Pure Madness (Hollywood Madness/Alto Madness) - Richie Cole

Advantages: A real treat; loads of classic Madness, and some rare stuff
Disadvantages: Vox-pops can be annoying

...The business is one of the rarer pieces of Madness, probably owing to it's high price tag. For this, however, you get three CDs full of singles, demos and some just plain weird stuff, including a Terry Wogan jingle the boys recorded at Christmas one year, and God Save the Queen on Kazoo, Madness definately living up to their self-applied Nutty tag. Many of the classics are there, both in their familiar forms and various different versions, personal favourites being the harmonica version of Yesterday's Men and The Business, a purely instrumental version of Take it or Leave it. Also, spread at intervals throughout the album, there are short Vox-pops with people who were involved with the group back when their popularity was at it's highest, which can either be interesting, or annoying, depending on your mood at the time.... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: Not bad....
Disadvantages: Not that good either...

...This is Madness' third album on their first run on the music scene. It marks a slight change to the music of the previous two. The songs that you will have heard of on this album are slightly moodier ones such as Cardiac Arrest, and Shut Up. The album isn't crammed with classic Madness hits but then not everything they make can be fantastic. If you are a Madness fan then it's worth buying this one, if you're a casual kind of fan then stay clear, you might regret spending your money on it. It is however part of the special box set called The Lot which include the original 6 albums from Madness from 1979 to 1985.... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful

Advantages: Only Madness could do this....
Disadvantages: Could be too samey for the non Madness fan....

...Good Album, flows well from madness's first album 'one step beyond'. Loads of energy and would appeal to any one who is into classic Madness. Kicks off with Baggy Trousers, one of Madness's classic's and contains futher hits Embarresment and the album Closes with the catchy instrumental 'Los Palmas seven' The album runs through classic after classic burst with life all the way; this isn't a particulary well priduced album, but that's not what Madness are all about; they concentrate on churning out 3 minute witty pop nuggets. Suggs does his usually take on life with witty and thought provoking lyrics, most of which are uniquely Madness. Underneath suggs the band play thier unique blend of Ska and pop with funky keyboard parts popping in and dropping out again. In conclusion a Great album with a few smalls blips in places;... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average not helpful