Mr. Apples

With the partnership of BMG and Sony, the creation of West Village Music marks an exciting new chapter in the evolution of the Madness catalogue. As part of this initiative, they are taking a fresh *cough* approach to their extended album versions—preserving the original published tracklists while complementing them with digital EPs featuring each album’s singles. Additionally, separate digital collections will showcase bonus tracks, live recordings, and rare extras from each album’s era, offering a comprehensive listening experience.

For streaming audiences, this means a more immersive and authentic way to enjoy the music as it was originally intended—while also delving into deep cuts and rarities that enrich the story behind each release. These releases will also be available for purchase as digital downloads, offering fans another way to access the expanded catalogue.

However, many long-time fans have voiced frustration over the continued monetization of the Madness catalogue—seeing yet another repackaging effort that feels more like a cash grab than a genuine attempt to offer something fresh. The ongoing cycle of reissues often leaves dedicated collectors feeling shortchanged, as they shell out more money for what, in many cases, is content they already own in a slightly different form.

Wouldn’t it be truly exciting if the focus shifted towards releasing genuinely new and unheard rarities, alternate takes, and long-lost demos—tracks that fans have been craving for years? A deeper dive into the archives could provide a real celebration of Madness’ legacy rather than just another opportunity to capitalize on nostalgia.

Stay tuned for what promises to be a definitive reimagining of the catalogue—though we can only hope it delivers something truly special for the fans who have supported the band for decades.