From the very early days of music videos (this was back when they were still called “promotional videos”), comes the much beloved video for Madness’s Night Boat To Cairo.

The video was hastily put together to help promote the release of Madness’s Work, Rest, and Play EP, which explains the video’s improvised, deliberately messy feel.  The video, which featured the members of the band dressed like stereotypical British explorers, takes place in front of a chroma keyed backdrop of an Egyptian backdrop.  While the band runs around the set, the lyrics of the song appear bouncing ball style.  It may not be the world’s slickest music video but it feels perfect for Madness.

Night Boat To Cairo was an early hit for Madness, peaking at #6 in the UK music charts and becoming the song with which they traditionally end their shows.