One Drop Nineteen
This is the heavy heavy monster sound...
We considered the legacy of Prince Buster back in One Drop Fourteen, so it’s right and proper that we feature a band and a sound that took so much from ‘The Prince’ - music, attitude and even their take on the Rude Boy look - Madness. Outside Marley, perhaps the most overtly mainstream act featured here in the One Drop series, but they did so much to get ska into the ears of those of us who had never previously paid it any attention that they deserve to be featured. Beth McDonough’s fierce poem recalls her experience of seeing Madness back in 1979.
We also feature a few trinkets detailing Madness’ early career from 1976 until they became chart regulars and, ultimately, national treasures. They would probably hate being called that.
We finish with an elegy to The Beat’s Ranking Roger. The Beat were the Two-Tone flipside of Madness; far less ‘nutty’ and much edgier, and sadly underappreciated these days. ‘Ranking’ Roger Charlery sadly died in 2019
Picture from Seven Ragged Men website
The Prince hits Glasgow, '79
Already gone one step beyond, Started Art School, Op Art-patterned, way before the blues. The freshers beat that Hill Street path, Not the Mack's romance. Ska, stomped through cops' old stables, turned the ceramics' students' place. Ska, This may not be uptown Jamaica But we promise you a treat Madness arrived from Camden Town – so explain this orange street? Some march paralleled at Larkhall? An earthquake is erupting Grab yourself a seat. Suggs and others gave their thumbs up, which must mean something else, nothing's ever black and white. Beth McDonough
[Italicised sections taken from Madness lyrics in 'One Step Beyond' and 'The Prince'].
An earthquake is erupting
But not in Orange Street
A ghost dance is preparing
You got to help us with your feet
If you're not in the mood to dance
Step back grab yourself a seat
This may not be uptown Jamaica
But we promise you a treat
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Madness recall their earliest days on the Seven Ragged Men fansite.
Energy aplenty back in a 1979 gig - The Prince, One Step Beyond and Night Boat to Cairo
More reminiscences from the band, looking back on the recording of their debut album.
Elegy for Ranking Roger
I heard your song,
Rude Boy.
You moved my little feet,
and I had to come around.
Top ranking indeed,
full stop.
Andy Jackson