‘Mr Apples’ Taken From Forthcoming Album ‘Can’t Touch Us Now’ Released 28th October on UMC
Following the typically irreverent announcement at the Royal Hospital Chelsea of their eagerly anticipated new album ‘Can’t Touch Us Now’, British Pop stalwartsMadness today unveil their new single ‘Mr Apples’.
‘Mr Apples’ is Madness’s first release in over three years, and is accompanied by a wonderfully madcap video directed by Chris ‘Chrissy Boy’ Foreman and Jim Canty (Twin Atlantic, Biffy Clyro).
Playing out as a conversation between frontman Suggs and the eponymous protagonist ‘Mr Apples’, the stylish video takes us on a journey through two-worlds; one of a Sunday-devout religious man, the other being a pious, small-time gambler on the perennial search of a good night out. As on many of Madness’ best loved songs, on ‘Mr Apple’ Suggs has once again proved himself to be the master purveyor of the idiosyncrasies and banalities of everyday life. In Suggs’ own words:
‘Mr. Apples never stops. By day a pillar of society. Very clear on how people should behave. Strict, moralistic, judgemental. But, when that old sun goes down. He’s heading off up the wrong side of town. Exhausting. We worry for him. He’s a very naughty boy’
Suggs’ touching and relatable delivery – often set against the backdrop of his Camden stomping ground- has the ability to make the most normal situation a page turner. His candid delivery is one of the many elements that set Madness apart and allow them to raise the bar time and again.
Recorded at the renowned Toe Rag Studios, East London, ‘Can’t Touch Us Now’ (out October 28th on UMG) was produced by Clive Langer and Liam Watson. Langer is the band’s long term producer and the man who has helped mould some of their biggest moments. Watson is owner of Toe Rag and a Grammy Winner for his work on The White Stripes’ seminal ‘Elephant’. The album was mixed by Brit Award winner Charlie Andrew (Alt-J). Recording the whole album in under three weeks, tracks such as ‘Mr Apples’, ‘Mumbo Jumbo’, the Amy Winehouse referencing ‘Blackbird’ and the title track ‘Can’t Touch Us Now’ capture the band’s inimitable combination of pop, reggae and soul influences. As on many of Madness greatest moments, the lyrics are gloriously observational and humorous, beautifully framing life in London. ‘Can’t Touch Us Now’ is the follow up to 2012’s Top 10 album ‘Oui Oui Si Si Ja Ja Da Da’ which was certified gold in the UK. Madness are one of the top 20 selling UK groups of all time, with seven top ten albums, 22 top 20 hits and over six million album sales to their name.
The special limited edition ‘Can’t Touch Us Now’ box set comes packaged with a unique madness edition of ‘The Greatest Show On Earth’, one of the fabulous vintage-style game creations by friend-of-the-band Dee Jay Wheelie Bag. Players take to the stage in their very own theatre and entertain one another with 36 special edition performance cards all inspired by the songs and lyrics of Can’t Touch Us Now. The box set features the brand new album, a special extra disc of bonus material exclusive only to this edition as well as a fold out booklet.
‘Can’t Touch Us Now’ is the latest step in an incredible few years for the revitalised nutty boys. They have spent the summer months road testing the new material at some of the UK’s most iconic festivals including the main stage at Glastonbury and their own House of Common festival. they return with the legendaryHouse of Fun Weekender in Minehead on November 18 – 21st before embarking on a full UK tour in December including a show at the O2 on 10th December. Full dates listed below:
11th September
18th – 21st November House of Fun Weekender, Minehead
1st December
2nd December Cardiff Motorpoint Arena
3rd December
8th December
9th December Sheffield Motorpoint Arena
10th December
12th December
13th December
15th December Hydro, Glasgow
16th December
17th December
