I was jamming to some tunes on my iPod today when “One Step Beyond” by Madness comes on, and I think, if someone asked me what songs best characterized the new wave sound, this one would be one of them.
Although some music purists and musicologists might beg to differ with my simplified assessment—after all, the song is really “ska” and not new wave, but what’s in a name, right?
The song was originally written by Jamaican ska singer Prince Buster, but was made famous by the band Madness on their 1979 debut album of the same name. Although the song was mostly an instrumental arrangement with the title shouted a few times, when Madness recorded their version of the song, there was a spoken intro.
I really dig the sax in this song and the resounding bass—which in themselves lend much to the new wave sound as does the obvious ska influenced up-beat strumming on the guitar.
As for that cool sax sound, bands like Martha and the Muffins would also use a sax in their hit “Echo Beach,” and Midwest/Chicago-based bands like David and the Happenings, Bohemia, and Phil n’ the Blanks would also feature some snappy saxophone stylings in their new wave repertoire.
If it’s been awhile since you’ve last listened to this gem and you’re beginning to feel the heat, well listen buster, you better start to move your feet; to the rockinest, rock steady beat of Madness.
