So, what are your plans Warner Music?

Symbols

Like A Prayer is a tapestry of personal symbols, intertwined throughout 11 songs. Rolling Stone stated that the album "as a whole represents the maturation of Madonna Louise Veronica Ciccone (...) [who] emerges as a thoughtful, introspective songwriter".

The record's symbolic richness, however, goes way beyond the lyrics. It is deeply reinforced by the astonishing imagery that was created for promotional purposes.

This is Music translated into Photography - we can hear the songs, just by looking at the photo sets - in a way that no one else but the great Herb Ritts could do. Hair, makeup, wardrobe and accessories, the whole styling is flawless. And Madonna's natural beauty, body language and face expressions are just breathtaking.

Definitely my favorite work of Photography for an album.



Love. Spirituality. Incense. Patchouli. Rings & beads. Ornaments. Psychedelia. The Sixties.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Roots. Family. Dance. Childhood. Memory.

 

Prayer. Contrition. Divorce. Husband. Father. God.

 

 

Beauty.

 

 

Synchronicity, Prayer and Skepticism

Can you believe this?

So, a few days ago I had this spontaneous outbreak with Like A Prayer. I've been listening to the album ever since, going through the mesmerizing photo sessions, even reading the Rolling Stone interview.

Now, incredible news have surfaced the internet. Here's what The Examiner published, 2 days ago:

Today, it was announced that Madonna is going to re-release her 1989 classic album "Like a Prayer" Even though a date hasn't been set, Madonna finally agreed with Warner Brothers to celebrate the album's 25th year anniversary.

The re-released album will have a couple of never before heard tracks that didn't make it to the final album. There will also be a "Like a Prayer" app that contains many things Madonna fans will go crazy for, including a scene from the "Like a Prayer" video where she jumps off a diving board at UCLA and belly flops in a pool. The main camera missed the shot, but one of the low quality video assist cameras got it. The app will also feature footage of Madonna in the studio with producer Patrick Leonard.

It is believed that Warner Brothers is trying to make an agreement with Pepsi in order to re-release the "Like a Prayer" commercial, which was banned because of the controversial video. Madonna is also allegedly preparing to perform the whole "Like a Prayer" album at a couple of concerts next year. Are you excited, Madonna fans?

My eyes couldn't blink. Not only for imagining such a thing, but also for the synchronicity of it all.

However...

... in a time when music labels try to capitalize their back catalogues with special anniversary editions, to the delight of music fans, this is really hard to believe.

We all got used to Warner's laziness and lack of vision, after missing so many landmark dates and so many opportunities to celebrate - with pomp, circumstance and absolute reverence - a discography that defined 3 decades of pop music. (that "Original Album Series" crap?.. Spare me.)

So, if this turns out to be true... oh Dear Lord!!!

In The Midnight Hour

A song is like an entity. We enjoy it through our hearing, but it's our state of mind and our emotions that set the ground for its power to manifest.

A lot has been going on in my life, in the past few months. A downward spiral of emotions. Fear took over, once again.

But things are changing now. Through daily meditation, I'm finally reconnecting and getting rid of all the toxic waste. My thoughts are different, my focus has changed. And a few days ago, a song took form in my mind, spontaneously.

Not any of the recycled/reinvented versions, live or remixed, but the primal, original one.
Like A Prayer with the dry beat of the drum, the funky guitar, the church organ, the choir... And Madonna's voice, so vulnerable. So strong.

Yes, it's all about religion - not any other song (and video) in the history of pop music was so defiant. But Like A Prayer hides such deeper meanings. A true spiritual force, set in motion when we fathom the mystery of life.

In the midnight hour
I can feel your power...

Strength

Finally, I went back to the gym. This is the image that came across my mind. The image of Strength.

This is a time when strength is needed - physical and emotional. May the body, the mind and the heart work together and fight all the fears.

For better days to come.

Halloween

Yesterday, while treating the audience with another amazing performance (the 64th from the MDNA Tour) in Kansas City, M's dancers did the coolest trick of the season, during Human Nature. Love it!

Night Drive

A few more outtakes have arrived and this is definitely the one I love the most, from the first Versace campaign by Steven Meisel, back in 1995. Absolute elegance.

The one we've always known...

... the one we never knew (can't understand why, 'cause it's so freakin' amazing!)... 

... and the ones we (still) hope to see one day.

(Cover) Art: Ecstasy

Gian Lorenzo Bernini, Ecstasy of Saint Teresa, 1647–1652

Ecstasy of Saint Teresa (detail)

Steven Meisel / Madonna, Erotica, 1992

Erotica

Once underrated by many, today a cult album for many more, it has always been my favorite M album and surely among the top 10 in my list of Best Albums Ever Made - and we're talking about 34 years of music listening.

Like A Prayer and Ray Of Light may be consensually appointed as M's ultimate masterpieces, but Erotica is the only one that encapsulates certain qualities like no other can:

Cutting-edge
Sophisticated
Avant-garde
Bold

(feel free to add some more)

It has now turn 20 years (release date: October 20, 1992) and still remains as one of the most remarkable sonic monuments The Queen has ever built.