Okay, so I'm in Madonna mode.

I've been working on some projects that as many of you know, I obsess over.

The first I present to you is my Ultimate Bedtime Stories. I've always really liked that album. But when I think of all of the extra material that goes with it, I can't believe what a strong collection of songs she came up with. Easily one of her best phases. In addition to the album tracks, I've added the b-side "Let Down Your Guard", the Remixed & Revisited outtake "Your Honesty", the Carnival exclusive "Freedom", 2 new songs from Something to Remember, "I Want You" and "You'll See", and finally "I'll Remember" from the With Honors Soundtrack. I've left off "One More Chance" cuz I really don't like it much and there are already plenty of ballads and the circulating outtake "Love Won't Wait" cuz the sound quality suxx.

So anyway, here's what I came up with...



Here's my front cover:





Here's the back:





And here's what the disc looks like:





I downloaded the Bedtime Stories font and used some outtakes from the official photo session. Pretty spiffy, eh?


The order I came up with basically follows the structure of the album already. I left everything in place and just added to it. It has such a natural flow, that it was quite easy. The first half has a funkier, faster, r+b punch to it. The songs give the illusion of being upbeat and sounding fun. The 2nd half turns sad and dark. All 5 songs are technically ballads. So I just went with that. I put "Let Down Your Guard" 3rd to keep the momentum up and I think sonically it works between those 2 songs. Same for "Your Honesty". Try it there, you'll like it. "Freedom" is the perfect song to close out the first "half". It's still funky and fun sounding, but it slows it down to lead into the 2nd half. Plus, the lyrical concerns aren't too far removed from those on "Human Nature", although it's much more universal.

"Forbidden Love" and "Love Tried to Welcome Me" seem to deal with unatainable love. "I Want You" fits right in thematically. Plus, being that it was with Massive Attack, it has a trip-hop vibe that flows perfectly into "Sanctuary" and "Bedtime Stories", the 2 most unusual and experimental tracks on the album. The 3 of those songs together paved the way for the work she'd create on "Ray of Light". "I'll Remember" is somewhat of a techno ballad itself and follows nicely there. And of course, "You'll See" and "Take a Bow" have twin videos and are intrinsically linked to close out the disc.

I'm really happy with it and it's got me working on similar projects for "Erotica" and "Ray of Light".

Let me know what you think and post the results of some of your own Madonna masterpieces.

Oh and the whole thing comes in at a squeaky clean 79:06.

Thanks bro! This is a GREAT Christmas present.I'll be checking my mailbox

DavidEye said:

Is that all you can say?

Interesting, but Id have been strict and only used the proper outtakes (although yours is a better collection), so Id have found place for Love Wont Wait. Id also have used the Ill Remember - William Orbit Remix as i think that fits better with the experimental textures of the album. I like how you've sequenced most of the tracks though.

On another note, hers and Massive Attacks version of I Want You is one of my favourite things she's done. Possibly her best vocal to date, and brilliant haunting production. Its the highlight of Something To Remember for me. Cool video as well.

Tron,I like your ideas! This is GREAT.


have you done the 'Ray of Light' Deluxe Edition yet?


..
[Edited 11/30/05 2:19am]

CrozzaUK said:

I just couldn't put "Love Won't Wait" on there. Everything else is in such pristine quality that it'd stick out like a sore thumb. Good song though. I'll find somewhere for it. And as far as remixes go, I'm making a separate set of those.

And I wholeheartedly agree about "I Want You". It still blows me away to this day. Easily one of her best. And it sounds so good leading into "Sanctuary", it's sick. Try it.

DavidEye said:

workin' on it.

and thanks.

so will you hurry up and get an avatar already? that way your short responses will stand out from the crowd.

Hey bro,one day you'll be making a 'COADF' Deluxe Edition too

DavidEye said:

I'm sure I will. And what is that?

GangstaFam said:

It's a fan's fantasy.Doesn't really exist.This version of the album is supposedly "unmixed".Presumably,that means that these versions are rawer,like rough demos that have not been "polished" yet.

DavidEye said:

Oh! I assumed it was like a CD promo exactly like the iTunes version.

GangstaFam said:

that's simply incredible. i can't wait till you do one for Erotica

IstenSzek said:

That one's coming up next, although there's not as much to add to it. I might include the remix disc as well.

it's beautiful!




Do u have the 7'' mix of Don't Stop?

MikeMatronik said:

NO!

Is it official? Tell me more. What's it like?

Tron,what are you gonna add to the 'Ray Of Light' Deluxe Edition?

DavidEye said:

I'm figuring that out. It's tough cuz there are so many that could go on either that or "Music". Plus, the album is so long as it is.

I might have to make it a double-disc set.

GangstaFam said:

In some madge forum I go to, some fans says it only exists in Promo...never heard!

Still searching!

Kickass work you did there. If only you were working with Warners...

I think it's about time to put out that Like a Prayer reissue and hopefully it's packed with goodies and not just mixes.

MikeMatronik said:

Shit! I need it now! Bring back the hub!

Have you heard any descriptions of it? Is it remixed? Was it planned as a single?

jayaredee said:

f'real. My "Like a Prayer" Plus is sorely lacking with only "Supernatural" to add.

GangstaFam said:

The actual "Don't Stop" in the album is a remix (check your liner notes)...

http://www.madonnavillage...php?t=5989
[Edited 11/30/05 3:23am]

MikeMatronik said:

Acording 2 a list I have there are these version:

Don't Stop
Don't Stop (Album Version) 4:35
Don't Stop (Flange's Funked Up Disco Mix) 9:39
Don't Stop (Flange's Funked Up Disco Edit) 5:38
Don't Stop (Flange's Funked Up Disco Dub) 5:27
Don't Stop (Bijou's Slinky Rhythm Mix '2000) 8:48
Don't Stop (Bijou's Sweet Suite '2000) 5:57
Don't Stop (Groovy Remix) 8:17

I think all of them are fan made or non-official!
[Edited 11/30/05 3:21am]
[Edited 11/30/05 3:23am]

MikeMatronik said:

Let me know if you ever discover the truth.

MikeMatronik said:

k.

Gangsta! This is so cool!!!

Cheek said:

Thanx Cheekster.

I still owe you a posting of my U2 results too. I've got so many simultaneous projects going on, I can't ever keep track.

GangstaFam said:

I almost forgot about that U2 thing!!!
[Edited 11/30/05 4:05am]