Madonna still shocks at 60

Why is she applauded for continuing to be vulgar and tasteless? I have never understood her appeal. The only songs she ever performed that I thought had some truth and value to them were "Papa Don't Preach" and "Live to Tell."

She can't sing her way out of a paper bag; her "beauty" is ice princess cold; there is nothing warm about her. The fact that she can be "provocative" or let her ass hang out of her chaps... so what? Does that make her "talented"?

She's clever, I'll hand her that much, and she certainly has staying power, but she believes that to be pertinent in today's society she still has to maintain what I always felt was a vulgar and unappealing persona. Why that is supposed to make us applaud at this moment in time, I do not know.

That said, she has said several powerful things through the years that I remember: "I have the luxury of being alive" (in reference to all the gay fans and people she's interacted with who have passed on from AIDS) and "When are we going to get that we are all connected?"

In this way, when she makes intelligent observations gleaned from a life of nearly 40 years in the public spotlight, I do applaud her. When she simulates sex acts on stage for shock value, I don't see what her point is. Anyone can do that; it doesn't take that much talent.

I think she’s a bit more than mediocre. You don’t last that long by being mediocre.

It's always going to be a matter of opinion, but artists who sell best stay within the range of mediocre. Stuff that is too challenging or too personal tends to have a limited audience.

And the pop music business is only marginally about the music, anyway. It's youth, image, marketing and other factors that swing the day. I'll give her credit for building a fortune, for what that's worth.

JimizoAug. 16 11:17 am JST@Alfie

I was being half serious. I llike Virginia Plain, Beat up the Brat and Rebel Rebel to name just one song from each. Bowie made some cracking albums unlike the other two.

Still, that mutilation of such a beautifully simple and honest song like Jealous Guy makes my skin crawl.

There were a LOT of tributes to John Lennon and the Beatles in 1981-83. Roxy's cover of 'Jealous Guy' is a ROXY song alright. I saw Bryan Ferry perform it last year in concert and it was brilliant. Nonetheless, it IS a Lennon song w/ a Roxy treatment but to each their own. Roxy influenced the whole 80s generation and I like that.

The last track on Phil Collins' first solo album (also 1981) is a great cover of the Beatles' 'Tomorrow Never Knows'. Remember the hit 'Stars On 45'?

The Ramones’ repetitive three-chord scratchings are very poppy. Punk meets boy band.

I don't think so! They are considered the first true punk rock band and with good reason. I've seen them 4X. Yeah, they have roots in the New York Dolls, Rolling Stones, Beach Boys, girl trios but they are NO boy band. Boy bands lip-synch and dance to a repetitive drum machine beat like NKOTB. They're all a joke. And the Ramones are better than say, Blink 182 any day.

Give me Like a Virgin anytime ;)

Madonna did songs like that to get some prissy-misses' dander up, push buttons and to become a sex symbol to the yuppies (and become their guilty pleasure). Even her videos (like 'Into the Groove') show that. Then again, I wasn't into the yuppie thing growing up. About the time she put out that sickening 'Sex' book and started depicting BDSM elements in her videos what attention I did have for her evaporated. I don't get into that sick stuff at all. Music should always be top priority in this business and she wasn't emphasizing anything memorable in that anymore.

I think Roxy Music were extremely overrated. Bryan Ferry and co dressing like idiots and recording ‘arty’ songs until they started recording radio-friendly MOR stuff. Avalon sounds like it was written by a committee.

The glam scene only adds to the 'thrill of It All'. And the New York Dolls were also glam and they influenced punk and glam metal, starting with KISS. Then came Crue, Ratt, etc. And so on. As for 'Avalon', it's one of the most beautiful and romantic albums ever! A great disc to play in your car when you're driving your date home. As it being 'MOR', puh-leeez! In America the so-called 'light rock' / 'adult contemporary' / MOR radio stations play soulless vapid Muzak and in the evenings there's the sobby sobby pukey 'love songs' dedications played on an icky radio station hosted by New Ager John Tesh and his wife the former TV goddess Connie Selecca. 'Avalon' squashes that rubbish to the ground.

Comparatively to other celebrities, Madonna was a late bloomer - she didn't reach stardom till well on her 20s

She's 60 now, but she really only got started just around 3 decades ago

She's never been shocking. Every single thing she has done has been a planned career move. She's a good businesswoman.

But the mere fact that I can’t say this without being called a misogynist shows just how fake the issue has become.

You can say this. You have said this. And it could be applied to any pop star over the last several decades. The limelight is a fickle flame and it only burns as bright as the artist does.

Is she essential? Maybe not so more. But I'm still happy to listen to her output. She's no Nina Simone but I don't think she should be dismissed just yet.

More like mediocrity pretending to be shocking

I think she’s a bit more than mediocre. You don’t last that long by being mediocre.

I never found her shocking. More like mediocrity pretending to be shocking. Getting a couple church ladies to complain is not my idea of shocking.

So far as the music, it's all personal preference. I prefer artists who perform in less calculated ways, with more honesty. Bowie unfortunately was also calculating. I was a huge fan, but his most of his work wears thin quickly mainly because he borrowed from other rawer artists and then commercialized it.

Holiday is still this woman’s best song ever. No question. That came out what, 3 decades ago? She’s definitely a driven go-getter along the lines of Steve Jobs, but similarly not a likeable individual, despite all of her work for social “causes.”

If she were a man, I’d say “he” was an over-the-hill, raving, narcissist with a Peter Pan/ Lolita complex. But the mere fact that I can’t say this without being called a misogynist shows just how fake the issue has become.

In the end though, what I think is beside the point because she has a gazillion fans, and they are the ones feeding her ego.

Still, that mutilation of such a beautifully simple and honest song like Jealous Guy makes my skin crawl

Yes, it wasn't the best cover ever made, I'll give you that. I like Roxy though, particularly the first two albums and all that early 70s glam rock stuff. Each to their own; Coldplay are shocking though, I'm sure we can all agree on that!

I think Madonna was only shocking to the puritans, mind. The type who start frothing at the mouth because Janet Jackson showed (gasp) a nipple on the telly.

@Alfie

I was being half serious. I llike Virginia Plain, Beat up the Brat and Rebel Rebel to name just one song from each. Bowie made some cracking albums unlike the other two.

Still, that mutilation of such a beautifully simple and honest song like Jealous Guy makes my skin crawl. Give me Like a Virgin anytime ;)

Madonna was never shocking. (Well, maybe only to dummies.)

 I think Roxy Music were extremely overrated. The Ramones’ repetitive three-chord scratchings are very poppy. Bowie also decided to cash in with his 80s yuppie look and poppy songs.

Oh dear. Pop is good, Jimizo. Still, if we all liked the same things it would be a dull world, wouldn't it.

The comments are exactly what Madonna spoke about in her famous speech mentioned. Is she my favorite? Nope. But I love her for what she’s done to empower women, their sexuality, and pushing boundaries so others may follow, be it the music industry or not. The woman is clearly a genius to still be making music today and upsetting so many who think her time is long gone.

Exactly.

I love her music and all, but she really needs to act her age. I could care less how fit she is, 60 year olds have no business prancing around on stage in lingerie and high heels. There is dignity in aging gracefully.

Comedy gold. Did you actually read the article?

Ray Of Light is 20 years old this year and Madonna is 60. Both sound great to me still.

I love her music and all, but she really needs to act her age. I could care less how fit she is, 60 year olds have no business prancing around on stage in lingerie and high heels.

There is dignity in aging gracefully.

The comments are exactly what Madonna spoke about in her famous speech mentioned. Is she my favorite? Nope. But I love her for what she’s done to empower women, their sexuality, and pushing boundaries so others may follow, be it the music industry or not. The woman is clearly a genius to still be making music today and upsetting so many who think her time is long gone.

LagunaAug. 15 10:41 am JSTSheesh, can't believe I just thumbed-up Bass

Sheesh, can't believe I just thumbed-up starpunk

I must admit, I have room for both Eno-era Roxy and Avalon in my collection. Same with Bowie up to and including Let's Dance. I likes the classic and the commercial.

Madonna was always commercial and she subverted it, inspiring many who came after. She's a pioneer and I'd put her in the same bracket as Kate Bush, Bjork, Janelle Monae and Joanna Newsom. Despite their very different approaches to music.

That said, I'm currently listening to Gojira to keep me from nodding off. On headphones, lest I wake the neighbors...

They made history in their sound and image. Bowie, Roxy, Ramones - all had distinct looks, some sexual or at least sensual but they also have SONGS too.

Says who? Cool music critics?

I think Roxy Music were extremely overrated. Bryan Ferry and co dressing like idiots and recording ‘arty’ songs until they started recording radio-friendly MOR stuff. Avalon sounds like it was written by a committee. They absolutely trashed Jealous Guy with that horrible overproduced sound. That was a song written from the heart until it got the Roxy treatment. Madonna could have done a better job. She probably would have been less syrupy and slimy.

The Ramones’ repetitive three-chord scratchings are very poppy. Punk meets boy band.

Bowie also decided to cash in with his 80s yuppie look and poppy songs. Madonna recorded Material Girl and Bowie liked the message. Really deep emotions in Let’s Dance...

The people you mentioned were highly commercial.

Everyone needs to pay the rent.

Dango bongToday 07:35 am JSTshe is certainly a pioneer. Lady Gaga and Brittany Spears copied her look and sound to a T and made millions as well....

And you think THAT'S good? All that have to say is 'looky me, look at my pretty face, look at my body'. Lady Gaga sounds like a robot and she uses sleaze (sometimes BDSM) to the max in her vids, and Britney is the same way except that she is also unbelievably STUPID. And making millions and selling millions of discs doesn't necessarily mean you're good. Hootie and the Blowfish, Celine Dion, the 'Macarena'? YEEECCCHHH!!!

Gimme something I can relate to, man. Something that says something about my life and not just an expression of the 'star's ego.

JimizoToday 06:41 pm JSTCan anyone instantly think of a song from her that matters since maybe 1991?

What is a song that ‘matters’?

Do songs have to matter?

Songs are supposed to reflect the writer's feelings. Even when rock was new artists like Elvis, the Beatles and the Beach Boys were writing about their experiences, emptions and feelings. That's the power of rock'n'roll.

Madonna hasn't done any memorable songs since at least 1991 and even then she was getting concerned about her image than anything. Yes - I agree , Video Killed the Radio Star but we got to remember about what David Bowie said too - it's Sound AND Vision. There's a lot of good songs with dull videos, but a great video can enhance music too. Video has given us a new way to experience music for sure but if the songs are totally forgettable or bland (like Hootie and the Blowfish, say) then you just have an image of the video screen. It's a fine line. The knife cuts both ways. Madonna hasn't really done anything memorable for over 20 years and she inspired all those pop tarts. Style over substance. It's just sexuality and shakey shakey shakey. All that stuff means zero if you ain't got the music to go with it. Being provocative and pushing the envelope is one thing, yes. Look at the Rolling Stones. They made history in their sound and image. Bowie, Roxy, Ramones - all had distinct looks, some sexual or at least sensual but they also have SONGS too.

"her latest tour put on a characteristically provocative show that simulated most conceivable sex acts."

Did she do the one where the woman.... never mind, haha

Madonna's greatest song ever -

Open Your Heart

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=snsTmi9N9Gs

Loved her from the word go. Which would draw the ire of my mates but darn, she could do a good pop tune.

I have to say, I'm not familiar with her latter work but fair play to her. If Leonard Cohen could release records at 80, then I look fwd to more artists like Madonna doing the same.

A 60 year old pin-up?

Maybe not.....

Can anyone instantly think of a song from her that matters since maybe 1991?

What is a song that ‘matters’?

Do songs have to matter?

She doesn't look so physically appealing at all now, in fact her whole body (and face) looks phony - she looks more like a construct than a woman.

Dunno about that, I think she still looks hot, works out a lot, eats right, everything pretty much works, I hope I can look that good at 60.

Can anyone instantly think of a song from her that matters since maybe 1991?

Music

Ray of Light

Die another day

Hung Up

4 Minutes

So actually quite a lot.

She's a legend!

Surely beats the high pitched squealing around here.

Washed

I tend to like pop stars who piss off music snobs.

Me too.

Not a big fan of her music, I like mine a little harder and heavier, but I love watching her annoy the rightists.

What is Madonna supposed to do at 60? Wear floral dresses and sit at home with a load of cats?

I think she’s good.

I tend to like pop stars who piss off music snobs.

A tidal wave of misogyny and agism. Ugh. What's happened to this site?

The “best before date” is rapidly approaching or have already passed

Cochise

Today 08:56 am JST

Shes the reason female singers today cant just stand at the mic and sing. Instead they all gyrate around in their underwear with a group of dancers behind them.

Her ongoing schtick to be controversial is lame.

And suddenly shes anti-agism. She didnt say a thing about it when she was exploiting her youth to cash in.

Shes fake. I'll pass.

She hasn't done anything worth the bother of listening to for at least 20 years, or longer. She has inspired a wave of horrible assembly line teen girl 'singers' who have zero talent - it's all a constant drum machine programmed slap, too much choreography of young girls gyrating in their undies or TIGHT leotards, STYLE OVER SUBSTANCE. They have nothing musically or lyrically to say, it's all IMAGE - sex appeal for tweens, teens, perverts.

Since the early 90s Madonna has gotten even more sleazy in her videos and songs. With 'Justify My Love' she started getting deep into the realms of BDSM. She starred in porn movies and there's that sick 'Sex' book. She goes out of her way to be offensive, recall the 2006 tour where she did a mock Jesus Christ crucifixion scene for no apparent reason. Her shows feature spanking, and in her skit where she dresses as a cheerleader she looks way too old for it, and ridiculous. She's been known to lip-sync at shows. Like Elton John said, 'Anybody dumb enough to pay $250 a ticket...'.

She doesn't look so physically appealing at all now, in fact her whole body (and face) looks phony - she looks more like a construct than a woman. Can anyone instantly think of a song from her that matters since maybe 1991?

Once again, I can't see where Madonna has made a good inspiration. She's unleashed a herd of imitators who are focused on IMAGE and style over substance. Britney Spears, Xtina, Lady Caca, Spice Girls - all a joke. As for female performers I'll take the GoGos, Bangles, Joan Jett, L7, Juliana Hatfield, Tristan, Shonen Knife, Frankie Rose, Girl In a Coma, Heart, chicks who sing + write + play their instruments and actually have something to say, anyday.

She's a two-faced loudmouth. Calls for women to express themselves sexually but calls men who comment on it, perverts.

Never liked her when she became famous in the early 80's, like her even less now!

Sheesh, can't believe I just thumbed-up Bass.

Like her or not, the woman did withstand the test of time, overcame some very difficult odds and it is somewhat of a talent that she at least in the early years did a lot of producing and writing herself and did wrote some catchy memorable tunes. Is she one of my favorites, no, but to discount her as something trashy or not having an impact on the club or pop scene is just truly false. And the woman definitely takes care of herself, she looks great at 60, can’t deny that.

The "Guy Ritchie" movie about their life together was spot on.

Shes the reason female singers today cant just stand at the mic and sing. Instead they all gyrate around in their underwear with a group of dancers behind them.

Her ongoing schtick to be controversial is lame.

And suddenly shes anti-agism. She didnt say a thing about it when she was exploiting her youth to cash in.

Shes fake. I'll pass.

Admire her, but the sexy image has a time limit, I hope she starts to pull it back in a few years.

I am shocked that she stills thinks she shocks

Yeah, her brassiere points are less spiky thee days.

I am shocked that she stills thinks she shocks.... she was relevant in the early days of MTV but that isn't saying much as MTV refused to show videos with black musicians including Michael Jackson for the first couple of years....

she is certainly a pioneer. Lady Gaga and Brittany Spears copied her look and sound to a T and made millions as well....