Description
Madness - Theatre of the Absurd Presents C’est La Vie CD (2023, BMG)
Madness return with one of the most conceptually ambitious albums of their career, blending theatrical narration, surreal humour, and classic ska‑pop craftsmanship. Released in 2023 under CTAW LLP and licensed exclusively to BMG Rights Management (UK), the album is presented as a staged production, complete with Prologue, Acts, Epilogue, and Fin.
The artwork mirrors the album’s eccentric tone: a chaotic, absurdist tableau featuring the band in stylised costumes surrounded by props, explosions, and visual gags. The edition shown in your images is the Compact Digital Optical Polycarbon Edition (CD), manufactured in Germany, with a red hype sticker promising “14 of your five a day” and “contributions from non carbon‑based entities.”
Musically, the record mixes:
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The band’s signature ska and pop hooks
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Spoken‑word theatrical interludes
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Social commentary delivered with trademark Madness wit
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A narrative arc that moves from chaos to reflection
This is a release designed for collectors who appreciate conceptual albums, strong visual identity, and the band’s late‑career creative resurgence.
Track List
Prologue
Theatre of the Absurd
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Theatre of the Absurd
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If I Go Mad
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Baby Burglar
Act One – “Surrounded on all sides...”
Act Two – “The damsel in distress...”
Act Three – “The situation deteriorates...”
Epilogue – “And so ladies and gentlemen...”
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Run for Your Life
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Set Me Free (Let Me Be)
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In My Street
Fin – “Ladies and gentlemen...”
