Madonna - Like A Virgin (Power-Pop Version)

What if...Madonna fronted a Power-Pop band? Imagine, if you will, it's early 1981 in an alternative universe, not unlike our own. Madonna Louise Ciccone and her partner, Stephen Bray have been playing together in post-punk band, Emmy and the Emmys, but are struggling to generate any kind of buzz in the jaded New York music scene. Madonna feels that the band's music isn't direct or poppy enough for mass appeal, and tells Bray she's considering branching into dance-pop as a solo artist. Bray is eager to support his partner's ambitions, but, as a drummer, is reluctant for her to embrace a genre that increasingly relies on programmed, electronic rhythms. Instead, he proposes a compromise: keep the band together, but pivot towards high-energy, accessible power-pop. He also suggests changing the name of the band to Madonna, ensure that the lead singer becomes the unmistakable focal point of the group. Our heroine is initially skeptical about these changes, but Bray gradually wears down her resistance, playing her a stack of classic 45s by the likes of The Rubinoos, The Records, Off Broadway and Tommy Tutone, and eventually, Madonna concedes that a blend of mid-sixties-style pop, new wave energy and her own unique star power could be a winning combination. They quickly become a pop sensation, racking up an impressive string of hits throughout the first half of the decade. However, as fashions evolve, the band finds its fortunes waning, and a 1987 attempt to relaunch themselves as a glam metal band proves disastrous, bringing tensions to breaking point. Nevertheless, several of their songs remain perennial radio favourites, and in 2004, the band is brought back together by VH1's Bands Reunited, and they continue tour on the oldies circuit to this day.

Written by Kelly/Steinberg

I do not own the rights to the song, Madonna's vocal, or any of the clips/images used. Backing track arranged, performed and produced by me, using GarageBand, and whatever instruments I had to hand. NO generative AI used, ever.

For a companion video with related discussion and recording/arranging insights, please click here:    • Giving Madonna some Power-Pop punch! ...  

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