Hello all-
I FINALLY found and bought a copy of "Wonderful" two nights ago in San
Francisco and have been playing it constantly, so although many of you
have already expressed your thoughts on the album, here's my review and
top five:
Lovestruck: I'm a bit jaded on this one after months of listening, but
when I put it in the context of the album and listen with new ears, I
hear the overall quality of performance and production that will make it
a song that holds up well over time.
Johnny the Horse: A strong narrative pushed forward by a straight-ahead
rhythm section and Lee's R&B sax. The story is both timely and timeless.
I love this song and consider it a great single, but as we know, the
average record buyer doesn't want to be made to think too much.
The Communicator: Well, it's been hard to shake the Archies stigma
attached to this one.
I remember sitting in a crowded moving car in the '60s when "Sugar,
Sugar" was an A.M. radio hit and strongly suggesting that someone change
the station. One guy in the car ironically informed me that people who
make value judgements are fucked (talk about being "ska'd.for life).
Nevertheless, the good-natured Madness skank and energy have firmly
planted their hooks in me. Oh and then there's the end bit with the
train and the barking dog, an affectionate nod to the Beach Boys' "Pet
Sounds" album.
4am: A lot of people on list have suggested that this one shouldn't be
on the album, so I've listened to this version alongside Suggsy's
original on "The Lone Ranger" and have to say that the full
Madness-Clanger/Winstanley treatment works much better for me. The easy
feel and overall warmer production better serve to carry the emotion of
this song.
The Wizard: Such a bright, driven, poppy sound. Truly infectious, very
fun, very, very Madness. It fairly flies off the disc and makes its way
to your tapping feet. "Here, kitty, kitty, kitty�"
Drip Fed Fred: A fine piece of Madness ensemble theatre. Ian Dury's
voice and energy, the high quality of storytelling and that cool, catchy
chorus all combine to make it a glittering gem in the Madness firmament.
Barson's piano work is also quite excellent in that it is simultaneously
moody and playful.
Going To the Top: In the hands of a lesser band, this song would sound
boring and repetitive, but that sweet, happy Madness energy lifts this
one up, showing us the difference between a groove and a rut.
Elysium: Great feeling of drama and tension in the manner of Procol
Harum. I especially love Chrissy Boy's all too short guitar solo ala
Robin Trower and lyrics like "You stand icebound to the wind of
casualty".
Saturday Night, Sunday Morning: Not my favorite on this album or TLR,
but not bad either and the words seem appropriate to Madness' reuniting.
If I Didn't Care: Instrumentally, this song is great, especially the
piano, strings and saxophone, but I think I prefer the lush "Maddley"
vocal mix on the line "I know there's time" and would have enjoyed the
vocal more if Suggsy had more sung it than talked it through.
No Money: A good closer. Kind of '60s sounding with some good beats and
catchy lyrics, particularly on the chorus.
My fave five: The Wizard, Drip Fed Fred, Elysium, Johnny the Horse, 4am.
Madness Is Ubiquitous!
-Neakey
--
Those who deny freedom for others deserve it not for themselves.
-Abraham Lincoln
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