Theatre of the Absurd Presents C’est La Vie — Madness

A sophisticated and slightly haunting reflection on modern chaos, balanced by resilient wit.

Tracklist · 20 Tracks · 56m

Prologue: “Mr Beckett Sir…”

0:12

Theatre of the Absurd

4:14

If I Go Mad

4:37

Baby Burglar

4:06

Act One: “Surrounded on All Sides…”

0:10

C’est la vie

3:11

What on Earth Is It (You Take Me For?)

3:07

Hour of Need

4:07

Act Two: “The Damsel in Distress…”

0:13

Round We Go

4:18

Act Three: “The Situation Deteriorates…”

0:20

Lockdown and Frack Off

3:12

Beginners 101

4:22

Is There Anybody Out There?

3:22

The Law According to Dr. Kippah

5:36

Epilogue: “And So Ladies and Gentlemen…”

0:17

Run for Your Life

4:00

Set Me Free (Let Me Be)

3:39

In My Street

3:38

Fin.: “Ladies and Gentlemen…”

0:13

Moments Worth Listening For

The transition from the Beckett-referencing prologue into the title track's ominous, marching piano riff.

The sudden, bright burst of classic ska energy in C’est La Vie that cuts through the album's darker textures.

The sprawling, theatrical climax of The Law According to Dr. Kippah with its dense narrative and shifting tempos.

Reviews

Also reviewed byAllMusic

Where This Album Departs

How does Theatre of the Absurd Presents C’est La Vie sound next to the rest of Madness's catalogue?

This album stays in step with the catalogue across the board — no axis departs enough to be worth its own note. Hover the dots to see where each one sits.

If you loved this album for itsSound & genre

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Madness

2012

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