Absolutely

Madness released their second “Absolutely” album on September 26th. The album was named after a phrase that Tony Duffield commonly used. Like their first album, “One Step Beyond...,” the album started with a hit single, “Baggy Trousers,” and included a mix of ska-tinged and Ian Dury-inspired, humorous, and poignant songs. The album was recorded at Eden, which was a Stiff studio at that time. By the time the album was ready for mixing, Martin Rushent and Alan Winstanley had earned enough money to complete Genetic, and Clive and Alan could mix in a proper control room.

The production created a tense and mysterious atmosphere that added depth to the lyrics. Although the songwriting was split more evenly than before, every artist contributed their unique style and perspective. The subject matter of the songs explored the darker themes of everyday life but presented them in an intriguing and inspiring way. The record labels “Story One” and “Story Two” emphasized the unique stories that each song told, adding depth and meaning to the overall production.

The album “Absolutely” cover design seemed to reference the song “Baggy Trousers.” Still, the photo’s backdrop, taken at dawn in Chalk Farm Station (not Camden Town, as many fans assumed), reinforced the band’s connection to their geographical roots. The inner sleeve featured “The Birth Of The Nutty Boys,” a visual timeline of the band’s history through past and present member photos and a brief biography. On the other hand, artist Humphrey Ocean, a former bass player with Kilburn and the High Roads, contributed a painting of the “Cairo East” roundel of a fictional Madness tube station.

The album cover has two versions, each with slightly different poses. The original release featured Mike Barson holding the umbrella bridge under his chin and Suggs holding his hands up with fingers entwined. After around 10,000 albums were pressed, Dave Robinson of Stiff Records quickly withdrew the cover for the favoured one we know.