The Dangermen Sessions, Vol. 1
by Madness
  • Record Label: V2
  • Release Date: Aug 16, 2005
Metascore
63

Generally favorable reviews - based on 13 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 6 out of 13
  2. Mixed: 7 out of 13
  3. Negative: 0 out of 13
  1. Billboard
    60
    With a few notable exceptions... inspiration is just what this album lacks.
  2. Drowned In Sound
    60
    Whilst back then they bounced along with cheekiness and zeal, now they seem to be trying to continue the reggae-meets-Brit-suburbia Nutty blueprint but end up falling flat in too many places.
  3. Mojo
    40
    If you didn't know what the band have been capable of, this would be good enough. [Aug 2005, p.94]
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  5. New Musical Express (NME)
    60
    All done in their trademark chirpy Camden ska way. [30 Jul 2005, p.49]
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  6. PopMatters
    60
    All the songs bop along at about the same pace, all interpreted in the same rocksteady style, and this makes the proceedings a bit wearisome towards the end.
  7. Q Magazine
    60
    If you dance easily at weddings then this album is very good news. [Aug 2005, p.129]
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  8. The Guardian
    50
    This nostalgic trip back to their roots makes modestly agreeable listening, though the translation from raucous pub to sober recording studio has squeezed out much of the combo's spontaneous lunacy.

User Reviews

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User Score
8.0

Generally favorable reviews- based on 4 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 4 out of 4
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 4
  3. Negative: 0 out of 4
  1. ArthurD.
    Nov 13, 2005
    8
    I think that this album is heavily underrated by other critics, because they may have expected to hear "the old Madness". Here in Holland a I think that this album is heavily underrated by other critics, because they may have expected to hear "the old Madness". Here in Holland a lot of people who went to their last concert were disappointed for that same reason, but others loved the concert! Just because a band heads for a slightly different direction (the CD is a Ska-version of some old time classics and other songs) doesn't mean that it's necessairly bad. As a matter of fact I think that they did a really good job at it. Especially the versions of "Ironshirt", "You keep me hanging on", "Lola" and "Israelites" have turned out to be very good in my opinion. But once again....don't expect to hear "the old madness" too much.… Full Review »
  2. SteveOD
    Oct 31, 2005
    9
    whatta great cd, i can't belive anyone who doesnt like it, whatta mix of everything, great covers!!!!!
  3. SteveJ
    Oct 3, 2005
    8
    Excellent listening. Critics are too harsh with Madness/Dangermen on this CD. Although the songs are covers, they are thoughtfully arranged Excellent listening. Critics are too harsh with Madness/Dangermen on this CD. Although the songs are covers, they are thoughtfully arranged and flow smoothly. There is plenty of inspiration on this CD and the Madness sound still resonates. One of the most enjoyable CDs of 2005. Very well done lads!… Full Review »
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