SoulAlive said:

Yep, perfectly said David. That's why I'm a fan too. I always liked her songs, even when I haven't seen her. Also she doesn't shock me too much. I saw nothing shocking of her in the last 5 years. Her muscles don't scare me either...

It's no secret that SoulAlive and me are Hard Candy lovers, haha. I don't argue with non-HC-fans, it's their loss. I think it's one of her best records, I even listen to 4 Minutes now (I liked it as a single in Feb 08, but when the album was released I was sick of that song). From 4 Minutes to Beat Goes On I'm perfectly satisfied.
Dance 2nite is okay, I'm not satisfied with the verse section. Sounds like Niterunner/Sexy Magic/whatever song by Timber-land with just one minor chord.
I just wish they would have put more melody into the verse.

Devil is a fan favorite, but it's not the kinda ballad I like. I prefer Soul-ballads or dramatic-Musical-esque ballads a la ABBA.
I like Voices, my local H&M played this song a lot?!!?!

The only songs I still dislike are Spanish Lesson and Candy Shop. Whereas I could have lived with CS, since it fits with the candy image, I despise Spanish Lesson. I don't find it funny, and let's not discuss it muscially. I like Ring My Bell pretty much, I would replace this anytime with Spanish Lesson or you could make HC a 11-track record.

In terms of the tour I find it strange she's touring again, it's very unusual Madonna. I always liked that her tours were done within a small time-span so that a certain era is over and she could declare her tours as artistic statements.

I think money is the main reason for her expanding the tour and I would like to see small changes. I didn't attend the tour, but from the video clips I think it's quite good. Unfortunately many hated it, but those were the people who hate HC!

But at the end of the day all we know is that new costumes are done for the shows. If she'll change something, who knows?

graecophilos said:

The four-song sequence that begins with "She's Not Me" and ends with "Dance 2Night" is one of the best things about the album.Four relentless dance songs in a row.The album loses steam after that,even though "Devil" is a nice song.




"Dance 2Night" is pure 1982,boasting an extremely funky bassline I agree with you,the verses are the weakest part.The song shifts into high gear during the pre-chorus ("you don't have to be rich and famous..."),going higher and higher during the chorus.Even though Timbaland is listed as the main producer,it's obvious that Danja played a major role here.He brings this groove to life! It's an infectious song.



"Devil" is nice.I like the haunting feel of it.






"Spanish Lesson" and "Voices" are the only two songs that I don't like.I always skip these two songs when I play the CD.I didn't think much of "Ring My Bell" at first but it has since grown on me.It's not as strong as the other tracks,though.

anc282 said:

Not sure if a fan CAN explain it to you, esp if you think she's a talentless hack. I think for many of us she's been a huge part of entertainment and music for the majority of our lives. Speaking as a gay male, she also has embraced us, our culture, includes gay dancers at all her shows and has been a gay icon for many years. Things like speaking out about AIDS, her exploration of her own sexuality which included her being depicted with men and women, Her live shows in which she incorporated positive gay themes etc.

I think this is just a part of it. But her embracing of us is one of the reasons I still enjoy and listen to her. She's been a big part of my life for 2 decades now and even though I don't enjoy everything she puts out, I'll still check it out because that's what a fan does.

OK I'll try my spin on what the package could look like. I probably would not put these songs in order like this either, but this is what I would include in a 2 CD set with an optional 3rd disc for the fans (ala George Michael 25)

2CD Set (I think this would fit)

Lucky Star
Borderline
Holiday
Like a Virgin
Material Girl
Dress U Up
Into the Groove
Papa Don't Preach
Open Your Heart
La Isla Bonita
Live to Tell
Crazy for You
Who's That Girl
Like a Prayer
Express Yourself
Cherish
Justify My Love
Vogue
Erotica
Deeper and Deeper
Rain
Secret
Take a Bow
Human Nature
Frozen
Ray of Light
Music
What it feels like for a girl
Don't Tell Me
American Life
Hollywood
Hung Up
Sorry
4 Minutes
Give it 2 Me
New Song
New Song

3rd CD

Everybody
Burning Up
Angel
Spotlight
True Blue
Causing A Commotion
Look of Love
Dear Jessie
Keep it Together
Oh Father
Rescue Me
Hanky Panky
Fever
Bad Girl
Bedtime Story
Nothing Really Matters
Power of Goodbye
Amazing
Love Profusion
Nothing Fails
Get Together
Miles Away

LiveToTell86 said:

It was a great show wasn't it!! I heard alot of negative stuff fromsone people after it, but we were stuffed up the back and still had an awesome night. Bit different from the last time we saw her...at the Radio 1 bash in May. Im actually from Maidstone to you can imagine my extreme excitement when I heard Madge was coming to town; it was like a dream. Of course, I saw the show ten foot away from the lady herself!! 'Twas amazing!

anc282 said:

Im a big fan but I wont get on my soapbox for the simple reason that there are huge artists and bands out there that I "don't get"...The Beatles being the main one.

With Madonna, I think you just had to be there. If you've grown up with her she holds a place in your heart. Secondly, she's all about the dancefloor, which I love. Throughout her career she, and the writers she teams up with, have always put out great songs that sound amazing on a dancefloor. If you're not into a long sweaty session on a nightclub dancefloor, you might not appreciate it. There are other reasons, but I won't get into them now.

She's like Marmite, you either love her or hate her!

DaveT said:

It's weird but when I became a fan of sorts after the Re-Intention Tour, I realized how Madonna has always been there since I was a kid and thinking back on it--all this during the RIT as I watched in awe--I realized how much I always liked her songs and what great pop songs they are. The deal was sealed, however, after the Confessions Tour. I was hooked. I love her energy, I love the high-quality of all her projects. I realized that while I never ran out and bought her music in the past I have always paid attention to what she has done professionally. And one of the best times I've had at a concert was at the Sticky and Sweet show at Dodger Stadium. I had great seats, I was blissfully drunk, and I danced like a maniac. Madonna's shows are AWESOME!!!

superspaceboy said:[quote]

Things like speaking out about AIDS, her exploration of her own sexuality which included her being depicted with men and women

Yeah I suppose if somebody spoke about how they were feeling about something as big and life threatening as AIDS, then that would certainly make you want to respect that person. Cool, I understand that. I don't think she was ever really bi though, I think that was just another shock tactic...and something to titlate her heterosexual male audience.

Guy Oseary (M's manager) answered fan questions and managed to kill several rumours:

Iconers, Guy would like to thank you all for the great questions you've submitted as part of his first Q&A session. He took the time to answer the 10 most asked ones. Just read on to learn more about Madonna's upcoming summer tour and projects!

1) Would you consider an Asian leg for Madonna's next tour?

Madonna loves Asia and definitely would love to go back.

2) What are the plans, if any, for a Sticky & Sweet Tour DVD/CD Release? Will it include a tour documentary?

We plan on having the DVD/CD come out in the fall, hopefully in November. Nathan Rissman shot hours and hours of b-roll. We will edit it down and definitely include highlights in the DVD.

3) Now that Madonna has decided to extend her "Sticky and Sweet" tour, is there any chance for her to release a 4th single off her 'Hard Candy' album?

I don't see that happening.

4) Could you tell us more about the new Greatest Hits to be released by Warner Bros? Will it include unreleased tracks? Is there a release date available?

We are trying to get two new tracks on the album. But not sure if they should be "never before heard" gems, or simply start from scratch. She is thinking about doing something dance and up tempo, so stay tuned....

5) Will this summer's show be the exact same as last year's? Will Madonna make some changes to the set list, costumes?

Mostly it will be the same, with an added surprise song to the show. Again, stay tuned.

7) What is your best memory with Madonna?

My best memory? Too many to mention. I've been with Madonna for over half my life. My favorite moments are when we are alone, taking a walk through the countryside together or having dinner together. I do have fond memories of when I first became friends with Madonna. I was such a kid who knew so little , yet she took my hand and showed me the world. It's been an amazing ride.

8) Do you know what Madonna thinks of her fan club and all of her devoted fans there?

She loves her fans. Honestly everything she does she considers her fans. I can give you an example from tour -
When she did the L.A. Dodger Stadium show the whole front of the stage broke the night before the show. We almost cancelled. When I said "don't worry, everything will be fine no one will care", she responded "no my fans will care, they notice everything!" She doesn't want to do anything less than amazing for her fans. But at the same time, she didn't want to let down her fans by canceling the show, so at 9 pm the night before, she said the show must go on. All these decisions are always made with the fans in mind. She has seen many of Iconers showing up at each show and she really appreciates it - you know who you are!

9) Will Madonna release some unreleased songs or demos from her past albums at some point?

At some point, would love to do something amazing with the remixes and demos. Thanks to you guys for many of your suggestions on this, they are all being considered.

10) Why wasn't Australia included in the tour itinerary and will she visit Australia anytime soon?

Madonna really needs to go to Australia!! Its a must...and I'm going to do everything I can to make sure we get there next time Madonna tours. Unfortunately it didn't work out for this tour. She appreciates her Aussie fans coming to many of the shows. Israel never missed one show in Europe or South America and he waved his Australian flag at every single show. We are long over due for a trip down under and apologize for that, it will happen.

SoulAlive said:

It's funny you mention that.

When she released that book, I was about 10 years old, so I wasn't old enough to buy it, but years later, I downloaded the whole thing in QuickTime mov format.

So, yeah I have it saved on a CDR disc somewhere...there ya go, I at least admitted it!

LiveToTell86 said:

sounds good, probably to new dance tracks.

graecophilos said:

Yeah, but it's disappointing that all the new stuff is moved to the fall, so we won't have much Madonna news for the next 3 months...

I wonder if the added surprise song is just to replace the request section. Towards the end of the 2008 leg she was doing the same songs anyway.

LiveToTell86 said:

That's a nice little non-answer! Doesn't mean she will.


On the other hand, that's pretty much on the nose.


Does anyone seriously think this is one of the most asked questions? I think he just didn't wanted to kiss up and not get into "Is _____ coming out on DVD soon?"

VinnyM27 said:

Yeah, who wants to know is fondest memory? I don't care a bit, haha. But nice answer, sounds like someting Madonna would say (she likes anything with inspiring)

Britney denies tour stage reunion with Madonna
Britney Spears has put an end to the suggestion that she is going to perform alongside Madonna on her Circus Tour.
Rumours were spread by newspapers after an admission from an alleged Britney stylist and developed when Madonna was spotted at Britney’s New York show last week.
David Alexander was cited as saying that Madonna was set to join the 'If You Seek Amy' singer on stage.
However, Britney’s official website has released a statement to the contrary 'despite rumours otherwise, at the moment Britney has no plans to collaborate with anyone in the near future.'
The statement continued 'David Alexander is not Britney's stylist nor have we ever heard of him.' So it looks like it’ll just be Brit when she hits European shores this summer.
From MTV.co.uk

anc282 said:

I'm not surprised There are people on this very site who say they don't like Madonna,but admit to having all or most of her albums,lol.

from madgetribe-


Italian music station MTV reports that Madonna will film a new music video for "Incredible" in Venaria (in the province of Turin).She fell in love with Venaria after watching a CBS documentary about the town.The pop diva will consider the possibility of setting the shooting in the seventeenth-century palace.Apparently,the storyline will be placed in the 17th century with costumes from that era and 100 extras.


If true,this means that she is adding "Incredible" to the setlist,in video form.It will probably replace the "Get Stupid" video.

SoulAlive said:

i still think "Beat Goes On" should've been and would be a better single as it appears to be the track most people like across the board. "Incredible" is a fun song but i don't think it'll be as radio friendly as one that features Kanye West.
[Edited 3/24/09 9:29am]

StarCat said:

I'd LOVE to have the Jellybean's Back Remix. Where can I find it (I know it's not offcial)

graecophilos said:

It emerged on the madonnafanzine forum - im sure they're still available there. There were a few that were really cool. Miles Away Leonards back remix was nice, as was the Dance 2 Night mix.

Im loving the fake covers...the Old Skool Beat Goes On one is awesome!

As for releasing Incredible, I personally think that is a terrible move...its the worst song on Hard Candy by a long chalk. But then what do I know, I thought Miles Away was one of Madonna's best songs for years and it flopped as a single!

DaveT said:

"Four Mintues" is one of the weaker tracks from "Hard Candy" IMHO and it was one of her biggest hits. It all depends on promotion....IF "Incredible" is a single, it will likely only be serviced to dance clubs and not really promoted (see "Miles Away") and won't do anything for that reason.

I think the trend of putting a promotional push behind the first single and the album and than slowly bailing on the singles/album only to tour will likely be the trend when she moves to Live Nation, who probably ONLY cares about tour dollars. We'll have to wait and see.

CrozzaUK said:

mh, you have to pay for membership. Do you have a direct download link.

You guys..."Incredible" is NOT being released as a single Guy Oseary said that there won't be any more singles from Hard Candy.In all likelihood,Madonna is just filming new footage to use during her shows.If "Get Stupid" is removed,she's gotta replace it with something else and it looks like she has chosen "Incredible".

VinnyM27 said:

agree.I think,from now on,she will mainly concentrate on the first single.She will have a big,high-profile first single to promote her albums,and use that to promote the CD and tour.Follow-up singles won't be very important to her or LiveNation.The days of five singles and videos from a Madonna album are over.They're gonna put the focus on the tours.Singles will become an afterthought.Madonna already started this strategy with Hard Candy.She made a big,expensive video for "4 Minutes" but didn't invest alot of time and effort on the other two singles.She put all her energy and attention into the tour.This strategy makes sense because let's face it,Madonna is 50.Radio will be reluctant to play her singles anyway.She's adapting to this new reality.