Liverpool Sound and Vision Rating * * * *
It can be of hardly any surprise to find that the latest album from the stable of Madness doesn’t match the career defining album The Liberty of Norton Folgate released in 2009. However, this should not stop the loveable rogues of north London continue their 21st century renaissance as one of the best bands to have graced the British charts in the last 40 years.
Madness are one of the quintessential British groups that made their name in the late 1970’s and who still, over 30 years later, are able to raise a smile of joyful expectation when they announce a new album or showcase one of their much anticipated sell out night at venues up and down the country.
After much success with their previous three studios albums; One Step Beyond, Absolutely and 7, all of which made the U.K. top ten, the band released in the autumn of 1982 their fourth and arguably their best album The Rise and Fall. This would stand musically head and shoulders above all other contenders till the men from North London hit music gold in 2009 with the inspired and tantalising concept album which surrounds the love of London and its people in The Liberty of Norton Folgate.