AN UNDISCOVERED TREASURE...GREAT SYNTHPOP ALBUM
Every so often, once in a blue moon, you come
across a rare gem. I stumbled upon this synthpop duo, quite by accident. Just
like other influential synthpop legends like Red Flag or Cause and Effect,
Roger and Randy Rose are also brothers. Though they have a secret that might
make you turn up your noses at first, I can assure you that Mad At The World is
definitely worth the listen. I was first introduced to Mad at The World by
hearing some tracks on college radio many years ago. From their wild hair and
make up, (borrowing some fashion tips from The Damned's Dave Vanian) to the
deep, gothic vocals from Dave Rose, to the high flying synths throughout most
of their debut album Mad At The World If Wayne Hussey ( Mission UK) was to do
an all out synth-driven tribute to the best new wave 80's artists, this is what
it might have sounded like. Mad At The World exploded onto the college radio
scene with their debut, self titled album "Mad At The World" in 1987.
They had the look, the sound and the power to be as successful as many of the
top synthpop and new wave acts at that time or ever their predecessors. Sadly,
because of their "secret" , which did not stay a "secret"
for too long, they were ignored and passed over by many mainstream radio
stations and DJ's. To this day, both their debut album "Mad At The
World" and their incredible follow up album "Flowers In The
Rain" in 1988, will go down as two of the best but most undiscovered
treasures to ever hit the new wave and synthpop world. Mad At The World pays
homage to some of the best artists and bands to come out of the 80's, such as
Pet Shop Boys, The Cult , New Order,Human League, Depeche Mode, to name a few.
"Mad At The World" is one of the most
synth-driven and danceable synthpop albums to ever come out of clubland.
Their unique, strong, melodic and danceable songs
will move your feet while their thought provoking and powerful message will
fill your soul. Usually, I would not be caught dead listening to bands that
fall into this particular "category" but good music is just simply
good music. Mad At The World is an amazing band and both "Mad The
World" and "Flowers In The Rain" are fantastic albums. They
bring back that feeling of listening to an album from start to finish, with no
filler and barely missing a single beat. Both of these albums are a must and
should be in any serious synthpop and 80's fan's collection. Sadly after these
two albums, their sound went to complete crap and is totally unlistenable. They
lost their magic. If they should ever revisit their classic retro sound, I'll
be first in line to buy the album but for now, I have my memories and these too
fabulous albums to curb my hunger. Keep an open mind and check out the whole
album here. You will wonder how you ever missed this undiscovered treasure.
Feb 11
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