293. Madness

Like the Specials and the Beat, Madness was one of the leading bands in the British Ska Revival scene. Madness spent more time on the charts than the other two bands did which was likely due to their quirky and somewhat playful nature. Although they had more mainstream success this was not to say that this was a band that “sold out”. They had a very broad appeal (in England anyway) that was very natural and had they been exposed more to an American audience, this could have been the Ska Revival band that could have broke through the American market. As it stands now, they remain one of the three Ska bands with a shot if the Hall looks towards their musical style.

The Bullet Points:

Eligible Since:

2004

Country of Origin:

United Kingdom (London, England)

Nominated In:

Never

Why They Will Get In:

Ska’s representative could be them.

Why They Won’t Get In:

Who says Ska will be represented?

Essential Albums:

One Step Beyond (1979)

Absolutely (1980)

7 (1981)

The Rise & Fall (1982)

Our Five Favorite Songs as Chosen by Each Member of the NIHOF Committee:

One Step Beyond (From One Step Beyond, 1979)

Night Boat to Cairo (From One Step Beyond, 1979)

Baggy Trousers (From Absolutely, 1980)

Grey Day (From 7, 1981)

Our House (From The Rise & Fall, 1982)