Hello Chris, seems I owe you a bit of an appology my friend. Back in the day I bought every album/single that you put out (still do) and, If i’m honest, was getting quite dissapointed by the time Rise & Fall and Keep Moving came out (apart from the obvious singles—btw I think One Better Day will always be a class apart). I’ve still got the originals (of course) but confess I havent giving them a proper play for, maybe 20 years! No, no, it was always the ‘proper ska’ sound of One Step Beyond and Absolutely for me!!!
Well, having given both albums plenty of playing since getting the re-issues a couple of weeks ago i’m truly surpised at how good they sound now. I’m listening to March of The Gherkins and Blue Skinned Beast with much wiser ears!!

So, sorry Chris, these album are at least 10 times better than I gave you credit for at the time…..I suppose you lot grew up musically much before I did…..which is to your credit, not mine.

Cheers mate,,,,,keep the good stuff coming

Mad Mick

Dear MM
Apology accepted but not really needed. I bought an 808 drum machine once and I thought it was rubbish, got rid of it somewhere. Then I heard the “Midnight Love” album by Marvin Gaye and bought another one. I used it quite a bit, it was on the “Crunch” album. Then it died..
thanks for persevering CBt