Stateside Madness Official

We heard you missed us! WE'RE BACK!! ...with a brand-new episode on Madness' first new studio album in seven years, “Theatre of the Absurd Presents C'est la Vie.” This album was just released on November 17, 2023, and Poly & Laurie are here to give you the inside scoop. We will do a track-by-track deep dive and take you on a tour through the Theatre of the Absurd. Join us for this very special one-off episode of Stateside Madness!

In this week's podcast, we do a track-by-track deep dive of Madness' April 2023 Record Store Day release, “I Do Like to Be B-Side the A-Side, Vol. 3.” This episode is a  “Bittersweet” one for us because this will be our last regular episode of the podcast. We will occasionally drop a new episode if there is something big (such as a new album release or American tour), but no more biweekly episodes.  Poly & Laurie would like to thank everyone who has supported us over the past three years: our Stateside Madness team members, Donald and Bobby; M.I.S.; all the fantastic guests who have kindly allowed us to interview them over the years; and most of all, YOU, the listeners.  Here's hoping for a Madness American tour in 2024....

This week we sit down with ska-tastic Chicago band The Crombies about music and Madness. The boys talk about their 2 Tone influences, playing live shows in the U.K., and Paul Weller's obsession with Al Capone. Want to know more? Just listen! Songs in this episode: “Monster Ska” – The Crombies “Sweet Lord Mike” – Lord Mike's Dirty Calypsonians “Mad at the World” – The Crombies “English Civil War” (live) – The Crombies “Girl on the Phone” – The Crombies “Click Click” – The Crombies “Hooligans” – The Crombies “Levi Stubb's Tears” – The Crombies “The Prince” – The Crombies

This week, Poly is traveling abroad, and he dropped by Koast Radio to visit our old friend Mr. Scurf! This episode contains select highlights from Mr. Scurf's Koast Train... including Poly learning to speak like a Northumbrian! Songs in this episode: “Night Boat to Cairo” – Madness “Whatever Gets You Outta the House” – Death of Guitar Pop “The Communicator” – Madness “Baggy Trousers” – Madness “Legends” – Dandy Livngstone “Shame & Scandal” – Madness “Feel Like Jumping” – Bad Manners “Uncle Sam” – Madness “Never Ask Twice (AKA Aeroplane)” – Madness

Join us for another album deep dive! This week, Laurie and Poly explore Suggs' 1995 solo debut album “The Lone Ranger.” In Camden Town, I'll meet you by the underground....

This week, Laurie & Poly sit down with John Hasler, who is known to fans of Madness as the original Bed & Breakfast Man. John was with Madness from their earliest days as the North London Invaders, and since that time he has worn many hats: drummer, lead singer, and ultimately manager of the band. This is a great interview that Madness fans should not miss!  Please check out John's band CRABS! on Bandcamp: https://getcrabs.bandcamp.com/album/get-crabs Songs in this Episode: "Bed & Breakfast Man (John Peel session)" – Madness "Mistakes (rehearsal tape 1979)" – Madness "Believe Me" – Madness "Stepping Into Line (John Peel session)" – Madness "One Step Beyond (live)" – Madness "Nutty Sounds (rehearsal tape 1979)" – Madness "Don't Quote Me On That" – Madness "Baggy Trousers" – Madness "Cripple Creek" – Skiff Skats "Baby Don't Surf" – CRABS! "Buona Sera" – The Lockdown Allstars (ft Chris Foreman & Big Jim Paterson) 

On this episode Laurie and Poly are taken on a whirlwind tour of Albino Brown's world of Third Wave Ska.  Albino founded The Ska Parade radio show and his list of friends is a veritable who's who of American ska, including Fishbone, No Doubt, Sublime, and British ex-pat Dave Wakeling. He is also an author of an upcoming book about the artwork of ska and shares with us the story behind the iconic Beat Girl logo and the Madness comics in the 80s. This unique interview is not to be missed!   Songs in this Episode: "Ma & Pa" – Fishbone "Date Rape (live)" – Sublime "Just a Girl" – No Doubt "Age of 5" – The Equators "Razorback" – The Skeletones "Baggy Trousers" – Madness "Blue Beat Baby" – Brigitte Bond & The Bluebeats "One Step Beyond" – Madness "Softly Softly" – The Equators "Our House" – Madness

This week we continue our series of episodes on Madness-adjacent bands with The Lee Thompson Ska Orchestra and their 2013 debut album, “The Benevolence of Sister Mary Ignatius.” Join us as we do a track-by-track deep dive into this classic of ska and discuss the history behind each track.

This week we take a very slight detour to explore one of the many Madness band members' side projects. Voice of the Beehive was formed in 1987 when American sisters Tracey Bryn and Melissa Brooke Belland teamed up with Woody and Bedders of Madness. Over the next nine years, they would see a handful of lineup changes and moderate success in the UK and Australia (as well as some airplay on college radio here in the USA). Join Laurie & Poly this week as we dive deep into the Voice of the Beehive.

Terry Hall was best known as the lead vocalist for the British ska and 2 Tone band, The Specials. In this podcast episode, we discuss Terrys musical career, starting with his time as the lead vocalist for The Squad in 1977 and continuing with The Specials in the late 1970s and early 1980s. We also talk about his solo career and his work with other bands and artists, such as Fun Boy Three, The Colourfield, and Vegas. Terry Hall died of pancreatic cancer on December 19, 2022, but his musical legacy will continue to live on. 

We have another treat for our listeners this week: Mike B of the Madness-inspired band G-MEN! Mike dropped by to chat about music and his inspirations, as well as what it's like being a Madness fan in Sweden. This episode includes 4 original songs by G-MEN: “Rude Boy, Rude Girl”, “Thisflix & Thatflix,” “2 Tone Girl,” and “Mi Da's Old Cap,” as well as a cover of the old Ramones banger “I Don't Care.” Be sure to visit G-MEN online & show your support – https://gmen.one   *** LAURIE & POLY WILL BE TAKING A BREAK FOR THE MONTH OF DECEMBER. WE WILL BE BACK IN 2023 WITH LOTS OF EXCITING NEW CONTENT! ***

This week we sit down for a chat with Matt Holt, one-half of The Bed & Breakfast Men. Matt talks to us about what inspired him and his cousin Nick to start a Madness tribute band (with ukuleles!), meeting heroes Mike Barson and Lee Thompson, playing at the iconic Dublin Castle, and filming their music videos. Matt also discusses an upcoming show in memory of “Chezzer” Chesney, who was well-known to many Madness fans. This episode includes 4 original songs by the Bed & Breakfast Men: “To The Moon (and Back)”, “1979,” “Limelight,” and “Dublin Castle. ” Be sure to seek out the Bed & Breakfast Men on YouTube: Two dreamers on a ghost train! https://www.youtube.com/c/TheBedBreakfastMen

This week's episode is dedicated to Suggs' second solo album “The Three Pyramids Club” (1998). Join us for a track-by-track deep dive as we explore this musical adventure that takes us from seedy Soho jazz clubs to New Orleans to the drifting sands of the Nile. Dance, Cleopatra, dance!

On Oct. 14, 1981, Madness released their feature film, “Madness: Take It Or Leave It,” directed by Dave Robinson. In honor of the 41st anniversary of the movie, Laurie & Poly do a deep dive, discussing the film, its impact and importance... and the music! Join us, won't you?

This week we celebrate the anniversary of the release of Madness' third studio album “7,” released October 2, 1981 (unfortunately, not in the USA). Laurie & Poly take us track by track through an album deep dive, from “Cardiac Arrest” to “Day on the Town.” You know, 7 just happens to be our lucky number!

This week, Poly sits down with Roddy Radiation, legendary guitarist & songwriter for The Specials, The Tearjerkers, and The Bonediggers. Be sure to listen as Roddy recalls his storied career within the 2Tone ska movement.  Songs included in this episode: “Wake Up” - The Coventry Automatics “Little B***h” - The Coventry Automatics “Concrete Jungle” - The Specials “Rat Race” - The Specials “Braggin' and Tryin' Not to Lie” - Roddy Radiation & The Specials “Western Song” - Roddy Radiation & The Tearjerkers “Sammy Dead” - Desmond Dekker and The Specials “Johnny Too Bad” - The Specials MK2

This week we interview members of two up-and-coming New York-based bands that we think Madness fans will love. First, we chat with Ratas En Zelo, a Latina punk band—with accordion! Then, we are joined by Stop the Presses, a ska reggae band. We are really excited about these two bands, and we think you will be, too. Songs included in this episode: “Vete, vete” - Ratas En Zelo “Despertar” - Ratas En Zelo “Mi país es mi planeta” - Ratas En Zelo “Revolution” - Ratas En Zelo “Wasted Youth” - Stop the Presses “Hold You” - Stop the Presses “Dead Mans Party” - Stop the Presses “Ride or Die” - Stop the Presses All songs have been reproduced with the kind permission of the owners.  

In this special second anniversary episode of Stateside Madness, we will count down the top ten Madness moments chosen by you, the fans! That's right: we asked, you answered, and now we are going to revisit the fans' favorite moments in Madness band history. We'll also share a few anecdotes of fans from Twitter and Facebook. So, pull on your Doctor Martens and get ready for the Top Ten Madness Moments!

This week, we take a little break from our usual content as Poly shares with us his Summer Mix Tape. Poly has curated a good mix of classic punk, rock, and alternative music for summer listening (and of course there is Madness in the mix, too). So, pull on your board shorts, grab your Sony Walkman, and pop in Poly's Summer Mix Tape!

This week we shift our focus to Camden Town's other music legend, Amy Winehouse. On this, the eleventh anniversary of her passing, Laurie & Poly do a deep dive into the career of this legendary songstress who was taken from us far too soon. 

Time for another album deep dive, Stateside Madness fans! Join us on this musical journey back in time to the year 1982: Thatcher was in power in the UK, John Hinckley's trial for the attempted assassination of the President Reagan began, E.T.: the Extra-Terrestrial was a smash at the box office, and Madness released a single that would propel them to worldwide fame. That's right, fans: this week, Laurie & Poly take us through the 1982 (non-USA) album release, “Madness Presents: The Rise and Fall.” 

This week, Stiff Records' cofounder Dave Robinson drops by to chat with Laurie & Poly! Robbo talks about discovering and signing Madness, making the bands' iconic videos, a few other Stiff acts... and the one band he regrets not signing. This is a Stateside Madness exclusive interview that you won't want to miss!

Late May and early June 2022 were the dates American fans had been expecting to finally see the band. Unfortunately, the U.S. tour was canceled, leaving Poly stuck with plane tickets. So, making the best of it, he decided to fly out to California anyway & host a meetup for Madness fans. This episode is the result of his trip. We interview two “super fans,” Bone and Al, who shared with us their experiences as Madness fans on the wrong side of the Atlantic. Both gentlemen share their stories of encounters with the band, and then we invited our guests to count down their Top 5 Madness songs. Please enjoy this third fan engagement episode, “The Fans Speak III!”

This week we sit down with Silky, who is one-half of the up-and-coming British ska duo Death of Guitar Pop. Madness and Suggs have been hugely influential on this band's sound, which will become evident when you listen to the music this week. Silky drops by to chat about music, Madness, and the D.I.Y. scene for indy musicians. So, sit back, listen, and enjoy the Death of Guitar Pop!

This week, we are joined by special guest Rhoda Dakar! Perhaps best known to Madness fans for the duet “On the Town” with Suggs, Rhoda started her musical career as lead singer of the legendary all-female band The Bodysnatchers. She has leant her unmistakable voice to songs by fellow 2-Tone artists The Specials and Special AKA, as well as numerous solo releases. Rhoda drops by Stateside Madness HQ to chat about the early 2 Tone days, her love for Madness, her ska/reggae/world music radio program, recent singles, and her upcoming album release. This interview is a Stateside Madness exclusive!

In this very special episode, Laurie & Poly discuss fourteen American bands who have identified Madness as being an influence on their music. We will discuss American ska, ska-punk, and ska-core as well as top 40 pop bands. Don't miss this episode!

Following the split of Madness in 1986, four band members reformed as a new unit called The Madness. Their self-titled 1988 album incorporated synths, a drum machine, and a brand-new sound, as well as guest appearances by several famous 2Tone musicians. Join us this week as we dive track-by-track into this lesser-known entry in Madness' catalog, recently rereleased on 180g vinyl.

It's Crunch! Week here at Stateside Madness, and Laurie & Poly are diving deep into this Madness spin-off group. Hop aboard this Magic Carpet ride & join us as we go track-by-track through the 1990 album “The Nutty Boys.” 

The album so nice, we're doing it twice! This week we'll examine the bonus tracks included in the 2010 CD re-release of the album “Wonderful.” Lots of good stuff here that you won't want to miss!

This week's episode is an album deep dive into Madness' 1999 studio album “Wonderful.” Available in the US only as an import, “Wonderful” was  their first studio album since 1985's “Mad Not Mad.” Join us as we examine the band's comeback album, track by track.

Join us this week as Laurie & Poly dive deep into the 2016 Madness studio album “Can't Touch Us Now.” As we listen track by track, we'll meet various characters of questionable repute, including Mr. Apples, Herbert, and Pam the Hawk. Don't miss this episode!

With Valentine's Day fast approaching, we felt it an appropriate time to explore the love songs of Madness. Nothing more, nothing less; love is the best!

This week, Stateside Madness goes Hollywood! We discuss how Madness songs have been used in movies of every genre, from romance to action/crime drama. This episode includes the first-ever Herbert Awards for Best Use of a Madness Song in a Film. So, grab your popcorn and tune in. IT'S SHOWTIME!

This week, Laurie & Poly talk Madness music videos. We'll discuss how the rise of MTV helped the band to break in the USA, and we'll count down the top 10 Madness music videos as chosen by Stateside Madness listeners. Plus, we have some additional bonus content that was not a part of Saturday's live video webcast: Poly & Laurie discuss their favorite Madness videos that weren't included in the top ten, and Mr. Scurf (host of Mr. Scurf's Koast Train) pays us a visit and talks about Lockdown Allstars. Be sure to check out the Lockdown Allstars' video: https://youtu.be/izsQYlq3MPI  VIVA! The Freedom Songs 4-CD set is available through the Specialized Project https://specializedproject.com/viva-the-freedom-songs/ 

“Christmas comes but once a year. It's a time of love and cheer!” As 2021 comes to a close, we'd like to share some of our favorite holiday songs with you. So hang your stockings, pour an eggnog, and listen to the Stateside Madness 2021 Holiday Playlist. See you in the New Year! 0:03:38 Madness, “Inanity Over Christmas” 0:07:26 Suggs, “Sleigh Ride” 0:10:32 The Selecter, “Skank Til Christmas” 0:14:08 Squeeze, “Christmas Day” 0:17:59 The Toasters, “Winter Wonderland” 0:20:00 The Waitresses, “Christmas Wrapping” 0:25:12 Bad Manners, “Christmas Time (Again)” 0:28:08 The Pogues, “Fairytale of New York” 0:32:35 The Ramones, “Merry Christmas (I Don't Want to Fight Tonight)” 0:34:35 Lemmy Kilmister, Billy Gibbons, Dave Grohl, “Run Rudolph Run” 0:38:32 Ska Santas, “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” 0:43:06 Bad Religion, “White Christmas” 0:44:58 Mighty Mighty Bosstones, “This Time Of Year” 0:47:09 Caro Emerald, “You're All I Want for Christmas (acoustic)” 0:49:58 The Holophonics, “Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas” 0:53:06 Mojo Nixon, “Christmas Christmas” 0:56:14 Slade, “Merry Xmas Everybody” 0:59:54 Madness, “Carols on 45”

This week, Laurie & Poly delve into the more “adult” side of Madness. Lurking right beneath the surface of That Nutty Sound are more mature themes and videos that would make your granny blush! We will explore 17 Madness songs with content of a more adult nature. As an added bonus, we will play a bit of an unreleased demo version of “Oh” from the album The Madness, with lyrics that are decidedly more racy than those on the album version. This episode is decidedly rated PG-13 for adult themes and content. 

This week Poly takes us on location to Butlins Minehead for the 10th annual House of Fun Weekender with Madness! Join us as Poly interviews fans at the venue & discusses the highlights of this epic event for Madness fans. 

“This calls for a delicate blend of psychology and extreme violence!” The topic of this week's episode is “The Young Ones”: Rick, Vyvyan, Mike, and Neil. Laurie & Poly delve into this groundbreaking British alternative comedy/variety program on which Madness appeared not once, but twice. We will also discuss the mysterious “fifth roommate” and the lost Madness sitcom pilot. So, grab a pot of hot lentils and give a listen to “The Young Ones!”

With the October 30 induction of the Go-Go's into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, we thought we'd devote an episode to this remarkable all-girl band from California. The story of the Go-Go's overlaps the story of Madness in their early years; in fact, it was Madness who recognized something special and gave the girls their first shot at a U.K. tour. So, this week, sit back and listen as we revisit the history of these five amazing ladies as they take their well-deserved place in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame!

With November election season right around the corner in some locales, we thought we'd take a closer look at Madness songs with a more political slant. Join us as we examine the Madness musical catalog, from the band's earliest days to their most recent single, “Bullingdon Boys,” and discuss the underlying sociopolitical meanings of some of their songs. Sometimes controversial, always interesting! 

For our thirtieth episode, Laurie & Poly do a deep dive into Madness' tenth studio album, “Oui Oui Si Si Ja Ja Da Da”. Join us as we listen to the album tracks and share our favorite and least favorite songs off this 2012 album.

This week we sat down with pianist & composer Louis Vause to chat about his storied music career. Louis has recorded with Madness and has been a member of BUtterfield 8, Crunch!, and The Lee Thompson Ska Orchestra. At various times he has collaborated with Madness band members Chris Foreman, Cathal Smyth, Lee Thompson, and Mark Bedford. Louis has some great stories to tell about these projects, as well as his time as a music teacher for the son of one of the Beatles. You won't want to miss this exclusive #StatesideMadness interview! Be sure to visit http://louisvause.co.uk and https://louisvause.bandcamp.com

Few artists had a greater impact on Madness or the British 2-Tone ska scene than the legendary Prince Buster. On the five-year anniversary of his passing, we've assembled some special guests to speak about the influence of this Jamaican singer-songwriter. Join us and Chris Foreman of Madness, Louis Alphonso of Bad Manners, Steve Shafer of “The Duff Guide to Ska,” and the Son of the Prince, Sultan Ali, as we discuss the life and times of this legend of ska. “This may not be uptown Jamaica, but we promise you a treat!”   Special thanks to this week's podcast guests: Louis Alphonso https://louisalphonso.bandcamp.com/ Sultan Ali  https://www.thesultanofska.com/  Stephen Shafer https://duffguidetoska.blogspot.com and Chrissy Boy @CBoyForeman on Twitter

This episode is dedicated to Madness bassist Mark “Bedders” Bedford. We'll discuss songs which Mark has cowritten and listen to some of his other bass projects. Episode #27 marks our one-year podcast anniversary. Be sure to listen to this episode to find out how U.S. fans can win a free copy of “Our House: The Very Best of Madness.” Come celebrate one year of Madness with us!

This week we profile Madness guitarist Chris “Chrissy Boy” Foreman. Chris chats with Poly about his upcoming birthday Aug. 8, and Laurie & Poly count down their favorite songs on which Chris has a writing credit. This episode also sees the return of “Don't Quote Me On That,” featuring alternative facts about Chris Foreman.

Join Laurie & Poly on the flip side as we dive deep into the B-sides of Madness' singles 1979-86. Long-time fans of the band will appreciate these 22 B-side tracks, most of which did not appear on album releases. 

This week we continue our tour of “The Liberty of Norton Folgate,” discussing bonus tracks, the 3-disc (plus LP) box set, and of course the Julien Temple film, “The Liberty of Norton Folgate.”  If you weren't able to catch our July 4 watch party of the Temple film, you can catch it on YouTube: https://youtu.be/dwNcwGo8gak With a little bit of this And a little bit of that A little bit of what you like does you no harm You know that...

In 2009, Madness released their concept album, “The Liberty of Norton Folgate,” which to many fans became the band's magnum opus. In this first of two episodes, Laurie & Poly do a track-by-track deep dive into this most epic of albums. Be sure to listen to the end for info on an upcoming July 4 watch party of the Julien Temple documentary film, and don't forget to check out our companion article, The SSM Glossary of Norton Folgate.

This week, longtime Madness tour manager Steve Martin chats with Stateside Madness about what it's like touring with the band, "The Get Up!" live stream event, the upcoming American tour, and other tidbits that you won't hear anywhere else: Which band member was the driving creative force behind "The Get Up"? What do Lee and Mike like to eat after their shows? For all this and more, be sure to listen to Episode #22!

What's it like being a Madness fan in the USA? Once again, we've invited four American Madness fans—both long-time fans and one more recent convert—to join us and share their fan experiences and their love of That Nutty Sound. They have some great memories and fun stories to tell. Join us for a memorable fan-driven episode!

In 2004, the seven members of Madness assumed alternate identities and became the Dangermen. The following year, they released an album of ska and reggae covers known as “The Dangermen Sessions, Vol. 1.” Join us this week as we do a deep dive into the album tracks and learn some of the history behind these iconic songs.