It’s a Mad Mad Mad Mad Playlist

And now my list that’ll make you insane in the brain…insane in the membrane… with 100% less Cypress Hill!

1. Elton John, “Madness”
   This disco-ey track comes from Elton John’s A Single Man album. It was Elton’s first album featuring NO lyrics from long-time songwriting partner Bernie Taupin. Gary Osborne takes over the wordsmith-ering here with this song about the madness of violence and unrest in the world. Love the piano riff in this one, but it teeters just on the edge of corny and cheesy. Taupin is clearly missed here…
2. Queen, “I’m Going Slightly Mad”
   One of the highlights of the oft-forgotten Innuendo album by Queen. The was the last Queen album to be recorded and released while Freddie was alive. It’s a shame because it showed that the band still had some good songs in them. The track is weird, eerie, campy, and deliciously theatrical. The video is a hoot too.
3. Ben Folds, “Bitch Went Nuts”
   The newest song on the list…The title says it all. The madness of a breakup is captured in this cut from Ben Folds’ latest album, “Way to Normal” (an almost-complete return to form for Ben). There will be some who take issue with the NSFW, misogynistic lyrics on this one, but it’s got a melody that will stick with you like peanut butter on toast.
4. ABBA, “The Vistors”
   When this title track from ABBA’s last album was released as a single, its subtitle was “Crackin’ Up.” On the surface, it seems like the song deals with paranoia and could be seen as the Europop take on “They’re Coming to Take Me Away..Ha-ha,” but the story goes that this was Benny and Bjorn’s song about the Soviet’s treatment of political protesters in the late 70’s/early 80’s. Go figure…
5. Men At Work, “Overkill”
   Paranoia, insomnia, guilt, hallucinations…it’s all here in this wonderful single form Men at Work’s second album, Cargo. A dark, moody contrast to their landmark hit “Down Under.” If you like this, definitely check out the Lazlo Bane cover of this which features a cameo by Men at Work frontman Colin Hay!
6. Madness, “Waltz into Mischief”
   What set about “madness would be complete without a song by 80s Brit ska legends Madness? This comes from their Keep Moving album from 1984. It’s as if the nutty boys had joined the circus via a benefit for Mr. Kite!

Download: Elton John, “Madness” (mp3)
(Right-click/control-click link to download)

Download: Queen, “I’m Going Slightly Mad” (mp3)
(Right-click/control-click link to download)

Download: Ben Folds, “Bitch Went Nuts” (mp3)
(Right-click/control-click link to download)

Download: ABBA, “The Vistors” (mp3)
(Right-click/control-click link to download)

Download: Men At Work, “Overkill” (AAC)
(Right-click/control-click link to download)

Download: Madness, “Waltz into Mischief” (mp3)
(Right-click/control-click link to download)