Work Rest and Play

The Work Rest and Play EP by Madness, originally released in 1980, received a special reissue for Record Store Day (RSD) 2020 to celebrate its 40th anniversary. This limited-edition pressing, highly sought after by collectors, features the original four tracks that helped solidify Madness’ early reputation in the ska and pop scenes.

For the RSD release, the EP’s artwork was faithfully reproduced to reflect the original design, but the record itself was pressed on high-quality vinyl, making it an attractive item for both new and long-time fans. The release was part of a broader celebration of Madness’ early work, which played a key role in defining the British ska movement. Its limited pressing made it a popular item during Record Store Day, reflecting the enduring appeal of Madness’ music across decades.

The EP was initially released by the determined Dave Robinson, who managed to squeeze another single off the album. The first three tracks on side one were the first three Madness singles released on Stiff Records, and there was also a re-recording of “The Prince,” which was included on side one. There was a lot of disagreement about releasing yet another single from One Step Beyond…; it was considered rude to ‘rip off the fans’ by making them purchase more A-sides from an album they already owned, even if the B-side was exclusive to the release.

After much negotiation, a compromise was finally reached. The result was a 7” EP that featured “Night Boat to Cairo” as the lead track, along with three original and fresh songs from Madness. The EP was a great addition to the band’s discography, showcasing their unique musical style and creativity.