Madonna and Hard Candy

In honor of the fact that the symphonic band arrangement of Madonna tunes went over pretty well, in spite of being panned in advance here (see first comment), I'm linking to the (mostly positive) review of Madonna's new album in today's WaPo.

"50 is the new 25."

I'll go for that.

More Madonna

If you want more debate about Madonna's importance to the gay community, hop on over to Queerty.

(Someone put a Bugg in our ear).

Madonna

I wrote a disparaging remark about Madonna to provoke a response from one of my three readers who is an avid Madonna fan. But in fairness, let me give the Diva her due.

Madonna is, or perhaps, was, a great entertainer. I have danced to her music in clubs and have a few of her tunes in my Ipod. I do enjoy her songs from time to time. I think she is a shrewd business woman and obviously she is way more successful -- measured by fame and wealth -- than I could ever dream to be. In this regard, I tip my hat to her.

But she has the importance of cheesecake. Cheesecake is tasty, enjoyable and a pleasurable part of life. But immeasurably bad for us if that's all we eat. And we could live without it. The problem I have is not with Madonna, it's with her legions of fans who think she is important. Sure she's fun. But meaningful?

One of my readers writes that her songs are "memorable." Well, that's true, in the same way as one remembers "It's a Small World After All" after a trip to Disney Land. The true test is if 100 years from now artists are re-recording her songs and people still know the words. My guess is not. They don't call it "pop" music for nothing.

I'm willing to bet you a slice of cheesecake on it.

Madonna -- Who Knew?

The band is doing a medley of Madonna tunes (my response to a recent survey of members and the feedback we take ourselves too seriously and should do more "pop" stuff -- I may have gone a bit far). My assistant is conducting it (in response to my own personal, impish sense of humor that she seems to get) but I just looked at the sheet music. Did you know that Madonna actually co-wrote that crap herself?

Why Bette Rules

There was a little dust up in the comments section about pop divas in a post that was purpotedly about Star Trek. My readers defended their favorite pop stars. Let me defend mine.

Bette Midler is the best.

The video below is why. The range here in one song -- from tender to desperate rage -- is raw and real. No other "star," not Cher, not Madonna, not Celine is capable of it. This is not to say that the others don't have talent (true, I took a pot shot at Madonna in the comments section, but only to get an easy rise out of my friend A.D., which worked) but so much of their talent, especially Madonna's (forgive me, A.D.) is in packaging.

Today the Divine Miss M is seeking (and successfully I think) the mantle of Rosemary Clooney (who, you ask? I'll not even link to her wikipedia article, you youngsters can do your own Googling) which means she is relying on music as an artist -- not production values.

And that's pretty rare for a "vocal" star these days.

Here's the clip I wanted to share.

Trivia Question: Evita

In the movie soundtrack of Evita, in the song "High Flying Adored," there is a key change as Evita/Madonna takes over the singing from Che/Antonio. I had heard they had to change some of the ranges and music for Madonna, who is generally a weaker singer than most Broadway divas (let the hate mail begin).

I had an original cast recording years ago. Back in the Dark Ages when you listened to music on vinyl. So I can't compare it with the original. It's a sudden and jarring change, I can't see that it makes musical sense, and must have been done to accommodate Madonna's voice.

Anyone?

Oh -- and this came up as the LTR returned from his powerlifting competition in Charlottesville. Powerlifting is for straight men what figure skating is for gay men. Powerlifting is the most red-state, testosterone-laden event imaginable. Most of the guys (who fall in the "bear" category) put on elaborate shows of testosterone before a lift, like flexing and screaming at the weights. Some also snort ammonia before a lift. When I first saw it I thought they were doing poppers. I briefly considered becoming a participant in the sport until the LTR told me what was really happening. Fortunately, the LTR is more low key, and though not the only gay powerlifter out there, he is definately in the smallest of minorities.

He still managed to lift a personal best -- 10 pounds heavier on the bench than last year, when he set the state record for his age/weight class in Virginia. Which means he likely set the record again this year.

At any rate, as we were driving home, we were listening and singing along to the Evita soundtrack. I looked at him and said, "honey, I guarantee you are the only powerlifter driving home from the competition singing show tunes." He agreed.

But that's when I heard the key change and wondered about it.

Hillary's Lost the Hollywood Primary

First David Geffan dissed her. Then Al Gore gets the Oscar. And now the Material Girl, Madonna herself has endorsed Al Gore over Hillary.

All Gore needs now is the support of Oprah.

Madonna -- a True Conservative

If you really listen to the lyrics of Madonna's songs you can only come to the conclusion she's an arch-conservative!

That's the conclusion of Juste Mileu. The top three most conservative songs:

1. Like a Virgin. A chastity promise set to music, this hit glorifies virginity and reminds us that born-again virgins can be just as chaste—and sexy—as any other kind. In this song, Madonna teaches us that a saving oneself can be a struggle, but it is worth it when you find that one true love: “I made it through the wilderness/Somehow I made it through/Didn't know how lost I was/Until I found you”

2. Papa Don’t Preach. In this battle cry against big government, she’s not going to let those nanny liberals talk her into an abortion: “I’ve made up my mind/ I’m keeping my baby. Ooh. I’m gonna keep my baby. Ooh, yeah.”

3. Music. The bourgeoisie and the rebel come together to dance. Take that Karl Marx.

Go here for the full list (hat tip: Madge fan A.D.)