All I want to do is talk about Madonna

Kenny and Mark wrap up some loose threads (and Season Five!) with a celebratory discussion of the title song from Madonna’s THIRD greatest hits album.  Topics include: the continuing challenges of a greatest hits record, Paul Oakenfold, Ciaran Gribbin, INXS and the late great Michael Hutchence, a tribute to Fine Young Cannibals, Benny Benassi, a desire for the throb, the Dance of Life, Jesus Luz and his song “Running Man”, Kenny’s fan fiction starring Steven Klein, David Letterman and the “Madge” debate, hockey sticks, Jimmy Fallon, SNL, Lady Gaga, Lourdes, Akon, and the scattering of remixes.  Plus, unearthing “Broken” and its brutal poetic truths, and the Mirwais/Monte Pittman collaboration “It’s So Cool.”  THANK YOU 4 LISTENING to Season Five: GODDESS (nothing lasts forever).  “We need love, love, LOVE!"

Mark and Kenny load it up to discuss one of the two new tracks included on Madonna’s third (or fourth?) greatest hits collection from 2009.  Topics include: Lil Wayne (and his many feuds), DJ Frankie, the Jackie Boyz, R&B swagger, cigars, drive-by recording, the return of Louise Oriole, troublesome mixes, Paul Van Dyk, David Guetta, Tracy Young, gun metaphors in songwriting, the appeal of a 5PM curtain time, Kenny goes rifle shooting upstate, incriminating evidence, Snow White, and Mark plays Chester Fletcher - the beloved grandson of JB Fletcher - in a reboot of Murder She Wrote.  “I don’t know Page Corbin!”

Mark and Kenny load it up to discuss one of the two new tracks included on Madonna’s third (or fourth?) greatest hits collection from 2009.  Topics include: Lil Wayne (and his many feuds), DJ Frankie, the Jackie Boyz, R&B swagger, cigars, drive-by recording, the return of Louise Oriole, troublesome mixes, Paul Van Dyk, David Guetta, Tracy Young, gun metaphors in songwriting, the appeal of a 5PM curtain time, Kenny goes rifle shooting upstate, incriminating evidence, Snow White, and Mark plays Chester Fletcher - the beloved grandson of JB Fletcher - in a reboot of Murder She Wrote.  “I don’t know Page Corbin!”

Kenny and Mark take a mega, near-THREE hour dive into the 2008-2009 world tour as well as the documentary I Am Because We Are.  Topics include: Nathan Rissman, Michael Moore, Desmond Tutu, Hustling at Cannes, Hamutsan Serve, Kevin Antunes, Stefanie Roos, Sofia Boutella, unnecessary thrones, Madonna’s hat, Britney Spears, ad hoc car shows, Keith Haring, double-dutch jump rope, a tribute to Michael Jackson, Little Orphan Annie, destructive rage, subways, Nikki Richards, Monte Pittman, Eurythmics, skirting paneling and skirting camp, the Madonna stance, accordion players, political statements, the glorious echoes of Niki Haris, fan requests, chess metaphors, the challenges of “Frozen”, and proving that we don’t have “the luxury of time”.  Plus, connecting Sticky&Sweet to the current Celebration Tour, shuffling setlists, Kenny drags Sheldon to another mall in Miami, and Mark tries to skip Kenny’s concert grading system!  “Before your very eyes!”

Mark and Kenny wrap up their conversations about Hard Candy and also welcome Special Guest Zachary Pace (author of I Sing to Use the Waiting: A Collection of Essays About the Women Singers Who’ve Made Me Who I Am) to discuss this urgent ballad (and final Timbaland/Timberlake collaboration).  Topics include Hello Suckers, singing in the shower, Kabbalah, essential b-sides, Cher, Rihanna, asking questions without waiting for answers, and the power - and evolving definition - of the queer voice.  Plus, Kenny breaks apart and remixes “Voices” and Mark gets down on his hands and knees for the lost song “Animal”. The Sugar’s Still Raw!Two Dollar Radio page for Zachary Pace

Kenny and Mark celebrate the return of Brother-in-Law of the Decade Joe Henry and the haunting story song ballad from Hard Candy.  PLUS - at long last - a reckoning and reassessment of Madonna’s film directing debut, Filth & Wisdom.  Spoilers abound so do yourself a favor and head over to the indispensable www.ifc.com to stream the film beforehand!  Thank you and you’re welcome!

Mark and Kenny dive back into their respective school days to discuss the joyfully divisive palate cleanser of a song from Hard Candy.  Topics include Mrs. Ritchie the Art Teacher, banging erasers, phonetic worksheets and language lessons, Monte Pittman, hooded monks, and The Percolator.  Plus EXTRA SPECIAL GUESTS Parrita Duarte and Augustin Aguirre (hosts of the magnifico/caliente Spanish podcast Santa Madonna) join for a deep discussion on Madonna’s long history embracing and celebrating Latin American culture, communal celebration, Parri’s and Augustin’s favorite HC tracks, Death Becomes Her, Madonna’s visits to Argentina, especially during the filming of Evita, extra special moments that were cut from the Sticky and Sweet tour film, their personal singalong with Madonna when the electricity went out, and forging friendships through Madonna fandom.  Plus, some spanish lesson corrections and re-discovering the lost and haunting “Latte.”  Baby, I’m on to your game! IG: @santamadonnapodcast

Kenny and Mark remain on the dance floor with Madonna (Timberlake and Timbaland) for a simmering song about moving your body.  Topics include thick beats, smoking grass, Madonna as professor, musical courtships, the weirdness of star billing, NPR’s Tiny Desk series, the virtues of being beautiful or interesting, Janet Jackson’s Discipline, apocalyptic chaos, Justin’s voice, artistic flexing, and who’s exactly taking WHO to the club.  Plus a discussion on the shift in focus from classic songwriting structure to production that epitomizes the sound (and culture) of the late 2000s.  Do you wanna take it further?

Mark and Kenny celebrate the infectious and joyous call to the dance floor (and to arms) on Hard Candy.  Topic’s include Dylan’s Candy Store, soda pop ads, covert guest spots, disco strings, Kanye West, Taylor Swift, Kim Kardashian, the Songwriters Hall of Fame, the hippie demo version, Sonny & Cher, chasing “Believe”, “Houdini” by Dua Lipa, Eve’s version “The Beat is So Crazy”, and a hidden remix.  Plus, Kenny’s mind-blowing dream campaign for the Hard Candy singles, and everyone swears off chewing.  Stand in the back - or BE a STAR!

Kenny and Mark unwrap some Starbursts and grapple with the longest and most divisive track on Hard Candy.  Topics include sorrowful subtext, diaristic detail, romantic partners as best friends, the benefits (and danger) of building a song entirely in the studio, Guy Ritchie’s dancing, David Banda, the cost of getting back to where you used to be, tall assignments and working outside of comfort zones, and the secret weapon on the entire album.  Is THIS the true Pharrell duet on Hard Candy?

Mark and Kenny bust out their cowbells and attitude with the sassy story-song Pharrell (welcome back!) collaboration from Hard Candy.  Topics include the importance of lightness and bounce, the great Wendy Melvoin, passing off batons, the easy narrative of infidelity, traffic in the suburbs, Donna Summers, dutiful wives and resentful musicians, Madonna’s Liz Phair album, the Pet Shop Boys, Alexis Arquette, Gwenyth Paltrow and Tracy Anderson, a nod to the 1999 MTV Video Music Awards, Lady Gaga, and the DILF that IS Robbie Williams and his song (and video!) “She’s Madonna.”  Plus, Mark confesses to an addiction and Kenny teases his own singles campaign for Hard Candy. This one’s for the ladies!

Kenny and Mark consider the third single (and best song) from Hard Candy, especially the struggle between the Timberlake/Timbaland production and the beauty and ideas in Madonna’s song.  Topics include acoustic guitars, nasty UK tabloids, A-Rod, the tour video and Madonna’s joy, touring love affairs, the futility of long-distance phone calls, redundant remixes, the end of the true confessional ballad, and the power (and pain) of long distance relationships.  Plus, Mark and Kenny audibly digest lemon drops, recover the lost JT/T session track “Across the Sky” and discuss the paragons of virtue.  No more candy!

Mark and Kenny brainstorm Madonna assignment song ideas for the AIWTDITAM EP (including the soon-to-be classic ballad “Table for One” and “Meet Cute”) alongside another synth-fueled collaboration w/ Pharrell about the dance floor.  Topics include Madonna’s beating heart and climbing vocals, the revelations in the original Pharrell demo, Pussycat Doll Nicole Scherzinger, victorian bodices, Emma Thompson, Jamie Lloyd’s revival of SUNSET BOULEVARD, reality game shows, Grizabella, Paula Abdul, and the bootie breakdown.  Plus, Kenny and Mark bust out some hot tamales and discuss the lost track “Ring My Bell” (not a cover of Anita Ward’s classic).  A little lower baby! 

Kenny and Mark channel Santa Claus and reach into their holiday sack for some confessional gifts to round out an eventful 2023.  Topics include VHS tapes, dates at the shopping mall, the enduring theories around the lyrics to “Get Together”, Kylie Minogue, Borders Bookstore (RIP), Aunt Roxy Finkle, Michael Parkinson, Avicii’s version of “Rebel Heart”, and dinner with Stuart Price.  Special Thanks to ALL who shared their confessions and ALL of our dear listeners who continue to join the conversation.  Happy Holidays - SEASON FIVE: GODDESS (Nothing Lasts Forever) continues on in 2024! 

Mark and Kenny fly off the rails discussing the hard-charging (and second single) track from HARD CANDY. Cow bells, mantras, vacuum cleaners, photo shoots as videos, organized jewelry, the gloves, armless Madonna, Infinity, early mash-ups, and overcoming queer body-shame.  Plus, a friend is phoned - Special Guest Marquitos from the Marquitos Podcast joins the conversation to take a breath and access HARD CANDY’s larger legacy.  Get Stupid!

Kenny and Mark break down the troublesome first single from HARD CANDY and the larger campaign to launch the album into the world.  Topics include Timbaland & Timberlake, lyrical translations and burdening horns, an empty home office, teenagers making out in videos, Reese Witherspoon, picking up “stroll”, and why the kids still never forgot it.  Plus Peter Rauhofer takes us around the world and Madonna is inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame!

Mark and Kenny unwrap a new album, a new song, and new collaborators as Madonna swerves again.  Topics include Pharrell Williams, Timbaland, Justin Timberlake, packed interview days, H&M campaigns, mid tempo grooves, promo tours, boxing gloves, a strange cape cushion, and favorite candies sticky, crunchy and sweet.  It’s your one-stop Madonna shoppe.  Lick away, baby!Hard Candy Promo Tour - Live on the BBC (May 2008)

Kenny and Mark celebrate the first solo-penned song by Madonna since 1985 as well as one of THE masterful live performances of her career - Live Earth 2007!  Topics include the beauty and the challenge of a charity single, the arrival of Pharrell Williams, the return of Mirwais, children’s choirs, jealous aunts, Gogol Bordello, Filth & Wisdom, David Banda, the vibe of a Madonna “hat”, being part of a band, and the pleasures of a full company bow (we’ll miss you most of all, Donna).  Over to YOU, New York!Madonna - Live Earth Performance at Wembley Stadium (2007)OMG - and in the video, the commentators call Madonna the original MILF :)

Mark and Kenny embark on the cool and calm conversation about Madonna’s (lucky) seventh concert tour on this Uber-long episode.  Topics include the end of nostalgia, Kenny’s continuing aversion to the musical interludes, the return of transformed classics, Mark’s imagined wedding, a new Nikki (with two k’s), Monte’s commuting schedule, Madonna’s true arrival as a punk rocker, Isaac’s vocal prowess, upstaging Donna DeLory, a polarizing jacket collar, Mark’s distain for hotel buffets, and what might be the ultimate live Madonna song.  It’s all here and more - are you ready to ride with me?

Kenny and Mark celebrate the final song from Confessions on a Dance Floor with Special Guest - the writer/director/editor and STAR of the film Chrissy Judy - Todd Flaherty.  Topics include the return of the guitar, Bloodshy & Avant, personal credos, and how self-acceptance and empowerment might just be the greatest aphrodisiac.  Then, Mark and Kenny geek out over Todd’s amazing film, discussing the origins, the impact and discovery of drag, the importance of non-romantic queer friendships, and the healing powers of Provincetown.  Plus, Todd joins Kenny and Mark in some ultimate confessions - and a bonus track discussion of the lost B-Side “Super Pop”!  Are you in our gang?Chrissy Judy Trailer directed by Todd Flaherty (2022)Chrissy Judy Streaming Options