One Step Beyond...

Madness

Product Details

• Audio CD (June 10, 2008)
• Original Release Date: 1979
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Rhino Encore
• ASIN: B0018RKELO
• Also Available in: Audio CD  |  Audio Cassette  |  Vinyl
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars See all reviews (19 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #41,521 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com
Fuelled by the ska of Prince Buster ("Madness"), and inspired by the insanity of British music, right from the start Madness were a quintessentially English band. Two-tone more by association than fact, they came to the fore at the same time as the Specials, with a ska beat, a pop heart, and a lunatic smile (who else would update "Swan Lake" in such an unorthodox way?). While the title track lives on beyond them, there were plenty of other gems here, including "Night Boat to Cairo" and "My Girl." The Nutty Sound was infectious as measles, but a lot more fun. Chris Nickson

Product Description
2008 reissue of the classic debut album from the Ska/New Wave outfit, available for the first time on CD in the U.S.! Originally released in 1979, One Step Beyond was a stunning debut that used Ska as a starting point but also incorporated bits of Pop, Rock and classic British music hall, creating a sound that was different than their 2-Tone contemporaries like The Specials, The Selecter and English Beat. For the next five years, Madness would become the best singles band of the '80s. Features the hits 'My Girl', 'Night Boat To Cairo', 'The Prince' and the title track. .

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

17 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars It doesn't get any better than this, November 7, 2001

By	D. Christen "dan_chris" (Rushville, IN United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This review is from: One Step Beyond... (Audio CD)

This is a timeless album ! There are several 'Greatest Hits' CDs available from 'Madness' but this, their debut CD, is the real deal. There is not a dull moment, from the very first note of the title track to the final (goofy) track 'Chipmunks are go'. Their first single 'One Step Beyond' hit the music scene like a rocket back in 1979 and is still their concert opener. 'My Girl' shows the true musical skills of the band and is followed by 'Night Boat to Cairo', which is a fantastic, fun little SKA piece. But things are still getting better: 'Believe me' and 'Land of Hope and Glory' build up to my all time favorite Madness (and even SKA) song 'The Prince'. And 'Madness' are able to keep this high level all the way to the end of the album. This is a must have CD - whether you are a SKA fan or you just enjoy great music played by a truly great band.

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This is THE Madness to get!, November 28, 2002

By	K. Brown "El Rudo Lucky Pierre!" (Walnut, Ca USA) - See all my reviews (TOP 1000 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)

This review is from: One Step Beyond... (Audio CD)

Madness did it best the first time around. Their first album has, so far, outdone any "best of" collection. "One Step Beyond," simply put, will keep the lamest party awake and hopping. Starting with the instrumental title tune, even the slowest paced tunes (My Girl, Razor Blade Alley), is a Ska-Based jolt of pep.

What I enjoy about Madness above most other Ska bands is that their early music is sheer fun spirited song & dance, written in an era where it was becoming much cooler to throw a lot of social commentary into the lyrics. My favorite examples are a little 60s pop-culture with "Tarzan's Nuts" (one of the TV Tarzan theme songs), "Rockin' In A Flat" (if you have trouble waking up in the morning, spin this tune first thing after you creak out of bed); and "Night Boat To Cairo."

"One Step Beyond" is worth the extra money spent over their various compilations. A very good second place is their second album "Absolutely," but their debut CD rocks above them all!

12 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Life changing, June 18, 2004

By	mr spillsy (UK) - See all my reviews

This review is from: One Step Beyond... (Audio CD)

I bought this album (maybe my Dad paid for it as I was only 9!!!) soon after its release. I saw them do One Step Beyond on Top Of The Pops and immediately began contemplating starting my serious music collection. The only other records I had at the time were Gary Glitter (wahha hahahahah hahahaha hahahahahahaha) and Elvis Costello's Oliver's Army 7" single.

This band really started it off for me as far as following bands was concerned. I later graduated to The Police then U2 and REM and havent really followed a band so closely since.

This band made me get a crew cut!!!

The sad thing is, the only album I have ever bought on CD is Absolutely which was my all time favourite. The vinyls are gathering dust somewhere. I saw them play at the Manchester Apollo sometime in the early 80's and they were amazing.

Classic memories...