What makes Ray of Light a drag is the tension between the insistence on introspection and the buttoned-down beats; or, rather, she hadn't yet found a correlative for "thoughtful" dance music. The results are a little like Young Americans: auteurist pop with dance leanings.
Also: when her lyrics aim for "spirituality," she's embarrassing or worse. I'd forgive this if her post-Evita voice wasn't at its most pompous. The only time I hear some new kind of New Age-disco fusion is on "Sky Fits Heaven."
― The Edge of Gloryhole (Alfred, Lord Sotosyn), Wednesday, 22 June 2011 23:24 (twelve years ago) link
See, that's my problem with her in album-length form: fuck the ballads, full-on disco from start to finish please. Is that so hard?
sorry, pally: MY Madonna requires "Live to Tell," "Crazy For You," "Bedtime Stories," "Love Tried to Welcome Me," and "In This Life."
― The Edge of Gloryhole (Alfred, Lord Sotosyn), Wednesday, 22 June 2011 23:26 (twelve years ago) link
I'd forgive this if her post-Evita voice wasn't at its most pompous.
This is the nub of it I think.
Erotica hides its ballads really well imo.
Yeah, I listen to it all the time obv and I still get surprised. I think it helps that all of the ballads (as well as the other slow tunes - "Where Life Begins", "Secret Garden" etc.) really feel like an extension of the same character as inhabits the uptempo tunes. "Bad Girl" and "In This Life" are precisely the depressive songs that the all-nite-diva would sing to herself the next day, under a cloud of hangover and regret.
― Tim F, Wednesday, 22 June 2011 23:29 (twelve years ago) link
Yeah that's cool but why can't she relegate the hangover to another disc? Why's it so hard? (I'm being bitchy, really. The Erotica ballads/downtempos, apart from the obvious one, are decent enough. But I'd be lying if I said I ever listen to them or that I'd need to save them in a fire as with "Deeper and Deeper.")
They're all yours, baby, including the overrated "Live to Tell." Come on - Dave Marsh thinks it's her best single. How good could it be then??? "Gambler" >>> "Live to Tell" Didn't know "Bedtime Story" counted as a ballad but I do dig that one. Had to youtube "Love Tried to Welcome Me" since I couldn't recall it. Made it to the chorus. Zzzz.
I knew I really couldn't stand her balladry when I listened to Something to Remember. Obviously not an ideal place to hear them since they're the entire picture rather than desert oases. But man what a chore to get through!
The only time I hear some new kind of New Age-disco fusion is on "Sky Fits Heaven."
Actually, that Shanti Shanti Shanti number on Ray of Light fuses the two nicely enough. One of my fave tracks on a pretty blah album.
― Kevin John Bozelka, Wednesday, 22 June 2011 23:47 (twelve years ago) link
Why's it so hard?
to love one another?
― The Edge of Gloryhole (Alfred, Lord Sotosyn), Wednesday, 22 June 2011 23:49 (twelve years ago) link
"Something To Remember" the song I've adored since about 8 years old.
― Tim F, Wednesday, 22 June 2011 23:55 (twelve years ago) link
Obviously if she couldn't sing or write the ballads no one would endorse them! She's got soggy ones too (e.g. "This Used To Be My Playground" and "The Power of Goodbye").
― The Edge of Gloryhole (Alfred, Lord Sotosyn), Wednesday, 22 June 2011 23:58 (twelve years ago) link
Now "Angel" I made it all the way through, several times, in fact. Like the Janet of "Love Will Never Do Without You," she knows how to play with her vocal limitations so that she comes off as intense as Mavis Fuckin' Staples by the end of the song. From right before the vaguely Orientalist instrumental break to the fadeout, it just burns!
― Kevin John Bozelka, Thursday, 23 June 2011 00:20 (twelve years ago) link
I wouldn't count "Angel" as a ballad. Would you?
― The Edge of Gloryhole (Alfred, Lord Sotosyn), Thursday, 23 June 2011 00:23 (twelve years ago) link
Not at all. Just sayin'.
― Kevin John Bozelka, Thursday, 23 June 2011 00:38 (twelve years ago) link
I'd rescue "I'll Remember" from a fire.
― ephendophile (Eric H.), Thursday, 23 June 2011 02:54 (twelve years ago) link
Oh that's a good one -- always forget it.
― The Edge of Gloryhole (Alfred, Lord Sotosyn), Thursday, 23 June 2011 03:01 (twelve years ago) link
this used to be my playyyyyyyyyyyyyyground
― SBing crosby (Neanderthal), Thursday, 23 June 2011 03:04 (twelve years ago) link
It's weird, I know I am the anti-Alfred when it comes to Madonna, and I'm not trying to be challopsy, I just have different taste but it's always strange to me how completely differently other ppl rate her stuff from how I do.
I've never been able to make it all the way through Erotica and I know that album gets a lot of love. But then again, most of the "classic" 80s era stuff, the production drives me nuts and I can't listen to it.
Ray of Light isn't "not dance" so much as it's dronerock with IDM accessories on it. Which is why I love it so much, clearly but it's kind of where I start with Madonna, not where I end. I think it completely works as being both danceable and introspective but I've got quite a high tolerance for her being spiritual and "pompous". She's one of the few artists whose songs about their kids I don't skip, probably because her feelings about motherhood seem so tied up with the loss of her own mother, and therefore sometimes quite ambivalent.
I've grown to really really rate Music - once I was able to take it out its time and place and disassociate it from that awful, awful Ali G nonsense. I'm also with DJP that American Life is such an odd little album that even when it fails, it's still interesting to listen to. And when it's good, it's amazing.
But this is when I really really want a Madonna vote-in poll because I think that tracks 40-10 on it would be a good learning experience for me to hear the stuff that I haven't explored because I can't get past the production or the setting or whatever.
I suppose one of these days I should give Hard Candy another listen and perhaps it won't seem as terrible but I kinda blame Guy Ritchie for that, I'm just gonna call it her "Here My Dear" and file it and wait for the next one.
― Karen D. Tregaskin, Thursday, 23 June 2011 09:53 (twelve years ago) link
otm
candy perfume girl is one of my favourite madonna songs though
here my dear is/was an amazing album btw
― titchy (titchyschneiderMk2), Thursday, 23 June 2011 10:01 (twelve years ago) link
I've never actually heard it, to be honest, but given it's one of those albums that most people seem to agree should come with a trigger warning for misogyny, I feel it's probably better if I give it a miss.
Guess I should find another by-word for "breakup album so bitter it's actually painful to listen to." Except Hard Candy doesn't seem to be a breakup album so much as a "look at me, I'm so hot, I got it going on I don't even need to think about you" which could be interesting if executed well but my memory is, it wasn't and it just came off as clunky and try-hard. (You are welcome to prove me wrong.)
― Karen D. Tregaskin, Thursday, 23 June 2011 10:08 (twelve years ago) link
well "look at me, I'm so hot, I got it going on I don't even need to think about you" seems to be the standard approach of most modern breakup songs/albums, rather than the bitter/angry/twisted/downbeat mood of albums like here my dear. i dont know if id say HMD is misogynistic, its just very acidic (but when did i stop loving you is one of the best/most bitter breakup/relationship post mortem songs ive ever heard).
― titchy (titchyschneiderMk2), Thursday, 23 June 2011 10:16 (twelve years ago) link
but what i like about HMD is that hes not ashamed to put it all out there - it has some of the most painfully raw (but also beautiful) and honest songs he wrote. anyway, enough about marvin.
― titchy (titchyschneiderMk2), Thursday, 23 June 2011 10:18 (twelve years ago) link
She's one of the few artists whose songs about their kids I don't skip
I agree! "Little Star" is lovely.
― The Edge of Gloryhole (Alfred, Lord Sotosyn), Thursday, 23 June 2011 11:13 (twelve years ago) link
Songs on ROL I like:
Swim (guitar!)Candy Perfume GirlSkinNothing Really MattersSky Fits HeavenTo Have and Not to HoldLittle Star
Am I the only one who didn't Madonna's Neil Young-style thrashing on "Candy Perfume Girl" when she played it on the 2001 tour?
― The Edge of Gloryhole (Alfred, Lord Sotosyn), Thursday, 23 June 2011 11:17 (twelve years ago) link
*who didn't MIND
http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/story/Madonna-to-play-Super-Bowl-XLVI-halftime-show-100311
Madonna to play Super Bowl halftimeNewsCore
Updated Oct 3, 2011 12:57 PM ET
Madonna will perform during the Super Bowl XLVI halftime show, fansite SB Nation reported Monday.
The site said unnamed NFL sources had confirmed the "Material Girl" singer will entertain football fans at the NFL championship game, to be held Feb. 5 at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.
The Black Eyed Peas played the halftime show at last year's title game, watched by over 111 million viewers.
The high-profile gig has gained notoriety after the infamous 2004 "wardrobe malfunction" that resulted in Justin Timberlake exposing Janet Jackson's breast to a live worldwide television audience.
As a result, the NFL has tried to steer clear from notably risque performers, inviting tamer acts such as Tom Petty, Paul McCartney and The Who.
― Johnny Fever, Monday, 3 October 2011 18:39 (twelve years ago) link
watch out, Middle America – Madonna's gonna flaunt her roped, knotted Biceps of Doom.
― Anakin Ska Walker (AKA Skarth Vader) (Alfred, Lord Sotosyn), Monday, 3 October 2011 18:42 (twelve years ago) link
unlike Bruce, slamming her gentles into a cameraman won't be an accident
― incredibly middlebrow (Dr Morbius), Monday, 3 October 2011 18:44 (twelve years ago) link
Did they run our of old rock acts?
― Josh in Chicago, Monday, 3 October 2011 19:28 (twelve years ago) link
I wonder if it will be "controversial."
(Seriously, though, doesn't Lady Gaga exist for this sort of thing?)
― Josh in Chicago, Monday, 3 October 2011 19:29 (twelve years ago) link
They'll never run out of old rock acts, but Madonna was the last of the remaining huge 80s stars to not have done it.
― Johnny Fever, Monday, 3 October 2011 19:30 (twelve years ago) link
(MJ, JJ, Springsteen and Prince have all been there)
― Johnny Fever, Monday, 3 October 2011 19:31 (twelve years ago) link
next year they're going to bust out with Baltimora
― the tax avocado (DJP), Monday, 3 October 2011 19:32 (twelve years ago) link
he's dead!
― Anakin Ska Walker (AKA Skarth Vader) (Alfred, Lord Sotosyn), Monday, 3 October 2011 19:33 (twelve years ago) link
next year they're going to bust out with Zombie Baltimora
― the tax avocado (DJP), Monday, 3 October 2011 19:34 (twelve years ago) link
So was Paul McCartney, but he put on a show anyway.
― Johnny Fever, Monday, 3 October 2011 19:34 (twelve years ago) link
Night tonightGimme the otherGimme the otherBRAAAAAAAAAAAINS
Last time, she debuted American Pie, didn't she?
― per metal injection (Eazy), Monday, 3 October 2011 19:38 (twelve years ago) link
That was 1998, and she backed out: http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,617156,00.html
― Johnny Fever, Monday, 3 October 2011 19:40 (twelve years ago) link
Madonna covers Between the Bars. Surprising!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FIytf5S5zMs#t=185
― will.i.an (cajunsunday), Wednesday, 25 September 2013 17:37 (ten years ago) link
That was just embarrassing. Jesus.
― scubasteve, Wednesday, 25 September 2013 18:41 (ten years ago) link
I saw one of her Yeezus-style late-night public projections last night:http://i39.tinypic.com/2wp4ac0.png
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/09/25/madonna-secret-project_n_3980924.html
― LinkedIn Beef (Eazy), Wednesday, 25 September 2013 19:28 (ten years ago) link
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uXfXrl4K2D4
― LinkedIn Beef (Eazy), Thursday, 26 September 2013 04:03 (ten years ago) link
oh HELLO
http://www.portalfamososbr.com/rebel-heart-e-wash-all-over-me-novas-musicas-de-madonna-vazam-na-rede/
― piscesx, Saturday, 29 November 2014 08:59 (nine years ago) link
hello lower register
― prolego, Saturday, 29 November 2014 09:54 (nine years ago) link
I think this is better than it could have been, given all: http://www.interviewmagazine.com/music/madonna-1#page4
― Josh in Chicago, Thursday, 4 December 2014 14:45 (nine years ago) link
rediscovered this and felt like sharing it for those who may not have heard
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mbwVhNvkhw0
so beautiful
― I dunno. (amateurist), Monday, 12 January 2015 23:16 (nine years ago) link
83-88: great singles, not-so-great LP's.89-00: the peak01-present: fuck off.
― The Anti-Climax Blues Band (Turrican), Friday, 23 June 2017 17:56 (six years ago) link
I find that analysis weird considering that a significant amount of her best material appeared early in her career, including two of her best albums (s/t, True Blue), while her "peak" era contains a wildly uneven, overrated album (Like A Prayer), one of the worst movie tie-ins ever recorded (I'm Breathless), and some truly terrible singles ("Dear Jesse", "Oh Father", "Cherish", "American Pie"). Also, Confessions had some good stuff on it and American Life is grossly underrated by practically everyone.
2008-now is pretty much trash, though.
― a butt groove but for feet (DJP), Friday, 23 June 2017 19:14 (six years ago) link
You're both wrong.
― the Rain Man of nationalism. (Alfred, Lord Sotosyn), Friday, 23 June 2017 19:17 (six years ago) link
No, I thought about it for a couple of seconds and I'm right.
― a butt groove but for feet (DJP), Friday, 23 June 2017 19:19 (six years ago) link
I don't like how rigid her vocals sound on most of her postmillennial material. Then again, aside from some scattered moments on Music and Confessions I don't like the material either.
― some sad trombone Twilight Zone shit (cryptosicko), Friday, 23 June 2017 19:25 (six years ago) link
I love "Cherish" and like "Oh Father." I temper my enthusiasm for the latter because even before the voice lessons she'd sung better ballads than it.
― the Rain Man of nationalism. (Alfred, Lord Sotosyn), Friday, 23 June 2017 19:51 (six years ago) link