♪ ♫ Madness, madness, they call it madness ♫ ♪

Madness were a little before my time. I first came across them through their appearances on the Young Ones, but didn't know their music well at the time it was released.



It was during my Uni days that I really discovered Madness and their music. I bought several CDs, including a fantastic imported singles collection from the now (sadly) defunct Gaslight Records store on Bourke St, Melbourne.

I totally fell in love. The music with its ska and pop influences, and the wonderful sounds of the piano, guitars, trumpet and saxophone. The lyrics, so offbeat and funny, but also sentimental. The vocals. The band's look, attitude and energy. A brilliant combination that is as fantastic to listen to now as it ever was.

I'd be hard pressed to choose a favourite song, there are so many that I love. Baggy Trousers, Our House, Return Of The Los Palmas 7, One Better Day, My Girl, The Sun and the Rain, It Must Be Love, One Step Beyond, Yesterday's Men, Embarrassment, The Prince, Michael Caine, Night Boat to Cairo, House of Fun, Wings of a Dove, Swan Lake.

Madness has an official YouTube channel, which is definitely worth checking out. It has all the original music videos, as well as live performances and interviews.







A few years ago, I learnt that Madness were reforming every once in a while to perform in open air concerts for fans, called Madstock. I was so excited to get my hands on a DVD of one of these gigs. And then I discovered they were coming to Australia!

Here are a couple of the dodgy photos I took in 2009 during their show at the Metro in Melbourne. Absolutely wonderful, it was a dream come true to see them perform live :)

Madness on stage 1

Madness on stage 2