The Dangermen Sessions (Volume One) (Expanded Edition)

The 2023 expanded edition of The Dangermen Sessions (Volume One) by Madness, released on February 24, 2023, breathes new life into a once-overlooked gem in the band’s extensive catalog. Originally released in 2005, this album stood apart from the band’s usual output by offering a collection of cover songs rather than original material. Madness, a prominent figure in the British ska and 2 Tone scenes, ventured into reinterpretation territory with this project, drawing inspiration from the genres that helped shape their identity—ska, reggae, rocksteady, and Motown.

The original Dangermen Sessions featured 13 tracks, including renditions of “Lola” by The Kinks, “Keep Me Hanging On” by The Supremes, and “Israelites” by Desmond Dekker. While it didn’t garner as much mainstream attention as their earlier albums, it developed a loyal following over time, appreciated for its energetic, summery vibe and its heartfelt homage to the classics. It’s been called underrated in numerous reviews, likely because it deviated from the expected formula of Madness’s original songwriting. Nonetheless, the album captured the spirit of the band revisiting its roots and having fun with timeless material.

The 2023 reissue, released by Union Square, capitalizes on this sentiment and aims to enhance the album’s legacy. It adds at least four bonus tracks, including “Shame & Scandal (Dub),” “Girl Why Don’t You? (Dub),” “Vietnam,” and a striking instrumental version of “In the Hall of the Mountain King.” These additions provide listeners with a broader and deeper sonic palette, showing off the band’s versatility and continued commitment to their influences. The dub tracks, in particular, resonate with Madness’s rhythmic strengths and their long-standing affinity for Jamaican musical traditions.

A standout feature of this expanded edition is the inclusion of exclusive liner notes. These notes feature interviews with band members Chrissyboy Foreman, Mike Barson, and Mark Bedford, who offer insights into the recording process, the band’s mindset during the making of the album, and their personal connections to the songs they chose to cover. This behind-the-scenes content adds tremendous value, especially for collectors and longtime fans, providing a deeper understanding of the band’s creative direction at the time. The liner notes have become a talking point in reviews, adding a human element and a sense of intimacy to the reissue that many re-releases often lack.

Reception to the expanded edition has been largely positive. Reviewers on Amazon and music forums like Rate Your Music have praised the reissue for shedding new light on an album that many feel was initially overlooked. Descriptions such as “highly underrated” and “a perfect summer listen” are common, with specific mention of the standout tracks “Shame and Scandal” and “Girl Why Don’t You?” for their infectious energy. The reissue’s availability on CD also caters to collectors and physical media enthusiasts, many of whom appreciate having access to a tangible version complete with the new liner notes and packaging.

In terms of cultural impact, The Dangermen Sessions (Volume One) serves as a reminder of Madness’s enduring legacy and their ability to evolve while staying connected to their roots. It showcases their respect for the music that influenced them and their flair for breathing new life into well-known songs. The 2023 edition reinforces this narrative, positioning the album not just as a quirky detour in their discography, but as a vital and celebratory piece of work.

In conclusion, the 2023 expanded edition of The Dangermen Sessions (Volume One) is more than just a reissue—it’s a thoughtful revisitation of a unique moment in Madness’s career. With added bonus tracks and insightful liner notes, it offers both longtime fans and new listeners a chance to appreciate the album in a new light. Whether you’re drawn in by the classic covers, the dub-infused bonus tracks, or the personal reflections in the liner notes, this release affirms the lasting appeal of Madness’s creative spirit and their ability to make old songs feel new again.