C’est La Vie Special Edition
We’re thrilled to celebrate Madness’ first #1 studio album in 44 years with you. We invite you to join us on a 4-month journey from the beginnings of the new album promotional campaign to the 2023 C’est La Vie tour’s final night in Birmingham. Our 24-page Madzine Special is packed with fascinating stories and insights.
Print length
24 Pages
Language
English
Publisher
Publisher Services
Publication date
December 1, 2023
ISBN-13
979-8-3507-1800-3
Introduction
‘Theatre of the Absurd Presents C’Est La Vie’ was released on November 17th, 2023. It is the first album since ‘Can’t Touch Us Now’ in 2016. Despite the dark topics of lockdowns, losing one’s mind, and global destruction, the songs still maintain a theatrical feel, albeit quirky, and continue from previous albums, ‘The Liberty of Norton Folgate’, ‘Can’t Touch Us Now’ and ‘Oui Oui, Si Si, Ja Ja, Da Da’. The last authentic Nutty Sound came through in ‘Wonderful’ in 1999, with tracks like ‘Lovestruck’ and ‘Johnny the Horse’ were true to the core, but even that album had started to embrace the maturity that is now Madness.
Let’s rewind 14 years to 2009 and discover the Madness album that brilliantly showcases the rich social history of a particular area in East London. This album, titled ‘The Liberty of Norton Folgate,’ is a true masterpiece whose conceptualization and execution took nearly three years. The Liberty of Norton Folgate region was not legally independent but had special rights over the land waived by St. Paul’s Cathedral in 1900. The album is very music hall in its style and features some standout tracks that genuinely celebrate the nutty sound. ‘Sugar and Spice,’ ‘NW5,’ and ‘Idiot Child’ (written by Barson/Thompson in 1999) are just a few of the album’s unique tracks. It’s interesting to note that ‘Idiot Child’ may have been originally intended for the ‘Wonderful’ album but never made it there – quite absurd!
Madzine magazine is a semi-professional and non-official publication for Madness and music fans. For those who love Madness, there is an opportunity for a new generation to experience the charm of a "Fanzine". Although the original fans from the 80s may be content with their past, this Madzine has a unique look, feel, and character that distinguishes it from other publications. Within its pages, readers can delve into the past with one-of-a-kind articles, in-depth research from the Madness archives, and exclusive never-before-seen photography designed to introduce all fans to a new world of Madness.
It's been several years since any such issue of a Madness zine landed on anyone's doorstep. Sure, you can get up to the minute Madness news online, but there's nothing like sitting down with a good zine and giving yourself a break from a screen - even better, you now own a physical piece of Madness history. So join our vibrant community of Madness enthusiasts and collectors from all over the world! Our subscribers hail from countries like Japan, Ireland, New Zealand, the Netherlands, the United States, France, Spain, and the United Kingdom. Join us and connect with fans from various corners of the globe.
SAMPLE PAGES
The sample pages demonstrate vibrant layouts with bold typography, colorful illustrations, and meticulously curated content that skillfully combines nostalgia with fresh perspectives. Madzine provides a unique platform for both hardcore fans and newcomers to delve into the band’s legacy in detail.
REVIEWS
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Madzine (C’est La Vie Special Madzine Edition, 2023, 28 pp.)
We’re thrilled to celebrate Madness’ first #1 studio album in 44 years with you. We invite you to join us on a 4-month journey from the beginnings of the new album promotional campaign to the 2023 UK C’est La Vie Tour and the final night in Birmingham. Our 24-page Madzine Special is packed with fascinating stories and insights.
You’ll read about the fan-only announcement of a limited edition CD and the crazy online behavior in the feature “Similarly Late? That’s Life!” We’ll take you behind the scenes of the BMG social media promotion and album reveal, which included efforts to play along that became a viral hit in “Playing The Nonsensical?” You’ll also discover the available formats of the new album in “Options? If I Go Mad…” and you get a chance to reflect on the marketing campaign through radio appearances, TV interviews, music media reviews, in-person signings and Q+A sessions in our exclusive article “Reflection of Madness.” + much more!
$12.75
Esther Alcamo (verified owner) –
Madzine has done it- they’ve created a companion piece to not only the album, but the mad journey that is “C’Est la Vie!” From the background and history, to the descriptions of the album editions and formats, everything is there. Darren Bowen remains up-to the minute with reviews of live performances and appearances, creating a consummate account of the experience from as many perspectives as possible. The author shows his talent for graphic design, creating beautiful and dramatic images fully inspired by the album and promotional artwork. . Lastly, I was honored to participate in a bit of the madness; Darren, thank you for the opportunity to write a piece for the ‘zine, tying in the influence of Absurdism and Samuel Beckett!
John Brimble (verified owner) –
Brilliant book always liked madness been a fan for years I will definitely be buying more stuff from here again
Al L’Heureux (verified owner) –
I absolutely love this companion zine to the new album!! It’s incredibly informative, and adds to the enjoyment of the listening experience as a whole. It’s colourful and very well written. I’d certainly recommend it to any Madness fan who hasn’t already purchased it!!! I’m looking forward to the U.S. tour companion issue!!!
Michael Farmer (verified owner) –
Appreciate all the hard work and quality that went into producing this and the other Madzines, no detail left out well done Darren you are an absolute credit to all Madness fans, Wonderful Just Wonderful, Best Fanzine yet, So much information, Brilliant Album deserved this Brilliant Madzine.
Andrew Coulter (verified owner) –
What a wonderful fanzine to accompany Madness’ 1st number one studio album in 44 years full of brilliant facts marketing & song info deffo a nice addition for the collection.🎷🎵👍