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Mattress

Supreme Elitists
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  1. oh, yes, she handles it great - good way to put it. that lady was so awful. shes such a serious european feminist. ugh. maybe liz was mad at madonna during this time and sat her down with all these women. :rotfl:

    shes much better with men.

    Yes, but imagine John Norris asking that question during last years' press junket.

    :rotfl:

  2. Mailing List postings, September/October 1994

    PART TWO

    Date: Tue, 27 Sep 94 13:09:19 GMT

    From: Keith Butler <keith (at) mymach.demon.co.uk>

    Subject: *** WARNING : Secret (UK) Track Listings ***

    PLEASE SKIP NOW IF YOU DON'T WANT TO KNOW THE UK TRACK LISTINGS

    (Forgive me if somebody has already posted this yesterday!)

    Cat. No. Track Listing

    W0268CD 1 secret (edit) 4:30

    2 let down your guard (rough mix edit) 4:33

    5" CDS 3 secret (instrumental) 5:04

    4 secret (lp version) 5:03

    ---------------------------------------------------------

    W0268P a secret 5:03 <-- lp version

    b let down your guard (rough mix edit) 4:33

    7" pic disc

    ---------------------------------------------------------

    W0268C same as picture disc

    CASSINGLE

    ---------------------------------------------------------

    Please let everyone know of anymore UK/other formats/versions...

    Excellent! etc. etc. etc. repeat repeat repeat ...

    'let down your guard' is rather strange !

    Keith

    ---

    Date: 27 Sep 1994 10:16:40 U

    From: Jeff Jackson <jjackson (at) it.berklee.edu>

    Subject: Secret Remix Info

    The following is from Billboard magazine issue October 1, 1994. Dance

    section:

    Mo's Secret: We have barely tired of Madonna's genius (and somewhat

    underappreciated) 1992 opus, "Erotica," and the buttonpushing diva steps

    forward with a delicious new slice of dancefloor drama. She previews the

    upcoming Maverick/Sire collection, "Bedtime Stories," due in stores Oct. 25,

    with "Secret," a romantic kicker that comes in several wildly different

    incarnations.

    Co-produced by La M with hip-hop maven Dallas Austin, the lushly layered

    album mix simmers with a strumming acoustic intro that breaks into a languid

    funk/R&B beat. As Madonna delivers a solid performance that emphasizes her

    increasingly strong lower vocal range, a meticulously woven arrangement of

    quasi-psychedelic colors and raw hip-hop elements percolates. Naturally, the

    hook is pure pop candy, sticking to the brain after one spin.

    Citizens of the club community are more likely to subscribe to a pair of

    outstanding house interpretations by Juniour Vasquez. His "Luscious" mix

    strobes with vibrant keyboards and an elastic bassline. His treatment of

    Madonna's vocal is sharply attuned to the unusual levels of a club sound

    system without burying it behind the bassline. A tight edit of this mix would

    swing comfortably onto crossover radio airwaves.

    Vasquez also tends to the requirements of harder heads on the expansive

    "Sound Factory" version, which runs amok with cathartic tribal percussion and

    ominous synth loops. Further enhanced by impending mixes by Bizarre Inc,.

    this single is a prominsing preamble to what will likely be a cool, new

    chapter in the career of dance music's most successful graduate.

    ---

    Date: Tue, 27 Sep 94 17:12:40 EDT

    From: Le Roi du Monde <gmurray (at) skidmore.EDU>

    Subject: SECRET single

    I GOT THE SECRET SINGLE TODAY!!!!

    The artwork is great, the disc is blue with secret written

    across it in silver. I am very very very excited!!!

    It has the album version and instumental.

    YEAH!!! Madonna ROCKS

    ---

    Date: Tue, 27 Sep 1994 11:51:45 +0100

    From: TENGKU AZAR ISMAIL <tai2 (at) aber.ac.uk>

    Subject: Let Down Your Guard

    Hey guys!!!

    I guess I was the first one in Abersytwyth to actually purchased the single

    SECRET!

    I went to the shop as sooa as it's opened (9.00 am) and when I asked for the

    CD, the cashier had to go in the store and opened the box of new deliveries!

    Yes, I have the SECRET now!!

    I bought the CD single - 1. edit

    2. Let down your guard (previously unreleased -

    non-album track)

    -rough mix edit

    3. instrumental

    4. album version

    The cover - if any of you have already had the magazine THE FACE, then, the

    cover shoot for this single (well, the UK releases at least) is one of the

    pictures taken during that photo shoot. She's on a sofa, with one arm strectched

    and another down by her thigh. She's wearing a dress but with the top pulled

    down to the waist - revealing a white bra. She looks right into the camera

    rather seriously I think. Her tummy looks weird. Perharps becoz of the muscles.

    And, as for this new song, LET DOWN YOUR GUARD.

    I loooovvvvvveeee it! It's very catchy. There isn't any deep meaning to it -

    well, not as far as i could think of anyway.

    It's a "rough mix edit" version. And as written on the sleeves, it's a non-LP

    track.

    I'm not good at describing things but I'll try my best - it's cute and very

    R&B-ish. Nice, danceable beats...

    Hmm... I've already worked the lyrics out... here it is

    intro ; some talking , perharps over the phone but not at all clear and I can't

    make anything out of it..

    lyrics; won't you come inside

    and lay down next to my fire

    can you feel my heartbeat

    let me show you my desire

    First you have to tell me please

    ...a ha...

    Gonna bring you to your knees

    ...a ha...

    Gonna make you scream for more

    Come inside and lock the door

    and let down,

    let down,

    let down your guard

    ahhh...ahh...

    come inside

    ahhh...ahh...

    baby it's alright

    This is not a one night stand

    I care for you please don't diss(?) me

    Baby won't you come inside

    I'll take you for a little ride

    I wanna touch you there

    ...a ha...

    Run my fingers thru' your hair

    ...a ha...

    Gonna take you for a ride

    but you'd have to come inside

    and let down,

    let down,

    let down your guard

    That's basically the lyrics.

    It's credited as written by Madonna and Dallas Austin. Same goes for the Secret

    credits.

    It just strikes me - she used to use the name Madonna but during Erotica phase

    ..and also for I'll Remember - she used the name M.Ciccone instead. I wonder

    why and if there is any significance of these changes.

    As for the video - haven't heard a thing about it!!!!

    On MTV Europe, this past few days, they're busy telling us about the new Take

    That video, but nothing is being mentioned about Secret. I just hope that what

    happens to I'll Remember won't happen again!!!

    Well, another video-related news; I heard on CNN showbiz today last week -

    Madonna is looking for elderly Asian women to appear in her new video Bedtime

    Stories. Hmm... I thought of my granny for a second... wouldn't it great if

    Madonna takes her to be in the video - but she's back home in Malaysia so I

    guess it's not very practical :)

    Anyway, see you guy later!!

    ---

    Date: Tue, 27 Sep 1994 09:34:40 -0500 (CDT)

    From: BWG001 (at) ACAD.DRAKE.EDU

    Subject: secret single:(

    Hi everybody,

    I just found out that the single of secret does in fact have the instrumental

    as a b-side and not that new song. Does anybody know if this is on the cd

    single. All I checked on over the phone was the cassette single.

    If the new b-side isn't available here in the states, could somebody overseas

    that would be willing to purchase it for me in exchange for something else

    please e-mail me. I really want to hear this new song and would be willing to

    trade a lot of good stuff for it in exchange.

    ---

    Date: Tue, 27 Sep 1994 14:48:56 -0500 (CDT)

    From: royster fredrick don <royster (at) ux5.cso.uiuc.edu>

    Subject: Re: secret single:(

    Hi Brian,

    i bought the cd single of secret today, and unfortunately, it's identical

    to the

    cassete with the instrumental being the b-side. Us Americans always get

    screwed over. The U.K. single ahd some song calle dLet Down Your Guard on

    it. Oh well

    ---

    Date: Tue, 27 Sep 1994 11:51:45 +0100

    From: TENGKU AZAR ISMAIL <tai2 (at) aber.ac.uk>

    Subject: Let Down Your Guard

    Hey guys!!!

    I guess I was the first one in Abersytwyth to actually purchased the single

    SECRET!

    I went to the shop as sooa as it's opened (9.00 am) and when I asked for the

    CD, the cashier had to go in the store and opened the box of new deliveries!

    Yes, I have the SECRET now!!

    I bought the CD single - 1. edit

    2. Let down your guard (previously unreleased -

    non-album track)

    -rough mix edit

    3. instrumental

    4. album version

    The cover - if any of you have already had the magazine THE FACE, then, the

    cover shoot for this single (well, the UK releases at least) is one of the

    pictures taken during that photo shoot. She's on a sofa, with one arm strectched

    and another down by her thigh. She's wearing a dress but with the top pulled

    down to the waist - revealing a white bra. She looks right into the camera

    rather seriously I think. Her tummy looks weird. Perharps becoz of the muscles.

    And, as for this new song, LET DOWN YOUR GUARD.

    I loooovvvvvveeee it! It's very catchy. There isn't any deep meaning to it -

    well, not as far as i could think of anyway.

    It's a "rough mix edit" version. And as written on the sleeves, it's a non-LP

    track.

    I'm not good at describing things but I'll try my best - it's cute and very

    R&B-ish. Nice, danceable beats...

    Hmm... I've already worked the lyrics out... here it is

    intro ; some talking , perharps over the phone but not at all clear and I can't

    make anything out of it..

    lyrics; won't you come inside

    and lay down next to my fire

    can you feel my heartbeat

    let me show you my desire

    First you have to tell me please

    ...a ha...

    Gonna bring you to your knees

    ...a ha...

    Gonna make you scream for more

    Come inside and lock the door

    and let down,

    let down,

    let down your guard

    ahhh...ahh...

    come inside

    ahhh...ahh...

    baby it's alright

    This is not a one night stand

    I care for you please don't diss(?) me

    Baby won't you come inside

    I'll take you for a little ride

    I wanna touch you there

    ...a ha...

    Run my fingers thru' your hair

    ...a ha...

    Gonna take you for a ride

    but you'd have to come inside

    and let down,

    let down,

    let down your guard

    That's basically the lyrics.

    It's credited as written by Madonna and Dallas Austin. Same goes for the Secret

    credits.

    It just strikes me - she used to use the name Madonna but during Erotica phase

    ..and also for I'll Remember - she used the name M.Ciccone instead. I wonder

    why and if there is any significance of these changes.

    As for the video - haven't heard a thing about it!!!!

    On MTV Europe, this past few days, they're busy telling us about the new Take

    That video, but nothing is being mentioned about Secret. I just hope that what

    happens to I'll Remember won't happen again!!!

    Well, another video-related news; I heard on CNN showbiz today last week -

    Madonna is looking for elderly Asian women to appear in her new video Bedtime

    Stories. Hmm... I thought of my granny for a second... wouldn't it great if

    Madonna takes her to be in the video - but she's back home in Malaysia so I

    guess it's not very practical :)

    Anyway, see you guy later!!

    ---

    Date: Wed, 28 Sep 1994 00:35:58 -0500

    From: dhanna (at) mail.sas.upenn.edu (David B Hanna)

    Subject: "Secret" (for your discography file)

    Madonna -- US "Secret" CD single (same as cassette single)

    1. Album Version 5:05

    2. Instrumental 5:05

    9 18035-2/4

    Written by Madonna and Dallas Austin. Published by WB Music Corp./Webo

    Girl Publishing, Inc. adm. by WB Music Corp. ASCAP/EMI April Music,

    Inc./DARP Music, Inc. Produced by Madonna and Dallas Austin. Art

    direction and design by Fabien Baron and Patrick Li at Baron & Baron

    Advertising. Photography by Patrick Demarchelier. From the Maverick/Sire

    album _Bedtime Stories_. Available on Cassette and Compact Disc

    (4/2-45767).

    My comments:

    o The "Erotica" single was designed by Fabien Baron also, but with a

    different Asian collaborator -- Siung Fat Tjia. (A rather silly

    observation. Maybe Fabien Baron prefers to work with Asians or something.)

    o Madonna sorta looks like Anna Nicole Smith on the cover... (no flames!)

    though when I first saw it I was not like, "Oh what a great picture" like I

    was with "Bad Girl" and the 12" "Express Yourself".

    o I first heard the whole song on Friday and my immediate reaction was,

    "Wow, it's slinky." It really struck me, unlike "I'll Remember" did.

    o About the secret.au file, it sounds much better if you can play it on a

    SunOS station with audio support. On my Macintosh I could not hear that

    great bass line but on a Sun WorkStation it seems much clearer and you can

    hear the bass better. But of course now that you own the single this is

    not necessary. :)

    PS "Let Your Guard Down" sounds like it is a lot of fun...

    ---

    Date: Wed, 28 Sep 1994 01:30:08 -0400

    From: Rob Smith <rob (at) snuffy.penfield.ny.us>

    Subject: all these new people on the list...

    It finally sunk in that "Secret" is

    an incredible song. At first I was like...ick!!! I did the same thing

    when "Justify" came out. Needless to say, after THE GIRLIE SHOW

    "Justify" is one of my favorites. I think that because "Secret" is

    such a new style for Madonna (she's always been kind of pop/R&B - but

    this even more so) people will initially be thrown off. But I also

    think her song will gain popularity with more air play. This station

    in Rochester plays it like 9 times a day!!! And that's just one city!

    I smell a winner.

    Janet's new video debuts tomorrow. HELLO? Madonna???

    Madonna and touring? I hope not for a while. At least summer.

    With so much coming out (the song, album, book, etc.) it would be

    like major overkill. From what I hear though, a new tour would kick

    ass. I think it would be nice to see her stand still and sing

    her heart out (maybe just for a little bit).

    ---

    Date: Tue, 27 Sep 94 23:37:05 EDT

    From: Anestler (at) aol.com

    Subject: I'll Remember

    Maybe I just couldn't see it, but I'm pretty sure that I'll Remember just

    dropped OFF the Billboard Top 100 from #50 last week, which seems hardly

    possible.

    I bought Secret and I like her vocals and the hook and all, but the song

    is just so boring and repetitive. There needs to be a big break from the

    vocals, and I wish all the twangy retro guitars were pumped up because you

    can't really hear them that well. I was disappointed to note that Secret

    isn't even a Babyface contribution, so that means there's going to be some

    more forced R&B on the way.

    ---

    Date: Tue, 27 Sep 1994 22:47:38 -0400 (EDT)

    From: Ed Sadtler <ehs12 (at) columbia.edu>

    Subject: I'll Remember Departs

    In the wake of excitement over "Secret," "I'll Remember" makes a

    dramatic drop off the Hot 100 chart this week from its postion in the top

    60 last week. Given the termination of "I'll Remember's" chart life, it

    is a good opportunity to celebrate its success after critics said Madonna

    would never have another hit:

    "I'll Remember" charted on the Top 40 for 24 weeks, her longest running

    Top 40 hit. IR also charted on the Hot 100 26 weeks, her second longest

    stay on the Hot 100 ("Borderline" is the leader with 30 weeks).

    "I'll Remember" remained in the #2 spot on the Hot 100 for longer than

    any other single she has released, a solid four weeks. It also hit #2 on

    the Single Sales, Airplay Monitor, and Top 40/Mainstream charts.

    "I'll Remember" became Madonna's longest running #1 single on the Adult

    Contemporary chart, remaining at #1 for four weeks.

    "I'll Remember" earned a gold certification for sales over 500,000.

    Though it did not reach #1, "I'll Remember" is probably among Madonna's

    ten biggest hits in terms of overall chart performance.

    In closing, I will quote my favorite line from the song because of its

    personal significance to me:

    "Say goodbye to not knowing when the truth in my whole life began..."

    ---

    Date: Tue, 27 Sep 1994 23:45:56 -0500 (CDT)

    From: BWG001 (at) ACAD.DRAKE.EDU

    Subject: I'll Remember Dropping Off the Charts

    I Believe that Billboard has some new rule they've implemented that makes any

    single that's been on the chart for over 20 weeks and that then falls below

    number 50 ineligible for the Top 100 chart and eligible for the recurrent chart.

    I've noticed this seems to have been done to kep songs like whoomp! there it is

    from staying in the lower reaches of the chart for countless weeks, thus keepingnew music off the chart.

    It's too bad Maddy's song had to be dropped but if it's because of a rule then

    the song still remains popular. Hopefully, it'll show up on the recurrent

    chart before long and hit number one on it.

    ---

    Date: Wed, 28 Sep 1994 19:08:16 +0100

    From: TENGKU AZAR ISMAIL <tai2 (at) aber.ac.uk>

    Subject: LOOKS

    > personally think that madonna is starting to look her age if not older.

    > maybe it is the way she wears her make-up and hair now, but does anyone else

    > think this way too. do not get me wrong she is beautiful but starting to

    > get up there.

    I agree with you there.

    However, I don't think it'll make a slight difference to me. But I have the

    feeling that I might be in the minority here. I mean, people

    like Billy Joel, Jack NIcholson, Eric Clapton etc. can look like how they look

    right now and nobody really criticise them ; But when Kathleen Turner started

    to look a little fat, it's all over the papers. What I'm trying to say is,

    unfortunately, we are still living in a sexist world.

    There are soo much pressure on the woman to look good all the time - no matter

    how old they are. I just hope that Madonna won't be another Cher or Elizabeth

    Taylor who are trying their everything to look young - and to my eyes at least,

    end up looking weird.

    By the way, the cover of the single is one of the pictures featured in THE FACE.

    ---

    Date: Tue, 27 Sep 94 19:15 EST

    From: Adam Perkins <0006921880 (at) mcimail.com>

    Subject: Secret

    Finally hearing Secret in it's entirety, the American disc, I have these

    thoughts to offer:

    1) This song just makes me wanna up and dance! It has the ethereal qualities

    of some of the LAP songs, but the sexual inuendo of JML and Erotica. She

    has reached a new pinacle, and it's name is Secret!

    2) The only thing that detracts from the song is that ill-placed

    acoustic work at the begining. Tat's easy enough to cut-out...

    3) Someone mentioned that they didn't know what the "secret" was. While I

    abuse, most likely child or spouse, but parts of the song, for lack of

    a better phrase, seem a little two upbeat.

    4) I really like the ending, that funk-groove beat. I love this!

    ---

    Date: Wed, 28 Sep 1994 17:26:07 -0500 (CDT)

    From: royster fredrick don <royster (at) ux5.cso.uiuc.edu>

    Subject: Re: Secret

    Hi everyone

    A major reason I like secret is because of the guitars. I like the

    acoustic thing in the beginning. A Madonna Unplugged would be very cool.

    She could focus on singing and the acoustic music would be a nice

    breather from all the synthesized stuff.

    ---

    Date: Tue, 27 Sep 1994 23:11:47 -0400 (EDT)

    From: Glassman <glassman (at) DGS.dgsys.com>

    Subject: Secret/Let Down Your Guard

    First - my comments on Secret: I LOVE IT! I can't believe she is working

    with Dallas Austin of all people! What a wonderful combination! I hope

    her whole album is in the same R&B style...I suppose the fact that she

    did some tracks with Babyface is a good indication of this. The song is

    just terrific. Does anyone know anything about a video?

    And as for Let Down Your Guard in the USA: my guess is that this will be

    on the maxi-single whenever it is released. At least I hope so =(

    ---

    Date: Tue, 27 Sep 1994 20:43:23 -0700 (PDT)

    From: Peter Chang <ptahcha (at) uclink2.berkeley.edu>

    Subject: Secrets!

    Finally heard it.... and it's REALLY COOL! The demand for the single

    here in Berkeley was so high that the CD single have to be obtained from

    the counter rather than in the CD single section. Can't wait until the

    release of the Maxi-single!!

    ---

    Date: Wed, 28 Sep 94 16:38:34 EDT

    From: August A Galifi <s0185304 (at) hawkmail.monmouth.edu>

    Subject: Secret Video Premier

    Well guys this is it:

    I got this information from MTV OnLine on America OnLine.

    Secret Premieres:

    Tuesday, October 4

    Times: 6:00 am

    8:00 am

    9:00 am

    11:00 am

    1:00 pm

    3:00 pm

    6:00 pm

    9:00 pm

    Pretty cool eh? Enjoy it guys.

    ---

    Date: Wed, 28 Sep 1994 15:12:46 -0700 (PDT)

    From: ma299aq (at) sdcc14.UCSD.EDU (Archie Medrano)

    Subject: Re: Secret Video Premier

    > I got this information from MTV OnLine on America OnLine.

    > Secret Premieres:

    > Tuesday, October 4

    > Love you all- Augie

    Cool Augie!!! Thank you very much!!!

    BTW, I saw the video for Janet's "You Want This" today and it

    SUCKS!!!

    Gloria Estefan's new video "Turn the Beat Around" was AWESOME!!! :rotfl:

    ---

    Date: Wed, 28 Sep 1994 10:25:40 -0700 (PDT)

    From: Gary Corduan <gcord (at) netcom.com>

    Subject: The Single/Querulous Enthusiasm

    So -- we bought it, we heard it (royal "we") -- sounds to me like she

    had a good night with a pre-op transsexual (it's about time -- if she

    hasn't, it's past due), or maybe a certifiable hermaphrodite, or maybe

    even Eva Robins (an obscure reference, but someone out there will know) --

    (in fact, Eva Robins deserves to be in a Madonna video, the kind that MTV

    won't air, the kind that Nightline wouldn't touch even in the public

    interest, and that can be sold only to those of a certain age (so why weren't

    the Erotica videos packaged and sold? -- why let MTV limit you or hold

    your productions hostage?))

    That aside, there's also the CD sleeve (kind of hard to get past it,

    actually) -- I didn't see that recent awards ceremony, so I don't know if

    this is the same look that was on display there, but if it is, the remarks

    about the makeup begin to make sense -- it looks like Billy Wilder's

    Sunset Boulevard by way of the Rue Pigalle -- "From thirty feet away she

    looked like a lot of class. From ten feet away she looked like something

    made up to be seen from thirty feet away." (Raymond Chandler, The High

    Window, Chapter Five) -- doubtless she's making a Statement -- I hope

    it's a short one

    (you know, they had their choice of shots on this -- the one they ran with

    makes her look as though someone punched her in the left eye)

    ---

    Date: Thu, 29 Sep 1994 11:36:40 -0500 (CDT)

    From: Mark Byrne <mbyrne (at) creighton.edu>

    Subject: Acousitc N Things....

    Hello. I would like to add my two cents worth about the topic of

    acoustic guitars and does it complement Mads' voice.

    Personally, I beleive Madonna is more of a piano chantuese. However, I

    would like to hear an acoustic guitar version of Live to Tell w/ her

    angelic voice and D and N doing back up.

    Some singers, like Marie Fredrickson of Roxette, can sing well to both

    acoustic guitars and to a piano. Frankly, Mads should stick with the ol'

    88 keys.

    ---

    Date: Thu, 29 Sep 1994 00:23:21 -0400 (EDT)

    From: Joseph L Nunez <jn33+ (at) andrew.cmu.edu>

    Subject: First Releases...

    I have noted some concern about "Secret"'s upcoming chart success and

    would like to compare its release, being the 1st off a new album, to

    others.

    -"Everybody", the 1st off MADONNA did not hit BBoard's #1 because it was

    her very first single, that's understood.

    -"Like A Virgin", the 1st off of LAV was a COMPLETE success!

    -"Live To Tell", off of TRUE BLUE, it was a new direction for Madonna,

    but was successful as well!

    -"Who's That Girl", another success story and no#1!

    -"Like A Prayer", different and slow I thought, but went straight 2 #1!!

    -"Vogue", such a great dance track off the bat, it was destined to take

    to the top!!

    -"Justify My Love", the most sexual M song up to that date, it was new

    and unusual too and went to #1 (w/ the help of a controversial video)!

    -"Erotica", the 1st since "Everybody" not 2 go #1, at about this time,

    the general public was tired of her Sex Fascination along w/ the tie in

    to the book.

    -"Secret", no sexual innuendo's and very different like "Like A Prayer",

    if the video is a bit of an eye opener w/o lots of "Erotica"-like sex

    going on, then I'm sure it will be successful. Even Madonna-dislikers

    like it!! What is everyone else's bet??

    ---

    Date: Wed, 28 Sep 94 19:29:22 EDT

    From: Anestler (at) aol.com

    Subject: house mix

    A fellow Madonnaholic friend of mine told me that Junior Vasquez is playing

    his club remixes of Secret at Sound Factory in NYC. So if you're in the area

    it might be worth the $20 to get in (although he's on from like 4am to noon

    on Saturdays, so going early on Sunday morning might be wise).

    ---

    Date: Thu, 29 Sep 1994 17:25:28 -0500 (CDT)

    From: BWG001 (at) ACAD.DRAKE.EDU

    Subject: mtv news

    Hi Everybody,

    There was a short segment on Madonna today on MTV news. They gave the release

    date for the new album, said when the video would be debuting, and then played

    a short preview of it. I think it's the part that was already released on

    america on-line and compuserve because it sounded very similar. It looked to

    be pretty cool though.

    Then, they talked about M's brother Martin, who is currently in jail awaiting

    a drunk driving trial. Apparently, his bail is $2500 but he hasn't been able

    to raise it (this is rather funny considering how much money M has) but

    according to Martin's lawyer, Madonna feels that Martin is much safer in jail

    so that is the reason she hasn't given him the money.

    Personally, I found Martin to be pretty pathetic, especially when he came to

    visit M in Truth or Dare and her door had a door not disturb sign...one of my

    favorite parts!

    ---

    Date: Thu, 29 Sep 1994 18:00:43 -0500 (CDT)

    From: royster fredrick don <royster (at) ux5.cso.uiuc.edu>

    Subject: Re: RAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAIN

    Hi all

    Just saw the Secret promo here in the U.S. on MTV. It's black and white.

    I couldn't get a good look, but I saw her singing in a club and a lot of

    muscular black dudes.

    Also, did you hear, her brother got arrested on drunk driving charges,

    and she won;t bail him out.

    ---

    Date: Wed, 28 Sep 1994 19:21:14 -0400 (EDT)

    From: JOECICALESE (at) delphi.com

    Subject: Secret

    I heard "Secret" on the radio quite a few times yesterday. The song rocks.

    Madonna's voice sounds great, and the R&B really rocks. The guitar in the

    beginning is a bit of a surprise. I can't wait for the "Secret" video to

    be premiered on MTV (anyone know when the video is expected to premier on

    MTV?).

    I also got the Madonna album cover and it's great! It's a beautiful pic of

    Madonna laying on a sofa. You can get it off the Madonna WWW Homepage URL

    http://www.mit.edu:8001/people/jwb/Madonna.html.

    ---

    Date: Thu, 29 Sep 1994 17:02:57 +0800 (SST)

    From: LEONG YUN LETT <isc30352 (at) leonis.nus.sg>

    Subject: Re: Secret

    On Wed, 28 Sep 1994, royster fredrick don wrote:

    A Madonna Unplugged would be very cool.

    > She could focus on singing and the acoustic music would be a nice

    > breather from all the synthesized stuff.

    > Fred

    >

    Yes, yes, YES !!!!! I would very very much like to hear her sing

    unplugged versions of her songs. Her "Rain" performance in Girlie Show

    was simply fantastic. SHe should do an unplugged for it. Other

    potentially good Madonna unplugs include Like A Prayer (acapella would be

    fantastic, with Nikki n Donna), Live To Tell, Crazy For You, Bad Girl,

    Cherish....... phew, a lot more !

    *Sigh*.....if Maddie could see this, she just might take on this

    suggestion(challenge).

    ---

    Date: Thu, 29 Sep 1994 15:22:10 -0700 (PDT)

    From: Gary Corduan <gcord (at) netcom.com>

    Subject: Secret/On Looking Old

    Age is a fairly flexible thing in the photographer's studio, and Madonna's

    motives are seldom simple -- "I'm used, I'm old, fuck me": such seems to

    be the message of the Secret sleeve -- perhaps one day she'll look like

    this, perhaps one day she'll be unable to convey any message other than

    this, perhaps she's afraid of that, perhaps she's intrigued by it, perhaps

    it's an image her fans and/or the public at large both fear and desire,

    perhaps it's all of the above, so why not experiment with people's

    tolerance and her own feelings about herself and go with the photograph

    that arrived in stores this week -- one suspects she's auditioning a

    potential future version of herself to herself while provoking both the

    loyal and the fickle at the same time

    ---

    Date: Thu, 29 Sep 1994 14:16:49 -0500 (CDT)

    From: royster fredrick don <royster (at) ux5.cso.uiuc.edu>

    Subject: Secret?risk taking

    hi all

    I think M is at her best when she decides to takes musical risks on her

    albums, so I can't wait to hear Bedtimes Stories since she's working with

    Dallas Austin,Babyface, Nellee Hooper and Bjork. All these people should

    take Madonna in a new and diffrent direction.(cant wait to hear the

    Babyface stuff!!)

    As for Secrets chart sucess, I'm sure it will do well, at least the top

    5. its's a helluvea a lot better than Erotica. i'm sorry peopel Erotica

    was a realllly bad song. If that can go to number one, anything can(what

    was that my name is dita crap?) Erotica was a boaring album for me. Bad

    Girl, bye Bye Baby, and Deeper and Deeper were the only songs i reallly

    like. the other songs were much to mecanical, much to much sequencer

    stuff,too much SHEP PETTIBONE!!!! That spoken word stuff has to go. The

    Girlie Show was also dissaponting,She didn't even perform Bad Girl, Like

    A Prayer, or Express Yourself.

    i think the songs she really shines aon are risk takers like Material

    Girl, Live to Tell, Dear Jessie, Love Song, and Bye Bye Baby. All these

    songs went ouside the normal dance pop mode and were all great.

    As for the acoustic thing, I love it. I hope tons of guitar and piano are

    on this album. Secrets great!!!!

    ---

    Date: Wed, 28 Sep 1994 16:55:21 -0600 (MDT)

    From: WYATT GLEN ERIN <wyatt (at) ucsu.Colorado.EDU>

    Subject: Secret in Colorado

    I bought it yesterday and I really like it. I have a feeling

    that with further listening I will love it. It is really cool-pretty

    simple--and a change of pace. I really hope it goes #1. A new album can

    be very dependent on it's first release. That is why I am nervous. I

    love the song, but will others? I live in Boulder, CO and our Denver

    stations have had it in heavy rotation for a few days. I heard it 4

    times in a period of 3 hours. Thats pretty awesome. I also heard a new

    quote that is supposedly from some British interview in the last few

    days. It went something like this....."Just because I have showed myself

    naked to the world does not mean that I have exposed my entire soul." I

    heard that this interview was very revealing..... Why so long to play

    the new video?????That sucks!!!

    Rarely yours from Co----GWyatt

    ---

    Date: Wed, 28 Sep 1994 22:09:41 -0400 (EDT)

    From: Ben Sagel <bsagel (at) emoryu1.cc.emory.edu>

    Subject: Stuff

    1st, I think Secret is pretty cool, but the end is repititious and the

    "Somethin's comin' over . . . " part gets really good--at the very end.

    Also, people on Usenet were reporting having seen a brief clip of the

    video on MTV EUrope of her in a low cut dress and a push-up bra, and

    she's in front of an audience ot something. Has anyone seen anything

    like this yet?

    BYE BYE!

    ---

    Date: Thu, 29 Sep 1994 12:54:59 +0100

    From: TENGKU AZAR ISMAIL <tai2 (at) aber.ac.uk>

    Subject: WORLD PREMIERE ..TONIGHT!

    Yes TONIGHT!!!!! In the programme MOST WANTED on MTV EUROPE, which starts

    at 9.00 pm CET - there'll be the WORLD PREMIERE of ....

    S e c r e t

    This is TRUE. I saw the announcement about it this morning. So, you guys in

    Europe, better be in front of the box tonight!!!

    T.

    p/s; they showed some 15 seconds of the clip - and it's black & white - but

    didn't see a glimpse of her within that 15 seconds! :)

    ---

    Date: Thu, 29 Sep 94 13:15:55 EDT

    From: August A Galifi <s0185304 (at) hawkmail.monmouth.edu>

    Subject: Z100 Radio NEW YORK

    Hey guys-

    About 15 minutes ago Z100 played Secret. Afterwards the DJ said that they

    have been bombarded on their email line with request for this song from all

    over the country from Madonna fans. He also said that the Madonna fans

    obviously know that Z100 is one of the key stations that can make or break a

    song. Keep on doing it guys.

    You guys have been doing well in requesting this song. keep it up. Z100

    is a major station in new York city so keep on requesting this song.

    Their email is: Z100Radio (at) aol.com

    ---

    Date: Thu, 29 Sep 1994 09:46:06 -0400 (EDT)

    From: Brian D Daher <bdaher (at) magnus.acs.ohio-state.edu>

    Subject: Z100 Requests are *really* honored!!

    Here's the reply I got from Z100 asking them to play Secret ten times back to

    back.

    Finally, a radio station that listens to its listeners!!! Wish I lived in New

    York!!!

    Brian

    Quoted from a message sent by Z100Radio (at) aol.com:

    :From Z100Radio (at) aol.com Wed Sep 28 23:11:15 1994

    :X-Mailer: America Online Mailer

    :To: bdaher (at) magnus.acs.ohio-state.edu

    :Date: Wed, 28 Sep 94 23:10:16 EDT

    :Subject: Re: Request

    :

    :thanks for the request, madonna's secrets will be played for u..

    :

    :thanks

    :

    :jen/z100mailroom

    ---

    Date: Wed, 28 Sep 1994 22:31:13 -0400 (EDT)

    From: Ed Sadtler <ehs12 (at) columbia.edu>

    Subject: SECRET CHART POTENTIAL

    Before I speak about "Secret's chart potential, I have to say I disagree

    with those of you who don't like the acoustic guitar introduction of

    "Secret." I think it is a refreshing change from synthesizers and sets the

    tone for a very jazzy song. On the instrumental version you can really

    appreciate the guitar and string flourishes that build towards the end.

    Given its tremendous potential for crossover success -- Top 40, R&B,

    Adult Contemporary, Dance -- I think "Secret" should be a big success and

    is an excellent first release. Following Janet Jackson's approach on her

    last album by initially releasing a mid-tempo song was smart. The

    freshness of its sound also provides Madonna with the purificating

    reincarnation she needed to gain back fans that were not dazzled by the

    Dita image (sorry souls).

    So far, we can be certain that Boyz II Men will try to hold fast to their

    domination of the top for who knows how long...they stopped "Erotica" from

    reaching the Top 2 and could easily do it again. Hopefully people will

    realize that they are the tired act that they are in time.

    "Endless Love," by Luther Vandross and Mariah Carey is also a strong

    competitor. I never like to see fresh songs take a back seat to remakes,

    but in this case it may happen. Mariah is a little on the down-swing

    though. Her last single did not even make the Top 10.

    Janet Jackson's latest, "You Want This," is also in the running. I don't

    think it is much of a threat to "Secret" for three reasons: (1) It is the

    sixth release off janet. and six seems to be pushing her luck (although

    her sixth release on Rhythm Nation, "Love Will Never Do..." did hit #1);

    (2) I think her sex appeal was a bit exhausted with her last release,

    "Anytime Anyplace;" and (3) The track is not new to the airwaves. It

    there is an amazing radio remix, there is nothing fresh to offer to radio

    programmers.

    I will have to look more closely at the chart for other competitors.

    What does everyone else thing? Let's hope for an amazing debut next

    week! My prediction is #12.

    ---

    Date: Thu, 29 Sep 94 11:53 EST

    From: Adam Perkins <0006921880 (at) mcimail.com>

    Subject: Secret Video

    Hey, all. Just saw the "Secret" video promo. It looks great! Mads is looking

    much like her former self, looking like "The Queen in a Green Dress" from Ex-

    press Yourself. The voice is such a tease! Tuesday morning, 6am!!!

    Oh, BTW, wish me luck: I'm in a murder-mystery dinner theater production ton-

    ight. I'm (insert phony India accent) Crocdile Ghandi, native bearer...oh mon

    dieu!

    ---

    Date: Sat, 1 Oct 1994 16:28:50 -0500 (CDT)

    From: Bashar Barazi <ubbarazi (at) uxa.ecn.bgu.edu>

    Subject: Secret/Radio

    Hi you guys..

    Here is an update on radio stations palying (or not for that

    matter) Madonna's Secret:

    The only station that has it on its play list is Mix 101.9 FM. They

    actually premierd the song on Wedensday Sept 28th, but with no special

    announcment. The DJ just said that they are playing brand new songs, and

    Secret just happened to be one of them.. I also observed that they are

    playing a lot of her stuff (e.g. Express Yourself, Vogue, I'll Remember,

    Open Your Heart..), maybe in an attempt to draw attention to Madonna and

    thus the new song...

    Anyhow, it was nice to hear the song, again and again, and......

    -Can't wait till they start playing it at clubs!-

    ---

    Date: Sun, 2 Oct 1994 15:24:49 -0700 (PDT)

    From: Christopher Michael Clark <cmclark (at) leland.Stanford.EDU>

    Subject: "Secret" meaning (?)

    I was just listening to "Secret" today, and I was thinking about what the

    lyrics might mean. Someone said that Madonna said that only a woman

    could understand the lyrics, and another person talked about

    masturbation. I think perhaps the song is about a woman discovering that

    her boyfriend/lover masturbates ("my baby's got a secret"), and then

    learning the pleasure that she can give herself through masturbation

    ("happiness lies in your own hand"). The song seems to be about getting

    in touch with your own sexuality through masturbation, which then enables

    you to be a better lover ("I was never loving anyone until I learned to

    love myself"). Does this storyline seem probable to anyone? Or is it

    just so obvious that no one's bothered mentioning it, making me look like

    a big idiot for "discovering" it?

    ---

    Date: Mon, 3 Oct 94 01:35:00 UTC

    From: r.juzwiak (at) genie.geis.com

    Subject: "Secret" ta-DOW!

    Big babies-

    On 10/8's Billboard chart, Madonna's new single "Secret" debuts at #30! Yea!

    I know some of y'all wanted a Top 15 debut, but really, it's not too easy

    for a song to debut in the Top 15 anymore, being that if the song has enough

    airplay points, and the single will be released the Tuesday prior to the

    chart, it's elligible for the chart. Expect a BIG jump next week, possibly

    Top 5. "Secret" is going to #1, being that all the competition is easing up

    ("Endless Love" actually FELL a spot, although it still does have it's

    bullet).

    ---

    Date: Sun, 02 Oct 94 13:43:58 EDT

    From: Anestler (at) aol.com

    Subject: 1st promo CD5

    The Secret promo CD5 PRO-CD-7199 plays the "edit" and album versions, yet

    once again it's not an edit, but is a fade, beginning around 4:05 and ending

    around 4:30. The disc has the Maverick logo on it, and the case has a white

    disc-sized sticker w/ "Secret" and "madonnasecret" written on it in pink and

    blue letters. There will certainly be other promos with remixes.

    I really like Let Down Your Guard. It doesn't really sound like her

    singing after a while. Actually the song's sufficiently cheesy that it could

    pass for Janet Jackson.

    ---

    Date: Mon, 03 Oct 1994 10:21:20 +0100

    From: TENGKU AZAR ISMAIL <tai2 (at) aber.ac.uk>

    Subject: OFFICIAL UK TOP 40

    S E C R E T

    IS the highest new entry in the Official UK Top 40 countdown this week. After

    a week of release, the single debuts at NO. 5.

    Next week? Hmm.. i would expect it to go little higher but No. 1 ? - not sure!

    T.

    p/s; I'll remember, Rain, fever were all the highest new entry in their

    respective chart debut weeks... not sure about the others....and they

    STILL say that Madonna is losing it.... I think it's amazing how badly

    people want her to fail... sad, really. But of course, she ain't going

    nowhere!!!

    ---

    Date: Sun, 2 Oct 1994 20:08:12 -0400 (EDT)

    From: Ed Sadtler <ehs12 (at) columbia.edu>

    Subject: SECRET MEANING

    I feel very strongly that it has nothing to do with masturbation or simply

    gaining sexual pleasure. Unless Madonna has lost her talent for righting

    songs, I don't think she would ever mix the sunlit vocals and R&B

    accompaniment of this song with a theme relating strictly to masturbation

    or sexual fulfullment, but a much broader sense of spiritual fulfullment.

    I think the "Secret" Madonna is thinking about is closer to her sentiment

    in "I'll Remember." I think her baby's secret is the knowing the way to

    understand her heart ("You understood what I never wanted to say"), but

    more importantly giving her the right kind of love such that she can

    put fate in her own hands ("Happiness lies in your hands"). She speaks

    of a lover, or perhaps a personified spirit, that turns everything around

    and helps her find joy in life ("Things haven't been the same since you

    came into my life"). Sex is part of this, but not everything.

    The themes that Madonna is singing about in "Secret" is similar that in

    "I'll Remember" because its one that has taught her to love her self and

    have control of her own life. Think about "happiness lies in your own

    hands" and "until I learned to love my self I was never never loving

    anyone else" in light of "I'll Remember the way that you changed me now

    that I am standing on my own" and "outside I learned to teach my heart to

    sing." both "Secret" and "I'll Remember" have themes of the importance of

    lovings oneself in order to love others and to grasp hold of "happiness"

    ("happiness lies in your hands" from "Secret") or similarly truth in life

    ("Say goodbye to not knowing when the truth in my whole life began" from

    "I'll Remember").

    Just my theory about "Secret." Anyone agree or disagree?

    ---

    Date: Mon, 03 Oct 1994 00:16:01 -0500 (CDT)

    From: BWG001 (at) ACAD.DRAKE.EDU

    Subject: Stop Requesting Secret!!!

    id <01HHTHTKDHKG0027G1 (at) ACAD.DRAKE.EDU>; Sun, 2 Oct 1994 23:40:02 CDT

    3 Oct 1994 00:39:59 -0400

    Date: Mon, 03 Oct 1994 00:39:52 -0400 (EDT)

    From: Z100Radio (at) aol.com

    Subject: Re: secret!

    To: BWG001 (at) ACAD.DRAKE.EDU

    WARNING TO MADONNA usenet FANS: we will consider pulling the song off the

    playlist if you continue to abuse our email.

    :rotfl:

    ---

    Date: Mon, 3 Oct 1994 14:14:51 -0400 (EDT)

    From: Ed Sadtler <ehs12 (at) columbia.edu>

    Subject: Z100 Requests/Charts

    Given their threats, I would recommend laying off on the Z100 requests.

    I don't think that they will really take "Secret" off the play list but I

    do think we have given them the point that we would like to hear it and

    they have gotten the point. As many of you may have noticed, it has

    become quite an issue.

    Tomorrow, I will resume my weekly Billboard chart analyses like I did last

    Spring with "I'll Remember" since every seemed to appreciate them.

    Suffice it to say that the record industry and Billboard magazine are

    hobbies of mind and I enjoy charting the progress of a Madonna single.

    Thanks to whoever discovered "Secret's" debut position (I am a little

    dissapointed though).

    ______________________

    Edward Sadtler

    ehs12 (at) columbia.edu

    Columbia University

    New York, NY

    ______________________

    ------------------------------

    Date: (null)

    From: (null)

    [mention is made in passing of the Wall Street Journal article of a few

    months back: `If Madonna Bombs, Warner's Got Worries' -- to resume:]

    "Sales of Madonna's albums have been on a gently declining path; whereas

    her second album Like a Virgin (released in November '84) sold seven

    million worldwide, each of her last five albums have sold less than the

    one before. Industry rumours have it that Warner Records will only press

    three million copies of her new album, due out in the autumn."

    MORE TO COME!

  3. To set the mood for those who missed it the first time around (or for those who want to relive it) here are submissions to a Madonna mailing list from September of 1994... I love scanning through these!

    BEDROOM STORIES featuring SECRETS. :rotfl:

    PART ONE

    Date: Thu, 1 Sep 1994 12:36:55 -0600

    From: dmh2 (at) cornell.edu (David M. Herring)

    Subject: Re: Madonna's New Album

    On September 1st, Mr Galifi, of Monmouth College, wrote that "Madonna's new

    album could be coming out in October" according to Billboard Magazine. My

    inside sources cite late October or early November as a possible release

    date. They were unsure though. Apparently because of the crew that she's

    working with, there are some time delays. Mr Galifif also feels that the

    album is certainly "going to be R&B influenced..." This is apparently

    true as I have some friends at Maverick who have attested to this. They

    say (off the record of course) that it's "good R&B stuff...if you like

    Erotica, you shouldn't go out and buy this one however." I haven't even

    heard the name of the album yet though. My friends in the biz won't tell

    me! Anyone else know??

    ----

    Date: Tue, 6 Sep 94 12:18:15 EDT

    From: Supercat <rtj (at) pegasus.rutgers.edu>

    Subject: Comments...

    Hey, Hey, Hey...

    Yes, the new album will be call "Bedroom Stories" plus it well be pop/R&B

    influence and it's songs has to do with romance (whatever that means to

    Madonna). By the way folks, Babyface was one of the produce I always wanted m

    to work with so this album is like a dream come true

    ---

    Date: Tue, 06 Sep 1994 18:46:07 -0500 (CDT)

    From: ST3HD (at) Jetson.UH.EDU

    Subject: new album inf

    Whoops--that's "info". Anyway, all you guys and gals who are posting info

    about the new album--where are you getting all the information? I read the

    paper daily and stuff, though I don't read all the mags and stuff. I don't

    watch TV, either, I confess, but what should I be reading and keeping up

    with? Please help! Thanks a ton.

    Adarsh

    ---

    Date: Wed, 07 Sep 1994 00:16:05 -0500 (CDT)

    From: BWG001 (at) ACAD.DRAKE.EDU

    Subject: more info about bedtime stories

    Hi,

    I heard some more info about M's new album today on MTV including:

    1. There is a track written by Bjork.

    2. Producers of the album include Dallas Austin, Nellie Hooper? from Soul II

    Soul and as we all know, Babyface.

    3. The album was described as romantic pop with an R & B edge.

    Also, I've caught Madonna many times on mTV in the last few days, mainly because

    of her many mtv video music awards performances. I caught her 1984 performance

    of l.a.v. and vogue today alone...and I didn't even have the tv on very much.

    Let's hope this means ample play time for her new music this fall. Also,

    wouldn't it be incredible if M showwed up unannounced to the awards and

    performed her new song, blowing the roof off of the entire place. Just a dream of

    mine but it would be very cool!

    Later,

    B.G.

    ---

    Date: Wed, 7 Sep 94 15:35:46 EDT

    From: Supercat <rtj (at) pegasus.rutgers.edu>

    Hey all!

    1- I hope to God that Shep Pettibone has nothing to do with Madonna's

    upcoming album. Why? Well, because I'm bored with is producing ability!

    The guy just don't know how to come up with new stuff since that good

    song "This Use To Be My Playground". If Madonna wants to go R&B (which is a

    good move since R&B dominates the charts nowadays), Babyface is the produce

    to help her with that. The guy is magnificent. Just look at his recent

    works. He produce the #1 song (I'll Make Love To You, which always put me in

    the mood) on the singles chart plus he have a song on the same chart that he

    produce and sings at #7!

    2-Words of advice, enough with her Letterman appearances already!! There are

    more important stuff to talk about now, such as her upcoming book, album and

    single, so cut the Letterman crap, damn it!!

    3- I agree with the person who said M should have issued a remix of

    "Thief Of Herats". It would have been a #1 smash for sure! Someone

    really fuck up here!

    4- From what I can figure, M's new album is call "Bedtime Stories" (to be issue

    in Late October) and the first single off the album is call "Secrets" (which

    will be release in late September).

    Brian / Supercat

    ---

    Date: Thu, 8 Sep 94 23:21:03 EST

    From: ThomasInskeep%0%MC (at) athena.manchester.edu

    Subject: "and they said..."

    Figured I might as well throw my hat in the ring which I'm only assuming

    everyone else's is already in. I always watch the MTV VMAs (it's a thing with

    me), & boy-was-I-thrilled-&-surprised when the announcer at the beginning

    said "Madonna" amongst "appearing." She looked pretty good -- workin' that

    '20s flapper thang, I thought. But honey, let's tawk about that 'do! Anyway,

    bringing her out with Letterman was a stroke of sheer genius, not to mention

    only natural in hindsight (I mean, they *were* in NYC). Even her repartee

    with Aerosmith, who I found extremely vulgar and lewd this evening, was (of

    course) witty & very on-the-ball. Overall, I was pretty disappointed by the

    VMAs (no wins for Me'shell or Bjork, too much old white rawk -- but Roseanne

    was great), but I'm certainly glad I stayed up for all of 'em. And I'm also

    rather glad I have M's appearance on tape. Woo woo!

    p.s. During the "Opening Act," Tabitha Soren asked Bjork what the deal was

    with her having a song on _Bedtime Stories_ (which Tab didn't name, 'cept as

    the new M record). Accordingly to Bjork, Madonna asked "a friend" of Bjork to

    write a song for the album, and he asked Bjork to help him. She said, "no

    offense" to M, that she did it basically as a favor for her "friend." Any

    ideas as to this "friend"'s identity, anyone? And either way, I'm sure the

    song will be great; Bjork's just brilliant.

    ---

    Date: Fri, 9 Sep 94 11:26:29 -0400

    From: labcc3 (at) emoryu1.cc.emory.edu (Christopher M. Clark)

    Subject: Re: "and they said..."

    I think Bjork's "friend" has to be Nellee Hooper. That will be so bizarre

    hearing a song she wrote sung by Madonna, and even more bizarre if Madonna

    did Bjork-style vocals (I somehow doubt it).

    And wasn't that the coolest in the post-awards show? Finally, some straight-

    from-the-diva's-mouth information on the new album (Bedtime Stories) and

    single/video (Secrets)! I knew it would pay off to stay tuned in...

    ---

    Date: Fri, 09 Sep 1994 08:48:56 -0400 (EDT)

    From: MCDERMO1 (at) MUVMS6.MU.WVNET.EDU

    Subject: And they said, Pt. II

    Wasn't she fantastic? That 20's look just made her so glamorous....

    (And as for that person screaming "I love you!" to her....if she had said

    "te amo" to me, I would've passed out...!)

    Did you hear that crowd screaming for her???They had to artifically mute it

    to let you hear her when she first starts speaking.

    The Letterman thing was great. You know he'll be talking about this for months.

    An editor of the Village Voice on World News Now said later that he thinks this

    put Madonna back on "top" again and it was the appearance that she was needing

    to "salvage" her image....shit, we know she never went anywhere! And now the

    media are trying to save face! How funny!

    SHE'S DONE IT ***AGAIN****!

    ---

    Date: 9 Sep 1994 15:55:41 U

    From: Jeff Jackson <jjackson (at) it.berklee.edu>

    Subject: Re: Babyface

    >Believe me, if Babyface was one of the producers of

    >Erotica (the album), it would never have lack the erotic tone it was

    >meant to have plus the groove would have been 100% better, if not more....

    You have got to be kidding me. Erotica lacking in Erotic tone? I think we

    have very different views on what is erotic. I find nothing Babyface has done

    to be nearly as erotic, or as funky as this album. You're right about his

    stuff being romantic, but personally I hate that shit. To me, it's dime a

    dozen, watered down R&B schlock. And I don't think that because a song is a

    mega-hit, (ie. End of the Road/Breathe Again) that it is also a respectable

    work of art. I respect Erotica as a work of art.

    I also hope you'll notice that I present these views as personal opinion, not

    as statements (as in your post - "This guy is by far one of the best (if not

    the best) producers around of romantic R&B/pop songs and yes he is more

    talented than Shep Pettibone could ever be.") When people make blanket

    statements like this, I find it difficult to keep cool as you suggest.

    Aren't there any other M fans out there that are dreading this collaboration?

    Where are all the Erotica fans?

    ---

    Date: Fri, 09 Sep 94 10:45:59 EDT

    From: Anestler (at) aol.com

    Subject: I'll Remember

    I'll Remember falls from #31 to #39 in its 24th week in the Billboard Top 40.

    I think Vogue spent 24 or 26 weeks total in the Top 100.

    I think Madonna's hair and dress on the MTV show were fine, but her makeup

    was a disaster. Her video had better return her to glamo(u)r right away or

    she's destined to be a laughing stock for another year or so. I liked the

    MTV Cabbie promo about Madonna.

    ---

    Date: Fri, 09 Sep 94 16:03:54 EDT

    From: Wish15 (at) aol.com

    Subject: lots of things..

    I saw the VMA's last night and was very pleased with madonna's performance. i

    thought it was hilarious. anyway, "secret" is due september 19th and the

    "Girlie Book" has already come out in several major cities from what i'm

    hearing.....

    ---

    Date: Fri, 9 Sep 1994 12:50:17 -0400 (EDT)

    From: RHA_ST703648 (at) HARDY.EMICH.EDU

    Subject: The MTV VMAs

    Well, it's the talk of today, so here's my input.

    The VMAs totally sucked! The only highlights were: 1. Michael & Lisa (I

    thought that was cool) 2. Roseanne (She rocked) 3. Roseanne vs Kennedy (I

    hate that Kennedy bitch, it's about time someone said something to her) 4.

    Of course Madonna (I thought she looked great! And Being with Letterman

    was awesome, see no hard feelings) But overall, the show gets a D. Im

    sure I'll get responses, but remember; it's only an opinion!!!!!!!!!! And

    yes, everyone has one, and deserves to let it out!!!

    ---

    PS-For those of you who didn't see the post-awards show, "Secrets" is being

    filmed AWS. (As We Speak)

    ---

    Date: Fri, 09 Sep 1994 00:47:13 -0500 (CDT)

    From: BWG001 (at) ACAD.DRAKE.EDU

    Subject: madonna and the vma's

    Well, Madonna did show up and she looked pretty damn good. Her coming out with Dave was really smart and was also a perfect bookend to Michael and Lisa Marie.

    I don't know how many of you caught the post show stuff but that was the most

    interesting to me. First of all, Allison was interviewing Michael Stipe

    when M went to her limo. Michael shouted "Night, Maddy!" to her. It sounds lik...like it was a great moment, they didn't actually show it but Allison told

    the whole story. Then, they cut to a short interview with M that was filmed

    during the awards. It was 2-3 minutes long. Maddy talked about the new album,

    her earlier tour with the beastie boys, how cute she thought green day was and

    some other assorted stuff. While she was being interviewed, two girls stood

    behind her waiting for her. One of them was the director of her new video (I

    forgot her name but I have it on tape if any of you really want to know) and

    the other girl's name was Fantima and she's supposedly doing some of the artwork on the album. According to the interviewer (the same one from the girlie show

    pre-interview from HBO), the video for "secret" is going to be filmed this

    weekend so I guess that means M will be sporting her new blonde 'do. That's

    all I remember from tonight but it was a fairly decent award show, all in all.

    There might be some more from M's interview on the week in rock this weekend. Ithink I'll be able to watch it so I'll tell you all if you missed anything or

    not.

    Later,

    Brian

    P.S. Only a month and a half 'till we get the new album!!!

    ---

    Date: Sun, 11 Sep 94 17:53:13 EDT

    From: Supercat <rtj (at) pegasus.rutgers.edu>

    Subject: Comments

    Greetings all!!

    Will Secret Make it to #1?

    I have not heard Madonna's new single yet (this waiting is a fucking pain)

    but i know this, "Secret" will be competing for the #1 spot with Boyz II Man

    "I'll Make Love To You" (which now occupy that position and it's not showing

    any sign of moving anytime soon), and Luther Vandross and Mariah Carey

    remark of the classic Lionel Richie and Diana Ross song "Endless Love" (with

    Mariah apart of this song it might become a "I'll Always Love You" form of

    mega hit! Of course Secret have a chance of becoming Madonna's next #1 hit

    (which would be great in order to drive a steak through all of those point of

    views that insisted she "wash up" and "over", if "I'll Remember" have not

    done so)

    ---

    Date: Sun, 11 Sep 1994 18:59:55 -0400 (EDT)

    From: MCDERMO1 (at) MUVMS6.MU.WVNET.EDU

    Subject: It's no SECRET that Madonna WILL go #1.

    I don't know who said it on here, but Madonna's single will definitely beat out

    Mariah Carey&Luther Vandross' if it's especially good. Give Madonna a chance!

    You haven't even heard hers yet! M's could rock the chart so bad, that even

    *I* will be suprised. I still say she is going to really kick ass with this

    first number, just to answer her critics. Yes, she is an artist, but Madonna

    cares about her audience's participation and response as well to a limited

    degree (Check out Truth or Dare where she's in Toronto, and her aide tells her

    that if they arrest her she'll be on every paper in the country).

    Only a week until the SINGLE!!!!!!!!!! YES! :D

    I am so happy! I can't wait!

    ---

    Date: Sun, 11 Sep 1994 19:00:57 -0400 (EDT)

    From: Ed Sadtler <ehs12 (at) columbia.edu>

    Subject: Secret

    I have heard that the upcoming release "Secret" has lyrics influenced by

    Hindu beliefs. Does anyone know anything about this? I am anticipating a

    song with a South Asian "bungra"-like (sp?) beat and a video of a similar

    theme. Madonna's nose ring would fit in well with a South Asian theme.

    In some ways, I hope Madonna's new album is more creative than the

    majority of stuff hitting the top of the singles chart today. As

    evidenced by the chart peaks of a number of excellent Madonna singles,

    such as "Rain" and "Oh Father," pop audiences often have no taste. On the

    other hand, it is nice to see her receive recognition for good work.

    Has the release date of the single been confirmed? I have heard

    September 19.

    ---

    Date: Mon, 12 Sep 94 18:32:36 EDT

    From: Wish15 (at) aol.com

    Subject: BIG< BIG NEWS

    On Mtv news less than 10 minutes kurt loder that madonna's new single

    "Secret" will be available through AOL and compuserve WEDNESDAY!!!!!!!!! he

    didn't say how but he said it. they alsoshowed about 1 minute more of her

    VMA"S interview and she was asked if she was going to tour with this album

    and she didn't exactly say yes but she was saying how this album would give

    her more time to breathe and relax on tour......so i think she's going to be

    tournig again some time next year!!!!!!!--

    ---

    Date: Mon, 12 Sep 1994 13:17:33 -0400 (EDT)

    From: Andre Passero <5PASSERO_A (at) spcvxa.spc.edu>

    Subject: Z100, Secrets and the new video!!!

    Hello all, on the way to school today I was listening to a NY radio station

    called Z100 and I heard a caller talking about Madonna. He said he had a

    brush with greatness. He went to the video music awards and he also found

    out where she was filming her new video. He went to the sight and apparentally

    there was a big turn out for this. Well, to make a long story short, he said

    Madonna was really nasty and cranky. He told Z100 that he was a big fan of M's

    , but since she treated her fans so horribly, He took down his autographed foto

    of her from his wall.

    Now this is his story. I think, if this is true, that she might have

    been a little annoyed that their were 100's of people at a private video shoot.

    And even if she was nasty, oh well, what are you going to do?? Can't someone

    have a bad day once and awhile?? He also said that she looked exactly like

    the way she was at the VMA's. So that might be a hint of whats to come.

    I hope that it is not the same look of the VMA's because she already did

    that look and it's not her best. My favorite look is LAP because she looked

    so innocent but extremely sexy.

    Any way, Patty Steel, a Z100 dj, said that she was at the VMA's with her

    hubby and by accident, he elbowed Madonna in the shoulder. She said that M

    turned around and gave them the dirtiest look in the world. I say good for

    Madonna because he did not even appologize.

    Well, that is it for now, Keep requesting Secret and talk to you later

    Andre

    ---

    Date: Tue, 13 Sep 94 16:50:55 EDT

    From: RJL81658 (at) aol.com

    Subject: Re: madonna Digest V3 #44

    A 30 second clip from "Secrets" will be released to AOL and Compuserve for

    downloading, plus a special message from Madonna.

    This is from a post by MaxWarner, Warner rep on AOL regarding single, album

    and CD-5:

    >>>>

    Subj: SECRET update 94-09-12 15:17:11 EDT

    From: Max Warner

    A 30 second clip of the single "Secret" will be available this Wednesday in

    the Warner Multimedia library. Along with the clip, Madonna will record an

    exclusive message for all the online computer users. "Secret" will be heard

    here first. It will hit the radio airwaves on the 20th and will be available

    as a commercial single (CD single and Tape Cassette single) around the 6th of

    October. It ships on Sept. 27th. The single will include the album version of

    "Secret" and an instrumental version. The maxi single for "Secret" will come

    out in mid November. Check the Warner Multimedia library mid day Wednesday

    for the clip of the track.<<<<<

    ---

    This would be sooooo cool if it was accessible with WWW, or another FREE

    internet method. Anyone want to dump the file somewhere?

    ---

    Date: Tue, 13 Sep 1994 14:51:00 +0100

    From: TENGKU AZAR ISMAIL <tai2 (at) aber.ac.uk>

    Subject: UK release - Secrets/Bedtime Stories

    I rang Time-Warner in London up yesterday to ask for the UK release dates of

    these and I am quite surprised when they told me this;

    release dates;

    Single; Nov 7th

    Album ; Oct 24th

    Isn't that a bit weird, coz normally the single is released first, right?

    Well, I don't know where else to ask. If any of you in the UK want to double-

    check this, you can ring this number; 071-937 88 44

    I sure hoppe that what they told me was wrong... I can't wait that long!!!!!!

    ---

    Date: Wed, 14 Sep 94 11:31:23 EDT

    From: s0185304 (at) hawkmail.monmouth.edu (August A Galifi)

    Subject: America On-Line

    This is out of Billboard magazine, Sept. 17,1994 issue:

    "Madonna Sneak Peek"

    Warner Bros. Records will preview madonna's upcoming album online as part

    of the label's extensive activities with America On-Line and Compuserve.

    Subscribers to either computer service can listen to a chunk of the album's

    debut single, "Secret," beginning Wednesday (14), a week before the single

    goes to radio, and also can access album information and artwork. Madonna

    herself will provide a personal introduction to the audioclip. Warner also

    plans to preview the single's videoclip online at a laer date, prior to it's

    TV debut. Madonna's new album "Bedtime Stories", is due October 25.

    Well boys (and girls) i received a free 10 hour trial to america online

    in the mail (my dad owns a comoputer company thats why i received it) so I am

    going to put those 10 free hours to use today. I have been saving it just for

    this. I have never used america online so if I am able to figure out how to

    download everything, I will definitely let you guys know. If i can't do it,

    hey at least I tried. :)

    ---

    Date: Wed, 14 Sep 1994 00:17:57 EDT

    From: jwb (at) MIT.EDU

    Subject: Re: AOL OR COMPUSERVE

    If the song comes out tomorrow, would someone on Aol or compuserve be able to

    make an .au file of it? If they can, I can store it on the Madonna WWW

    homepage.

    If you have no idea what I'm talking about, don't worry :-)

    ---

    Date: Wed, 14 Sep 1994 11:22:54 -0400 (EDT)

    From: Brian D Daher <bdaher (at) magnus.acs.ohio-state.edu>

    Subject: Balls

    Madonnenites:

    I just sent a message to postmaster (at) aol.com asking for the "Secret" Madonna

    clip to be made available on the world wide web. I know they want you to pay

    for the time you're logged on but it couldn't hurt to ask, right???

    I'll let you all know as soon as I get a reply. Anyone willing to put the 30

    second audio on their answering machine for the rest of us to listen????? :rotfl:

    ---

    Date: Wed, 14 Sep 1994 11:58:28 -0400 (EDT)

    From: William McBrine <wmcbrine (at) clark.net>

    Subject: Re: Balls

    On Wed, 14 Sep 1994, Brian D Daher wrote:

    > I just sent a message to postmaster (at) aol.com asking for the "Secret"

    > Madonna clip to be made available on the world wide web. I know they

    > want you to pay for the time you're logged on but it couldn't hurt to ask,

    > right???

    I don't think AOL has the technical ability to put anything on WWW, even

    if they wanted to. (Remember, you can't telnet of ftp out of AOL. That's

    not because they don't want to allow it, but because they don't have the

    needed hardware or software.) However, I think there's a very good chance

    the clip will appear at the site mentioned eariler:

    http://www.iuma.com/Warner

    I checked out this site, and they have a number of similar clips (e.g.

    Prince, Neil Young, Laurie Anderson).

    ---

    Date: Wed, 14 Sep 1994 17:06:21 -0500 (CDT)

    From: BWG001 (at) ACAD.DRAKE.EDU

    Subject: I Heard IT!!!!!!

    Hi everybody,

    I just heard it...it's great...but it's only a little bitty bit. I have class

    at 5:30 and I think I'm having a quiz that I'm not ready for yet but as soon

    as I get back I'll give you a full message and tell you how I got it.

    Later!

    TO BE CONTINUED

  4. ^ If you check out that MadonnaTribe link, it says something similar. She's not smoking, but (according to them) she did say she thought she resembled Mike Tyson. (I don't see it?!) The photo they claim was to be used is just that one you see of her on the back cover of the CD.

    Here's the photo of the original concept (again, according to them):

    ic_02_300.jpg

    Sweet. I hadn't refreshed the page before I posted...

    I'm sure they would have worked out something better with the logo placement, etc. Maybe something more like the laserdisc design...

    164816858_o.jpg

  5. Despite various claims otherwise over the years, I'm fairly certain the back cover image (also the video collection cover) is the "Mike Tyson" shot. Possibly my favorite photo of Madonna ever. I would love to see it uncropped! She wanted the cover to be the same as seen on Interview magazine where she is grabbing her crotch. Since she and the label couldn't agree they didn't use her likeness on the cover at all.

    What bothers me about The Immaculate Collection artwork is that in the US, since 1991, the quality of the artwork has been significantly downgraded. This was in the wake of the "Justify My Love" lawsuit, where Ingrid Chavez demaned credit for her part in the writing of the song.

    What was originally a logo printed as a layer of shiny gold ink on top of a pale, powder blue background is now printed as a FLAT image of a butterscotch yellow logo with an almost cornflower blue background. The songs, record company logos and album title on the spine of the back insert were originally in the aforementioned gold layer. The majority of the text on the downgrade are solid black and a production credit for Jellybean was added underneath "Borderline" which throws off the symmetry of the layout. The backcover is also considerably darker than on the first pressing. The inside booklet originally contained sepia tinted photos with maroon and cream colored pages for the write up and credits, with text highlighted in the gold layer. The "centerfold" photo was tinted a darker shade of gold. The booklet is now printed entirely in black and white.

    Oh, and Ingrid gets her fucking credit.

    I'm not sure if any other countries were downgraded, but for the bajillions of people in the United States who have purchased The Immaculate Collection after the first pressing it's a sad sight.

    One other change (which is more confusing than it is a downgrade) is that they moved the track times from the "index" at the front of the booklet to the second half of the book, next to the titles in the fleshed out track credits.

    I treasure my original US pressing complete with matching, shiny gold disc tray. :lol:

  6. what was the story behind the early hairstyle for the "Secret" video?! There are photos (and video remixes) that show the original hairstyle. (Alison Goldfrapp's hair occasionally reminds me of the tight curl style M wore...) They re-did the hair and shot new footage of her on the street. How did that happen? Did they have to re-shoot on a different date, or did she immediately know it was wrong and they fixed it on the spot? I've never heard the story behind that change...

    I think it was just extra footage that wasn't used in the final cut. Not sure if she "immediately knew it was wrong" considering she subjected us all to it during a day-long press junket promoting the album/single a few weeks later. :demonic:

  7. Bite your tongue and swallow it, Danny!

    The Immaculate Collection mixes of "Like a prayer" and "Vogue" - two of the strongest songs in her canon, even today - are an abomination, and must never be given issue again. Contain their virulence to TIC where it will be shielded by godawful artwork (sort-of like a poison control sticker, that cover always diverts me from potentially listening to it by accident).

    Did you mean "Express Yourself"? As far as arrangement is concerned "Vogue" is only slightly extended... plus it gains that urgent "You've got to JUST!" right before the final "vogue".

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