アズ・ナッティ・ボーイズ

The two-tone phenomenon has achieved remarkable popularity in Japan.

Despite the allure of the 2-TONE sound, which originated from The Specials and Madness, its influence was overshadowed by a pervasive fashion trend that permeated Japan last summer. This fashion, born from the music, became a mere formality, devoid of its original essence. The Specials’ visit to Japan, which featured a captivating concert, did little to revive the 2-TONE sound’s popularity. While the concert was enjoyable, the majority of attendees, who were merely dressed in 2-TONE fashion, lacked genuine interest or understanding of the music. This trend mirrored the fate of glam and punk, which were once vibrant musical movements that eventually became mere fashion trends.

As the summer drew to a close, the 2-TONE fashion dissipated, along with the music that defined it. The phrase “2-TONE is already old” underscores the fact that it was merely a fashion. Nevertheless, the original meaning of 2-TONE remains alive and well. The Specials and Madness, both products of immigrant Jamaican communities, continue to evolve their musical styles, striving to create new music while preserving the essence of 2-TONE. Their innate inclination to develop the original meaning of 2-TONE is evident in their musical journey. The Specials, raised in Coventry, and Madness, from North London, were exposed to reggae, ska, and blue beat from a young age, which laid the foundation for the 2-TONE sound with its distinctive ska and blue beat rhythms. Originally, 2-TONE represents the black and white communities and encapsulates their lifestyle. This music, born from life, is more persuasive and powerful than any other form of expression. The name Madness was derived from the title of a song by Prince Buster, the first Jamaican artist to record in the early 1960s. Their debut single, “The Prince,” was a tribute to Prince Buster. The band comprises seven members: Mike Barson on keyboards, Lee “Kickz” Thompson on saxophone and vocals, Chris Forman on guitar, Suggs on lead vocals, Mark “Bedders” Bedford on bass, Dan “Woods” Woodgate on drums, and Chas Smash on backing vocals and natty dancer.

In 1980, Madness achieved significant success, ranking #1 in the NME and MM magazine singles artist category. This recognition underscores the band’s popularity during that era. Last year, they released two albums, “One Step Beyond” and “Dictatorship,” on Stiff Records.

A semi-album titled “As Nutty Boys” is based on their seventh single, “Return of the Los Palmas 7,” released on January 16th of this year. However, the new song “That’s the Way to Do It” included in this single is not part of the album but rather a separate semi-album featuring six songs, including “One Step Beyond,” originally released as a single from their first album, “Baggy Trousers” and “In the Rain,” from their second album, and “Swan Lake,” a live version of which conveys their lively and captivating stage performance. “Return of the Los Palmas 7” was included in the second album, but here is a lengthy version that is nearly twice as long. The selection of songs on this semi-album comprises their representative songs and hits, making it a best-of album. Madness is scheduled to visit Japan before the end of this summer. Unlike the Specials, who visited Japan during the 2-TONE boom, Madness will be visiting Japan when the boom has subsided. We can anticipate a genuine 2-TONE sound that is not influenced by fashion trends.

Both the performers and the audience will be in high spirits until they arrive in Japan. In the meantime, I will continue to enjoy listening to this live performance of “Swan Lake.” Nonetheless, I eagerly await their arrival in Japan.