madonna and child

Check out the new images from Madonna's photo shoot for the new issue of W Magazine. Apparently the shoot was inspired by the film the Graduate. The young model, Jesus Luz, is also rumored to be Madonna's current love interest. I doubt the irony of Madonn and Jesus has been lost on the material girl. Hotness!

her sugar is raw

Last night Michael and I went out to see the Queen of Pop in Boston. This is the second Madonna concert I had ever attended live and after the euphoric glory of experiencing her "Reinvention Tour" I couldn't wait to see what Madonna had in store for this go around.

Over all I enjoyed every second of the "Sticky & Sweet Tour." I was up for about two hours straight dancing my heart out. My proximity to Madonna ensured that I had an excellent time. I was basically hyperventilating seconds before she came out because I was going to be a few feet from the divine.

Though I do have to say that compared to the "Reinvention Tour" this current outing seems a little sub par. The Madonna's stage show seemed to lack a narrative that is always apparent in her concerts. While parts of "S&S" were amusing and enjoyable, such as the 80's Brooklyn inspired motif for "Get Into The Groove," other parts felt in consistent in the larger context of the production.

The high point of the night for me was her rendition of "Like A Prayer," arguable one of her best songs. Madonna transformed this gospel inspired pop gem into a ethereal trance number that sent my soul spinning, which was reinforced by large video screens promoting shared values of the world's major religions. Another high light was the gypsy rendition of "La Isla Bonita" and the intimacy of "You Must Love Me," although Madonna has always had my heart since "Lucky Star."

The lowest point for me was the rock version of recent classic "Hung Up." It is such a great dance anthem, turning it into an electric grunge rocker ditty was kind of unbearable for me.

At the end of the night Madonna left me energized and satisfied, but I lacked the inspired awe to change the world that I had after the "Reinvention Tour." Overall the show was enjoyable, and considering the current state of Madonna's personal life I do not blame her for the inconstancy in her performance. At the end of the day though she is still the Queen of Pop and worth her weight in gold.

I'm seeing Madonna tomorrow, jealous??

50 Never Looked So Good...

The Queen of Pop celebrates her 50th birthday to day. As a massive Madonna fan I couldn't let this day go by with out doing a post in honor of her royal highness. While, most pop sirens are put out to pasture by the age of 30, Madonna has proven again and again that age is nothing but a number. She has laughed in the face of ageism and all those that said she was nothing more then a disco dolly. With her new album Hard Candy proving she can still turn out pop gold like the best of them the Queen shows no sign of slowing down, especially as she prepares to embark on her Sticky & Sweet world tour. Happy Birth Day M! The Dandy luvs ya :)

Give It 2 Me

Madonna / Give It 2 Me

Madonna just released the video for her new single Give It 2 Me, which features producer de jour Pharrell Williams. The woman is pushing 50 and can still rock it. All Hail the Queen of Pop!

Her Sugar is Raw

I'm totally feeling the new Madonna album, Hard Candy. Then again I tend to be able to get down with all Madonna albums in one way or another. I was a little nervous when I heard that she was working with the producers de jour Timbaland/Timberlake and Pharrell Williams. I still have not forgiven the latter for taking over and ruining Gwen Stefani's second album The Sweet Escape.

I had a feeling that the album would be all R&B/Hip-Hop and be a huge disappointment. Of course I should have trusted that Madonna would keep the leash tight. While Hard Candy may dabble in Hip-Hop beats the pulse it kept firmly on the disco. Most of the songs work well and still contain electro/disco elements, most notable on "Beat Goes On", which references Donna Summer's beep beep of "Bad Girls".

Nearing the age of 50, Madonna can still out do most of the younger contenders for her Pop Throne. Hard Candy proves those wannabes have miles to go before they can rest in her shadow never mind bask in her lime light.

My Favorite Tracks:
Give It 2 Me
4 Minutes
Hearbeat
Miles Away
Dance 2Night
Devil Wouldn't Recognize You
Voices

My Least Favorite Track:
Spanish Lessions

When The Queen Speaks, You Listen

In Case You Haven't Seen It...

Madonna / 4 Mintues

Here is the new video for "4 Minutes" by Madonna feat. hottie Justin Timberlake. It is pretty cool to see two major music superstars dance off together. Both Madonna and Justin look great, but I can seem to figure out what the special effects are suppose to symbolize. Oh well, Enjoy :)

You Had To Burn

Madonna / The Power Of Good-Bye

This is one of my favorite songs off of Madonna's Ray Of Light album. I've been in Madonna mode every since her latest single was released (4 Minutes). Anyway, the song is beautiful and moving and she looks breathe-taking in the video. Enjoy :)

Speaking of Fierce

Madonna on the cover of her new album Hard Candy. This is pure hottness!!

Words of Wisdom from the Queen

"Freedom is a funny word because when we think we're free, we're not really. I think freedom is quite illusory….When I stop thinking about myself all the time and put other people before me on a regular basis, that's real freedom. When I can love unconditionally….then that's real freedom. So it's something to strive for, but I'm not free." - Madonna in Interview

I thought this was an interesting and thought provoking statement on the concept of what freedom is and how it can be achieved.

Just Because...

Madonna - Hung Up

Hotness

Madonna on the cover of the new issue of Dazed and Confused.

The Queen is back!