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
Jimmy Cagney gets the pop song treatment on this deep-cut track. Topics discussed: Old School Hollywood, the prestige of living with Sean Penn, Richard Marx, and Madonna’s surprisingly long relationship with guns as a metaphor.
from ciao italia video - the only time she ever performed this song. you can’t see it, but she’s holding a gun in her hand which she has just shot off into the air like 20 times.
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.
With a burst of Billy Myers strings, Kenny and Mark drop into the gleaming world of Hollywood, CA – the backdrop for Madonna’s blockbuster third album. Topics discussed: working-class music, marriage as an influence, Danny Aiello, and a breakdown of the first transformative look (and inspiring eyebrows!) in the classic video (who’s Peter Percher??).
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?
Kenny and Mark bust out their graffiti headbands to discuss Madonna’s inaugural live outing, 1985’s Virgin Tour and Freddy DeMann makes his first appearance on the podcast as well as the first true Madonna impression. Please rate us and leave a review on itunes. Follow us on instagram @alliwant2todoistalkaboutmadonna
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
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
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).
The 2nd of 3 episodes this week! Kenny and Mark conclude Like a Virgin with the long-forgotten final song from the album as well as Madonna’s gibberish ad libs, demo vs. finished version of songs, and gathering the band together for the finale.
The 1st of 3 episodes this week! Kenny and Mark reach the home stretch of the Like a Virgin album with a pair of album tracks, starting with the ground-laying Pretender – another character song in the Madonna oeuvre – and the conditions for staying in Madonna’s circle of trust.
Kenny indulges Mark’s devotion of this lost Madonna-penned ballad and Madonna as a casual songwriter, particularly captured on this side of the album.
Kenny and Mark flip the record over to Side 2 with the fan favorite (and surprise single) from 1985 as well as double entendres, Nile Rogers as a boner-killer producer, and the rarity of the Guitar Solo on a Madonna song.
Madonna’s first cover (written by Miles Gregory) is dissected by Kenny and Mark in a confessional discussion about the legacy of the ballads.
Love Don’t Live Here Anymore by Madonna (1995 remix)
Kenny and Mark fanboy over what may be the ultimate “Madonna running song”, acoustic guitars, the positive ambition in the Bray/Ciccone collaborations, proper (and improper!) climaxes, and why Mark’s mother forbid him to own Like a Virgin on cassette.
The title track from Madonna’s 1984 opus and belting songs in the shower, the potency of vocal melisma, riding gondolas through Venice, lion’s tongues, the many live incarnations of the song, the stages of womanhood, and how many times Mark can say “iconic” in an episode.
iconic MTV performance of Like A Virgin 1984
Kenny and Mark highlight this great “lost” song from Like a Virgin and discuss The Breakfast Club, the Elks Club pool, the softer power of the Third Single, and whether Madonna should write again with the estranged Stephen Bray.
Kenny and Mark plunge into 80s Consumerism with the first song from Madonna’s classic “Like a Virgin” album. What makes a song a “Madonna song”? Topics discussed include the reception of irony, Missing Persons, Marilyn Monroe, Kenny’s love of the Second Single, and how live drumming kicks off this new era. They take a deep dive into the iconic 1985 video, including Old Hollywood and the many lost film projects, Keith Carradine, Madonna’s speaking voice, collaborating with Mary Lambert, the great Robert Wuhl, double-dating with Debi Mazar, and the entrance of Sean Penn.
Material Girl Live on the Rebel Heart Tour (2016)
Diamonds are a Girl’s Best Friend from Gentlemen Prefer Blondes (1953)
I’m Easy by Keith Carradine from Nashville (1975)
Holiday Episode. Kenny and Mark swing into the holidays with a special one-off episode celebrating Madonna’s 1987 cover of the Eartha Kitt classic. Topics discussed include the Special Olympics, walking with Eartha Kitt through Times Square, Michael John LaChiusa’s The Wild Party, Madonna’s identity as a song stylist, Madonna’s commitment to charity and what makes a classic Christmas song. We will be taking a short break for holidays, returning on January 7. Follow us at @alliwant2doistalkaboutmadonna and here on iTunes. See you in 2020 (!!) and thank you for your support. We’ll keep talking if you keep listening.
Notes: Legendary rock producer Jimmy Iovine produced this track and Madonna’s buddy Keith Haring did the album cover for A Very Special Christmas.
Santa Baby performed by Eartha Kitt in New Faces (1954), directed by Harry Hornor, John Beal
Eartha Kitt performing “When It Ends” from The Wild Party (2000) on Broadway
Silent Night performed by Stevie Nicks on Top of the Pops (1987)
Kenny and Mark wrap up 1983 in the canon with a discussion of lost tracks “Ain’t No Big Deal” and “Sidewalk Talk”, the valuable contributions and advocacy of Jellybean Benitez, hot tamales, and Madonna’s attempts to get back to the purity of this important first era of Madonna’s music.find us on instagram @ alliwant2doistalkaboutmadonna.
