Box sets can always lead to frustration when oddities, rare or live cuts stop the goodness dead. That doesn't happen here because an oddity for Madness is fairly incredible. This box set includes every single wonderful moment that you could possibly want in one fell swoop.

However, I'm docking it a notch because of the interview segments placed before/after songs. You cannot program out the interviews because they are attached to the same track. Interesting the first time you listen, but after that it's incredibly frustrating. And to make matters worse the majority of the interview clips are spread out over the first two discs... which happens to include the best songs. It would have been MUCH better if the folks who compiled this box would have put the interview segments on the end of the 3rd disc. If you don't think this will bother you then go ahead and buy this baby... it's filled cover to cover with amazing music.

I don't usually write reviews, but felt I needed to bring the rating down on this one to save people some money, great music, but as said in other reviews, the interviews kill it. Stay away.

If you are a true Madness fan you ought to own this box set. You have every single record in it including many odd jewels very difficult to find elsewhere. I just put aside all the other records and keep listening to this collection again and again. There are interviews mixed with the songs along the 3 CDs. It worths every dollar (pesos for me!) that it costs. Superb!

For all those 'Nutty' fans it makes your collection complete.All the b-sides & not one of them a filler.'Please Don't Go' should have been a single and for that matter,many other ones too.There's even a X-Mas tune which has got to be the most hilarious song for the holidays,it'a a classic!How 'bout 'One Step Beyond' in italian?You got it.This 3-cd set is filled with songs not available on any other compilation or studio releases.Chances are You can get it used & in good condition.You won't regret it.This release is one of my favorites.It also contains the extended version of 'Our House',one of the best remixes of the 80's.Plus:many interviews inbetween a number of songs.But if you don't like 'em,just skip to the next song.

This triple CD covers "the first era" of Madness' 30 year history, so far. This covers all their singles from 1979 thro' to 1985. But what makes this CD set so special, is that it also contains all the B-sides to the singles, which makes this an absolute must for all the nutty fans. Not only that, but in between each song, there are insightful "snippets" by the band members, crew, management and friends, which are not only informative, but a delight to listen to. I highly recommend this CD set to, not only all Madness fans, but to the curious people out there, also. You will not be disappointed!