Madonna Blond Ambition World Tour 1990

Madonna Blond Ambition 1990 LaserDisc

The Blond Ambition World Tour is a gem for any Madonna enthusiast. Various performances were filmed throughout the tour, including the color musical footage used in the movie "Truth or Dare" which was filmed in Paris. The standalone performances that were officially released, filmed in Yokohama, Japan and Nice, France were only ever released on LaserDisc as Pioneer was the main sponsor of the tour. For a short time in the late 1990s, Madonna's fan club did offer a limited release of the Japanese performance on VHS. Rumors have circulated for years that either the Japanese or French shows would get a DVD release but it's never happened. Bootleg releases of performances in Houston, Texas as well as New Jersey have made it into the hands of collectors also. The Barcelona, Spain performance was filmed for Spanish television, in spite of technical issues and the fact that Madonna was miserable the entire time while putting on a top notch show and it has also made it's way into the hands of collectors. The 3 "official" recordings can be identified by Madonna's hairstyle and among fans the shows are known as: The One With the Ponytail (Yokohama) The One With the Poofy Hair (Barcelona) and then there's The One With the Curly Hair, also known as the Nice, France show. This review is drawn from the final show of Madonna's groundbreaking Blond Ambition World Tour in Nice, France, which aired on HBO a few hours after the tour wrapped up. While it's technically only available on LaserDisc, you can find DVD transfers on eBay as well as some brave souls periodically upload it to YouTube. No matter your viewing preference, it as a fun nostalgic trip back to 1990. The concert is a visual and auditory feast, featuring some of Madonna’s biggest hits like “Vogue” “Like a Prayer” “Express Yourself” and “Open Your Heart.” Each musical number is meticulously choreographed, blending provocative themes with high-energy dance routines.

Madonna with the iconic ponytail

Madonna’s costumes, designed by Jean-Paul Gaultier, are iconic. The most memorable is undoubtedly the cone bra corset, which has since become a symbol of pop culture. The stage sets are equally impressive, with elaborate backdrops and props that transform with each song, creating a dynamic and immersive experience.

The infamous Barcelona performance

However, the tour wasn’t without its challenges. Madonna faced criticism and controversy, particularly from religious groups, due to the provocative nature of her performances. The Vatican even condemned the tour, calling it blasphemous. Despite this, the tour was a commercial success and is often credited with redefining the modern pop concert.

Madonna during the European leg of the Blond Ambition Tour

Reviews at the time were mixed but leaned towards positive. The New York Times praised Madonna’s ability to blend spectacle with substance, noting that “her concerts are as much about theater as they are about music.” Rolling Stone highlighted the tour’s influence on future pop performances, stating that “Madonna has set a new standard for live shows.”

For years I had watched my VHS copies of The Virgin Tour as well as Ciao Italia aka The Who's That Girl Tour, the Virgin Tour being my favorite, until I saw this concert. This was the concert the brought my already obsessive fandom over the top. From Express Yourself to Open Your Heart, I was hooked. The arrangement of Like A Virgin, while not traditional, was naughty and unbelievable for the time but so very awesome. The arrangement of Like a Prayer was the remixed version found on the Immaculate Collection album which in my opinion is far superior to the original version on the Like A Prayer album. My absolute favorite number in the set list was the song she closed out the show with, Keep It Together, a minor hit from the Like A Prayer album. To this day, I am convinced if the live version, complete with the Family Affair intro, was released as a single in 1990, it would have made it into the top 10.

Overall, the Blond Ambition World Tour is a must-watch for anyone interested in the evolution of pop music and performance art. It captures a pivotal moment in Madonna’s career and showcases her as a trailblazer in the music industry.

If you are interested in acquiring your own copy of Blond Ambition on DVD click here to check out the eBay listings but remember, these are transfers from LD to DVD in spite of sellers claiming they are remastered in HD.

Madonna Like a Prayer Original Release Album Review

Release Date: March 21, 1989 Record Label: Sire Records

Madonna Like A Prayer Album Cover

The day this album was released, I was at the Walmart in Milton, Florida bothering the lady in electronics to check in the back to see if the album came in. The lady was super sweet and came back with 2 cassette tapes, one for me and the other to go on the shelf. By the time the Like A Prayer album was released, the song Like A Prayer was already a megahit and was in constant rotation on the radio and MTV, partially due to the Pepsi deal gone wrong.

Among Madonna’s discography, Like a Prayer stands out as her most deliberate artistic endeavor. While it’s clear she aimed to create a “serious” album, the dazzling array of pop styles is truly impressive. From the funk of “Express Yourself” and “Keep It Together” to the haunting melodies of “Oh Father” and the title track “Like a Prayer,” Madonna showcases her exceptional songwriting skills, making this her most cohesive album at the time.

Singles from Like A Prayer

The album opens with the title track, “Like a Prayer,” which blends pop and gospel influences, creating a powerful and emotive anthem. “Express Yourself” follows with its upbeat, empowering message and funky rhythm. “Love Song,” a collaboration with Prince, adds a unique, experimental touch to the album.

“Till Death Do Us Part” delves into the complexities of a troubled marriage, reflecting Madonna’s personal experiences. “Promise to Try” is a poignant ballad about the loss of her mother, showcasing her vulnerability. “Cherish” brings a lighter, more playful tone with its catchy melody and romantic lyrics.

“Dear Jessie” is a whimsical, fairy-tale-like song that adds a touch of fantasy to the album. “Oh Father” is another deeply personal track, addressing her relationship with her father and the impact of her mother’s death. The album closes with “Act of Contrition,” a weird, unique and experimental piece that blends rock and religious themes.

If you were lucky enough to get the first printing of the album, no doubt you will remember the scent of patchouli, included to give the album an immersive church-like experience.

Search and save on NEW and used cassette, CD and vinyl editions of Like A Prayer on eBay

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