The autobiographical film ‘Take It Or Leave It’ is set to be re-released. Who’s interested? Apparently enough people to warrant its reissue. Narrated by Dave Robinson the head of Stiff Records, the film gives us a glimpse into the unglamorous side of the business. Its a long way to the top of the ska business and they show 1981 in its full glory.
This will be released on October 7th the package will include a DVD of the film and an audio CD of the soundtrack, which has never previously been officially released. Let’s face it this is the sort of music you cant listen to and be sad. Its the most upbeat sound with some of the most interesting nearly soap opera like lyrics. Story telling with a brass section.
The accompanying CD soundtrack album provides a pretty darn comprehensive look into the band’s early work and features 26 songs including singles, b-sides and album tracks. Two of the songs aren’t by Madness: Fats Domino’s ‘I’m Walkin’ and The Four Tops’ ‘Reach Out I’ll Be There’, both of which can be heard in the film.
Take It Or Leave It – full soundtrack list:
1. Don’t Quote Me On That
2. The Business
3. I’m Walkin’ (Fats Domino)
4. On The Beat Pete
5. Don’t Look Back
6. Reach Out I’ll Be There (The Four Tops)
7. Embarrassment
8. Mistakes
9. That’s The Way To Do It
10. Rocking In Ab
11. Day On The Town
12. Swan Lake
13. In The Middle Of The Night
14. Razor Blade Alley
15. Madness
16. Steppin’ Into Line
17. Night Boat To Cairo
18. Sign Of The Times
19. Solid Gone
20. One Step Beyond…
21. Bed & Breakfast Man
22. The Prince
23. Baggy Trousers
24. Grey Day
25. My Girl
26. Take It or Leave It