1) a British ba… Read Full Bio ↴At least four artists exist by this name on last.fm:
1) a British band
2) an American rapper
3) a Brazilian death metal group
4) a Mongolian rock band
1) Madness is a British pop and ska band from Camden Town, London, England that was formed in 1976. As of 2012, the group has continued to perform with their most recognised lineup of seven members, although that has varied slightly over the years. Known for their cheeky humour and musical eclecticism, the band members called a "dysfunctional family", the group was one of most prominent artists in the late-70s 2 Tone ska movement. As their career progressed, Madness moved closer toward conventional pop music and has become one of the most successful British bands of all time.
The guys achieved most of their success in the 80s, often picking up new wave fans who enjoyed the band's eclectic sound. Madness, in fact, spent exactly 214 weeks on the U.K. singles charts from 1980-89, thereby sharing the record for most weeks spent by a group in said charts with UB40. Examples of some of their most popular songs include 1979's "One Step Beyond", 1982's "Our House", and 1984's "Keep Moving".
Formation
The core of the band formed as "The North London Invaders" in 1976. This outfit included Mike Barson (Monsieur Barso) on keyboards and vocals, Chris Foreman (Chrissy Boy) on guitar and Lee Thompson (Kix) on saxophone and vocals. They later recruited John Hasler on drums and Cathal Smyth (better known as Chas Smash) on bass guitar. Later in the year, they were joined by lead vocalist "Dikron". This six-piece lineup lasted until part way through 1977, when Graham McPherson (better known as Suggs) took over the lead vocals after seeing the band perform in a friend's garden. Smyth, who was poor on bass guitar, was replaced by Gavin Rogers, an acquaintance of Barson. McPherson was kicked out of the band for too often choosing to watch football instead of rehearsing. As well, Thompson left the band after Barson criticised his saxophone playing.
By 1978, the band had allowed McPherson to return, after filling in temporarily for Hasler (who had taken over vocals when McPherson was removed). Thompson returned after patching things up with Barson, and Daniel Woodgate (Woody) and Mark Bedford (Bedders) also joined the band, on drums and bass guitar respectively. After briefly changing their name to Morris and the Minors, the band renamed itself as Madness; paying homage to one of their favourite songs by ska/reggae artist Prince Buster. The band remained a sextet until late 1979, when Chas Smash rejoined and officially became the seventh member of Madness as a backing vocalist and trumpet player.
Early success
In 1979, the band recorded the Lee Thompson composition "The Prince". The song, like the band's name, paid homage to their idol, Prince Buster. The song was released through 2 Tone Records, the label of The Specials founder Jerry Dammers. The song was a surprise hit, peaking in the UK music charts at #16. A performance of "The Prince" on popular UK music show Top of the Pops helped Madness gain public recognition. Madness then toured with fellow 2 Tone bands The Specials and The Selecter, before recording their debut album, One Step Beyond..., which was released by Stiff Records. The album included a re-recording of "The Prince" and the band's second and third singles: "One Step Beyond" and "My Girl". The title song was a cover of the B-side of the 1960s Prince Buster hit "Al Capone". One Step Beyond... stayed in the British charts for over a year, peaking at #2. After the release of "My Girl", the band felt that they had exhausted the material from One Step Beyond..., and did not want to release any more singles from the album. However, Dave Robinson, head of Stiff Records, disagreed. Eventually, a compromise was made, and the band decided to release an EP featuring one album track and three new tracks. The result was the Work Rest and Play EP, which was headlined by the song "Night Boat to Cairo", from the One Step Beyond album. The EP reached #6 in the UK singles chart.
The following year, the band's second album, Absolutely reached #2 in the UK album charts. Absolutely spawned some of the band's biggest hits, most notably "Baggy Trousers"; which peaked at #3 in the UK singles chart. "Embarrassment" reached #4 in the charts, and the instrumental song "Return of the Los Palmas 7" climbed to #7.
Change of direction
In 1981, the band's third studio album, 7 reached #5 in the UK album charts and contained three hit singles. In an article in 1979, Chris Foreman explained that the band's music would move with the times, and change styles as time goes on. This was shown to be the case, as unlike the two ska-filled, fast-paced albums that preceded it, 7 was somewhat of a change in direction. Suggs' vocal performance changed significantly, and his strong Cockney accent from the previous albums had been watered down. The album strayed from the ska-influenced sound of One Step Beyond... and Absolutely, and moved towards a more conventional and mature pop sound; a trend that continued with subsequent albums. Near the end of 1981, Madness released one of their most recognised songs; a remake of Labi Siffre's 1971 hit "It Must Be Love". The song climbed to #4 in the UK and entered the US charts at #33. In 1982, Madness released their only #1 hit to date, "House of Fun"; as well as their fourth studio album The Rise & Fall. The album contained their most internationally successful single to date, "Our House", which reached #5 in the UK music charts and # 7 in the US charts. In 1983, their single "Wings of a Dove" peaked at #2 in the UK charts. Their following album, Keep Moving, peaked at #6 in the UK album charts, and several singles from that album reached the top 20 in the UK music charts.
Decline and breakup
In October 1983, the band's founder, keyboardist and prominent songwriter Mike Barson decided to leave the band, partly because he had relocated to Amsterdam, Netherlands. He officially left the band in June 1984, following the release of "One Better Day". The six remaining members left Stiff Records and formed their own label, Zarjazz Records, which was sub-label of Virgin Records. In 1985, the label released the band's sixth album, Mad Not Mad. Barson's keyboard parts were filled by synthesisers, and in later years, frontman Suggs described the production as "polished turd". The album reached #16 in the UK charts, which was the band's lowest position on the album charts to date. Despite the poor chart showing, the album was listed as #55 in NME's All Time 100 Albums. The singles for the album fared even worse, with "Yesterday's Men" peaking at #18 in the UK charts. The subsequent singles, "Uncle Sam" and "Sweetest Girl", failed to make the top 20, which was a first for Madness singles.
The band then attempted to record a new album, and 11 demo tracks were recorded. However, musical differences arose between band members, and in September 1986, the band announced that they were to split. Barson rejoined the band for a farewell single, "(Waiting For) The Ghost Train", but did not appear in the music video. The band officially split following the release of the single, which reached a high of #18 in the UK. In 1988, four members of the band — Suggs, Chas Smash, Lee Thompson and Chris Foreman — created a new band, using the name The Madness. After one self-titled album and two singles that failed to make the the top 40, the band split.
Reunions and The Dangermen
In early 1992, "It Must Be Love" was re-released and reached #6 in the UK singles chart. Following that, the singles compilation Divine Madness was released and peaked at #1 in the album charts. Madness then announced plans for a reunion concert, Madstock!, which was held at Finsbury Park, London on August 8 and 9 of that year. The original lineup reunited, performing together for the first time since Mike Barson left the band in 1984. Over 75,000 fans attended the weekend festival, and during "One Step Beyond", the crowd danced so much they caused an earth tremor which measured over 4 on the richter scale. A subsequent live album was released, and the associated single, "The Harder They Come" (a cover of Jimmy Cliff's 1973 song) reached #44 in the UK.
The band continued to reunite for annual UK Christmas season tours and held three more Madstock! festivals; in 1994, 1996 and 1998. In 1999, Madness released their first studio album since 1986, entitled Wonderful. The album reached #17 in the UK album charts, and the lead single, "Lovestruck", gave the band their first new top 10 hit in the UK since 1983. Neither of the two subsequent singles from the album, "Johnny The Horse" and "Drip Fed Fred", entered the top 40 of the UK charts.
From October 28, 2002 to August 16, 2003, a musical based on Madness songs, Our House, ran at the Cambridge Theatre in west London. Madness played a role in the executive production of the show, and Suggs played a role in the production for a period of time, playing the central character's father. It won an Olivier Award for best new musical of 2003, and the performance was released on DVD on November 1, 2004. There was also a previous musical based on Madness songs, One Step Beyond!, written by Alan Gilbey. The musical had a brief run at the Theatre Royal Stratford East in 1993.
In 2004, the band played a series of low-key concerts as The Dangermen, performing covers of classic reggae and ska songs. A lot of the songs were those played by the band when they were first forming, and the band performed the songs as a celebration of their 25 year anniversary. This led to the release of the album The Dangermen Sessions Vol. 1 in August 2005. However, during the sessions which produced the album, the band's guitarist Chris Foreman announced his departure. Foreman left the band in mid 2005, citing "the petty, time consuming bollocks that goes on in the band" in a statement announcing his decision to leave. The band completed the album without him, and on release, it peaked at #11 in the UK album charts, which was the band's highest studio album chart position in 21 years. Although two singles were released, neither was a major success in the UK. The more successful of the two, "Shame & Scandal", reached #38. Despite the poor chart showing, the single reached #12 in France.
In late 2006, this six remaining members of Madness began working on their first original album in seven years. However, for Madness' 2006 Christmas season tour, Foreman rejoined the band. In March 2007, the single "Sorry" was released from the band's upcoming album, peaking in the UK charts at #23. The single included a version featuring UK hip hop artists Sway DaSafo and Baby Blue. Both artists were included on the music video which accompanied the hip-hop version of the song, but not on the original music video. Both music videos were also without Chris Foreman, despite the fact that he was a band member at the time of release.
The new Madness song "NW5 (I Would Give You Everything)" and a re-recorded version of "It Must Be Love" were featured in the German film Neues vom Wixxer. The two songs were released in Germany as a double A-Side, and both of them were turned into music videos. While promoting "Sorry", Sway DaSafo confirmed in an interview with NME that he will perform in the recording of Madness' updated version of their song "Baggy Trousers", entitled "Baggy Jeans". The updated song will be featured on Madness' upcoming studio album, and also released as a single. DaSafo predicted the song will be a "huge smash gaurenteed", although the date of release is not yet known.
Lyrical themes
Although Madness were seen by many as somewhat of a humorous band with catchy, bouncy songs, they sometimes tackled, what were at the time, controversial issues in their lyrics. "Embarrassment" (from the "Absolutely" album) was written by Lee Thompson, and reflected the unfolding turmoil following the news that his teenage sister had become pregnant and was carrying a black man's child. The band discussed animal testing in the song "Tomorrow's Dream". The band criticized the National Health Service in "Mrs. Hutchinson"; which told the story of a woman who, after several misdiagnoses and mistreatment, became terminally ill. The story was based on the experiences of Mike Barson's mother. Madness' final single prior to disbanding, "(Waiting For) The Ghost Train", commented on apartheid in South Africa.
Skinhead controversy
Early in their career, Madness were linked to skinheads; members of a British working class subculture that the media often stereotyped as racist (although the clear majority of skinheads were anti-racist). Not only were Madness, along with other 2 Tone bands, popular with skinheads, but it was said that the band members themselves were associated with the subculture. The band's relationship with the skinheads varied at times. Mike Barson was particularly displeased with the band's skinhead following, often finding it disappointing that so many were present at performances. Prior to becoming a full member of the band, Chas Smash had been involved in fights with skinheads at performances. In one particular incident on November 18, 1979, Madness were supported by "Red Beans and Rice", who featured a black lead singer, and the band were prevented from completing the performance due to the racist chants from certain members of the skinhead filled audience. Suggs later came on stage to show his displeasure at their behaviour, but this didn't stop much of the audience from Nazi saluting at the end of the show.
In a 1979 NME interview, Madness member Chas Smash was quoted as saying "We don't care if people are in the NF as long as they're having a good time." This added to speculation that Madness was a racist band supporting the fascist group National Front, although the band members denied those allegations. Numerous fans felt upset that Chas Smash's views were mispresented by the media, with yellow journalists just looking for a story in their eyes. Smash responded to the NME article in the song "Don't Quote Me On That". Eventually, band members denied their skinhead roots, which disappointed much of their skinhead fan base. The issue faded as the years went by and the far-right skinhead groups failed completely in winning converts, their particular fringe shrinking massively while in the meantime Madness' international popularity grew.
Awards
The band's first notable musical award came in 1983 when they won an "Ivor Novello Award" for Best Song for the international hit "Our House". They received another "Ivor Novello Award" 17 years later for an "Outstanding Song Collection". In 2005, they were awarded the Mojo Magazine "Hall Of Fame" award, notably for being 'an artist's artist'. As of 2007, a campaign is taking place by fans of Madness for the band to be awarded a Brit award. Many fans and critics feel they have been overlooked over their past 30 years in the music industry.
Website
madness.co.uk
2) Madness is also the name of a hip-hop artist from Florida in the U.S. He has competed in many Grindtime Rap Battle events, and the rapper work is featured on the release 'Fresh Coast Perishables Volume One' as well as in his own underground albums.
3) Madness is a Brazilian death metal band.
4) Madness is a Mongolian rock band.
On The Town
Madness Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
O-Town
Can't stop moving
Around
Gotta keep with
O-Town
Up, Down
O-Town
O-Town
Can't stop moving
Around
Gotta keep with
O-Town
Up, Down
O-Town
Yep you know I'm in my city
Black on black up on the Audi
Cruisin on the nine five
Rollin
auto drive
Cause you know we getting
Feelin like I'm winnin
Got the black beams on
feeling in control
In my place of peace
In my place of home
Bout to lose control
Imma bout to blow
They don't even know I'm bout to get to them
Messin up they scheduled plans and I don't care how they will feel
Cause I'm just going round the town I'm tryna see was down
Cause I got some money and I'm tryna blow it now
It's time party up
It's time to go out
I need to awake
Never ever calm down
It's all about lights
All about vibes
Stayin up till five
It all feels right
Till the sunrise
And I'm never gone stop partyin
Partyin like hooligan
Till I can't feel no limbs again
Go crazy go stupid
With all the girls and they friends
We all blowing up a band
Downtown O yeah it's lit
With my boy J, Dylan
Cause we takin over the whole city
What you want I bout to get
Five different malls and they all be litty
Gotta look fresh in a whole new fitted
Cause you know we bout to get it on
Pulling up in the valet zone
Cause it's no time to sleep
In the grand O City
Flowin round
O-Town
Can't stop moving
Around
Gotta keep with
O-Town
Up, Down
O-Town
Flowin round
O-Town
Can't stop moving
Around
Gotta keep with
O-Town
Up, Down
O-Town
The lyrics of Madness's song "On The Town" depict the excitement and energy of being in the urban metropolis of O-Town. The song starts with a repetitive chant of "Flowin round O-Town" over an upbeat and electric sound. The lyrics then delve into the rapper's pride of being in his city, expressing his sense of belonging and identity. He talks about driving around O-Town in his Audi, with his black on black attire and feeling in control. The rap also highlights his intention to party, blow his money, and create chaos by messing up people's schedules. The lyrics are representative of the fast-paced and restless atmosphere of urban cities, where living life to the fullest and having a good time are the main goals. The rapper expresses his desire to stay up until morning, partying and having fun, with no concern for rest or calmness.
The song accurately portrays the excitement of living in a city full of opportunities, activities, and vibrant culture. It gives a sense of overwhelming energy and an insatiable appetite for life that the urban lifestyle perpetuates. It further highlights the importance of community and friendships, as the rapper mentions hanging out with his friends, enjoying the moment, and creating memories. Overall, the song is a celebration of the urban lifestyle, the people, the buzz, and the thrill of living life on the edge.
Line by Line Meaning
Flowin round
Continuously moving and flowing around O-Town
O-Town
Referring to the artist's hometown, the city they are currently in
Can't stop moving
Unable to slow down or stop moving
Around
Moving in circles or around O-Town
Gotta keep with
Have to keep up with the pace and energy of O-Town
Up, Down
Referring to the energetic and lively atmosphere of O-Town
Yep you know I'm in my city
Expressing the artist's pride and ownership of the place they call home
Black on black up on the Audi
Describing the artist's stylish car and appearance
Cruisin on the nine five
Driving down the highway, possibly Route 95
Rollin auto drive
Driving without having to use manual controls, possibly indicating a high-end car
Cause you know we getting
Expressing excitement or anticipation for the night ahead
Feelin like I'm winnin
Feeling confident and successful
Got the black beams on
Possibly referring to the headlights of the artist's car
Feeling in control
Asserting power and control over their surroundings
In my place of peace
Referring to a location where the artist feels at peace and content
In my place of home
Describing O-Town as the artist's true home
Bout to lose control
Indicating an eagerness to let loose and enjoy the night
Imma bout to blow
Possibly indicating the artist's intention to spend a large amount of money or party hard
They don't even know I'm bout to get to them
Suggesting the artist is going to surprise their peers in O-Town with their energy and attitude
Messin up they scheduled plans and I don't care how they will feel
Implying the artist is going to disrupt the plans of others in O-Town to have a good time, without concern for their reactions
Cause I'm just going round the town I'm tryna see what's down
Describing the artist's desire to explore O-Town and all it has to offer
Cause I got some money and I'm tryna blow it now
Possibly indicating the artist has expendable income and is planning to spend it all in O-Town
It's time party up
Expressing a desire to let loose and party
It's time to go out
Suggesting the artist is ready to start the night and explore O-Town
I need to awake
Possibly indicating the artist needs to wake themselves up or become energized to fully enjoy the night
Never ever calm down
Describing the artist's energetic and lively personality, never wanting to slow down or relax
It's all about lights
Suggesting O-Town is a vibrant, colorful location with lots of bright lights and energy
All about vibes
Referring to the atmosphere and energy of O-Town
Stayin up till five
Implying the artist is planning to stay up all night until the early hours of the morning
It all feels right
Enjoying the night and atmosphere of O-Town
Till the sunrise
Describing a full night out until the early morning, until the sun breaks the horizon
And I'm never gone stop partyin
Expressing a desire to never stop partying and enjoying O-Town
Partyin like hooligan
Describing wild and crazy partying behavior in O-Town
Till I can't feel no limbs again
Indicating the artist plans to party until they are completely spent and exhausted
Go crazy go stupid
Suggesting wild and uncontrolled dancing and behavior
With all the girls and they friends
Possibly implying the artist is planning to spend time with many girls and their friends
We all blowing up a band
Possibly referring to spending a lot of money on drinks, entertainment, or activities in O-Town
Downtown O yeah it's lit
Describing the energetic and lively atmosphere of downtown O-Town
With my boy J, Dylan
Referring to the artist's friends J and Dylan that they plan to party with in O-Town
Cause we takin over the whole city
Expressing excitement and confidence in their ability to have a great time and enjoy O-Town
What you want I bout to get
Possibly indicating a willingness to spend money or provide whatever is necessary to continue having a good time in O-Town
Five different malls and they all be litty
Suggesting there are many different locations or activities in O-Town to experience and enjoy
Gotta look fresh in a whole new fitted
Describing the artist's desire to dress nicely and look good while they explore all of O-Town
Cause you know we bout to get it on
Indicating excitement and anticipation for a fun and lively night ahead in O-Town
Pulling up in the valet zone
Describing the artist's arrival at a high-end or upscale location in O-Town
Cause it's no time to sleep
Expressing a desire to stay up all night and enjoy the energy and excitement of O-Town
In the grand O City
Referring to O-Town as a grand and vibrant location
Lyrics © O/B/O DistroKid
Written by: Marquise Van Voorhis-Bryant
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@twosheepsoapery
"On The Town"
Oh, it's early in the morning
It's raining and the streetlights
Streaming through my windows
Casting shadows on the ceiling
The room is oh so empty
Stand against the wall
The clock is ticking loudly
It's deafening in this quiet room
Oh, how long have I been waiting?
What am I to say?
Inside I don't want to stay
Oh, 'cause I've been on the town
Sick and tired of your frown
I can hear you in the hallway
It's not unusual you're there everyday
Only now the hour's so late
Every minute I've had to wait
Has been an eternity
But now you're back again with me
The clock says five fifteen
Oh, won't you tell me where you've been?
Won't you tell me where you've been?
What am I to say?
Inside I don't want to stay
Oh, 'cause I've been on the town
Sick and tired of your frown
And if I met another guy
Who could not say I would not lie?
I saw you in the morning
It was just like every other day
You kissed me on the cheek
I said, "Here comes another week"
You glanced out of the window
And I asked you where your thoughts go
"I'm just tired I guess", you said
And turned away your head
You just turned away your head
What am I to say?
Inside I don't want to stay
Oh, 'cause I've been on the town
Sick and tired of your frown
What am I to say?
I could not stand another day
Oh, I wish that you could see
That it's all over for me
And if I met another guy
Who could not say I would not lie
'Cause I've been on the town
I've been on the town
'Cause I've been on the town
I've been on the town
I've been on the town
I've been on the town
I've been on the town
I've been on the town
I've been on the town
On the town
I've been on the town
@frankie3041
One of the greatest songs of the 2000s. Should be much more widely known!
@johnnyrebel7704
Rhoda is Awesome in On The Town!
@adriansmith2367
This album is a gem, just re discovered it again. I think it is one of their best too.
@siobhanbray3907
Was their biggest fan in the early years, youth club discos every Friday,ska is the best, then went on metal bender for 40 years, reminiscing over the old songs then found this gem fell in love all over again, can't stop playing it, thanks madness XxxX
@pamelasmith3611
Brilliant album..❤
@fredericjouenne344
Wonderful music.
@raesmith145
Best album ever! I go back to the silver edition DVD if I'm blue, always cheers me up . Especially bingo and the clarkenwell polka.
@3791
What an excellent song !!!!
@philwebb6609
Rhoda Dakar the legend
@kevinwatts8958
Excellent album.