Madness - Absolutely

UK reissue of the 1980 album from the much loved new wave/ska act, digitally remastered with special packaging. Includes CD-ROM videos for 'Bed And Breakfast Man', 'Baggy Trousers', 'Embarrassment' and 'Return Of The Los Palmas 7'.2000 release. Standard jewel case. Album Description

Not Quite "One Step Beyond," But Almost!

I believe Madness started things powerfully with "One Step Beyond" and "Absolutely." Their vibrant spirit dwindled a bit with each release afterwards, until I hardly recognized their sound by the time "Our House" became a hit in 1983.

While "One Step Beyond" is my personal favorite release by Madness, this album comes in a very close second. The opening song "Baggy Trousers" foretells the prankster essence of the entire CD--- where "One Step Beyond" had the soul of happy-go-lucky nutzy young men, "Absolutely" brings out a rowdier, slightly brattier crew, yet still shining that innocent funboy spirit.

The songs on this CD were never hits here in the U.S.A., which means there are a lot of past & modern day ska fans missing out. The show stealer is "On the Beat Pete," the leader of the high-gear songs like "E.R.N.I.E" and "Not Home Today."

I hate to spend to much time pointing out which song rules over another on "Absolutely," only because this is a fantastic and one of the most underrated albums within the 1970s-80s ska archive. This CD is just plain fun. Give it a go!
September 24, 2004

BEST MADNESS CD

Having followed Madness from the beginning through to their embarassing demise (after the departure of Mike Barson). I have to say - 20 years on this CD is still the best they did. One Step Beyond was great - always a classic, but the songs on Absolutely make this a great CD. The next CD Madness 7 had it's moments - both good and bad but this was Suggs & Co. at their very best. Great band, great memories. November 23, 2003

Good, good...

Certainly, it doesn't radiate the same sort of classicism that made One Step Beyond so exceptional, but there's lots of nice stuff here nonetheless. Baggy Trousers and Embarassment are both classic singles, and songs like Close Escape, Solid Gone, and Shadow of Fear are the sort of fun ska-pop that make Madness so irresistable. Worthwhile. October 27, 1999

The best Madness album ever?

When I bought Madness 1st album, I thought there was nowhere to go but down. How could they possibly improve on a debut where EVERY song was so good, it just had to be played over and over? Then I heard Baggy Trousers on the Rodney on the ROQ show and I knew they did it again. I was never really sure which album was better until I found myself playing it twice as much over the next 18 years!!! If you like the first album, you HAVE to get this one or you will be seriously denying yourself the joy and pleasure that only a truly great record can bring. By my definition, a record you can listen to over and over for 18 years and never gets old or out-dated. Buy it before its out of print forever!!!! June 13, 1999

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