How does it compare to the artist's other releases
Weak
Value for Money
Advantages:
Polished & mature
Disadvantages:
No Mike Barson
Recommend to potential buyers:
no
Full review
Well, "no good" is a little harsh. This is a mature, polished album, but it is also a little laboured, and a little tired, almost you are able to tell a piece of work by a band a little bored of what they are doing & needing a break. "Yesterdays Men" strangely prophetic as this was Madness' final album before all the Madstock & comebacks..
To be honest, it all ended when Barson left. Mike Barson was the keyboard player, the most talented musician, one of the key songwriters, and the lifeforce behind the band. Madness was Barsons band. The band formed by himself & Chris Foreman (guitar), the ambition of the keyboard player far outweighing that of the guitarist. Gradually members were added, sacked, reinstated, and Madness was formed (well The North London Invaders as they were..) Barson left after "Keep Moving", indeed himself moving to Holland, the homecountry of wife Sandra. He was replaced by an adequate keyboardist, whose name escapes me (Sheamus??), who could play anything Barson could & so technically was fine for live gigs, but didn't have the creativity or songwriting ability to produce new material. Granted they had 2 hit singles after Barson left (Yesterday's Men , Uncle Sam), but somehow were never the same band & soon dispanded. Suggs going solo, Bedders & Woody on a free transfer to Voice of the Beehive (lovely girls..have you met them?), and Thommo, Chris & Carl forming the awful The Madness.
Madness are back now. Madstock, Finsbury Park.. and most importantly..Barson back in the fold. And guess what? They are pretty good again.
More details
How does it rate alongside the competition
Weak
Cover / Inlay Design and Content
Good
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