A podcast that dissects Madonna’s most famous songs, discussing how the were written and recorded, often referring to demos and outtakes
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The Inside The Groove - Madonna's Music podcast is an absolute gem for any Madonna fan. Hosted by Edward Russell, this podcast delves deep into the songwriting prowess of Madonna and provides unparalleled knowledge and insight. It is a gift for all types of listeners - from die-hard fans to casual listeners, history lovers to dance divas, and music nerds to curious skeptics.
One of the best aspects of this podcast is the perfect balance between analysis, research, and storytelling. Each episode not only provides detailed analysis of the songs but also uncovers fascinating stories and hints of gossip. The bonus beats and guest interviews add depth, emotion, and impact to the episodes. Listeners will find themselves giggling, gasping, and googling as they gain a newfound appreciation for Madonna's artistry and influence.
Another standout aspect is the way in which the hosts break down each song track, including Madonna's vocals. Despite not being a great vocalist in terms of technical ability, Madonna's delivery oozes with emotion and passion that brings life to her songs. The podcast also sheds light on her often overlooked songwriting skills and melody construction. The inclusion of unused studio session recordings in their own mix at the end of each episode adds an extra special touch.
Unfortunately, there are no apparent worst aspects to this podcast. However, one suggestion for improvement would be to consider doing a review/analysis of entire albums instead of focusing on individual songs. For example, delving into Madonna's iconic Like A Prayer album could provide even more in-depth insights into her creative process and influence on music.
In conclusion, The Inside The Groove - Madonna's Music podcast is a must-listen for any Madonna fan or anyone interested in understanding the creative process behind her music. Edward Russell does an exceptional job at hosting this podcast filled with detailed insights into Madonna's best songs. It is informative, exciting, and offers new perspectives even for fans who thought they knew everything about Madonna. With its well-researched content and unique audio elements, this podcast shines above the rest and is highly recommended.
A brand new episode to discuss a new Madonna book. Edward interviews writer Giulio Mazzelrni about the writing of Madonna Songbook which has uncovered so many facts about her recording career - hear some of them on this episode.
Recorded in London in November 2023, a special episode in partnership with the National AIDS Trust where we gathered fans to discuss Madonna's commitment in the fight against AIDS. We raised £5000 that day - hear it now.
Recorded at the RVT on 21 October 2023, the podcast hosts discuss the recent dates by Madonna for the first London leg of the tour. Joined by special guests on the stage and with a live link up to New York and LA, we tell it like it is as Madonna launches her 40th anniversary tour.
The final (for now!) episode comes live from London with an audience of 250 Madonna fans. Join Edward, Peter and Jonathan as they chat with Lucy O'Brien, screen Artie O'Daley's brilliant movie and reveal the Top 20 most streamed Madonna songs of all time!
The penultimate episode of the podcast explores the making of Madonna's most loved (probably!) song, with details of the recording and the live performances.
Released in 1985, the movie Vision Quest featured two new Madonna songs, one of which would become her first ballad to be released as a single. But what of the third song? Hear the story of Madonna's moment in the movie, along with the original demo version of the song and find out why Gambler hasn't made it on to streaming.
Madonna's theme for the movie A League of Their Own is also one of her biggest hits, despite not being part of the Erotica project which came a few months later. Hear the story of Madonna's song, her part in the movie, who complained about the video and also an acapella or the verse from the unreleased, 7-minute version of the song.
We discuss the music, the remixes and the artwork to Madonna's latest release, plus a contribution from a Madonna fan who has been thinking about his own re-releases.
The story behind the lead single from Madonna's Ray of Light album. Hear the original demo of the song along with demos of other tracks written with Patrick Leondard. Hear a breakdown of the musical parts and get the story behind the SickKick remix from 2021.
A chance to hear this episode once more. It's certainly not reductive.
A chance to hear this episode again, originally the fifth episode aired and telling the story of this classic track by Madonna.
A chance to hear a revisited version of this early episode about Madonna's huge hit from 2000.
A chance to hear a revised version of the very first episode of this podcast telling the story of Madonna's huge hit from 1990.
The story of Madonna's most recent studio album, inspired by living in Portugal and which saw Madonna reuniting with producer Mirwais.
Songwriting sessions, leaks and re-recordings to get this album where it needed to be. Enjoy hear the story behind Madonna's thirteenth studio album.
Madonna's 2012 EDM album may not be a fan favourite, but there's a story to be told. Hear the original writers demos behind many of the songs that made the final album, plus the story of the fantastic atwork.
From the RVT in London - a live episode - with no edits - our panel and fans discuss the 2009 Greatest Hits package by Madonna.
A mini episode to tell you how to listen to the next episode live and what to expect if you'll be joining us for the live event in London on Saturday 21 May.
The most marmite of Madonna albums - everyone has an opinion on this one, not least of all the Steven Klein artwork. Find out how that was shot and the changes made to it afterwards, plus hear some unreleased gems from the archives and the story behind the album's third single, Miles Away.
An interview with the author of a brilliant new book - Madonna: Song by Song - almost like this podcast in written form! Marc is a huge fan and has immense insight - and reveals some of his new discoveries in this very episode.
Madonna's disco-inspired album goes under the spotlight including the story behind some of the unused songs recorded for a musical project, the Steven Klein photoshoot and how Pet Shop Boys influenced the project.
Hear about the recording of this album including unreleased tracks, the demo of Nothing Fails, individual elements from Love Profusion and, of course, the very distinctive album artwork.
Madonna's first album for the 2000s brought a huge sonic change to her music and a fantastic new look for the design. This episode also put special focus on the song American Pie which was included in some territories and had quite a significant effect on Madonna's plans.
The story behind one of Madonna's most important releases. As well as the beautiful artwork and Testino photoshoot, the story of Power of Goodbye is also told.
The story behind Madonna's third compilation LP, including the songs I Want You and You'll See. Plus you can hear some unreleased tracks from that period and find out all the info on the beautiful Testino cover... plus, what was the original title and plan for this album?
The story behind Madonna's 1994 dip into R&B mid-tempo pop and a special focus on the songs Take A Bow and I'd Rather Be Your Lover.
Find out more about this provocative book and also hear some of the unreleased songs from the Erotica album.
The story behind Madonna's 1992 album - in part one, we discuss the record's main producer, Shep Pettibone, talk about the artwork and throw focus on the song Rain.
The story behind Madonna's first greatest hits package, with details about Q Sound, Blond Ambition, The Herb Ritts photography, and a special focus on Rescue Me.
The story behind the recording of Madonna's album which was inspired by her character in Dick Tracy
The story behind t he recording of Madonna's seminal album, with details of the photoshoot, the singles and a focus on Oh Father.
The story behind Madonna's first remix album with special focus on the song Spotlight - plus additional infor about Who's That Girl
The story behind Madonna's third album. With the history of its making, the photoshoot, the design, and special focus on the song Papa Don't Preach.
The story behind Madonna's second album. With the history of its making, the photoshoot, the design, and special focus on the song Material Girl
The story behind Madonna's 1983 debut album. With the history of its making, the photoshoot, the design and special focus on the song Lucky Star.
Who has covered her with Golden Kisses and when did Madonna do it better? This episode focusses on a new album of Madonna covers and also talks about the best and not so best covers of Madonna songs from over the years with special guest Darren Hayes.
Yee-haw! Get ready to line dance in celebration of that folky piece of electronica. But also to hear some of the songs which didn't make the final cut for the Music album on its release in 2000.
This episode was first released in February 2021 with part 2 only available to patrons. Now you can listen to both episodes together as a gift on Madonna's birthday. Remember to check out the new merchandise at https://merchify.me/insidethegroove/
Revisiting all four songs from the Original Motion Picture Soundtrack, discussing the movie with the MLVC podcast, talking about the Who's That Girl World Tour with the Immaculate Podcast plus special guests Graham Gremore from Queerty and Rod Thomas of Bright Light Bright Light who plays his cover of Causing A Commotion. Also included are brand new - exclusively for this podcast - covers of other 1987 Madonna tracks by Graingerboy, Kavana, and Darren Hayes. A celebration of Madonna for her 63rd birthday.
A tonal shift for Madonna with a song which was not only a massive hit for the singer, but brought lots of new fans on board. But it's a divisive track and era with certain fans. I'll be discussing this, telling the story of the recording and mixing and also exploring its use in the TV show Glee.
This was Madonna's second single, but it didn't have a global release so is not known as widely as some of her bigger hits, despite being a complete banger! Hear the story of its earliest versions plus how Madonna was styled, how the video was made, the special artwork by her friend Martin Burgoyne and much more!
The final part of the set of episodes about Evita is a discussion with the Honest Vocal Coach about Madonna's voice as we compare it to the other famous actors to have played the role of Eva Peron.
The second part of three episodes discussing Madonna's role in this movie and the accompanying soundtrack.
In this episode, we discover the history of the musical from concept album to stage show and on to film. You'll find out how Madonna first became involved in the mid 1980s, only to be dropped from the part but, of course, rehired for the final version. You'll get to hear some early versions of the songs by Madonna as well as excerpts from the original album and a rare remix of Buenos Airies.
No new Groove episode right now, but don't go without - have an episode from the sister podcast - all about this huge 90s hit from Sweden.
The lead single from the soundtrack to the second Austin Powers movie - The Spy Who Shagged me. A popular radio hit and a number one in 4 territories. We discuss the song's origin, its video and the other song Madonna recorded at the same time, with Latin singer Ricky Martin
The second single from the American Life album is a much-loved track by fans and especially for its video and MTV performance. However, it failed to chart in the US, following controversy around the singer. The video also drew criticism and a lawsuit and then there was the Britney kiss. An interesting time in Madonna's career that overshadows what an incredible pop song it is.
Madonna’s very first single was the template for all that was to come. With a two-song deal, she recorded it in Chelsea, Manhattan. 39 years later, she is the richest female music artist in the world. Hear the original demo, the multitrack breakdown, and more in this episode which celebrates one year of podcasting.
The first single frrom Madonna's sixth album and a big change in direction for the artist with a laid back launch to the new era. Here's the story of how it came about, along with details of the video and launch promo campaign.
With multiple Top 40 UK singles including two Top Ten hits, Kavana spent the 1990s working the music business and was also a huge, huge Madonna fan. Recalling stories of their "near miss" and also working with Patrick Leonard, he has some very interesting tales to tell.