Best Of/20th Century

Madness: Carl Smyth (vocals, horns); Graham "Suggs" McPherson (vocals); Chris Foreman (guitar); Lee Thompson (saxophone); Mike Barson (keyboards); Mark Bedford (bass instrument); Daniel "Woody" Woodgate (drums, percussion).Liner Note Authors: Sara Cody; Sara Cody; G. Hanekroot.Photographer: Kerstin Rodgers.Unknown Contributor Roles: Creighton Steel Sounds; Jorgen Angel.Arranger: Miguel Barrados.THE BEST OF MADNESS, the 20th Century Masters release, boils down the career of one of England's most beloved pop acts from the '80s into an easily digestible 12-track set. Between 1978 and 1984, Madness had a spectacular string of hits in the U.K. thanks to their clever lyrics and arrangements, buoyant, singable melodies, and off-kilter, "nutty" sound. Though their U.S. success was limited to the smash single "Our House" and a handful of videos played in heavy rotation on MTV, they have--in the years since--taken their place alongside the Specials as one of the most distinctive and enduring ska-influenced groups of the era."Our House" is here, of course, as are the horn-driven bounce of "House of Fun," the thumping, funky "Cardiac Arrest" and the bright, keyboard-driven "It Must Be Love." Some important material goes missing ("My Girl," for example, is mysteriously absent), and listeners looking for a more comprehensive overview may want a longer compilation. But THE BEST OF MADNESS is a superb introduction to the band's charms. It shows them to be fine musical synthesists (a fact often overlooked) in their blending of ska, R&B, music hall, New Wave, and melodic pop and, more importantly, proves them to be a great deal of fun.