Kenny and Mark wrap up the True Blue album with a discussion of death and mortality, imagery as an artistic (and promotional) tool, Herb Ritts (and Kenny’s aborted career as a model), Cyndi Lauper, and the end of the sweet innocence of youth.
All I Want To Do Is Talk About Madonna
S1, E33 - Love Makes the World Go Round
Kenny and Mark examine the first Madonna message song, the sentimental decision-making of Pat Leonard, charity records, tambourines, and the challenge of writing a cliché-less lyric on the final track from True Blue.
S1, E32 - Jimmy Jimmy
Another deep-cut gets the kudos it deserves. Kenny and Mark discuss quirky keyboards, the influences of Stephen Bray, classic 50s girl group shout-outs, the arrival of Compact Disc, and just exactly WHO the Jimmy is that Madonna is singing about. We’ll hear you next time …
S1, E31 - La Isla Bonita
Kenny and Mark celebrate the ultimate yearning Madonna song. Topics include the power of haircuts and wigs, the influence and courting of the Latin America audience, and the return of Mary Lambert for the video. Whatever happened to Bruce Gaitsch?
S1, E30 - True Blue
The title track proves its mettle and lasting power as Kenny and Mark discuss Sean Penn continuing presence, Debi Mazar and Erica Bell, a quickie video shoot, and the “Make My Video” contest on MTV.
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,E27 - White Heat
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.
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, E25 - Papa Don't Preach
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??).
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, E23 - The Virgin Tour
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
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, E19 - Stay
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.
S1, E18 - Pretender
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.
S1, E17- Shoo-Bee-Doo
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.
S1, E16 - Dress You Up
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.
S1, E15 - Love Don't Live Here Anymore
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)
