Madness
This week we are stepping back in time to the early ’80s. Back then things were much simpler, no smartphones, no computers, and if you wanted to make a phone call there was no privacy, phones back then were connected with wires. Back in the ’80s, it might have been madness in your house, or you may have had baggy trousers, hopefully, it was a house of fun.
Formed in 1976, Madness rose to become one of the most prominent bands of the SKA and new wave era. The band had a number of lineup changes between the formation and their early success. They began gaining a following from around 1979.
Origin: Camden Town, London, England
Genres: Ska, pop, new wave
Years active: 1976–1986, 1992–present
Website madness.co.uk
Our House was released in 1982. The song peaked at 17 In Australia, number 1 in Sweden and Canada and 5 in their home country, the UK. it reached number 7 on the US Billboard top 100.
In 1981, Madness did a cover of Labi Siffre’s “It must be love”.
It peaked at number 6 in Australia, while in the UK it reached number 4. On the US billboard top hot 100, it reached 33.
The song was re-issued in 1992, where it reached 46 in Australia and 6 in the UK.
There have been various covers of the song, notably Kate Cebrano in 2007 on her Nine Lime Avenue album.
House of fun also released in 1982, but as a one-off single, it reached number 1 in the UK and Ireland and number 5 in Australia.
It was re-released in 1992, where it peaked at 73 in Australia, and 40 in the UK.
Ska Genre
Ska music genre originated in Jamaica and is a fusion of Calypso, Caribbean mento, American Jazz and Rhythm and Blues.
Music historians divide the history of Ska, into three periods. 1 the Jamaican scene in the ’60s, the 2 tone ska revival in the ’70s which was faster and edgier forming the Ska-Punk era. and the third involved a wider musical base from around the world, forming third wave ska in the ’80s and ’90s.
More to madness
We have listed three songs from madness, these are the three songs on our roster, but they had other classic songs, like Baggy Trousers, The Prince and Michael Caine, check out Madness PopRock Radios power ranking here.
So what do you think of Madness? let us know in the comments below and don’t forget to like, love, share and follow!
Post comments (1)