As I continue to ponder where I left off yesterday, mainly in how I want to proceed with Retro Spins post - either in block format, or more jumping around from artist to artist, I first wrap up my run through of Madness with the one off second iteration, entitled The Madness. My journey through the group started out high, but as things came to the end, I started to feel a bit bored with it al. As I referenced yesterday, perhaps this is me going through the same motions as the band members themselves, or perhaps it's just personal fatigue from too much from the same artists in a short period. That's the overall question I'm pondering as I decide how to proceed in the future. I like the historical aspect format of going through albums back to back, but it seems pointless if it's leading to boredom.
I digress.
In anticipation of leaving Stiff Records, Madness formed their own label, Zarjazz, a sub-label of Virgin Records. It was on this label that they released their final (at the time) album, 1985's Mad Not Mad. At this point, Mike Barson had already left the group, departing after recording 1984's Keep Moving.
The remaining members not only released the aforementioned 1985 album but then began work on a series of demos intended to be the groundwork for their next. This was shelved when creative differences came into play, and Madness opted to disband. However, before doing so, Barson would rejoin, and the seven core members would release one final single.
Shortly after going their separate ways, Graham McPherson, Lee Thompson, Chris Foreman and Cathal Smyth decided to try again. Though they tried, other previous members declined to be part of the attempted resurgence.
New names were considered for the group, which consisted of Wasp Factory, The One, More, and The Earthmen. The guys even got BBC Radio 1 listeners involved, by inviting them to write in with suggestions.. Eventually, the band settled on the title of The Madness. It was lazy, for sure, but I get why they did it. Madness already had brand recognition.
Some of the previously recorded demos were dusted off, and made their way to their self titled debut, and the band optimistic for the future. Unfortunately, the record was met with mixed reviews, and poor sales. The album lasted only one week on the UK charts, peaking at sixty-five, and none of the singles cracked the top forty. This poor reception would lead to The Madness disbanding.
Heading into the album for myself, there's first and foremost something to note. That being that the original LP and cassette contained ten songs, while the CD packed in fourteen. However, these additional songs are just those which appeared as the b-sides on the twelve and seven inch singles for I Pronounce You, and What's That.
I found The Madness to be quite boring. Before it was even over, I was very much so ready to move on. I just wasn't hearing anything that was making me excited, which is a real shame since this album is a little rare, and as a result, a bit costly.
While I did not the song, What's That, as a potential contender for my shuffle list, I'd be lying if at this point I could tell you that I knew how it even went. Overall, there just wasn't much to be offered here. The album is very adult contemporary sounding, with little to no quirk that used to be Madness. In retrospect, I can understand why this condensed outing of the group flopped.
Though I made it through the nine of the fourteen tracks, by song ten, I was letting them play for a moment, then skipping past them. I just wasn't hearing anything that I felt justified wasting another twenty minutes.
As I said in yesterday's post, Madness did eventually reunite, and since then have recorded more albums with all original seven members. However, this hasn't been consistent. Members have come and gone with each passing project, and as of 2024 the group is now a six piece with the parting of Cathal Smyth.
Despite the up and down journey I took through their 80's discography, I will always remember the bands appearance on the show, The Young Ones, and their timeless classic, Our House. I am happy that my knowledge of their music has expanded, and in that process I did get a fair amount of new tunes for my shuffle. In that regard, I'd call this a success.
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Disclaimer: They Toy Box does not endorse or contribute to piracy. Retro Spins posts are intended for educational and entertainment purposes only. None of the music discussed here is available for sale, downloading or distribution.
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| THIS WEEK ON THE CHARTS November 15, 1980 |
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| THIS WEEK ON THE CHARTS November 15, 1986 |
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