Can’t Touch Us Now – The Demos

Digital

West Village Music Management Ltd

BACKGROUND

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.

RELEASE DETAILS

Territory: Worldwide

Release Date: March 6, 2025
Format: Digital
Limited Edition: No

Label: West Village Music Management Ltd

Manufactured: Digital Distribution

Disc Colour: Silver
Pressing: Digital Release
Release Type: Official

TRACK LISTING

DiscPositionTrackVersionDuration
1 1 Grandslam Instrumental Demo 2:04
1 2 Mumbo Jumbo Demo 3:09
1 3 Good Times Demo 3:04
1 4 You Are My Everything Demo 4:45
1 5 Another Version of Me Demo 3:58
1 6 Blackbird Instrumental Demo 3:04
1 7 Herbert Demo 3:50
1 8 I Believe Demo 3:33
1 9 (Don't Let Them) Catch You Crying Demo 3:26
1 10 Pam the Hawk Demo 3:51
1 11 Soul Denying Demo 5:32
1 12 Whistle in the Dark Demo 3:10
1 13 The Last Rag And Bone Man  Demo 3:34

CHART HISTORY

MUSICANS

MusicanInstrumentRoleCredit
Mike Barson Vocals, Piano, Home Studio Equipment Band
Chris Foreman Vocals, Guitar, Home Studio Equipment Band
Lee Thompson Vocals, Tenor Saxophone, Home Studio Equipment Band
Mark Bedford Bass, Tuba, Home Studio Equipment Band
Daniel Woodgate Drums, Programming, Home Studio Equipment Band
Graham McPherson Backing Vocals, Vocals, Tambourine, Home Studio Equipment Band

PRODUCTION CREDITS

RoleCreditedNotes
Producer Madness
Illustrator, Graphic Design Paul Agar Design And Layout

COPYRIGHT AND Licencing

OwnershipCompanyNotes
Copyright © CTUN LLP
Licensed To West Village Music Management Ltd

Representation

RepresentationCompanyNotes
Record Label West Village Music Management Ltd

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References

Extensive efforts have been made to gather factual information and knowledge on madness from various sources and document them. These sources include publicly accessible websites, books and publications, historical artefacts, and other pertinent materials. As a result, a comprehensive index of resources has been compiled and integrated into the website. These resources, if relevant to this article, are listed below.