All I want to do is talk about Madonna

Mark and Kenny decode the restlessly bold and confessional final track on the deluxe edition of MDNA.  Topics include the final return of the Benassi Brothers, the slender difference between friendship and romantic love, Sheridan Smith, Alex Rodriguez, the vocal pushing away and the pulling in, the specters of 2012, confessions and celebrations, lyrical bread crumbs and evolutions, Bjork’s “Hunter”, and we phone a friend and reach mega-listener Vernon to discuss his special connections with this song, and who was ultimately Madonna’s most successful relationship.  Plus, Kenny blows his Madonna narrative up into epic proportions, a tribute to the long-suffering significant others of Madonna fans, and an extra special announcement to share at the top of the episode - does it really have to end?

Kenny and Mark light some candles to celebrate one of the most frequently-streamed song in the Madonna canon - and the return of M.I.A.!   Should MDNA have had THIRTEEN official album tracks?  Topics include: M.I.A.’s “Come Walk With Me”, the joys of silliness, Sixties Mod-sters, The Beatles, secret final tracks, Stevie Wonder and the other anthemic birthday songs.  Plus, Mark works at Chi-Chi’s and Tina makes a brief (and topless) cameo!!

Mark and Kenny bust out their decoder rings to interpret the diaristic lyrics on this bonus track from MDNA and fight over what constitutes a “bonus track.”  Topics include swimming pools, Madonna’s art collection, Rocco’s canvases, Madonna going hiking, lyrical exorcisms, fantasy roads not taken, potential duets, and whether or not we can forgive (and forget).  Plus, Kenny introduces a new catch phrase into the conversation, and Mark offers to join Shawn Mendes in performing their break-up song at Madison Square Garden.  And who’s still sending email?

Kenny and Mark pull on their Burberry trenches to investigate this fan favorite from the deluxe edition of MDNA while Madonna role plays femme fatale with Martin Solveig, the Alain Delon Appreciation Film Festival is launched, and the girls from Madame X give a preview at an extra special live show at the Paris Olympia.  Plus an extra special announcement to share at the top of the episode - maybe it’s what you’ve been dreaming about?

Mark and Kenny wrap up the standard album version of MDNA with a deep and vulnerable discussion about heartbreak, relationships, mortality, and freedom.  William Orbit collaborates with Torch Song bandmate Laurie Mayer and Joe Henry’s back to assist his sister-in-law.  Plus, Special Guest Miguel Gutierrez performs a cover version of the ballad as “Sadonna” from the August 2024 live show.  We love you, Jack.  

Kenny and Mark re-string their banjos to break down BOTH versions of this fan favorite ballad (?) from MDNA.  Topics include family prenups, Sex and the City’s Bunny MacDougal (as well as Charlotte and Trey’s doomed marriage), Marian Seldes, Lynn Cohen, Muni Long, Free School, the veteran Alain Whyte, Morrissey’s Your Arsenal, MIKA, Benjamin Franklin, Abraham Lincoln, corsets, J Lo and Ben Affleck, Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton, Ricky Gervais, Larry David, William Orbit’s rewriting remixes, and the appeal of a Classic Six on the Upper East Side.  Plus, Madonna starts soliciting cash from her audiences - and appears on The Marriage Ref.  “Wondering where it all went” indeed!

Mark and Kenny get down on their knees to discuss the sparkling and oh-so-Catholic shoulda-been single from

MDNA

.  Topics include Kelis and the album she co-wrote with Jean Baptiste 

Flesh Tone

, the return of poppy William Orbit, the Pet Shop Boys, Thomas Aquinas, Mark’s grandfather, ICE CREAM, Kenny’s play about miracles and Golda Meir, and the potential first Millennial saint.  Plus, the transformative Orbit remix and Madonna’s prayer in front of 10,000 fans in St. Louis - I like it that way!

Kenny and Mark bust out their To-Do lists and revisit this autobiographic and confessional track from MDNA.  Topics include a return to rap, operatic escalations, time management lessons from Trixie Mattel and Joan Rivers, meeting the new tech guy, the musical variety of collaborator Julien Jabre, and whether or not Madonna truly ever yearns to hop off that never-ending treadmill.  Plus, the supreme Nikki Minaj helps this non-single chart South Korea, and favorite assistant Tina gets an award in Wisconsin!

Mark and Kenny take their insulin shots to survive the sugary-sweet return to 1980s Madonna, Topics include a pair of mystery songwriter/producers, a special suprise remix, and - oh no! - Lola starts smoking!  Ooh La La indeed!

Kenny and Mark strap on their pumps and dance with one of the darker, secret tracks on MDNA.  Topics include William Orbit, the brilliant Klas Åhlund & his collaborations with Robyn, lyrical weaponry, the sleaze of the Rolling Stones, the return of Dita Parlo, and a special three song story (across three albums) about vengeance.  Quiet in the limousine!