Quite by chance I stumbled on a web site devoted to the band Madness. The site has pulled together whole paragraphs of quotes and weaved it into a sort of history of the band. Years ago I saw them live whilst on a trip back to the UK from Germany. As a recovering punk rocker I was an instant convert to their good humour, nutty dancing and the sheer pathos of many of their songs. 

A glorious afternoon passed yesterday reading the story of how they emerged from a group of semi-feral north London teenagers. Always in trouble and always up to no good, the band coalesced round Mike Barson joined by Lee Thompson. With Woody and Bedders and Suggs as front man, Madness remains a potent force for love and laughter to this day. 

When ever dancing is unavoidable I still conjure up an image of Chas Smash. I have another angle on this. Back in the 70s I was student at North London Polytechnic and was familiar with many of the places the band mentions. Kentish Town, Haverstock Hill, Chalk Farm, Camden Lock spawned this whole sub culture of music of every description.  Punks, surfers and students danced out a cheerful choreography of hope and anchor. 

Felt brilliant as a result of this trip down Razor Blade Alley. If you’ve never heard of Madness then give them a go. The web site mentioned is called Seven Ragged Men – a quote from one of their songs, thanks to Iain for setting it up. It really is well worth visiting.  

The site is at  http://sevenraggedmen.com