The Dangermen Sessions (Volume One) (180g Heavyweight)

The 2022 reissue of The Dangermen Sessions (Volume One) by Madness represents a renewed appreciation for a significant chapter in the band’s legacy. Originally released on August 16, 2005, this album marked a stylistic detour for Madness, focusing solely on cover versions of classic ska and reggae songs. The decision to release the 2022 edition on 180g heavyweight vinyl reflects both a desire to honor the album’s roots and the growing demand for high-fidelity, collector-quality formats. Issued by Union Square Music and manufactured by Universal Music GmbH, this reissue hit shelves on September 16, 2022, making the long out-of-print record accessible once again to fans and vinyl enthusiasts alike.

The Dangermen Sessions (Volume One) holds a unique place in Madness’s discography. Following a quiet period in their studio output, the band reignited their creative energy by revisiting the music that shaped their early years. Prior to recording, Madness performed a series of live shows under the alias “The Dangermen,” diving into their ska and reggae influences with a sense of playful anonymity. These performances laid the groundwork for what would become a full-length tribute to the genre. The album features thirteen tracks, all reinterpretations of well-known songs, including Desmond Dekker’s “Israelites,” Prince Buster’s “Girl Why Don’t You?,” The Supremes’ “You Keep Me Hanging On,” and The Kinks’ “Lola.” These selections underscore the band’s deep appreciation for both Jamaican and British musical traditions and showcase their versatility in blending authenticity with a distinctive Madness twist.

Recorded across several studios in London between 2004 and 2005—including Livingston Recording Studios and Miloco Studios—the sessions captured the raw, live feel that had defined Madness’s early days. Despite internal challenges, including the temporary departure of guitarist Chris Foreman during the album’s production, the band maintained cohesion. Foreman’s absence was briefly filled by John “Segs” Jennings, formerly of The Ruts, before Foreman eventually rejoined. Adding to the album’s character was the creation of a fictional backstory for “The Dangermen,” imagining the group as a 1960s Cuban outfit, with band members adopting playful alter egos. These included Suggs as Robert Chaos “The Poet” and Mark Bedford as Lester Bernham. This imaginative narrative not only added humor but reinforced the album’s nostalgic and celebratory tone.

The 2022 reissue elevates the original album by incorporating exclusive liner notes, featuring new interviews with Chrissyboy Foreman, Mike Barson, and Mark Bedford. These firsthand accounts provide listeners with fresh insight into the recording process and the band’s intentions behind the project. While the musical content itself remains unchanged, these added materials transform the reissue into a deeper, more reflective listening experience. The 180g heavyweight vinyl also enhances the audio quality, offering richer sound dynamics that do justice to the bass-driven rhythms and horn arrangements characteristic of ska and reggae.

Critically, the original 2005 release received mixed reviews. Some praised the band’s faithful renditions and their sincere homage to the genre, while others missed the spontaneous eccentricity that typically defined Madness’s work. Metacritic assigned the album a score of 63, indicating average to favorable reviews. Publications like The Guardian and Entertainment.ie acknowledged the musicianship but noted that the album’s straightforward covers lacked the inventive spark of Madness’s original compositions. Nonetheless, fans embraced the album’s spirit and its high placement on the UK Albums Chart—reaching number 11—underscored its commercial impact, marking the band’s best chart performance since 1984’s Keep Moving.

The reissue’s significance lies in its ability to recontextualize The Dangermen Sessions for a modern audience. By pairing superior sound quality with archival content and reflective commentary, the 2022 edition invites both old and new listeners to rediscover the album’s charm. It also reaffirms Madness’s identity as a band that has always worn its influences proudly, from their days as young ska enthusiasts in Camden to their present status as British music legends.

In conclusion, the 2022 reissue of The Dangermen Sessions (Volume One) is more than just a return to shelves—it’s a tribute to the band’s roots, a celebration of the ska and reggae classics that inspired them, and a collector-worthy release that brings renewed depth and context to a pivotal moment in Madness’s career.