Easter is just around the corner, I’m told, and aside from the need to fastidiously plot out my Cadbury stash for another year, it also–ALWAYS–reminds me of my choice for album number 6, and brings my third (and final) Michigan artist choice to the list.
Really, Nikki? Easter and Madonna’s Like a Virgin?
Yes. Allow me to explain what some may view as blatant blasphemy. In late 1984, Madonna’s second album was released and I was an enthralled 10 year old trying to tape the second single Material Girl from radio play. Like most in the mid-eighties, I wanted the music and the fashion… like any responsible parent (remember yesterday’s post), I was allowed jelly bracelets and stir-up pants–that was about the extent for the fashion. But each Easter, instead of excessive candy, we got a present (and some candy). The only thing I requested in the Spring of 1985? You know it!
I think I recall overhearing some sarcastic comment from my mother not about the appropriateness of the album, but of it appearing in an Easter basket and me dancing around the house singing Like a Virgin on the Holy Day and the horror it would instill in other family members. Regardless, I found Madonna carefully balanced in an Easter basket among Peeps and jelly beans. And anyone who knows me now, is likely unsurprised.
If not for Madonna’s ironic portrayal of Marilyn Monroe from Gentlemen Prefer Blondes, I might have not gone years later than one should in learning Marilyn Monroe movies and the other classics that spiral from that exploration. It also introduced me to the P.M.R.C. and began my long despising of Tipper Gore, who with her posse of censorship czars placed Dress You Up on the list of the “Filthy Fifteen” (a bit of foreshadowing… the Filthy Fifteen will appear again when we get to my number 1 choice).
And for those concerned, and for the record, I was allowed to listen to and/or read whatever I wanted… I just had to demonstrate an understanding of the content. We had conversations; it was the responsible thing to do.
Some boys kiss me, some boys hug me, I think they’re O.K.
If they don’t give me proper credit, I just walk away–Material Girl
You’ve got style, that’s what all the girls say
Satin sheets and luxuries so fine
All your suits are custom made in London
But I’ve got something that you’ll really like–Dress You Up
