By this stage Madness had released 3 albums, a greatest hits collection, and (most importantly) had made the first of their two appearances on 'the Young Ones'. Their fourth album is suitably sonically interesting. Still working within their ska framework, but pushing that sound to its very limits with songs that alternatively bounce, cajole, swing, wallow, and reminisce.
'The Rise and Fall' was designed to be a concept album of sorts, looking at aspects of the band's childhood and upbringing, but that concept fell slightly by the wayside with tracks about New Delhi, and Margaret Thatcher ('Blue skinned beast') being included. The latter of these two would signal a slightly more political bent in Madness' future albums.
At the moment I have a greatest hits album by Madness, but listening to this one has convinced me that I should probably explore their discography a bit more!
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