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

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

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.

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).

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.

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. 

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. 

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. 

Madonna’s first cover (written by Miles Gregory) is dissected by Kenny and Mark in a confessional discussion about the legacy of the ballads.

Kenny and Mark fanboy over what may be the ultimate “Madonna running song”, acoustic guitars, the positive ambition in the Bray/Ciccone collaborations, proper (and improper!) climaxes, and why Mark’s mother forbid him to own Like a Virgin on cassette.