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The Guardian
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Guardian
Madonna: Veronica Electronica review – Ray of Light rarities range from perfect to perfunctory
It's hard to overstate the impact of Ray of Light, Madonna's seventh album. Released in 1998, it totally reshaped Madonna's career, embracing trip-hop, electronica and Britpop and essentially proving to an unfriendly public that she was one of pop's great auteurs. It spawned one of her biggest singles – the haunting power ballad Frozen – and its title track is still a staple of radio and DJ playlists. In the past few years, many of contemporary and underground pop's most significant names – including Caroline Polachek, Addison Rae, a.s.o., Shygirl and FKA twigs – have referenced Ray of Light, whether directly or indirectly. It's a fool's errand to try to make a case for the best or most significant Madonna album – she has at least five strong contenders – but if there's a consensus pick, it's Ray of Light. Which is why the announcement of Veronica Electronica, a full-length Ray of Light remix album, was met with such hysteria from fans earlier this year. Madonna has spoken at length over the years about both Veronica the character – in true Madonna fashion, Veronica stems from a vaguely contradictory concept in which she is both a girl dancing at a club and, somehow, 'medieval' – and the album, which she intended to release after Ray of Light but ended up shelving. For diehards, the promised record is something of a holy grail – never mind that this long-awaited release only contains two truly new songs, one of which, an old demo titled Gone Gone Gone, has been floating around on the internet for years. Even so, it's hard to deny the simple pleasures that can be derived from hearing some all-time great Madonna remixes cut down to radio length and sequenced like the original Ray of Light. Drowned World/Substitute for Love sounds great taken out of its original glacial trip-hop context and turned into a DayGlo acid rager by BT and Sasha; the emotional ambiguities of the original song are replaced with warm positivity, and you can easily imagine the song soundtracking the final minutes of a raging house party as the sun begins to rise. Other tracks, such as Peter and Victor's remix of Skin – the other new song here – take an opposite tack; they heighten Skin's innate moodiness with a steely, exploratory techno beat punctuated by big, sharp breaks, turning the original track into something tweaky and unsettled. As is often the case with remix records, there are moments on Veronica Electronica that feel perfunctory – namely, the Club 69 remix of Nothing Really Matters. Perhaps any remix of the original song will always be held to a higher standard, given its status as one of the only out-and-out club tracks on Ray of Light, but unlike many of the remixes on the album, it feels as if there's no relationship between the source material and the rework here, aside from Madonna's vocal, which is looped to the point of irritation. It's frustrating when people claim to 'hate remixes', as if you can put a blanket statement on an entire artform, but this kind of remix may make you sympathise with the sentiment. Fabien's Good God mix of The Power of Good-Bye, on the other hand, represents all the potential of a curio project like this: a bizarrely minimal drum'n'bass rework of one of Madonna's best ballads, it finds enormous power in the conflict between Fabien's increasingly frenetic drums and Madonna's serene, sorrowful vocal. It's a surprisingly appropriate lead-in to Gone Gone Gone, a song so brilliantly weird that you really can understand why it was left off the original album. It is, essentially, a wistful breakup ballad set to a squelchy electro beat – a surreal tonal clash that hardly gels with Ray of Light's placid waters, but which gives a surprising amount of insight into Madonna's creative state at the time: here is one of the biggest stars in the world, in her creative prime, throwing anything at the wall to see what sticks. For that peek behind the curtain alone, Veronica Electronica is worth the price of admission.
Wales Online
14-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
Rag 'n' Bone Man holds his own in an effortless performance that caps off a huge week for music in Cardiff
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info After a weekend of scorching heat in the Welsh capital, things cooled down to create a blissful evening as the sun set on Cardiff Castle for Rag 'n' Bone Man's Sunday evening show. It was the perfect way to round off a big week of music in the city - hot off the heels of Oasis' takeover last weekend, followed by Stevie Wonder and two gigs at the Principality Stadium for Welsh rock legends Stereophonics. Rag 'n' Bone Man's epic voice and golden weather were a perfect combination for another fantastic evening at the stunning venue, where the TK Maxx presents Depot Live summer gigs are well and truly under way. The Brit award-winning artist from Eastbourne – accompanied by a talented band and two backing vocalists – performed a perfect balance of up-tempo tracks and tender ballads. The singer - whose real name is Rory Graham - treated the crowd to songs from throughout his career, including all his biggest hits, as well as a number of unreleased tracks. Lovers In A Past Life was the crowd-pleasing opener to get everybody going swiftly followed by Skin, Grace, Hard Came The Rain and Human also featured, while the beautiful Put A Little Love On Me drew the night to a close before he performed the anthemic Giant. Opening the night was singer-songwriter Jamie Grey followed by Elles Bailey, who put on a bubbly and confident performance in some fabulous cowboy boots. But Rag 'n' Bone Man who quickly made it clear that it was his night. His vocals were effortless from the moment he stepped on stage. Charming and clearly grateful to be in front of a crowd at the beautiful venue, it was clear that everyone was in for a good night. While not a showy performer who dedicates lots of chat between songs, Rag 'n' Bone Man still took the time to interact with the audience when the right moment arose. After the first song, his son Ruben came out to throw a signed plane out into the crowd. He also graciously stopped the show for a couple of minutes after the first few songs for a fan who needed attention from security at the front of the gig, when he sang a short acapella version of You Are My Sunshine. (Image: Ellie Gosley) The first moment for a big singalong came during the second song Skin, and the giant (no pun intended) of a man was smiling and looked genuinely pleased at the thousands of people belting out the lyrics. At one point, the singer said: "It blows my mind that I get to do this to so many people" - which it seemed like was clearly true. Never miss a Cardiff story by signing up to our daily newsletter here There was also the occasional groove, which the self-deprecating singer apologised for: "Sorry about my terrible dancing. I'm a dad and I've got about two dance moves." It seemed more effortlessly cool rather than dad-dancing from where I was stood. For me, the highlight of the night was All You Ever Wanted, when you could hear a pin drop as Rag 'n' Bone Man's epic but tender vocals rang out, echoing off the historic castle walls. There was also a huge cheer, encouraged by the man himself, for backing singer Desri, who sang Pink!'s portion of the song beautifully. As the night drew to a close, he returned clapping and bowing down to the crowd as he emerged for the encore, joking: "We have to do that obligatory thing where we pretend we're not coming back. I know we're coming back, you know we're coming back but we have to do it. It's the rules." Rag 'n' Bone Man then performed Put A Little Hurt On Me in another emotional moment of the night, with him dedicating the song to a young boy called Ethan, who he met through Children in Need, who was in the audience. The Cardiff audience quickly sprang into action to show their support by chanting his name. The night finished with a bouncing rendition of Giant, which it was clear everyone had been waiting for with the whole crowd dancing and jumping on their feet. The night finished with Rag 'n' Bone Man thanking the crowd before adding: "I knew you wouldn't let me down." His show wasn't showy, but it sure wasn't boring either. Colossal vocals achieved with ease, a great band, simple yet striking lighting and a genuine, humble man who seems truly happy and grateful to be there made for a great night all-in-all. The other TK Maxx presents Depot Live at Cardiff Castle gigs are: July 19 Rock the Castle - Funeral for Friend, The Blackout, Punk Rock Factory and more July 20 UB40 Ft Ali Campbell with Bitty McClean and Reggae Roast Ft Mr Williamsz July 26 Depot in the Castle Jess Glynne Maximo Park, Sigma, Kate Nash, Professor Green, GLC and Blue Dolphin Wranglers. July 30 Fontaines DC with Kae Tempest and High Vis July 31 Pet Shop Boys and Dave Pearce August 1 Faithless with Kosheen and Chicane August 20 and 21 Tom Jones with Stone Foundation August 24 Basement Jaxx with Ezra Collective and Eats Everything August 25 Will Smith with Nile Rodgers and Chic
Scottish Sun
03-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
90s music legend reveals terrifying ordeal as intruder breaks into hotel room and bosses forced to beef up security
Skunk Anansie star Skin has revealed how a man posing as room service tried to mug her in her hotel room. The British singer and musician, whose real name is Deborah Anne Dyer, is currently on tour across Europe. 6 Skunk Anansie star Skin has revealed how a man posing as room service tried to mug her in her hotel room Credit: Instagram / officialskunkanansie 6 The British musician is currently touring across Europe Credit: Getty 6 The singer that things could have been a lot worse had she not been alert Credit: Instagram / officialskunkanansie She revealed details of the incident on Facebook, saying : "Somebody tried to mug me in my room. They woke me up at 6am after an 18 hour tour bus journey. I was tired and they said it was room service. "The Brixton thing in me said 'Ding ding'. "There were no tray and I thought something was wrong. I cussed the guy and he said he would come back. "It was just about 6am. They found the guy from my description. I did a Karen and said 'I want to speak to the manager'. "The hotel said they had to let him go as our stories did not match up. "They said he was looking for his girlfriend but it was dodgy. "In the end the manager tells me there is no case." The star explained that things could have been a lot worse had she not been alert. "You know sometimes in your life when you have steam blowing," Skin said. "I had to take myself away from this man and the situation. We made the hotel look at the cameras to get a picture of this man. Pop star continues making new music - after hits in the 90s "He was leaning up against my door. He could have pushed the door in with a knife or he could have had Chloroform. "Who knows what would have happened. But I am a fighter and that is going to get me in trouble." Following the scary ordeal, the singer said they are now forced to be more vigilant when staying at hotels. The musician continued: "Now I will have to get one of those little lock things to put in the door. If you are in a band you will need to get one. It can happen to you. "Don't wait for something awful to happen. "Put better security and cameras into your hotels and key cards so you can use the lift. "I am still vexed even telling the story. Never open your door at weird times useless you know who is there." Skin claimed the hotel is continuing to "review their security systems" to increase the hotel guests protection. The hitmaker added: "I'm not trying to get anyone fired, my life mantra is that prevention is better than a cure. Hotels can do a lot to make their clients safe. "The reaction should not be to automatically pit my word against someone clearly being dodgy because you didn't catch him camera doing it. But thanks to Pullman Hotels for listening and doing something about it, that is much appreciated." Skin is lead vocalist of Skunk Anansie. In 2015, Skin joined the judging panel of the Italian version of talent competition The X Factor for one season. The band, which was formed back in 1994, released three albums and sold more than five million records worldwide. They are best know for their 1995 hit Weak. They split in 2001, before reforming in 2009. As of 2024 the band have released six studio albums and toured with including music legends David Bowie, U2, and Lenny Kravitz. 6 The band was formed back in 1994 Credit: Getty 6 They are best know for their 1995 hit Weak Credit: Handout
The Irish Sun
03-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
90s music legend reveals terrifying ordeal as intruder breaks into hotel room and bosses forced to beef up security
Skunk Anansie star Skin has revealed how a man posing as room service tried to mug her in her hotel room. The British singer and musician, whose real name is Deborah Anne Dyer, is currently on tour across Europe. Advertisement 6 Skunk Anansie star Skin has revealed how a man posing as room service tried to mug her in her hotel room Credit: Instagram / officialskunkanansie 6 The British musician is currently touring across Europe Credit: Getty 6 The singer that things could have been a lot worse had she not been alert Credit: Instagram / officialskunkanansie She revealed details of the incident on Facebook, saying : "Somebody tried to mug me in my room. They woke me up at 6am after an 18 hour tour bus journey. I was tired and they said it was room service. "The Brixton thing in me said 'Ding ding'. "There were no tray and I thought something was wrong. I cussed the guy and he said he would come back. "It was just about 6am. They found the guy from my description. I did a Karen and said 'I want to speak to the manager'. Advertisement READ MORE ON 90S STARS "The hotel said they had to let him go as our stories did not match up. "They said he was looking for his girlfriend but it was dodgy. "In the end the manager tells me there is no case." The star explained that things could have been a lot worse had she not been alert. Advertisement Most read in Celebrity "You know sometimes in your life when you have steam blowing," Skin said. "I had to take myself away from this man and the situation. We made the hotel look at the cameras to get a picture of this man. Pop star continues making new music - after hits in the 90s "He was leaning up against my door. He could have pushed the door in with a knife or he could have had Chloroform. "Who knows what would have happened. But I am a fighter and that is going to get me in trouble." Advertisement Following the scary ordeal, the singer said they are now forced to be more vigilant when staying at hotels. The musician continued: "Now I will have to get one of those little lock things to put in the door. If you are in a band you will need to get one. It can happen to you. "Don't wait for something awful to happen. "Put better security and cameras into your hotels and key cards so you can use the lift. Advertisement "I am still vexed even telling the story. Never open your door at weird times useless you know who is there." Skin claimed the hotel is continuing to "review their security systems" to increase the hotel guests protection. The hitmaker added: "I'm not trying to get anyone fired, my life mantra is that prevention is better than a cure. Hotels can do a lot to make their clients safe. "The reaction should not be to automatically pit my word against someone clearly being dodgy because you didn't catch him camera doing it. But thanks to Pullman Hotels for listening and doing something about it, that is much appreciated." Advertisement Skin is lead vocalist of Skunk Anansie. In 2015, Skin joined the judging panel of the Italian version of talent competition The X Factor for one season. The band, which was formed back in 1994, released three albums and sold more than five million records worldwide. They are best know for their 1995 hit Weak. Advertisement T hey split in 2001, before reforming in 2009. As of 2024 the band have released six studio albums and toured with including music legends David Bowie , U2 , and Lenny Kravitz . 6 The band was formed back in 1994 Credit: Getty 6 They are best know for their 1995 hit Weak Credit: Handout Advertisement 6 Skin joined the judging panel of the Italian version of X Factor in 2015 Credit: Getty
The Sun
03-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Sun
90s music legend reveals terrifying ordeal as intruder breaks into hotel room and bosses forced to beef up security
Skunk Anansie star Skin has revealed how a man posing as room service tried to mug her in her hotel room. The British singer and musician, whose real name is Deborah Anne Dyer, is currently on tour across Europe. 6 6 6 She revealed details of the incident on Facebook, saying : "Somebody tried to mug me in my room. They woke me up at 6am after an 18 hour tour bus journey. I was tired and they said it was room service. "The Brixton thing in me said 'Ding ding'. "There were no tray and I thought something was wrong. I cussed the guy and he said he would come back. "It was just about 6am. They found the guy from my description. I did a Karen and said 'I want to speak to the manager'. "The hotel said they had to let him go as our stories did not match up. "They said he was looking for his girlfriend but it was dodgy. "In the end the manager tells me there is no case." The star explained that things could have been a lot worse had she not been alert. "You know sometimes in your life when you have steam blowing," Skin said. "I had to take myself away from this man and the situation. We made the hotel look at the cameras to get a picture of this man. "He was leaning up against my door. He could have pushed the door in with a knife or he could have had Chloroform. "Who knows what would have happened. But I am a fighter and that is going to get me in trouble." Following the scary ordeal, the singer said they are now forced to be more vigilant when staying at hotels. The musician continued: "Now I will have to get one of those little lock things to put in the door. If you are in a band you will need to get one. It can happen to you. "Don't wait for something awful to happen. "Put better security and cameras into your hotels and key cards so you can use the lift. "I am still vexed even telling the story. Never open your door at weird times useless you know who is there." Skin claimed the hotel is continuing to "review their security systems" to increase the hotel guests protection. The hitmaker added: "I'm not trying to get anyone fired, my life mantra is that prevention is better than a cure. Hotels can do a lot to make their clients safe. "The reaction should not be to automatically pit my word against someone clearly being dodgy because you didn't catch him camera doing it. But thanks to Pullman Hotels for listening and doing something about it, that is much appreciated." Skin is lead vocalist of Skunk Anansie. In 2015, Skin joined the judging panel of the Italian version of talent competition The X Factor for one season. The band, which was formed back in 1994, released three albums and sold more than five million records worldwide. They are best know for their 1995 hit Weak. They split in 2001, before reforming in 2009. As of 2024 the band have released six studio albums and toured with including music legends David Bowie, U2, and Lenny Kravitz. 6 6 6
