‘Thus from a mixture of all kinds began,
That het’rogeneous thing, an Englishman’
Daniel Defoe, The True Born Englishman, 1701
“Cause you’re a part of everything you see,
Yes, you’re a part of everything you see.”
Suggs, The Liberty Of Norton Folgate, 2009
Listening to curmudgeonly, London-based muso types baulking at the state of the capital gets tiresome. It’s tough living anywhere in 2009, but must we constantly focus on the plight of our beloved London even in our leisure time? Where have all the good times gone?
Now nine albums in, it seems somewhat ironic that it’s London sons, Madness, who are managing to skip over grime littered streets, dancing to the city’s rhythmic heartbeat. It’s been 30 years since ‘One Step Beyond’, time enough for the band to conceive of, and deliver, a concept album of magisterial quality. Introductory liner notes to ‘The Liberty Of Norton Folgate’ (TLONF) as written by lead singer, Suggs, cite London’s deep history as the ebullient stimulus for the album and, as he acknowledges, no one man could ever understand the whole of London. Having been home to various transient migrant groups that include French, Irish, Jewish, Bangladeshi and Somali, TLONF centres on the development of Spitalfields in East London.
And so to ‘We Are London’ which draws back the curtains to reveal Madness’ magical world. Filled with references to some of London’s most iconic locations, their swinging pop is infectious. “You can make it your own hell or heaven / Live as you please / Can we make it, if we all live together / As one big family” may seem trite to some, but the anchoring chant “We are London,” carries with it a weight heavy enough to offset any overtly sugary sentiment.
Comprised of 15 songs, TLONF is a long and rich record that has been warmly captured by original Madness producers Clive Langer and Alan Winstanley. That some of the recording sessions also took place in Liam Watson’s vintage ‘Toe Rag Studios’ further attests to the quality of audio rendered. Sitting alongside the horn arrangements is an uplifting string ensemble that add the necessary glitter; particularly to the quasi-exotic feel of ‘On The Town’ and the watery nostalgia of ‘NW5′.
The Specials, Lily Allen, Amy Winehouse and Kid British have all lined up to plunder ska’s lineage in order to service a bank balance. Anyone expecting a full-on nutty ride to skaville should take their ticket back to the booth for an immediate refund, as this adult Madness provide scant opportunities to skank. The traditional dub of ‘Forever Young’ lies next to the shining reggae of ‘Dust Devil’ which provides groovers ample opportunity to get their jeggae together. Madness naturally infuse songs with dub basslines and offbeat piano stabs, so there’s not even the vaguest hint that Madness are in danger of severing their roots (and, anyway, many of Madness’ best loved songs aren’t even ska.)
The album’s masterpiece, ‘The Liberty Of Norton Folgate’, is a 10 minute operetta that basks in diversity and a heady love of music hall. Jaunting along the length of the Thames, it eloquently finishes off this complex album that surpasses every Madness album to date. Welcome it and, moreover, be part of it.
