Madness “One Step Beyond…” 1979. Debut release (this copy on Sire rather than Stiff Records, its original label). We’re digging out today after a large snow storm and ska feels warm and happy, a good antidote to the current cold and wet.

I first started listening to Madness in the early 80’s when their hits “House of Fun” and “Our House” were on the charts (1982). Before MTV came to the Midwest, we got our taste for music videos via HBO’s Video Jukebox. “House of Fun” in particular was a favorite, mostly due to its British humor a la Monty Python, of which I was a huge fan.

As I sit today huddled next to the space heater listening to “One Step Beyond..,” I’m transported, simultaneously, to a beach in the Caribbean and a swinging British pub. And to keep warm, I plan to follow Madness member Chas Smash, whose responsibilities listed on the back of the album jacket include “various shouts and fancy footwork.” Off now to skank loudly.