Theatre Of The Absurd Presents C’est La Vie (Filthy Black)

Theatre Of The Absurd Presents C’est La Vie has been released in six separate formats, making it the first Madness album to be marketed in so many multiple configurations. Still, it’s typical for some high-profile artists to issue even more varieties. This Double Vinyl LP issue, aptly named “Double Filthy Black Vinyl Gatefold” edition, is one of the six formats released by BMG. Some of the Limited Edition formats have since sold out. It was noted that all the formats were issued without the band’s knowledge.

In the early months of 2023, amidst the gritty industrial sprawl of Cricklewood, Madness embarked on a transcendent musical voyage that promised to redefine their trajectory. Within the hallowed confines of their recording sessions, overseen by the seasoned maestro Matt Glasbey, each note found its place in a symphony of purpose. While Glasbey’s skilled hand lent every track an aura of finesse, the anthem “In My Street” bore the indelible stamp of Madness‘ revered collaborators, Clive Langer and Alan Winstanley.

Fueled by the mantra “Let Madness be Madness,” the band approached each session with a liberating fervour, embracing their quirks and idiosyncrasies as essential ingredients in their creative alchemy. Describing the recording process as a “perfect antidote to the chaos of the past few years,” they found themselves propelled into a realm of creative synergy, where they felt truly “in the zone.”

The fruits of their labour were unveiled to the world on a momentous day, September 27, 2023, as “Theatre of the Absurd Presents C’est La Vie.” The eponymous single led the charge, its debut on The Radio 2 Breakfast Show heralding the arrival of Madness‘ latest magnum opus. Adding an extra layer of intrigue to the announcement, the band enlisted the talents of esteemed British actress Helen Mirren, whose dramatic reading of select lyrics infused the unveiling with a palpable sense of theatrical flair.

Further enriching the album’s tapestry is a special prologue narrated by the acclaimed actor Martin Freeman, winner of Emmy and BAFTA Awards. Freeman’s longstanding admiration for the band culminated in a unique bond forged during a chance encounter at a meet-and-greet, an anecdote that underscores the profound connection between Madness and their devoted fans.

Delving deeper into the album’s thematic undercurrents, composer and keyboardist Mike ‘Barso’ Barson sheds light on the title track’s reflection of our turbulent times. Barson’s poignant musings reveal a desire to retreat from the world’s madness, a sentiment wryly encapsulated by the suggestion to rename the band ‘Sanity’ instead.

This convergence of talent, vision, and unadulterated Madness culminates in what critics hailed as the band’s “most harmonious recording experience to date.” As the album’s melodies reverberate through the airwaves, Madness once again reaffirms their status as purveyors of timeless brilliance, leaving an indelible mark on the musical landscape for generations to come.