Work Rest and Play

Released in March 1980, Work, Rest and Play stands as one of the most curious and characterful releases in the Madness discography—a four-track EP that wasn’t quite a single, and not quite a mini-album either. But like many of Madness’s creative decisions during this fertile early period, it was bold, mischievous, and surprisingly effective.

The EP arrived just a few months after the band’s explosive debut album, One Step Beyond…, had taken the UK by storm. Already three tracks deep in hits—“The Prince,” “One Step Beyond,” and “My Girl”—the band was basking in chart success and critical acclaim. But with that success came commercial pressure. The ever-resourceful and tenacious Dave Robinson, head of Stiff Records, wasn’t one to miss a trick. He saw a fourth single in the making and spotted that the first three tracks on side one of One Step Beyond… were the very singles that had driven the album’s popularity. He proposed extracting one more A-side from the album: “Night Boat to Cairo.”

However, this plan sparked considerable argy-bargy. Fans and journalists alike were starting to grumble about being “ripped off” by labels that reissued album tracks as standalone singles. In an era when singles were relatively cheap and collectible, there was a growing sentiment that asking fans to repurchase tracks they already owned—especially in the same form—was poor form. Madness, still deeply connected to their loyal and growing fanbase, shared these concerns.

What followed was a compromise that turned out to be something quite special. After considerable back-and-forth, a new format was agreed: rather than a standard 7″ single, Madness would release a 7″ Extended Play—Work, Rest and Play—featuring the mooted “Night Boat to Cairo” as the lead track, along with three brand-new songs. It wasn’t just a marketing solution—it was a creative one too.

The resulting EP not only showcased Madness’s willingness to experiment with release formats, but also their breadth as a band. Side one opened with “Night Boat to Cairo,” now presented as a slightly re-recorded version, with reworked vocals and a tighter mix—making it subtly different from the album cut. The song, already a fan favorite thanks to its Egyptian-flavored sax line and long instrumental coda, was now given a greater sense of spotlight. The accompanying video, with the band clowning around in front of a greenscreen pyramid, became iconic and helped further cement their image as loveable nutcases.

What really set the EP apart, though, was its B-side content. Three new songs—“Deceives the Eye,” “The Young and the Old,” and “Don’t Quote Me On That”—offered a taste of what Madness could do outside the album framework. These tracks weren’t mere filler; they were distinct, characterful compositions that reflected the band’s versatility and growing ambition. “Deceives the Eye” had a sharp pop energy, “The Young and the Old” leaned into nostalgic storytelling, while “Don’t Quote Me On That” took a more political tone, brimming with media cynicism—a side of Madness not always immediately obvious.

Interestingly, for radio promotion and jukebox distribution, the Work, Rest and Play EP was also issued in a pared-down, two-track format. These DJ and jukebox copies featured only “Night Boat to Cairo” and “Deceives the Eye,” depending on the pressing, and were cut at 45 RPM rather than the standard 33⅓ used for the commercial 4-track EP. Designed specifically for airplay and jukebox compatibility, these versions came with unique labels and minimal packaging, making them distinct from the main retail release. Over time, their limited nature and format differences have turned them into prized collector’s items among Madness vinyl aficionados.

While Work, Rest and Play may have started as a workaround to an industry dilemma, it quickly became something more. It gave Madness a chance to bridge the gap between One Step Beyond… and their next studio effort, Absolutely, all while building out their universe of oddball characters, London stories, and ska-infused mayhem. It also marked a moment where the band asserted control over how they were presented to their fans—a hallmark that would remain consistent throughout their long career.

Despite its unconventional nature, the EP reached No. 6 on the UK Singles Chart, proving that the public was more than happy to go along with Madness’s unique approach. In hindsight, the release is remembered not as a cynical ploy, but as a fan-forward move that offered value, variety, and vibrancy in equal measure.

Whether picked up as a novelty, a necessity, or a collector’s delight, Work, Rest and Play remains a charming and clever snapshot of Madness in motion—madcap, melodic, and always thinking one step ahead.