Mark and Kenny celebrate the FINAL episode of Season 2: 1988-1993 with a long and detailed conversation about the famed 1993 tour behind Erotica - including all of Madonna’s inspirations for the tour (and brother Christopher’s problematic influences), her musical shout-outs throughout the show, and the many ways this tour has continued to resonate through the rest of her touring career - as well as hints of where she’s going from here. Pack a snack, kids, and enjoy the finale of this very special season. See you very soon … and meanwhile “Dance and sing, get up and do your thing!”
All I Want To Do Is Talk About Madonna
S2, E33 - Deeper and Deeper
Mark and Kenny celebrate the house classic hit from Erotica - the only song where Shep Pettibone and Udo Kier could possibly convene - with a minute-by-minute dissection of a reference-filled video, a recalibration of Mark’s ever present “Top Five of All Time” list, Kenny’s deep love of remixes using organs, AND welcoming special guest Jonathan Norton to celebrate the return of Donna DeLory & Niki Haris!
S2, E32 - Bye Bye Baby
Kenny and Mark dig into their diaries to discuss this ode to relationship “flings” and “fizzles.” Madonna demonstrates a new mastery of specificity in the studio … and demands her fans pay attention to those brilliant lyrics. And yet had the popular tide turned by the time it was released as a single? To love you IS a sin, apparently …
S2, E23 - Now I'm Following You (Pt 1&2)
Kenny and Mark double-dip on this charming 180 turn from I’m Breathless. Topics include Warren Beatty warbling, kudos from Beach Boy Brian Wilson, wisdom from Socrates, Picasso channeling, and the expansive (and eclectic!) career of Mr. Andy Paley.
S2, E20 - Back in Business
Mark and Kenny celebrate the second side of I’m Breathless with the “other” song about Business from Dick Tracy. Topics include the timing of musical sequences, Jon Bon Jovi and Young Guns II, a long-awaited distinction about the term “iconic”, Madonna being “fun”, Jeff Clayton’s saxophone solo and how all roads lead back to Breathless Mahoney herself. PLUS … Special Guest Dan Fortune joins Mark to discuss Madonna scatting, an Ella Fitzgerald nod, and the magnificent work Dan produces to support the Ali Forney Center.
S2, E18 - Cry Baby
Mark and Kenny celebrate the reunion of Nikki Finn and Madonna on this polarizing obscurity from I’m Breathless – and Mark makes (yet another) case for the casting brilliance of Dick Tracy. Will Kenny ever watch this movie again? Other topics include musical story arcs, musical outliers, post-breakups, and a moment when Madonna herself has cried. Sensitive Men to the front of the line!
S2, E17 - I'm Going Bananas
Madonna gives us a musical 180 while Kenny and Mark continue to conceive the Breathless Mahoney downtown cabaret act and discuss Madonna’s need for creative release, working outside of her comfort zone, the brilliance of Andy Paley, and the legacy (and influence) of Carmen Miranda.
S2, E16 - Hanky Panky
Mark and Kenny treat Her like a bad girl (and not for the last time) while breaking down the brassy second single from I’m Breathless. Topics include: Madonna’s relish of pastiche writing, Kenny’s summer job commute, Breathless Mahoney’s lost cabaret setlist, the Bare Bottom 12” Remix, the Collected Lyrics of Cole Porter, and the song’s doorway to the singer-song ladies of the past.
S2, E13 - Like A Prayer Fadeout/Supernatural
The Eighties are officially over as Mark and Kenny come full circle while wrapping up Like a Prayer – and pay a visit to a (semi) intoxicating oddity.
S2, E9 - Oh Father
Kenny and Mark continue exploring Madonna’s (semi) autobiographical songwriting on this “shoulda been” classic Madonna power ballad. Topics include: male authority figures, Simon & Garfunkel’s Concert in Central Park, Kenny’s love of acoustic gravitas, the return of David Fincher, threatening shadows, singing statues, Charlton Wilborn, and an ode to one of the greatest moments in Madonna Hair History. Plus … another Special Guest (and longtime listener) joins Mark to discuss his experience performing the song … Dominic Yacobozzi!
S2, E8 - Dear Jessie
Mark rescues this off-beat gem from Like a Prayer while not even candy kisses and a sunny day can keep Kenny from hijacking the episode with a dreadful reminder of what a difference a decade makes. It’s not ALWAYS a holiday (or a love parade) around here, kids.
S1, E37 - You Can Dance
Mark and Kenny dive into all the Dub Versions, homemade singing bootlegs, and the glorious second side of Madonna’s first compilation album, 1987’s magnificent You Can Dance. Shep Pettibone arrives on the scene to re-mix Madonna’s greatest dance songs – and helps her remind her who SHE really is.
S1, E29 - Where's the Party
Kenny and Mark search for the Party on side two of True Blue. Madonna’s average work week, block parties in Harlem, Melanie Griffith, and creative Siedah Garrett overdubs are examined in this bid for song of the summer. follow us and stay connected on insta @alliwant2doistalkaboutmadonna
S1, E28 - Live to Tell
screenshot from Live to Tell video directed by James Foley
How many classic songs can one side of one album have? Kenny and Mark celebrate this legendary (and shocking first single) ballad. Can a man REALLY tell a thousand lies? Topics include: At Close Range, the importance of mystery, the true identity of video director Peter Percher, and Kenny’s teenage machinations to watch cable.
At Close Range (1986) starring Sean Penn, directed by James Foley
s1, E26 - Open Your Heart
Kenny and Mark break down the perfect second pop song on True Blue. Topics discussed: Pat Leonard, Madonna as pursuer, the texture of backing vocals, the strip club as a metaphor, and how Mark was transformed by the first listening of this song as well as the unexpected sweetness of the once-controversial video.
S1, E24 - 1985
Kenny and Mark wrap up the Virgin Era with a deep dive into the first Madonna zeitgeist year – 1985. The singles, the videos, the movies, the Penthouse scandal, Live Aid, Madonna’s feminism and philanthropy, and getting hitched … what did you do in one year of your life?
S1, E22 - Into the Groove
Kenny and Mark race to the dance floor to dissect the ultimate “you can dance” Madonna song in the ultimate Madonna movie. Discussed: non-existent piano solos, pop art, Rosanna Arquette, Susan Seidelman, the importance of solitary fandom, sunglasses, First Row Video, Warren Beatty, and Mark hijacks the episode with a tribute to the legendary Laurie Metcalf
S1, E21 - Crazy for You (Vision Quest soundtrack)
Kenny and Mark dive into Madonna’s long (and sometimes whiplash-inducing) relationship with film and film soundtracks. Topics include Matthew Modine, We Are The World, random Jacksons, the importance of character back story, and a shout-out to Miami and Power 96.
Vision Quest film trailer (1985) directed by Harold Becker
S1, E20 - Like A Virgin Fade Out
Episode 3 of 3 this week! Kenny and Mark wrap up the Like a Virgin album with a discussion of Nile Rogers, Diana Ross’ Diana album, Madonna seizing control of her image and her platform, and saying farewell to the gritty New York City streets for the golden sunlight of Hollywood, California (and the Blue hues of life with Sean Penn).
S1, Ep2 - Borderline
Episode Two. Kenny and Mark discuss the importance of car songs, romantic yearnings, generational innocence, the power of Madonna’s vocal ad libs, and make a case for bringing back “the fade out” in a classic 80s pop song called “Borderline.” After this week, all future episodes will be released on Tuesday.
Essential links to consider:
12 Inch Remix of Borderline by Madonna
Madonna performing Borderline on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon (2016)