Madness

While they were never strictly a ska band, Madness had more than their share of skanky moments, many of which can be found on this 24-track compilation from Salvo. Forever Young: The Ska Collection spans the beloved English outfit's entire career, from the manic thump of early hits like "One Step Beyond" and "Baggy Trousers" to "Dust Devil" from 2009's Liberty of Norton Folgate.

Along with the Specials, Madness were one of the leading bands of the ska revival of the late '70s and early '80s. As their career progressed, Madness branched away from their trademark "nutty sound" and incorporated large elements of Motown, soul, and British pop. Although the band managed one crossover American hit in 1983, they remained a British phenomenon, influencing several successive generations of musicians and becoming one of the most beloved groups the country produced during the '80s. This box set includes the following albums: One Step Beyond… (1979), Absolutely (1980), The Rise And Fall (1982).

With their constant Madstocks and concerts, Madness never went away, but their 2009 album The Liberty of Norton Folgate – their first album original material in ten years – felt like a full-fledged comeback, a return to the brilliant form of 1982's The Rise & Fall, the album that firmly positioned the band in the grand tradition of British pop. Oui, Oui, Si, Si, Ja, Ja, Da, Da, the 2012 sequel to Liberty, proves the 2010 comeback was no fluke, with its equally clever and confident collection of savvy pop and ska, tunes that are effervescently melodic, lyrically nimble, and giddy with their dexterity…