Liberty of Norton Folgate [Import]

Madness | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (May 19, 2009)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Format: Import
• Label: 101 DISTRIBUTION
• ASIN: B001VLP5ZW
• In-Print Editions: Audio CD  |  Vinyl  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (19 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #261,695 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Editorial Reviews

MADNESS The Liberty Of Norton Folgate (2009 UK 15-track CD album - Produced by long-time producers Clive Langer & Alan Winstanley The Liberty of Norton Folgate is their first album of new material since 1999s Wonderful; and includes the singles Dust Devil & NW5.)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Brilliant!, October 8, 2009

By 

Brendan P. Delany "Fawltyoldboy" (New Jersey,United States) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: The Liberty of Norton Folgate (Audio CD)

I bought this cd chiefly because I have been a fan of Madness from their earliest days. Not quite sure what to expect, I was thrilled to hear a fabulous work. This is a group that has gone from strength to strength. I dont want to sound too melodramatic but, comparing this album to what went before would best be equated to hearing the Beatles before and after the 'Revolver/Rubber Soul' axis. This is a mature band hitting their peak. A marvellous collection of short stories & vignettes spiced with elements of music drawn from the native and immigrant generations that made London. At times the eeriness of the title track made me think of 'Kiko' (Los Lobos), at times the sense of history is so palpable.

I couldnt help thinking that this would make a brilliant stage musical.

Just Brilliant

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Masterpiece!, December 19, 2009

By 

ExtravaganzaSD - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Liberty of Norton Folgate (Audio CD)

I am shocked to see only 2 reviews of this before mine and it has been a few months since this came out. That is sad that this is receiving so little attention in the USA. People are missing out on a wonderful experience. This is a GREAT album and this band's crowning achievement - 30+ years or whatever it is into their career.

I don't think listening to samples of this album do it justice - I heard a few but wasn't really that impressed. But listening from beginning to end this album totally grabs you and takes you on a trip. In some ways this album reminds me of Sgt. Pepper by the Beatles (and I don't use that lightly) - it is a slightly psychedelic sounding carnival ride through various sections of London (i.e. Norton Folgate) and the characters that live there. The dark side of Madness (first fully realized on the "Rise and Fall" album) is in full effect here but that doesn't stop them from writing some incredibly catching songs ("NW5" is right up there with their best singles ever and would have been a MASSIVE hit if it had been released 25 years earlier.) The title track is absolutely spectacular - a 10 minute swirling travelogue of the aforementioned Norton Folgate.

I am not much of a reviewer - all I can really say is that this is one of the best albums of the year. If you have ever loved Madness you won't be disappointed unless you are looking for the "heavy heavy monster sound" of their first album. Underneath all of the circus organs, jangle pianos and fin de siecle motifs many of the songs are still firmly rooted in Rocksteady beats, while others are of the strange hybrid of English Music Hall and Norther Soul/Motown that Madness has traded in for years. It is also great to hear Rhoda Dakar from The Bodysnatchers and Special A.K.A. on who takes a fantastic turn on "On the Town".

I love it when bands that have been around this long stick around long enough to create a masterpiece that in many ways surpasses their previous work. Yes this is nostalgia for those of us who listened to music in the 80s - but this record is totally of its time - 2009. It sounds absolutely great (credit has to go to producers!) and doesn't seem "retro" in any way. The nostalgia displayed on this album reaches back beyond 20 years - it goes back centuries in the themes explored.

Finally ...

If you still want more there is a deluxe edition on the band's website with the CD spread out over 2 discs (with 6 or so great exclusive tracks) a disc of rehearsal and live versions of the songs, vinyl version of the album (only 12 songs) and access to great downloads including several complete shows spanning back to their days on the 2-Tone tour.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars My Oh My!, May 26, 2009

By 

Laviv Yoram "Vivals BT." (Hungary) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Liberty of Norton Folgate (Audio CD)

There are people out there who say this album is Madness' best. Is it?

I think it is. This is a mature masterpiece of music and sound telling the story of a lost world (60s-70s-80s, maybe even a wink at 19th century London) with highly rich flavors of British nostalgia. This is not a mere collection of randomly chosen new hits but rather a delicate work of art. A word of warning though! For the middle aged of you lot, this may be Madness' most somber album to date which might trigger the awakening of some dormant memories. 'Sugar and Spice' did exactly that to me... and I'm still in shambles. Anyways, guys, they don't make albums like this anymore, so go get it and place it on that shelf where The White Album is.