Bed and Breakfast Man

The Canadian release of the double A-side single featuring Madness’ “Bed and Breakfast Man” and “Night Boat to Cairo” was part of the band’s international presence in the early 1980s. Released through Sire/WEA (Warner-Elektra-Atlantic) in Canada, this pressing is unique as it pairs two significant tracks from Madness’ early career.

“Bed and Breakfast Man” is from their debut album *One Step Beyond…*, known for its playful and whimsical lyrics that fit Madness’ distinctive blend of ska, pop, and British humor. Meanwhile, “Night Boat to Cairo” was also featured on the *One Step Beyond…* album and is one of Madness’ iconic tracks, blending ska rhythms with a Middle Eastern-inspired instrumental hook. This track became one of their signature songs, solidifying their position in the 2-Tone ska revival.

The release of this double A-side single in Canada reflects the growing international attention Madness was receiving at the time, particularly for these tracks which both represent the band’s eclectic sound and style from their formative years. The choice of tracks captures their early energy, humor, and strong musicianship, which helped in expanding their fan base outside the UK.

This release might not be as widely known or collected as the UK singles, but it holds significance in Madness’ broader international marketing strategy during the 1980s.