RECORD COLLECTING MONTHLY MIX 04: Mad Not Madness
A Skankin' Journey Through Madness and More
Welcome back to another edition of Record Collecting Monthly Mix. In this show, we're immersing ourselves in the ska-infused world of Madness and the talented artists who have either collaborated with, influenced, or paid homage to this iconic band. From 2 Tone classics to reggae-inspired renditions, our mix is set to groove through the diverse sounds inspired by ‘The nuttiest sound around’…Madness.
1. Madness - "Madness"
Our journey begins with the pioneers themselves. Madness's self-titled track, "Madness," serves as the perfect introduction to the ska-fueled energy that defined an era.
2. The Crooked Beat - "The Prince"
The Crooked Beat pays homage to Madness and the ska legend Prince Buster, weaving a rhythmic masterpiece that echoes the roots of ska’s influence.
3. Prince Buster - "One Step Beyond"
Speaking of Prince Buster, "One Step Beyond" is a ska classic that laid the foundation for Madness and the 2 Tone movement.
4. Pet Shop Boys - "My Girl"
Shifting gears, the Pet Shop Boys infuse electronic beats with the ska spirit in their rendition of "My Girl," creating a genre-blurring musical experience.
5. Tracey Ullman - "My Guy" (Extended Version)
Tracey Ullman adds her own flair to "My Girl" changing the sex, with an extended version that blends pop and ska in a delightful melodic concoction.
6. Bad Manners - "Night Boat To Cairo"
Contempories Bad Manners join the party with their quirky ska vibes in "Night Boat To Cairo," a track that embodies the band's irreverent and lively style.
7. Folie - "Le grand pantalon" (Baggy Trousers)
Folie is French for Madness. "Le Grand Pantalon" is French for “Baggy Trousers” and the boys produce their French-styled version of their Top 10 hit.
8. 2 Rude - "Embarrassment"
2 Rude steps up with their ska-infused cover of "Embarrassment," showcasing the timeless appeal of Madness's socially charged tracks.
9. Beach Breakers - "The Return Of The Los Palmos"
The Beach Breakers take us on a surfing journey with "The Return Of The Los Palmos," infusing the track with East Coast vibes and sandy beaches.
10. John Lewis - "Grey Day"
John Lewis lends his piano skills to the melancholy melody of "Grey Day," putting his own spin on the Madness classic.
11. The Crooners - "Shut Up"
The Crooners demand attention with their interpretation of "Shut Up," adding their own flair to the Madness catalog.
12. Labi Siffre - "It Must Be Love"
Labi Siffre's soulful, original, rendition of "It Must Be Love" showcases the versatility of the song, allowing Madness to transfer a love ballad into a skankin' affair.
13. Cherry Boop & The Sound Makers - "Cardiac Arrest"
Cherry Boop & The Sound Makers breathe new life into "Cardiac Arrest," infusing the Madness hit with their unique twist.
14. The Skalatones - "House of Fun"
The Skalatones pay homage to Madness's "House of Fun," adding their own ska-infused flavor to this carnival of sound.
15. Big Russ Wilkins & Lightnin' Holling. - "Driving in My Car"
Big Russ Wilkins & Lightnin' Holling. take a rock’n’roll approach to "Driving in My Car," proving that ska can seamlessly blend with various genres.
16. American Hi-Fi - "Our House"
American Hi-Fi infuses "Our House" with alt-rock sensibilities while preserving the ska heartbeat, creating a unique sonic blend.
17. Elvis Costello - "Tomorrow's (Just Another Day)"
Elvis Costello puts his stamp on Madness's "Tomorrow's (Just Another Day)," with the ‘Nutty Boys’ providing backing.
18. Erin Bardwell Collective - "Wings Of A Dove"
Erin Bardwell Collective delivers a vibrant rendition of "Wings Of A Dove," making the song sound like it was always a part of the Gospel tradition.
19. Indeed - "The Sun and the Rain"
Indeed adds a new breeze to "The Sun and the Rain," bringing yet another genre to the Madness catalogue.
20. Gordon - "Michael Caine"
Gordon pays tribute to the iconic actor with "Michael Caine," infusing the track with ska rhythms and a cinematic flair.
21. Bluebird Parade - "One Better Day"
Bluebird Parade offers a dreamy, shoegaze-inspired take on "One Better Day," recorded for part of the 4CD set for the Teenage Cancer Trust.
22. Feargal Sharkey - "Listen To Your Father"
Feargal Sharkey's first solo hit in 1984 was on the boys’ own ZARJAZZ label. "Listen To Your Father" brings a new dimension to the Madness sound, blending pop and ska influences seamlessly.
23. Starvation - "Starvation" (African Version)
"Starvation" were an amalgamation of several ska bands including Madness, The Beat, the Specials, UB40 and many others, released as a charity single to raise funds for the famine areas of Africa.
24. Eryk Stewart - "Yesterday's Men"
Eryk Stewart's rendition of "Yesterday's Men" was just one of several Madness covers made for his 2015 album ‘A Tribute To Madness’
25. Fink Brothers - "Mutants In Mega City One"
Suggs and Chas Smash, working under the aliases Angel and Ratty Fink formed the short-lived Fink Brothers to dive into the sci-fi realm of the 2000AD comic character of Judge Dredd with "Mutants In Mega City One," creating a classic sonic adventure.
26. Ska Dogs - "Uncle Sam"
Ska Dogs deliver a lively rendition of "Uncle Sam," infusing the track with their own brand of ska energy.
27. Scritti Politti - "The Sweetest Girl"
Scritti Politti's original version of "The Sweetest Girl" is a smooth and jazzy version that added a touch of sophistication to the Madness repertoire.
28. Don Camillo Chor - "(Waiting for) The Ghost Train"
"(Waiting for) The Ghost Train" gets a choral makeover from the German Don Camillo Chor, turning it into a ska-infused anthem.
29. Jimmy Cliff - "The Harder They Come"
Jimmy Cliff's reggae vibes shine through in his original version of "The Harder They Come," which led to a movie of the same name.
30. Suggs - "I'm Only Sleeping"
Suggs takes on The Beatles with a ska rendition of "I'm Only Sleeping," proving that even classic rock can get a skankin' makeover.
31. Crunch - "Magic Carpet"
Lee Thompson and Chris Foreman formed The Crunch in 1990. After a brief period where they werejust known as ‘The Nutty Boys’ due to a misleading tour poster, the renamed themselves back to The Crunch for this release in 1996.
32. Suggs - "Cecilia"
Suggs returns with a ska-infused take on Simon & Garfunkel’s "Cecilia". Produced by Sly & Robbie for his debut album, it became his biggest UK solo hit.
33. Servers - "Lovestruck"
The Servers' rendition of "Lovestruck" was another track recorded for the ‘Mad Not Cancer’ compilation released in 2014
34. Statuto - "Un fiore nel cemento" (Johnny The Horse)
Statuto are a successful Italian ska band that have produced 20 albums since their debut in 1988. Here they offer an Italian twist to "Johnny The Horse".
35. Ian Dury - "Drip Fed Fred"
Ian Dury's unique style shines through in "Drip Fed Fred,", his last recording before his death in March 2000, just two months after the release of this single.
36. Lord Melody - "Waa Waa" (Shame and Scandal in the Family)
Based on “Fort Holland Calypso Song”, recorded by Sir Lancelot for the 1943 film ‘I Walked With A Zombie’. Lord Melody's original calypso take on "Shame and Scandal in the Family" was released in 1962.
37. Madness - "Seven Year Scratch"
Closing our skankin' journey is Madness's "Seven Year Scratch," a mash-up that encapsulates the band's evolution and enduring ska spirit.