Search - The Specials, The English Beat, Bad Manners :: Dance Craze - The Best of British Ska... Live!

Great but incomplete

P. Geyer | Vienna, VA United States | 01/28/2004

(4 out of 5 stars)

"The original Dance Craze album introduced me to ska almost 20 years ago. The album changed my life, encouraging me to search out albums from all the bands: The Specials, The Selecter, Madness, Bad Manners, The (English) Beat (sadly, the Bodysnatchers only put out singles, so I couldn't get anything for them in the States). Unlike a great many live albums, this one really communicated the frenetic energy of a live show.When they re-released this album I was excited to have the opportunity to replace my original worn out copy. While it is still very good, all of the Madness tracks have been removed. I know this is probably a contract issue, but the Madness tunes were some of the best. It leaves a BIG hole in the flow of the album.Sooo, while this is still a great primer for folks who are new to early 80s British ska, try to track down a copy of the original. Better yet, try to track down a copy of the video. It's got 2-3 times as many songs, and you get to SEE how great the bands were, and how they really got the audiences dancing."

Skad for life

gazza | guelph ontario | 03/19/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Due to contract problems Madness are not on the CD,Only on the now hard to get record.Still a great CD.Some of the best 2nd wave ska captured on this recording.The movie comes up for sale in scootering mag,s from England now and then ,but to be honest its not very good.Also if you get it from England you will need to change it over to watch it on north American TV,s.I dont think it was ever produced in the American version?Also look for World of SKIN,a great documenty from UK,and Made in Britain [a skinhead film].....HOPE THIS HELPS"

"Blow Mr. Rico, Blow!!!!!!

Ronald K. Holstein | B.F.E. Arkansas | 06/28/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Yes,unfortunately the excellent tracks by Madness aren't on the CD. What everyone fails to mention though are the extra tracks that weren't on the original vinyl edition. Nearly the entire, very excellent, "Too Much Too Young" EP by The Specials ( AKA ) is found here. As is another track by The Selecter "Carry Go Bring Come", which also wasn't on the original release. So the CD isn't quite the same without Madness, it's still great. But what do I care as I have both. Now put on your loafers, wingtips,creepers or jack boots and start Moon Stomping!!!!!!!!"