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In response to Simesy's (tongue in cheek) request to boycott Q
magazine, I'd just like to let everyone know that Madness DO get a mention in
the article, if not an album in the chart.
In a sub-section titled 'So British - it hurts' there is an
early picture of the boys (minus Mr Smash) with the caption 'Madness: only one
nutty boy at a time was allowed in the cornershop'. Their write up is as
follows:
Madness
Formerly the North London Invaders, because they used to
invade people's parties in North London, Madness turned out to be brilliant,
almost surreal British songwriters, unlikely heirs to the Ray Davies/Ian Dury
pop crown. Initially much-loved and jolly, later they became much-loved and
gloomy.
So there you have it. The chart was a Top 100 BRITISH albums
of all time (The Doors are definitely nowhere to be found anywhere in the
chart!). That would also explain Paul Simon's absence :-). Let's face it,
Madness were predominantly a singles band. In the late 70's, early 80's the
singles chart was THE chart to be in (it's a pile of 'Gladys Knight' now). Who
cares if Madness aren't included in an album chart compiled by the staff of Q
magazine. I bet you all a fiver if they did a Top 100 British singles chart,
there would be at least a mention for Baggy Trousers, One Step Beyond or It Must
Be Love in the top twenty.
Madness will always be remembered for their great singles. Any
non-Beatles fan could probably name at least five Beatles songs, off the top of
their head, that were never singles. And I bet most of you know Champagne
Supernova by Oasis.
Madness were, and are a singles band. That's why compilations
have always out-sold the studio albums. I expect the repackaged Divine will
easily out-sell Wonderful.
We get our music, the band get their money, everybody's happy.
Yes?
That's it.
Good Night.
Andrew.
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