Madness

In its early-'80s prime, Madness was one of England's most beloved pop acts, and no wonder -- its blend of irrepressible rhythm, insinuating choruses, and brash music-hall humor all but guaranteed the group a place on the U.K. charts. Here in the U.S., however, Madnessmania was limited, in large part because the band's ska-revival roots and Cockney sensibility didn't quite appeal to general American tastes.

From the R&B revelry of One Step Beyond . . . to the Kinksian wit of 7, the group's early work used ska not as a defining aesthetic but merely as a rhythmic starting point, as made plain on such singles as "My Girl" (from One Step Beyond . . . ) or "Baggy Trousers" (from Absolutely,). Madness is cobbled together from material originally on 7 and The Rise and Fall as well as such English singles as "It Must Be Love" and "House of Fun." The album also includes "Our House," an endearing Kinks-Motown fusion and the band's biggest U.S. hit. Sadly, the ambitious Keep Moving failed to match its predecessor's charm or melodic integrity (though the Caribbean-flavored "Wings of a Dove" has its moments), while Mad Not Mad finds the lads sinking into unseemly self-reflection.

Even though Madness called it quits in 1986, the group eventually reunited for several annual Madstock concerts before finally going all the way in 1998 with a full tour and new album, the U.K.-only Wonderful. Meanwhile, on this side of the Atlantic, fans were given the choice between Total Madness, which showcases the band's pop sensibility while almost entirely ignoring its ska roots, and the far more representative Ultimate Collection (probably the best Madness disc out there). As for The Peel Sessions, it's hard to justify spending good money on 11 minutes of so-so live ska. (J.D. Considine)

From 2004's The New Rolling Stone Album Guide