Stateside Madness Official

Time for another album deep dive, Stateside Madness fans! Join us on this musical journey back in time to the year 1982: Thatcher was in power in the UK, John Hinckley’s trial for the attempted assassination of the President Reagan began, E.T.: the Extra-Terrestrial was a smash at the box office, and Madness released a single that would propel them to worldwide fame. That's right, fans: this week, Laurie & Poly take us through the 1982 (non-USA) album release, “Madness Presents: The Rise and Fall.” 

This week, Stiff Records’ cofounder Dave Robinson drops by to chat with Laurie & Poly! Robbo talks about discovering and signing Madness, making the bands’ iconic videos, a few other Stiff acts... and the one band he regrets not signing. This is a Stateside Madness exclusive interview that you won’t want to miss!

Late May and early June 2022 were the dates American fans had been expecting to finally see the band. Unfortunately, the U.S. tour was canceled, leaving Poly stuck with plane tickets. So, making the best of it, he decided to fly out to California anyway & host a meetup for Madness fans. This episode is the result of his trip. We interview two “super fans,” Bone and Al, who shared with us their experiences as Madness fans on the wrong side of the Atlantic. Both gentlemen share their stories of encounters with the band, and then we invited our guests to count down their Top 5 Madness songs. Please enjoy this third fan engagement episode, “The Fans Speak III!”

This week we sit down with Silky, who is one-half of the up-and-coming British ska duo Death of Guitar Pop. Madness and Suggs have been hugely influential on this band’s sound, which will become evident when you listen to the music this week. Silky drops by to chat about music, Madness, and the D.I.Y. scene for indy musicians. So, sit back, listen, and enjoy the Death of Guitar Pop!

This week, we are joined by special guest Rhoda Dakar! Perhaps best known to Madness fans for the duet “On the Town” with Suggs, Rhoda started her musical career as lead singer of the legendary all-female band The Bodysnatchers. She has leant her unmistakable voice to songs by fellow 2-Tone artists The Specials and Special AKA, as well as numerous solo releases. Rhoda drops by Stateside Madness HQ to chat about the early 2 Tone days, her love for Madness, her ska/reggae/world music radio program, recent singles, and her upcoming album release. This interview is a Stateside Madness exclusive!

In this very special episode, Laurie & Poly discuss fourteen American bands who have identified Madness as being an influence on their music. We will discuss American ska, ska-punk, and ska-core as well as top 40 pop bands. Don’t miss this episode!

Following the split of Madness in 1986, four band members reformed as a new unit called The Madness. Their self-titled 1988 album incorporated synths, a drum machine, and a brand-new sound, as well as guest appearances by several famous 2Tone musicians. Join us this week as we dive track-by-track into this lesser-known entry in Madness’ catalog, recently rereleased on 180g vinyl.

It’s Crunch! Week here at Stateside Madness, and Laurie & Poly are diving deep into this Madness spin-off group. Hop aboard this Magic Carpet ride & join us as we go track-by-track through the 1990 album “The Nutty Boys.” 

The album so nice, we’re doing it twice! This week we’ll examine the bonus tracks included in the 2010 CD re-release of the album “Wonderful.” Lots of good stuff here that you won’t want to miss!

This week’s episode is an album deep dive into Madness’ 1999 studio album “Wonderful.” Available in the US only as an import, “Wonderful” was  their first studio album since 1985’s “Mad Not Mad.” Join us as we examine the band’s comeback album, track by track.