Walking Down Madison

Last updated
"Walking Down Madison"
Kirsty MacColl Walking Down Madison 1991 single cover.jpg
Single by Kirsty MacColl
from the album Electric Landlady
Released1991 [1]
Recorded1991 [1]
Genre
Label Virgin [3]
Songwriter(s)
Producer(s) Steve Lillywhite [2]
Kirsty MacColl singles chronology
"Miss Otis Regrets/Just One of Those Things"
(1991)
"Walking Down Madison"
(1991)
"My Affair"
(1991)

"Walking Down Madison" is a 1991 song by Kirsty MacColl featuring Aniff Cousins. It charted at No. 23 on the UK Singles Chart and impacted a number of Billboard charts.

Contents

Background

The song was written after MacColl was searching for a new musical direction but instead found writer's block; she tried writing things and asked others to try but it failed to click. [4] Meanwhile, Smiths guitar player Johnny Marr had just come away from the Smiths (they'd split up a week earlier) and had written a song with the intent of writing a dance-based guitar record. Despite it being the first song he had written after the split of the Smiths, he had kept it to one side for his own solo record after the presentation of some of his new material resulted in his friends stealing the tracks. [5] Marr sent MacColl a tape containing the demo and other ideas as he was not interested in writing words at the time. Once MacColl had heard his guitar, she adjoined it with her lyrics and assembled a melody, and recorded the results at Electric Lady Studio. [4] The track also sports a more hip-hop-influenced sound than her previous work and features production from her then-husband Steve Lillywhite. It also features rapper Aniff Cousins, [2] who came to MacColl's attention after she heard the single "Black Whip" by his band Chapter and the Verse. [6]

In a 1991 interview with Melody Maker , MacColl commented on the song's social message, "It was quite an observational song, I really did see a beaming boy from Harlem, even if it wasn't on Madison. It's a nod to Bob Marley, it's 'I Shot the Sheriff', really, isn't it! That idea of being pulled for something you may or may not have done, and that you're more likely to get pulled if you look a certain way." [6]

"Walking Down Madison" was released in 1991 [1] opening the album Electric Landlady , on which it is the longest song. [2] However, on most of her compilation albums, the 7" edit is used instead of the full album version. A selection of remixes by Howard Gray appeared across the various single formats.

Music video

A music video was produced for the song. It was shot on location on Madison Avenue and features interspersed advertisements for Electric Landlady . It shows both a smartly dressed MacColl walking down Madison amidst smartly dressed business men during the daytime and a more-scruffily-dressed MacColl with women sleeping rough, the "beaming boy from Harlem with the air force coat" (which is mentioned in the lyrics of the song), a man with a knife on the A-train and other assorted characters at night whilst Londonbeat dance. Cousins appears both during the day and at night. The night-time characters arrive in a chauffeur-driven limousine and depart in it at the end of the video. [7]

Critical reception

Upon its release, Music & Media noted the song's display of the "new styled MacColl" and described it as "match[ing] modern dance material as supplied by acts like Massive Attack or the Banderas." [8] Terry Staunton of New Musical Express was more critical, describing the song as "overall a bad idea" on which MacColl "goes dance frenzy". He noted, "Her soft and sombre vocals are ill-matched against the shufflebeat [and] it doesn't quite give off the same sparks as the Suzanne Vega/DNA link-up on 'Tom's Diner'. Stanton felt the song "might dent the charts on novelty value" and described Cousins' rap as "ok", but felt MacColl was better suited on the "sugary pop" of her previous works "Days" and "Don't Come the Cowboy with Me Sonny Jim!". [9]

In the US, Billboard described the song as a "credible pop/hip-hop track that comes off at times like a tougher version of Suzanne Vega's "Tom's Diner"." They noted the "infectious melody", "intelligent lyrics", "slicing guitars" and "affecting rap" from Cousins. [10] Pitchfork retrospectively commended the record as a "subtle, scathing takedown of the city’s neon facade". [11]

Uses in other media

MacColl performed this song on Top of the Pops . Alison Moyet has covered this song live [12] having been offered the chance to record it. [13] Co-writer Johnny Marr has also covered the track. In addition, Iain Banks included it on Personal Effects, a CD intended as music to listen to whilst driving. [12]

Charts

Chart (1991)Peak
position
Australian Singles Chart [14] 58
Dutch Singles Chart [15] 85
Irish Singles Chart [16] 12
UK Singles Chart [3] 23
US Billboard Dance Music/Club Play Singles [17] 18
US Billboard Hot Dance Music/Maxi-Singles Sales [18] 36
US Alternative Airplay ( Billboard ) [19] 4

Related Research Articles

<i>Louder Than Bombs</i> 1987 compilation album by the Smiths

Louder Than Bombs is a compilation album by English rock band the Smiths, released as a double album in March 1987 by their American record company, Sire Records. It peaked at number 62 on the US Billboard 200 album chart. Popular demand prompted their British record company, Rough Trade, to issue the album domestically as well. Upon its release in the UK in May 1987, it reached No. 38 on the British charts. In 2003, the album was ranked No. 365 on Rolling Stone magazine's list of The 500 Greatest Albums of All Time, and ranked No. 369 on a 2012 revised list. The album was certified Gold by the RIAA in 1990.

<i>Kite</i> (Kirsty MacColl album) 1989 studio album by Kirsty MacColl

Kite is the breakthrough second album by Kirsty MacColl, released in 1989. Produced by her then-husband Steve Lillywhite, it was her first album for Virgin Records. The album included MacColl's hit cover of the Kinks' "Days", as well as two tracks written with Smiths guitarist Johnny Marr. On 6 October 1989, it was certified silver by the BPI.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ask (song)</span> 1986 single by The Smiths

"Ask" is a song recorded by the English rock band the Smiths. It was released as a single on 20 October 1986 through Rough Trade Records. Credited to vocalist Morrissey and guitarist Johnny Marr, "Ask" is an ostensibly upbeat, positive pop song built around major chords. Its lyrics discuss shyness and encourage listeners to overcome their inhibitions. Its multiple guitar parts and complex production led to disagreements regarding its final mix. Craig Gannon, who at the time was rhythm guitarist for the group, has claimed he wrote – and was denied credit for – the song's chord structure.

<i>Galore</i> (Kirsty MacColl album) 1995 compilation album by Kirsty MacColl

Galore is a compilation album released by Kirsty MacColl in 1995. It features material previously released on the studio albums Desperate Character (1981), Kite (1989), Electric Landlady (1991) and Titanic Days (1993), among other tracks by MacColl, totalling eighteen songs. Some of the tracks differ from their original releases; a couple of songs, such as "Innocence", are alternate takes, while "Miss Otis Regrets" is a different edit that omits the second half, "Just One of Those Things", performed by the Pogues. On release the album peaked at No. 6, MacColl's highest ever charting album.

<i>Electric Landlady</i> 1991 studio album by Kirsty MacColl

Electric Landlady is Kirsty MacColl's third studio album. Released in 1991, it was her second Virgin Records release and second collaboration with producer/husband Steve Lillywhite. The title was given when MacColl found it to be the name that was accidentally written on some early pressings of Jimi Hendrix's album Electric Ladyland.

<i>Titanic Days</i> Album by Kirsty MacColl

Titanic Days is the fourth studio album by Kirsty MacColl, released in 1993. Containing eleven tracks, Titanic Days was sometimes hard to get in years after its release, but it was remastered and re-released in 2005 by ZTT with a second CD of non-album tracks and some live recordings, including a version of "Miss Otis Regrets". In 2012, another remastered re-issue of the album was released by Salvo/ZTT, which again featured a second disc of bonus tracks. This is the final album to be produced by her then-husband Steve Lillywhite, before their divorced several years after the release.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">My Affair</span> 1991 single by Kirsty MacColl

"My Affair" is a song by British singer and songwriter Kirsty MacColl, which was released in 1991 as the second single from her third studio album Electric Landlady. It was written by MacColl and Mark E. Nevin, and produced by Steve Lillywhite. "My Affair" reached No. 56 in the UK and remained in the charts for two weeks. A music video was filmed to promote the single.

"Sexuality" is the ninth track on Billy Bragg's 1991 album, Don't Try This at Home. The song was released as a single which reached No. 27 on the UK charts and No. 2 on the U.S. alternative charts.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Days (The Kinks song)</span> 1968 single by the Kinks

"Days" is a song by the Kinks, written by lead singer Ray Davies, released as a single in 1968. It also appeared on an early version of the album The Kinks Are the Village Green Preservation Society. It now appears as a bonus track of the remastered CD. On the original Pye 7N 17573 label, the name of the song is "Day's" due to a grammatical error.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Don't Come the Cowboy with Me Sonny Jim!</span> 1990 single by Kirsty MacColl

"Don't Come the Cowboy with Me Sonny Jim!" is a song by British singer and songwriter Kirsty MacColl, which was released in 1990 as the fourth and final single from her second studio album Kite. It was written by MacColl and produced by Steve Lillywhite. The song reached No. 82 in the UK and remained in the charts for four weeks. A music video was filmed to promote the single, directed by Sarah Tuft.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">The Headmaster Ritual</span> 1985 song by The Smiths

"The Headmaster Ritual" is a song by English band the Smiths that appeared as the first song on their second studio album, Meat Is Murder (1985). It was released as a single in the Netherlands. The music was written by Johnny Marr and the lyrics by Morrissey.

<i>Desperate Character</i> 1981 studio album by Kirsty MacColl

Desperate Character is the first solo album of British singer-songwriter Kirsty MacColl, released in 1981. The album was re-released in March 1985 as Kirsty MacColl, with three tracks replaced with other songs. The album has been remastered and received a CD release for the first time on 8 October 2012 on the Union Square Music label and features the original twelve track listing.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Kirsty MacColl</span> English singer and songwriter (1959–2000)

Kirsty Anna MacColl was a British singer and songwriter, daughter of folk singer Ewan MacColl. She recorded several pop hits in the 1980s and 1990s, including "There's a Guy Works Down the Chip Shop Swears He's Elvis" and cover versions of Billy Bragg's "A New England" and the Kinks's "Days". Her first single, "They Don't Know", had chart success a few years later when covered by Tracey Ullman. MacColl also sang on a number of recordings produced by her then-husband Steve Lillywhite, most notably "Fairytale of New York" by the Pogues. Her death in 2000 led to the "Justice for Kirsty" campaign.

Aniff Akinola is a British DJ and rapper from Manchester. He was born on September 1, 1962, in Manchester, United Kingdom.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Pete Glenister</span> English musician, songwriter

Pete Glenister is an English guitarist, songwriter and producer, known for his work with Alison Moyet and Kirsty MacColl. He has also worked with a number of other artists including Anni-Frid Lyngstad, Bruce Foxton, Terence Trent D'Arby, Bros, E. G. Daily, Mary Coughlan, Geoffrey Williams, Five Thirty, Bryan Ferry and Raphael Gualazzi.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Innocence (Kirsty MacColl song)</span> 1989 single by Kirsty MacColl

"Innocence" is a song by British singer and songwriter Kirsty MacColl, which was released in 1989 as the third single from her second studio album Kite. It was written by MacColl and Pete Glenister, and produced by Steve Lillywhite. "Innocence" reached No. 80 in the UK and remained in the charts for four weeks. The song's music video was filmed in the back garden of MacColl's home in Ealing. It was directed by Sarah Tuft and features a cameo appearance from Edward Tudor-Pole.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Caroline (Kirsty MacColl song)</span> 1995 single by Kirsty MacColl

"Caroline" is a song by British singer and songwriter Kirsty MacColl, released in February 1995 as a single from her compilation album Galore. The song was written by MacColl, and produced by Victor Van Vugt and MacColl. "Caroline" reached number 58 in the UK Singles Chart and remained in the top 100 for two weeks.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Can't Stop Killing You</span> 1993 single by Kirsty MacColl

"Can't Stop Killing You" is a song by British singer and songwriter Kirsty MacColl, which was released in 1993 as the second single from her fourth studio album Titanic Days. It was written by MacColl and Johnny Marr, and produced by Victor Van Vugt and Baboon Farm. The song reached No. 20 on the US Billboard Modern Rock Tracks and remained on the chart for seven weeks.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">In These Shoes?</span> 2000 single by Kirsty MacColl

"In These Shoes?" is a song by British singer and songwriter Kirsty MacColl, which was released in 2000 as the second single from her fifth studio album Tropical Brainstorm. It was written by MacColl and Pete Glenister, and produced by MacColl, Glenister and Dave Ruffy.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">All I Ever Wanted (Kirsty MacColl song)</span> 1991 single by Kirsty MacColl

"All I Ever Wanted" is a song by British singer-songwriter Kirsty MacColl, which was released in 1991 as the third and final single from her third studio album Electric Landlady. It was written by MacColl and Marshall Crenshaw, and produced by Steve Lillywhite.

References

  1. 1 2 3 "Kirsty MacColl - Awards". AllMusic . Retrieved 7 July 2013.
  2. 1 2 3 4 5 "Electric Landlady - Kirsty MacColl". AllMusic . Retrieved 7 July 2013.
  3. 1 2 "Kirsty MacColl | full Official Chart History | Official Charts Company". OfficialCharts.com .
  4. 1 2 "Career Summaries". Kirsty MacColl. 1996-09-13. Retrieved 2015-02-18.
  5. "'Walking Down Madison' - Johnny Marr". johnnymarrplaysguitar.com.
  6. 1 2 Jennings, Dave (22 June 1991). "Kirsty MacColl – The Last Waltz". Melody Maker . p. 46.
  7. "Tune In... To 1991". 16 February 2015. Vintage TV.{{cite episode}}: Missing or empty |series= (help)
  8. "New releases: Singles". Music & Media. 1 June 1991.
  9. Staunton, Terry (25 May 1991). "Singles". New Musical Express . p. 14.
  10. "Single Reviews". Billboard. 8 June 1991.
  11. Camp, Zoe (2014-10-30). "Welcome to New York: Taylor Swift, Kirsty MacColl and the Commodified City | The Pitch". Pitchfork. Retrieved 2015-02-18.
  12. 1 2 "Walking Down Madison". Kirsty MacColl. Retrieved 2015-02-18.
  13. "Tribute Concert for Kirsty MacColl". Johnnymarrplaysguitar.com. Retrieved 7 July 2013.
  14. Ryan, Gavin (2011). Australia's Music Charts 1988–2010 (PDF ed.). Mt. Martha, VIC, Australia: Moonlight Publishing. p. 173.
  15. Hung, Steffen. "Kirsty MacColl - Walking Down Madison". dutchcharts.nl. Retrieved 2019-07-09.
  16. Ward, Jaclyn. "The Irish Charts - All there is to know". Irishcharts.ie. Retrieved 2019-07-09.
  17. "Kirsty MacColl Walking Down Madison Chart History". Billboard. 1991-08-17. Retrieved 2019-07-09.
  18. "Hot Dance Music". Billboard. 7 September 1991.
  19. "Kirsty MacColl Chart History (Alternative Airplay)". Billboard. Retrieved 7 August 2017.