Name: The Madness
Brand: Madness

Bonus disc

Bonus disc: No

Catalogue number

4050538618815

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Colour

Black

Colour details

Discogs ID

Format multiplier

Download code

Download code: No

Rough Trade Exclusive

Rough Trade Exclusive: No

Extended format

Extended format: No

Format detail

180 Gram Vinyl.

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Format Music GB

Limited edition

Release date

2024-01-19

Signed copies

Signed copies: No

Supplier GB

Warner Music Group

Tax rate GB

Standard:20

UPC / Barcode

Total Cap

1 / Extended format: No / LP / Rough Trade Exclusive: No / Signed copies: No / black

Artist

Madness

Genre GB

Classic

Label GB

BMG Rights Management, formerly known as Bertelsmann Music Group, is a global music conglomerate with a rich history in the industry. Originally formed in 1985 as a joint venture between Bertelsmann AG and RCA, BMG has since evolved into a powerhouse of music production and distribution.

In 1986, Bertelsmann acquired full ownership of RCA and Arista Records through the purchase of their joint venture's stock from General Electric. The following year, these labels were merged under the umbrella of Bertelsmann Music Group (BMG), solidifying its position as a major player in the music world.

In 2004, BMG joined forces with Sony Music to create Sony BMG Music Entertainment. However, in 2008, Bertelsmann sold its stake in the company, leading to the formation of BMG Rights Management. Today, BMG continues to thrive as a leading record label and distributor worldwide.

Madness are an English ska band from Camden Town, London, that formed in 1976. They were one of the most prominent bands of the late 1970s and early 1980s 2 Tone ska revival. With their most recognized line-up of seven members, they continue to perform and have achieved great success throughout their career.

Madness reached the peak of their success in the early to mid-1980s. Alongside UB40, they spent a remarkable 214 weeks on the UK singles charts during that decade. This record held for the most weeks spent by a group in the 1980s UK singles charts. Notably, Madness accomplished this feat within a shorter time period from 1980 to 1986.

In 1988, some members embarked on individual projects but eventually reunited with Madness to continue creating their unique brand of ska music.

The Madness, originally released in May 1988, is the only album recorded by Suggs, Chas Smash, Chrissy Boy and Lee Thompson of Madness. Calling themselves “The Madness”, the group explored a new direction without Mike Barson, Woody and Mark Bedford. The result was an album bathed in all the new technology the late 1980s had to offer, and features some of this incarnation of Madness’ most experimental work.

Lead vocals were shared between Suggs and Chas Smash, while all members of the group contributed music and lyrics. The album also features a host of other musicians including Steve Nieve (Elvis Costello and The Attractions) on keyboards and The Specials’ Jerry Dammers on piano.

Although short-lived, this version of Madness marked a significant detour from the original band’s trajectory and preceded one of the most extraordinary music comebacks ever witnessed, when the whole band reformed in 1992 for two sold-out “Madstock” shows in London’s Finsbury Park. The fans’ excitement led to a legendary mini-earthquake, and ‘Madstock’ would prove that no members of Madness ever truly leave the band. 

This LP reissue is pressed on 180 Gram black vinyl and features brand new liner notes by Chrissy Boy, Chas Smash and Lee Thompson.

The Madness

Music GB

Buy Madness - The Madness (Vinyl, CD) now from Rough Trade - independent purveyors of great music, since 1976.