One Step Beyond…

The 2019 Record Store Day (RSD) release of Madness’s “One Step Beyond” is a 7″ shaped picture disc that celebrates the band’s 40th anniversary since forming in 1976 in Camden Town, North London. Launched on April 13, 2019, as part of the annual RSD event, this limited edition—capped at 1500 copies worldwide—revisits the band’s first Top 10 hit from 1979, offering a collectible treasure for vinyl fans and Madness devotees. Known for their ska and pop brilliance, Madness marked this milestone with a release that blends nostalgia and variety, exclusively available through participating record stores, amplifying its rarity and appeal.

The disc’s standout feature is its tracklist, presenting four distinct versions of “One Step Beyond.” It includes the 2009 remastered version, which delivers a polished, modern sound, and the original 7″ single version, preserving the raw energy of the 1979 release. Adding an unexpected twist, the record also features Spanish (“Un Paso Adelante”) and Italian (“Un Passo Avanti”) renditions, expanding the song’s reach beyond its British roots. These international versions surprise and delight, showcasing Madness’s versatility and global appeal, while giving collectors a rare multilingual take on a classic track. This diversity transforms the disc into more than a reissue—it’s a unique auditory experience.

Visually, the shaped picture disc enhances its allure, with the A-side displaying an image of Madness performing their iconic “Nutty Train” dance, a nod to their lively stage presence. This design choice, paired with the non-standard shape, makes it a striking collectible, as much a visual piece as a musical one. The limitation to 1500 copies, noted in enthusiast circles like Discogs, underscores its scarcity. Released solely for RSD 2019, it’s no longer available through official outlets, pushing its value higher on secondary markets like eBay, where condition and rarity drive prices.

Culturally, this RSD release ties into Madness’s 40-year legacy, dubbed their “XL” year, celebrating their influence in ska and new wave. The tracklist caters to varied tastes: the remastered version appeals to audiophiles, the original to purists, and the Spanish and Italian versions to collectors seeking novelty. These elements align with RSD’s mission to promote vinyl culture and independent stores, reflecting Madness’s grassroots ethos. Retailers like Reflex Record Shop listed it at £22.99, but its current unavailability highlights the fleeting nature of RSD exclusives, with some stores reportedly receiving only a few copies, as per Discogs discussions.

Compared to other RSD offerings, this release stands out with its shaped format and multilingual tracks, trends that boost collectible value. The 1500-copy run places it among rarer items, heightening its desirability. The international versions, in particular, set it apart from typical reissues, offering a fresh perspective on a familiar hit. For Madness fans, it’s a tribute to their enduring appeal; for collectors, it’s a prized artifact blending sound and scarcity.

In essence, the 2019 RSD “One Step Beyond” picture disc is a compact yet rich celebration of Madness’s milestone. Its four-track variety, limited run, and distinctive design make it a standout in the RSD catalog, honoring the band’s history while captivating vinyl enthusiasts with its rarity and charm.