Can’t Touch Us Now (180g Heavyweight, Half-Speed Mastered)

The 2023 reissue of Can’t Touch Us Now (180g Heavyweight, Half-Speed Mastered) stands out as a landmark release for fans of Madness and vinyl collectors alike. This carefully remastered edition revives the band’s eleventh studio album—originally released in 2016—offering a fresh, high-fidelity listening experience that balances nostalgia with modern audiophile precision.

Can’t Touch Us Now was first released in October 2016, marking a notable moment in the band’s long-running career. It welcomed the return of founding bassist Mark Bedford and became the final Madness album to feature all seven original members, adding a historical significance to the record. Critically, the album was well received. Tracks like “Mr. Apples” and “Blackbird” captured attention—“Mr. Apples” became a setlist regular at live shows, while “Blackbird” offered a heartfelt nod to Amy Winehouse. The album retained Madness’s signature blend of ska, pop, reggae, and soul, delivered with sharp wit and emotional depth. Production-wise, the album benefited from a strong creative team: longtime collaborator Clive Langer, producer Liam Watson (best known for his work with The White Stripes), and mixing by Brit Award-winner Charlie Andrew. Together, they helped the band bridge the classic Madness sound with contemporary energy.

The 2023 reissue, released on July 21, 2023, takes the original album and elevates it with audiophile-grade enhancements. Pressed on 180g heavyweight vinyl, the record offers improved durability and sound fidelity compared to standard vinyl. This weight is preferred by collectors and audiophiles for its stability during playback, reducing unwanted surface noise and improving overall audio performance. What truly sets this edition apart is its half-speed mastering. This process involves cutting the vinyl master at half the usual speed, allowing more precision in the groove-cutting process. The result is improved clarity, a more detailed stereo image, and a smoother high-frequency response—ideal for listeners who appreciate sonic detail and a more immersive vinyl experience. As noted by audiophile communities and mastering engineers, half-speed mastering brings out subtle textures that can be lost in standard pressings, especially in rhythmically and harmonically rich music like Madness’s.

Housed in a deluxe gatefold sleeve, the 2LP set is both durable and visually appealing. The artwork and packaging pay homage to the original release, while enhancing it with a tactile, collectible feel. Gatefold formats are favored for their ability to display large-scale artwork and offer protective storage for two vinyl discs, making them ideal for double albums like Can’t Touch Us Now. A major draw for fans is the inclusion of brand-new, exclusive liner notes. These feature fresh interviews with band members Suggs, Mike Barson, Chris “Chrissyboy” Foreman, and Lee Thompson, offering rare behind-the-scenes insights into the album’s creation. The commentary sheds light on the band’s writing process, recording sessions, and how they approached the album’s themes during a transitional period in their career. This bonus content adds a valuable narrative layer to the music, enriching the overall listening experience and making this reissue especially desirable for longtime fans.

The reissue faithfully preserves the original 2016 tracklist, now spread across four sides for optimal sound quality. This layout ensures that each side contains a balanced number of tracks, avoiding the over-compression that can occur on single-disc releases. The full album, now given more room to breathe, benefits from cleaner grooves and deeper dynamics. For fans of physical music formats, these subtle details make a significant difference. The improved sonic landscape, paired with thoughtful design and informative extras, transforms this reissue into more than just a re-release—it becomes a full-bodied experience.

The 2023 edition of Can’t Touch Us Now is more than a nostalgic nod to a later-era Madness album. It’s a meticulously curated package that honors the original work while enhancing it through modern mastering techniques and added context. By combining 180g heavyweight vinyl, half-speed mastering, collectible gatefold packaging, and exclusive liner notes, this release appeals to both audiophiles and casual fans alike. Whether you’re rediscovering the album or exploring it for the first time, the 2023 reissue offers the definitive way to experience Can’t Touch Us Now—in all its clever, melodic, and meaningful glory.