Must be funny

Disclaimer: this post was written in December 2023, and scheduled for future posting. Its contents may no longer be accurate or appropriate.

Whilst browsing through the sad-looking racks of CDs in a charity shop recently, I happened upon a compilation album of various artists covering Abba. Somewhat unimaginatively, it was called Abbamania. It dated from 1999, a fact very much reflected in its roster of artistes: Steps, Westlife, S Club 7, B*Witched, Stephen Gateley, Martin McCutcheon, Denise Van Outen... Heaven help us, right?

Except there at track one, and completely at odds with all the bands and singers I've just mentioned, were Madness. Not peak Madness from the early 80s, not national treasure Madness from the 21st Century, but inbetween Madness. Indeed, some more cynical than I might suggest that their involvement could have been something to do with the need to promote Wonderful, their first new album in fourteen years, but I'm sure that wasn't the case, and that the Nutty Boys had all been devoted fans of Sweden's greatest export since 1974.

Either way, it transpires that the whole project, and all the covers on the CD, were recorded for an ITV special of the same name. Unsurprisingly, this completely passed me by at the time. But I have always liked Madness, and so felt duty bound to find their cover on YouTube ... and it's alright. Not spectacular, not terrible, just a bit predictable, I guess. Anyway, since it might have passed you by in 1999 too, here it is. Enjoy, maybe.