The Liberty of Norton Folgate (180g Heavyweight, Remastered)

The 2023 remastered edition of The Liberty of Norton Folgate by Madness, released on February 24, 2023, represents a significant moment for fans of the British ska band and vinyl collectors alike. Originally released in 2009 as their ninth studio album, The Liberty of Norton Folgate was immediately heralded as Madness’s most ambitious and artistically rich project. A concept album rooted in the history and eccentricities of London—specifically the East London area of Norton Folgate—the original release featured fifteen tracks that expertly blended ska, pop, and orchestral influences. With its sweeping storytelling and richly textured production, the album quickly gained a reputation as the band’s magnum opus, capturing a sense of time, place, and character unique to Madness’s particular style.

The 2023 edition arrives as a fully remastered package on 180g heavyweight vinyl, housed in a deluxe gatefold sleeve. More than just a reissue, this edition enhances the original experience with improved audio quality, thanks to a meticulous remastering process that breathes new life into the complex instrumentation and layered arrangements of the album. This vinyl set comprises two LPs and a total of 22 tracks, including the original 15 songs and 7 bonus tracks: “Let’s Go,” “Mission from Hell,” “Seven Dials,” “Hunchback of Toriano,” “Fish & Chips,” “One Fine Day,” and “The Kiss.” These additional songs, previously unreleased or lesser known, add depth and context to the album, offering a fresh perspective even for those familiar with the 2009 version.

The album’s conceptual backbone—its vivid evocation of London—remains central to its appeal. The title track, a ten-minute theatrical narrative, is particularly celebrated for its historical references and its homage to a part of London that was once considered a “liberty,” exempt from the Crown’s authority. Through richly poetic lyrics and cinematic composition, Madness paints a picture of a London that is as romanticized as it is realistic, honoring the city’s quirks, contradictions, and hidden histories. This theme runs throughout the album, turning what could have been a collection of songs into a unified artistic statement.

What sets the 2023 remastered edition apart from previous formats is its attention to detail beyond just sound. The new liner notes feature exclusive interviews with key band members, including Suggs, Lee Thompson, Mike Barson, Chrissy Boy Foreman, and Daniel Woodgate. These reflections provide behind-the-scenes insight into the making of the album and its cultural significance. Adding a further artistic layer, the edition includes a poem by Cathal Smyth (also known as Chas Smash), reinforcing the band’s connection to the literary and performative elements that define The Liberty of Norton Folgate.

While the vinyl edition contains seven bonus tracks, a 2CD remastered version also exists, including two additional tracks not found on the vinyl: “Bittersweet” and “The Roadette Song.” This variation in tracklisting suggests that Madness thoughtfully curated each format, tailoring the experience to suit the physical medium and the expectations of collectors and listeners alike.

The presence of tracks like “Hunchback of Toriano,” which were recorded during the original sessions but omitted from the 2009 release, provides fans with a deeper understanding of the band’s creative process. These songs serve not only as valuable additions musically, but also as archival pieces that enrich the narrative surrounding the album’s creation.

The remastered edition of The Liberty of Norton Folgate is more than just a nostalgic reissue; it’s a celebration of a landmark in British music history. By pairing enhanced sound with previously unreleased material and thoughtful liner content, Madness reasserts the album’s place in their legacy and within the broader canon of concept albums. For longtime fans and new listeners alike, this release offers both a fresh encounter with an old favorite and a deeper dive into the creative world of Madness.