artist Background: Madness are a pop/ska band from Camden Town, London, England that formed in 1976. As of 2007, the band has continued to perform with their most recognised lineup of seven members, although it's varied slightly over the years. They were one of the most prominent bands of the late-70s 2 tone ska revival. However, as their career progressed, the band moved away from ska & closer toward conventional pop music. The core of the band formed as The North London Invaders in 1976, and included Mike Bar... Part of the London, England music scene. Emerged in the 1970s era. Associated with Ska movement. Known for Rock/Pop style.

Related Artists: The Specials, The Selecter, Bad Manners, The Beat

Music Scene: Part of the London, England music scene. Emerged in the 1970s era. Associated with Ska movement. Known for Rock/Pop style.

Tags: Pop, Rock/Pop, Excitable, 1980s, Album, UMC (Universal Music Catalogue)

Additional Context: Available on Discogs marketplace


Keep Moving is the fifth album by the British ska band Madness from 1984. It was the last Madness album prior to their 1999 comeback album Wonderful to feature Mike Barson.
The US/Canadian pressing had a different running order and included the singles "Wings of a Dove" and "The Sun and the Rain", neither of which were on the standard UK version. However, a picture disc version using the US/Canadian track listing was issued in the UK.
The album takes its name from a phrase used repeatedly in the 1970 post-apocalyptic film The Bed Sitting Room.

Album: The Rise & Fall by Madness (1982)
Genre: Pop | Style: Rock/Pop | Mood: Excitable
Record Label: UMC (Universal Music Catalogue)
Format: Album

Description: The Rise & Fall is the fourth album by the British ska/pop group Madness. This album saw Madness at their most experimental, exhibiting a range of musical styles including jazz, English music hall, and Eastern influences. NME described it at the time of its release as "The best Madness record." It has often been retrospectively described as a concept album. Although initially conceived as a concept album about nostalgia for childhood, the concept was eventually dropped, though the original theme is still evident particularly in the title track and the album's major hit "Our House." This theme was also mentioned recently when interviewed as part of T in the Park highlights, where Suggs said that all the band members were told to write about their childhood memories for the Rise & Fall (although he did say that Barson got the wrong idea, and went off and wrote about New Delhi). Although the band had previously been avowedly apolitical, the track "Blue Skinned Beast" was an overt satire on Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher and her handling of the Falklands War, paving the way for more political comment on subsequent Madness albums.
Though the album was never released in the USA, several tracks were later placed on the compilation Madness, including the melancholic pop of "Our House".

Artist Background: Madness are a pop/ska band from Camden Town, London, England that formed in 1976. As of 2007, the band has continued to perform with their most recognised lineup of seven members, although it's varied slightly over the years. They were one of the most prominent bands of the late-70s 2 tone ska revival. However, as their career progressed, the band moved away from ska & closer toward conventional pop music. The core of the band formed as The North London Invaders in 1976, and included Mike Bar... Part of the London, England music scene. Emerged in the 1970s era. Associated with Ska movement. Known for Rock/Pop style.

Related Artists: The Specials, The Selecter, Bad Manners, The Beat

Music Scene: Part of the London, England music scene. Emerged in the 1970s era. Associated with Ska movement. Known for Rock/Pop style.

Tags: Pop, Rock/Pop, Excitable, 1980s, Album, UMC (Universal Music Catalogue)

Additional Context: Rating score: 9. Based on 1 votes. Available on Discogs marketplace


The Rise & Fall is the fourth album by the British ska/pop group Madness. This album saw Madness at their most experimental, exhibiting a range of musical styles including jazz, English music hall, and Eastern influences. NME described it at the time of its release as "The best Madness record." It has often been retrospectively described as a concept album. Although initially conceived as a concept album about nostalgia for childhood, the concept was eventually dropped, though the original theme is still evident particularly in the title track and the album's major hit "Our House." This theme was also mentioned recently when interviewed as part of T in the Park highlights, where Suggs said that all the band members were told to write about their childhood memories for the Rise & Fall (although he did say that Barson got the wrong idea, and went off and wrote about New Delhi). Although the band had previously been avowedly apolitical, the track "Blue Skinned Beast" was an overt satire on Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher and her handling of the Falklands War, paving the way for more political comment on subsequent Madness albums.
Though the album was never released in the USA, several tracks were later placed on the compilation Madness, including the melancholic pop of "Our House".

Album: Ultimate Madness: 21 of Their Finest by Madness (2010)
Genre: Pop | Style: Rock/Pop | Mood: Excitable
Record Label: UMC (Universal Music Catalogue)
Format: Compilation

Artist Background: Madness are a pop/ska band from Camden Town, London, England that formed in 1976. As of 2007, the band has continued to perform with their most recognised lineup of seven members, although it's varied slightly over the years. They were one of the most prominent bands of the late-70s 2 tone ska revival. However, as their career progressed, the band moved away from ska & closer toward conventional pop music. The core of the band formed as The North London Invaders in 1976, and included Mike Bar... Part of the London, England music scene. Emerged in the 1970s era. Associated with Ska movement. Known for Rock/Pop style.

Related Artists: The Specials, The Selecter, Bad Manners, The Beat

Music Scene: Part of the London, England music scene. Emerged in the 1970s era. Associated with Ska movement. Known for Rock/Pop style.

Tags: Pop, Rock/Pop, Excitable, 2010s, Compilation, UMC (Universal Music Catalogue)


Album: It's... Madness: 16 Classic Tracks by Madness (1990)
Genre: Pop | Style: Rock/Pop | Mood: Excitable
Record Label: UMC (Universal Music Catalogue)
Format: Compilation

Artist Background: Madness are a pop/ska band from Camden Town, London, England that formed in 1976. As of 2007, the band has continued to perform with their most recognised lineup of seven members, although it's varied slightly over the years. They were one of the most prominent bands of the late-70s 2 tone ska revival. However, as their career progressed, the band moved away from ska & closer toward conventional pop music. The core of the band formed as The North London Invaders in 1976, and included Mike Bar... Part of the London, England music scene. Emerged in the 1970s era. Associated with Ska movement. Known for Rock/Pop style.

Related Artists: The Specials, The Selecter, Bad Manners, The Beat

Music Scene: Part of the London, England music scene. Emerged in the 1970s era. Associated with Ska movement. Known for Rock/Pop style.

Tags: Pop, Rock/Pop, Excitable, 1990s, Compilation, UMC (Universal Music Catalogue)


Album: Ultimate Collection by Madness (2000)
Genre: Pop | Style: Rock/Pop | Mood: Excitable
Record Label: UMC (Universal Music Catalogue)
Format: Compilation

Description: The Ultimate Collection is a 2002 two-disc greatest hits set by The Who with both singles and top hits from albums, all of which have been remastered. The compilation was released by Polydor Records internationally and on MCA Records in the U.S. The first 150,000 copies added a third disk with rare tracks and music videos. The album debuted on the Billboard 200 album chart on 29 June 2002, at No. 31 and hit No. 17 on the British charts. It was certified gold by the RIAA on 15 July 2002 and platinum on 13 March 2008.

Artist Background: Madness are a pop/ska band from Camden Town, London, England that formed in 1976. As of 2007, the band has continued to perform with their most recognised lineup of seven members, although it's varied slightly over the years. They were one of the most prominent bands of the late-70s 2 tone ska revival. However, as their career progressed, the band moved away from ska & closer toward conventional pop music. The core of the band formed as The North London Invaders in 1976, and included Mike Bar... Part of the London, England music scene. Emerged in the 1970s era. Associated with Ska movement. Known for Rock/Pop style.

Related Artists: The Specials, The Selecter, Bad Manners, The Beat

Music Scene: Part of the London, England music scene. Emerged in the 1970s era. Associated with Ska movement. Known for Rock/Pop style.

Tags: Pop, Rock/Pop, Excitable, 2000s, Compilation, UMC (Universal Music Catalogue)

Additional Context: Rating score: 2. Based on 1 votes


The Ultimate Collection is a 2002 two-disc greatest hits set by The Who with both singles and top hits from albums, all of which have been remastered. The compilation was released by Polydor Records internationally and on MCA Records in the U.S. The first 150,000 copies added a third disk with rare tracks and music videos. The album debuted on the Billboard 200 album chart on 29 June 2002, at No. 31 and hit No. 17 on the British charts. It was certified gold by the RIAA on 15 July 2002 and platinum on 13 March 2008.

Album: Our House: The Best of Madness by Madness (2002)
Genre: Pop | Style: Rock/Pop | Mood: Excitable
Record Label: UMC (Universal Music Catalogue)
Format: Compilation

Description: Our House: the Original Songs is a greatest hits album by a British pop band Madness, released in 2002. It was released as a result of the stage show "Our House", and comprises the tracks which were included in the musical. The album features two new songs, "Simple Equation" and "Sarah's Song".

Artist Background: Madness are a pop/ska band from Camden Town, London, England that formed in 1976. As of 2007, the band has continued to perform with their most recognised lineup of seven members, although it's varied slightly over the years. They were one of the most prominent bands of the late-70s 2 tone ska revival. However, as their career progressed, the band moved away from ska & closer toward conventional pop music. The core of the band formed as The North London Invaders in 1976, and included Mike Bar... Part of the London, England music scene. Emerged in the 1970s era. Associated with Ska movement. Known for Rock/Pop style.

Related Artists: The Specials, The Selecter, Bad Manners, The Beat

Music Scene: Part of the London, England music scene. Emerged in the 1970s era. Associated with Ska movement. Known for Rock/Pop style.

Tags: Pop, Rock/Pop, Excitable, 2000s, Compilation, UMC (Universal Music Catalogue)


Our House: the Original Songs is a greatest hits album by a British pop band Madness, released in 2002. It was released as a result of the stage show "Our House", and comprises the tracks which were included in the musical. The album features two new songs, "Simple Equation" and "Sarah's Song".

Album: Divine Madness by Madness (1992)
Genre: Pop | Style: Rock/Pop | Mood: Excitable
Record Label: UMC (Universal Music Catalogue)
Format: Compilation

Description: Divine Madness is the 1992 greatest hits album from the British ska/pop band Madness. It presents the group's single A-sides in chronological order, though sometimes in their LP rather than single versions. The album peaked at number 1 in the UK charts, and it eventually led to a Madness reunion and their first concert in six years (which was recorded for their Madstock! album).
Divine Madness was also released as a video and eventually DVD with all Madness music videos, including "Bed & Breakfast Man", "Sweetest Girl" and "I Pronounce You", the latter performed by spin-off group The Madness. The group's Japanese TV adverts for Honda City cars were also included. The album was re-packaged in 1998 as The Heavy Heavy Hits with the addition of "The Sweetest Girl" (placed in its correct chronological position after "Uncle Sam") and re-issued under its original title in 2000, with the further singles Lovestruck and Johnny the Horse.

Artist Background: Madness are a pop/ska band from Camden Town, London, England that formed in 1976. As of 2007, the band has continued to perform with their most recognised lineup of seven members, although it's varied slightly over the years. They were one of the most prominent bands of the late-70s 2 tone ska revival. However, as their career progressed, the band moved away from ska & closer toward conventional pop music. The core of the band formed as The North London Invaders in 1976, and included Mike Bar... Part of the London, England music scene. Emerged in the 1970s era. Associated with Ska movement. Known for Rock/Pop style.

Related Artists: The Specials, The Selecter, Bad Manners, The Beat

Music Scene: Part of the London, England music scene. Emerged in the 1970s era. Associated with Ska movement. Known for Rock/Pop style.

Tags: Pop, Rock/Pop, Excitable, 1990s, Compilation, UMC (Universal Music Catalogue)

Additional Context: Rating score: 9. Based on 1 votes


Divine Madness is the 1992 greatest hits album from the British ska/pop band Madness. It presents the group's single A-sides in chronological order, though sometimes in their LP rather than single versions. The album peaked at number 1 in the UK charts, and it eventually led to a Madness reunion and their first concert in six years (which was recorded for their Madstock! album).
Divine Madness was also released as a video and eventually DVD with all Madness music videos, including "Bed & Breakfast Man", "Sweetest Girl" and "I Pronounce You", the latter performed by spin-off group The Madness. The group's Japanese TV adverts for Honda City cars were also included. The album was re-packaged in 1998 as The Heavy Heavy Hits with the addition of "The Sweetest Girl" (placed in its correct chronological position after "Uncle Sam") and re-issued under its original title in 2000, with the further singles Lovestruck and Johnny the Horse.

Album: Total Madness: All the Greatest Hits & More! by Madness (2009)
Genre: Pop | Style: Rock/Pop | Mood: Excitable
Record Label: UMC (Universal Music Catalogue)
Format: Compilation

Description: Total Madness is a 2009 compilation CD/DVD album by Madness. It is principally a singles collection, though it also includes two tracks from their debut LP, One Step Beyond.... On release in the UK it reached 11# in the Official Album Charts, making it Madness's 3rd hit album of 2009

Due to licensing problems, none of the four singles that Madness released on Zarjazz Records in 1985-6 are included.

The album effectively supersedes the now deleted Divine Madness collection. Total Madness should not be confused with the earlier US-only Total Madness - The Very Best of Madness.

Artist Background: Madness are a pop/ska band from Camden Town, London, England that formed in 1976. As of 2007, the band has continued to perform with their most recognised lineup of seven members, although it's varied slightly over the years. They were one of the most prominent bands of the late-70s 2 tone ska revival. However, as their career progressed, the band moved away from ska & closer toward conventional pop music. The core of the band formed as The North London Invaders in 1976, and included Mike Bar... Part of the London, England music scene. Emerged in the 1970s era. Associated with Ska movement. Known for Rock/Pop style.

Related Artists: The Specials, The Selecter, Bad Manners, The Beat

Music Scene: Part of the London, England music scene. Emerged in the 1970s era. Associated with Ska movement. Known for Rock/Pop style.

Tags: Pop, Rock/Pop, Excitable, 2000s, Compilation, UMC (Universal Music Catalogue)


Total Madness is a 2009 compilation CD/DVD album by Madness. It is principally a singles collection, though it also includes two tracks from their debut LP, One Step Beyond.... On release in the UK it reached 11# in the Official Album Charts, making it Madness's 3rd hit album of 2009

Due to licensing problems, none of the four singles that Madness released on Zarjazz Records in 1985-6 are included.

The album effectively supersedes the now deleted Divine Madness collection. Total Madness should not be confused with the earlier US-only Total Madness - The Very Best of Madness.

Album: Can't Touch Us Now by Madness (2016)
Genre: Pop | Style: Rock/Pop | Mood: Excitable
Record Label: UMC (Universal Music Catalogue)
Format: Album

Description: Can't Touch Us Now is the eleventh studio album by the British band Madness, released on their Lucky 7 Records label through Universal Music Catalogue (UMC) on 28 October 2016.

The first single from the album – "Mr. Apples" – was released in September 2016.

Artist Background: Madness are a pop/ska band from Camden Town, London, England that formed in 1976. As of 2007, the band has continued to perform with their most recognised lineup of seven members, although it's varied slightly over the years. They were one of the most prominent bands of the late-70s 2 tone ska revival. However, as their career progressed, the band moved away from ska & closer toward conventional pop music. The core of the band formed as The North London Invaders in 1976, and included Mike Bar... Part of the London, England music scene. Emerged in the 1970s era. Associated with Ska movement. Known for Rock/Pop style.

Related Artists: The Specials, The Selecter, Bad Manners, The Beat

Music Scene: Part of the London, England music scene. Emerged in the 1970s era. Associated with Ska movement. Known for Rock/Pop style.

Tags: Pop, Rock/Pop, Excitable, 2010s, Album, UMC (Universal Music Catalogue)

Additional Context: Rating score: 7. Based on 2 votes. Available on Discogs marketplace


Can't Touch Us Now is the eleventh studio album by the British band Madness, released on their Lucky 7 Records label through Universal Music Catalogue (UMC) on 28 October 2016.

The first single from the album – "Mr. Apples" – was released in September 2016.

Album: It's... Madness Too: Another 16 Classic Tracks by Madness (1991)
Genre: Pop | Style: Rock/Pop | Mood: Excitable
Record Label: UMC (Universal Music Catalogue)
Format: Compilation

Artist Background: Madness are a pop/ska band from Camden Town, London, England that formed in 1976. As of 2007, the band has continued to perform with their most recognised lineup of seven members, although it's varied slightly over the years. They were one of the most prominent bands of the late-70s 2 tone ska revival. However, as their career progressed, the band moved away from ska & closer toward conventional pop music. The core of the band formed as The North London Invaders in 1976, and included Mike Bar... Part of the London, England music scene. Emerged in the 1970s era. Associated with Ska movement. Known for Rock/Pop style.

Related Artists: The Specials, The Selecter, Bad Manners, The Beat

Music Scene: Part of the London, England music scene. Emerged in the 1970s era. Associated with Ska movement. Known for Rock/Pop style.

Tags: Pop, Rock/Pop, Excitable, 1990s, Compilation, UMC (Universal Music Catalogue)


Album: The Dangermen Sessions, Volume One by Madness (2005)
Genre: Pop | Style: Rock/Pop | Mood: Excitable
Record Label: UMC (Universal Music Catalogue)
Format: Album

Description: The Dangermen Sessions, Vol. 1 is a cover album by the British ska band Madness. It was released in 2005. The album was successful and reached No. 11 in the UK which at the time was their highest chart position in the UK since 1984's Keep Moving.

Prior to recording the album, Madness played a number series of low-key gigs under the alias The Dangermen, performing mostly cover versions which they had performed in their early days as The Invaders. A selection from the set list was then chosen to be recorded for the album. Some songs which were played live but not included on the album included "Skylarking" and "Dreader Than Dread" (both released as B sides on the Shame and Scandal single), "Wonderful World, Beautiful People", "Papa's Got a Brand New Pigbag" and "It Miek", as well as the Prince Buster numbers "One Step Beyond" and "Madness", both of which the group had already released in 1979. The live concerts also included Dangermen "covers" of a few of Madness' more ska-influenced original compositions, such as "Night Boat to Cairo" and "The Prince".

Artist Background: Madness are a pop/ska band from Camden Town, London, England that formed in 1976. As of 2007, the band has continued to perform with their most recognised lineup of seven members, although it's varied slightly over the years. They were one of the most prominent bands of the late-70s 2 tone ska revival. However, as their career progressed, the band moved away from ska & closer toward conventional pop music. The core of the band formed as The North London Invaders in 1976, and included Mike Bar... Part of the London, England music scene. Emerged in the 1970s era. Associated with Ska movement. Known for Rock/Pop style.

Related Artists: The Specials, The Selecter, Bad Manners, The Beat

Music Scene: Part of the London, England music scene. Emerged in the 1970s era. Associated with Ska movement. Known for Rock/Pop style.

Tags: Pop, Rock/Pop, Excitable, 2000s, Album, UMC (Universal Music Catalogue)

Additional Context: Available on Discogs marketplace


The Dangermen Sessions, Vol. 1 is a cover album by the British ska band Madness. It was released in 2005. The album was successful and reached No. 11 in the UK which at the time was their highest chart position in the UK since 1984's Keep Moving.

Prior to recording the album, Madness played a number series of low-key gigs under the alias The Dangermen, performing mostly cover versions which they had performed in their early days as The Invaders. A selection from the set list was then chosen to be recorded for the album. Some songs which were played live but not included on the album included "Skylarking" and "Dreader Than Dread" (both released as B sides on the Shame and Scandal single), "Wonderful World, Beautiful People", "Papa's Got a Brand New Pigbag" and "It Miek", as well as the Prince Buster numbers "One Step Beyond" and "Madness", both of which the group had already released in 1979. The live concerts also included Dangermen "covers" of a few of Madness' more ska-influenced original compositions, such as "Night Boat to Cairo" and "The Prince".

"Utter Madness" by Madness is a vibrant collection that captures the band's signature blend of rock and pop with an excitable energy. The album's production is crisp and polished, typical of mid-80s pop, with a focus on catchy melodies and upbeat tempos. Instrumentation features a lively mix of brass, keyboards, and driving rhythms that create a rich, layered texture. Tracks like "Our House" and "Wings of a Dove" showcase infectious hooks and a playful spirit, while "Michael Caine" and "Yesterday's Men" add a slightly more introspective tone. The album's distinctive charm lies in its ability to balance exuberant, danceable tunes with thoughtful, melodic storytelling, making it a quintessential example of Madness's enduring appeal.

Album: Utter Madness by Madness (1986)
Genre: Pop | Style: Rock/Pop | Mood: Excitable
Record Label: UMC (Universal Music Catalogue)
Format: Live

Artist Background: Madness are a pop/ska band from Camden Town, London, England that formed in 1976. As of 2007, the band has continued to perform with their most recognised lineup of seven members, although it's varied slightly over the years. They were one of the most prominent bands of the late-70s 2 tone ska revival. However, as their career progressed, the band moved away from ska & closer toward conventional pop music. The core of the band formed as The North London Invaders in 1976, and included Mike Bar... Part of the London, England music scene. Emerged in the 1970s era. Associated with Ska movement. Known for Rock/Pop style.

Related Artists: The Specials, The Selecter, Bad Manners, The Beat

Music Scene: Part of the London, England music scene. Emerged in the 1970s era. Associated with Ska movement. Known for Rock/Pop style.

Tags: Pop, Rock/Pop, Excitable, 1980s, Live, UMC (Universal Music Catalogue)


"The Lot" by Madness encapsulates the vibrant energy and quirky charm characteristic of late '70s and early '80s ska-infused pop. The production is crisp, with a lively mix that highlights the band's dynamic brass section and punchy rhythms. Tracks like "One Step Beyond" and "Night Boat to Cairo" showcase frenetic tempos and a playful, almost theatrical delivery, while "My Girl" offers a more melodic, yet still upbeat, pop sensibility. The instrumentation is rich and layered, featuring jaunty piano lines, driving bass, and spirited saxophones that create an excitable mood throughout. The album's distinctive sound lies in its ability to blend rock and pop elements with a ska twist, resulting in an infectious and timeless listening experience.

Album: The Lot by Madness (1999)
Genre: Pop | Style: Rock/Pop | Mood: Excitable
Record Label: UMC (Universal Music Catalogue)
Format: Compilation

Artist Background: Madness are a pop/ska band from Camden Town, London, England that formed in 1976. As of 2007, the band has continued to perform with their most recognised lineup of seven members, although it's varied slightly over the years. They were one of the most prominent bands of the late-70s 2 tone ska revival. However, as their career progressed, the band moved away from ska & closer toward conventional pop music. The core of the band formed as The North London Invaders in 1976, and included Mike Bar... Part of the London, England music scene. Emerged in the 1970s era. Associated with Ska movement. Known for Rock/Pop style.

Related Artists: The Specials, The Selecter, Bad Manners, The Beat

Music Scene: Part of the London, England music scene. Emerged in the 1970s era. Associated with Ska movement. Known for Rock/Pop style.

Tags: Pop, Rock/Pop, Excitable, 1990s, Compilation, UMC (Universal Music Catalogue)


Album: The Heavy Heavy Hits by Madness (1998)
Genre: Pop | Style: Rock/Pop | Mood: Excitable
Record Label: UMC (Universal Music Catalogue)
Format: Compilation

Artist Background: Madness are a pop/ska band from Camden Town, London, England that formed in 1976. As of 2007, the band has continued to perform with their most recognised lineup of seven members, although it's varied slightly over the years. They were one of the most prominent bands of the late-70s 2 tone ska revival. However, as their career progressed, the band moved away from ska & closer toward conventional pop music. The core of the band formed as The North London Invaders in 1976, and included Mike Bar... Part of the London, England music scene. Emerged in the 1970s era. Associated with Ska movement. Known for Rock/Pop style.

Related Artists: The Specials, The Selecter, Bad Manners, The Beat

Music Scene: Part of the London, England music scene. Emerged in the 1970s era. Associated with Ska movement. Known for Rock/Pop style.

Tags: Pop, Rock/Pop, Excitable, 1990s, Compilation, UMC (Universal Music Catalogue)


Album: Wonderful by Madness (1999)
Genre: Pop | Style: Rock/Pop | Mood: Excitable
Record Label: UMC (Universal Music Catalogue)
Format: Album

Description: Wonderful is an album by the British ska band Madness. It was released in 1999. It's the first studio album since 1984's Keep Moving to feature the original line-up.

Artist Background: Madness are a pop/ska band from Camden Town, London, England that formed in 1976. As of 2007, the band has continued to perform with their most recognised lineup of seven members, although it's varied slightly over the years. They were one of the most prominent bands of the late-70s 2 tone ska revival. However, as their career progressed, the band moved away from ska & closer toward conventional pop music. The core of the band formed as The North London Invaders in 1976, and included Mike Bar... Part of the London, England music scene. Emerged in the 1970s era. Associated with Ska movement. Known for Rock/Pop style.

Related Artists: The Specials, The Selecter, Bad Manners, The Beat

Music Scene: Part of the London, England music scene. Emerged in the 1970s era. Associated with Ska movement. Known for Rock/Pop style.

Tags: Pop, Rock/Pop, Excitable, 1990s, Album, UMC (Universal Music Catalogue)

Additional Context: Available on Discogs marketplace


Wonderful is an album by the British ska band Madness. It was released in 1999. It's the first studio album since 1984's Keep Moving to feature the original line-up.

"The Business: The Definitive Singles Collection" by Madness captures the quintessential sound of late 70s and early 80s British pop with a rock-infused edge. The production is crisp and vibrant, emphasizing the band's signature ska rhythms and punchy brass sections. Tracks like "One Step Beyond" and "Night Boat to Cairo" are driven by energetic tempos and infectious melodies, creating an excitable mood throughout. The instrumentation is rich and varied, featuring jaunty piano lines, lively saxophones, and tight percussion that together craft a playful yet polished sonic texture. The collection's distinctive charm lies in its ability to blend upbeat, danceable grooves with a sense of whimsical storytelling, making it a definitive showcase of Madness's unique pop-rock style.

Album: The Business: The Definitive Singles Collection by Madness (1993)
Genre: Pop | Style: Rock/Pop | Mood: Excitable
Record Label: UMC (Universal Music Catalogue)
Format: Compilation

Artist Background: Madness are a pop/ska band from Camden Town, London, England that formed in 1976. As of 2007, the band has continued to perform with their most recognised lineup of seven members, although it's varied slightly over the years. They were one of the most prominent bands of the late-70s 2 tone ska revival. However, as their career progressed, the band moved away from ska & closer toward conventional pop music. The core of the band formed as The North London Invaders in 1976, and included Mike Bar... Part of the London, England music scene. Emerged in the 1970s era. Associated with Ska movement. Known for Rock/Pop style.

Related Artists: The Specials, The Selecter, Bad Manners, The Beat

Music Scene: Part of the London, England music scene. Emerged in the 1970s era. Associated with Ska movement. Known for Rock/Pop style.

Tags: Pop, Rock/Pop, Excitable, 1990s, Compilation, UMC (Universal Music Catalogue)


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