グレイ・デイ

Madness came to Japan this May and showed us a great stage that far exceeded our expectations. This is the second album in the Pick Label series, following “As Natty Boys” (VIP-5907). All the songs are from albums not included in LPs, so I think this is a lineup that will satisfy both fans who saw their concert and those who didn’t.

Side-1
1.Grey Day
The opening number is a new song by Pari Pari that was released as a single in Japan in July. It was written by keyboardist Mike Barson, and was also played before the encore at the Hibiya Open Air Concert Hall on May 9th. At that time, the latter half of the song was treated in a slightly dub style, and it was interesting to see the members slowly returning to the dressing room.
2.The Young and the Old
This song was unreleased in Japan. The original recording was the first track on the B-side of the 4 #Л\ EP “Work Rest & Play, (BUY-71)”.
The top track on the A-side was “Night Boat to Cairo”, which is well known in Japan. This song was written by lead vocalist Graham McPherson, known as Suggs, and Mike Barson. Although it uses the same scar reggae rhythm, you can see that it is incorporated in a completely different way from the previous “Grey Day”.
3. The Business
This song was released as the B-side of the single “Baggy Trousers”. It was written by Mike Barson. Even when I was watching the concert, I thought that Mike Barson was taking the musical leadership, but when I actually met the members, it wasn’t like that. Chas Smash told me that there are people who like jazz, people who are Motown maniacs, and people who are crazy about Eno-Byrne’s “Bush of Ghosts”, but not only do they have different musical tastes, but it seems that the role of taking the initiative when writing songs also rotates. This instrumental number seems to show Burson’s taste, such as the use of the piano and xylophone in the intro.

Side-2
1. Don’t Quote Me on That
A song from the previous EP. The P. Tosh credited as composer is probably Peter Tosh, an original Wailer. This song is not included in his five solo albums. Chas Smash’s narration is very dynamic, and it’s fun, reminiscent of oldies rock and roll.
2. Deceives the Eye
This is also from the same EP. It was written by Mark Bedford on bass and Chris Foreman on guitar. It’s a soft and lively song. The cheesy guitar solo in the interlude makes you feel like everything is OK.
3. That’s the Way to Do It
The last song was written by Foreman. This was the B-side of the UK single “Report from Los Palmas” (BUY-108). The sleeve of this single was rearranged to have the design of “As Natty Boys.” Although they’re not feeling down enough, they can become seriously cynical somewhere. That’s how I felt when I met them, and this song is a typical example of how they unfold. The “KuPick Label” series is interesting in terms of design, as it brings together songs that were released on the B-side of singles and have not been released in Japan, but I also want to enjoy the “cheap thrill” feeling. This Madness song is just that. Just let it flow and dance. That’s fine. [July 16, 1981, Noboru Yamana]