All I want to do is talk about Madonna

Kenny and Mark make some episode corrections and get super-vulnerable discussing the lost power ballad from Madame X.  Topics include: mercy & grace, Laurie Metcalfe & Scott Rudin, Tori Amos & Neil Gaiman, Bruce Norris’ play Downstate, writing letters, high powers, sinners & punishment, love & grief, flaws & cancellation, Ordinary People, and what makes the best protest music.  “Look it up on your own!”

Kenny and Mark lose their identities with the return of Maluma to Madame X.  Topics include: Lauren D’Elia, Kaytranada, Starrah, cheap jokes, and the further adventures of Mr. Safe and Mrs. Crazy (and the dark shadow of “Soltera”).  Plus - Freddy DeMann is ALIVE!!

Kenny and Mark reflect on the first deluxe version track - a DIARISTIC ballad that may prove to be the true centerpiece of Madame X.  Topics include: restless travel and searching,  second guessing, campaign slogans, shuddering opportunities, lucidity, street singing, Mirwais’ sonic landscapes, Malawi, reflective logic, John Wells, childlike essence, Buddhist circles, Madonna’s Portuguese singing, Antartica, and the power of the 19th year.  Plus, Mark finally considers a Madonna trance playlist and Kenny discovers a multitude of connections over a twenty-year time period.  “Gotta get back to my journey!”

Kenny and Mark go a little nuts over Madonna’s yearning vocals on this spare and compelling gem from Madame X.  Topics include Grindr and vinyl, app fantasies and selfies, Jason Evigan and Mike Dean, self-knowledge and mystery,  studying and safety, married men and married songs, trust and community, changing the narrative and attracting the drama, Katy Perry and Carly Rae Jepsen, and the thrillingly influential songwriting of Starrah.  Plus, Kenny breaks down his experience with the “On Being” podcast w/ Jay Shetty and Mark shares what he thinks Confessions II will ultimately be all about.  

Kenny and Mark get vulnerable and stay sensitive to discuss one of the most polarizing and criticized songs in Madonna’s entire canon.  Topics include: Portuguese lyrics, taking a big risk, embracing awkwardness and metaphors, privilege, costs, oppressive poetry, legacy, the embarrassment of vulnerability, and the challenge embracing all of the personal and intense narratives in Madame X.  “Lonely is the path”

Kenny and Mark frolic through this fizzy and sentimental favorite bonus track from Rebel Heart.  Topics include triptychs, AM/FM radio, New Wave synths, Rick Nowels, DJ Dahi, Blood Diamond, dancing through the streets in Lisbon, talismans, Super Deluxe Editions, and the meaning of “beautiful.”  Plus, a history of personal scars and the freedom in imperfection - and the dawn of Virgo Season!

S7, E20: REBEL HEART (w/ Special Guest Nick Rufca)Kenny and Mark embark on the home stretch of Season Seven (!!) with a deep dive discussion of the title track from Rebel Heart.  Plus, a late Christmas gift arrives for super-fan Nick Rufca, who picks up up the phone to talk about SUPER deluxe editions, emotional honesty, lyrical affirmations, tempting fate, Peter, Paul & Mary, narcissists, hot takes, Tom Ford, Joanna Gleason, the sitcom Bette, Hard Candy fandom, middle school rebels at the Blonde Ambition tour, finding your tribe, Julia Roberts, West Hollywood, campfire counselors, the Avicii demo, the ultimate tribute to fandom, the most memorable Madonna television performances, Melanie Griffith and Mike Nichols, Leigh Bowery at the Tate Museum, tuna casserole, and the musical milestones that define a decade.  Plus Kenny spring another pop quiz and Mark proposes using Rebel Heart for commercials.  Get your tissues out!“Rebel Heart” Live on the REBEL HEART TOUR (2016)

Mark and Kenny are taking a breather this week to recover from PHYSICAL ATTRACTION: LIVE @ IRON | FEATHER (were you there?) with a small request and assignment for the listening fans Down Under and in Miami.  Can you guess?  See you next week.