In recent e-mails Madness have been compared to the Rolling Stones and Status Quo...also maybe someone else - in not so complementary forms, and comments of the bands age were made.
I have to strongly disagree with this as all the band are only around the 40 mark - the same mark at which many bands arguably reach their peak, i.e. U2, REM etc. As mentioned Madness' last outing received good reviews despite poor support from their own label. Madness were so young first time round that they are easily young now, obviously we would wish them to release quality but this has nothing to do with age - the only thing to have changed is Suggs' voice. Infact from the bootlegs I've been fortunate enough to have heard, thanks to a friend on the list, I would argue that the more recent performances i.e.
Madstock 92 onward are those of more accomplished musicians. the only thing age has against the band now is that when songwriting now, it is less likely that we shall see 4 or 5 contributors to the one track as the band appear not to spend this kind of writing time together now, splitting into tried/trusted formulas, which maybe all not fans agree with. Appearance wise sure a couple are bald and the weight is more apparent on 1 or 2, but this should not be a problem.
I occasionally play football and go drinking with friends this age, and they can probably outlast myself and others my age. For these reasons I disagree and more importantly the music itself is timeless, and therfore ageless. Also Steve Wright for one, while interviewing Suggs claimed how Madness stole the show at Party in the Park 1999 and said how surprising it was that the band was able to capture the imagination of todays youngsters as easily as first time round, all dancing and singing to the 3 tracks played - One Step Beyond, Our House, and Lovestruck.
Echo and the bunnymen are another band who have benefitted with age getting better reviews than ever. Duran Duran was mentioned also - I belive they'll be successful if promoted as Madness would have been, but also as a band perhaps be more committed than a 1 album outlook and be willing to tour at more thatn Xmas, which unfortunately is seen as the novelty season, I heard a snippet from their new stuff - sounds class. Not that I'm completely knocking Xmas touring as this was when I first saw Madness, and most likely next will see them.
I for one am really looking forward to more Madness releases.
All this chat is good craic, whatever...Colin has certainly drummed up some conversation.
Alan.
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