MADNESS
ABSOLUTELY
JE
BMG
★★★★
Here’s a fresh vinyl edition to mark the 40th anniversary of Madness’ second album. Baggy Trousers and Embarrassment are an exemplary way to start any LP, and Absolutely carries on in the same form to belie the Nutty Boys’ reputation as simply a singles band. The thumping E.R.N.I.E. remains a live favourite, Take It Or Leave It is even more exuberant and the worryingly full-on Shadow Of Fear is classic Mike Barson panto menace. Is this the best Madness album of their first incarnation? Absolutely.