[total-madness] Wonderful - My Review!

[GAZ!]

Evenin' All!   I've been laid low the last couple of days, but at least I've had plenty of chance to listen to Wonderful, and here are some thoughts on it.   I eventually managed to buy Wonderful in Woolies, as they didn't have it Safeway (I asked the assistant if they had the new Madness album to which she replied "Is that called Madness.")  In Woolies, for some reason, it wasn't on display, but I had to ask for it.   Anyway, track by track:   1. Lovestruck What can I say about this?  It's a great comeback single, very catchy and easy to relate to for all those of us that have had far too much to drink and have to walk (or stagger in this case) home.  Great song.   2. Johnny The Horse This is a great song, also very catchy and quite meaningful, but it wouln't have been my first choice for a single.    3. The Communicator This is pure genius, and I instantly fell in love with it.  It is reminiscent of the original "Nutty Sound" and the lyrics are very clever.  The melody does sound a bit like another song though, That thing about "Sugar Sugar Honey Honey" or whatever it is.  This doesn't spoil it at all though.  Definitely one of my faves.Why the train noise though?   4. 4am I'm not sure about this one to be honest. It's got a nice, catchy tune, and interesting lyrics.  However, it's been done before, and I feel the album would be better with "You're Wonderful", a magnificent anthemic song.   5. The Wizard Again, I love this one.  The intro makes the song grab you from the start, and the tune is very catchy.  This would make a brilliant single.  The bit near the end where it goes "W-W-W-W-W-W-W-WIZARD" "S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-SINNER" is brilliant.  This is another one of my faves, and this woule be a sure top ten hit.  I don't know what the "Here Kitty-Kitty" bit is about though!   6. Drip Fed Fred It's not easy to describe this magnifcent track, but I'll make an attempt.  Ian Dury's vocals fit the song to a T, and this is very anthemic.  Very clever poetic lyrics, I particularly like the Rev. Green bit.  The "choir aahs" add to the tone of the song, and it tells a story.  The trumpety backing music on one part of the chorus is Wonderful.  Everyone in my house is sick of hearing this, but I have to say, it is definitely my favourite song on the album.  I keep humming this and people ask what I'm on about!  A masterpiece.   7. Going To The Top I disagree with some of the others that reviewed the album here.  This is a great song, the verse is very catcy, and the rhyming is clever, and the chorus is simple, but effective.  Brillaint.   8. Elysium I love the intro on this.  It's a classic.  I dion't mean to seem stupid here, but...what does the word "Elysium" mean?   9.  Saturday Night, Sunday Morning The intro to this reminds me a bit of "Wings Of A Dove".  This is a nice tune, somewhat dominated by the catchy chorus.   10. If I Didn't Care This one doesn't seem to be very popular, and it doesn't really sound very Madness, but I like it.  It's rather depressing, and I can relate to it very well.  Very clever lyrics.  I like this, and I'm sure it will grow on those of you who weren't so keen on it.  The chorus sounds somewhat familiar.   11. No Money I'm not too sure about this one.  Nice intro, but it's probably my least favourite track at the moment.  I'm sure it will grow on me though.   In general, Wonderful certainly lives up to it's name.  Let's hope it's not another 14 years until the next album!   Until next time,   GAZ!   PS Sorry about any typos, I'm typing this with only one eye open, as I've got a sore eye.  Another excuse for bad typing!   Visit my website http://move.to/gaz [EMAIL PROTECTED]