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
Released7 May 1991
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 song by Kirsty MacColl featuring Aniff Cousins, released by Virgin Records on 7 May 1991 as the lead single from her third studio album, Electric Landlady . 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 Daily Record , MacColl commented on the song's social message, "I was in New York and became aware of the contrast between the enormous skyscrapers – these huge symbols of power and wealth – and people sleeping in shop doorways. Walking down Madison Avenue, it hits you all the time. It's terrible." [7] She added to Melody Maker , "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 as a single in the UK on 7 May 1991. [8] It was also the opening track on MacColl's 1991 album Electric Landlady , on which it is the longest song. [1] [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. [9]

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". [10] Paul Baldwin of the Northampton Chronicle & Echo considered the "rapping cum Was (Not Was) cum mixed up hip hop track" to be "an odd choice for the honey-voiced crooner", but noted that the "breakbeat bleeps and Cousins' rap are an oddly effective vehicle for Kirsty's clever beat Costelloesque vocal". [11]

Steve Stewart of the Aberdeen Press and Journal awarded four out of five stars and wrote, "A bit of everything thrown in here – dance beat, rap, screeching guitar and vocal harmonies. Kirsty has taken on board a 90s style and pulls it off." [12] 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!". [13]

In the US, Larry Flick of 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'." He noted the "infectious melody", "intelligent lyrics", "slicing guitars" and "affecting rap" from Cousins. [14] Pitchfork retrospectively commended the record as a "subtle, scathing takedown of the city’s neon facade". [15]

Uses in other media

MacColl performed this song on Top of the Pops . Alison Moyet has covered this song live [16] having been offered the chance to record it. [17] 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. [16]

Formats

7-inch single (UK, Europe and US) and cassette single (UK) [18] [19]

  1. "Walking Down Madison" – 4:42
  2. "One Good Thing" – 3:37

12-inch single (UK and Europe) [20]

  1. "Walking Down Madison" (Club Mix) – 6:35
  2. "One Good Thing" – 3:37
  3. "Walking Down Madison" (6am Ambient Mix) – 4:58
  4. "Walking Down Madison" – 4:42

12-inch single (US) [21]

  1. "Walking Down Madison" (Club Mix) – 6:35
  2. "Walking Down Madison" (Urban Mix) – 4:36
  3. "Walking Down Madison" (Album Version) – 6:35
  4. "Walking Down Madison" (6 A.M. Ambient Mix) – 4:58

CD single (UK and Europe) [22]

  1. "Walking Down Madison" – 4:42
  2. "One Good Thing" – 3:37
  3. "Walking Down Madison" (6a.m. Ambient Mix) – 4:58
  4. "Walking Down Madison" (Club Mix) – 6:35

CD single (UK digipack) [23]

  1. "Walking Down Madison" (Urban Mix) – 4:36
  2. "Days" – 3:01
  3. "Darling Let's Have Another Baby" – 3:27
  4. "Walking Down Madison" (LP Extended Mix) – 6:36

CD single (US) [24]

  1. "Walking Down Madison" (7" Mix) – 4:40
  2. "Walking Down Madison" (Extended Urban Mix) – 6:35
  3. "Walking Down Madison" (Ye Olde Originale Mix) – 4:33
  4. "Walking Down Madison" (Club Mix) – 6:34
  5. "Walking Down Madison" (6 A.M. Ambient Mix) – 4:57

Personnel

"Walking Down Madison"

Production

Other

Charts

Chart (1991)Peak
position
Australia (ARIA) [25] 58
Netherlands (Single Top 100) [26] 85
Europe (Eurochart Hot 100 Singles) [27] 66
Europe (European Airplay Top 50) [28] 31
Ireland (IRMA) [29] 12
UK Singles (OCC) [30] 23
UK Playlist Chart ( Music Week ) [31] 10
US Hot Dance Music Club Play ( Billboard ) [32] 18
US Hot Dance Music 12-inch Singles Sales ( Billboard ) [33] 36
US Modern Rock Tracks ( Billboard ) [34] 4

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Rush (Big Audio Dynamite II song)</span> 1991 single by Big Audio Dynamite II

"Rush" is a song by English band Big Audio Dynamite II from their fifth album, The Globe (1991). A longer version of "Rush", entitled "Change of Atmosphere", had previously appeared on the group's 1990 album Kool-Aid.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Country Grammar (Hot Shit)</span> 2000 single by Nelly

"Country Grammar (Hot Shit)" (also known as "Country Grammar (Hot...) "in the clean version) is the debut single of American rapper Nelly. The song was written by Nelly and Jason "Jay E" Epperson, who also produced the track. Released on February 29, 2000, as the lead single from Nelly's 2000 debut album, Country Grammar, the single peaked at number seven in both the United States and the United Kingdom and reached the top 20 in Australia, Canada, Germany, and the Netherlands.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Because We Want To</span> 1998 single by Billie Piper

"Because We Want To" is a song performed by British pop singer Billie. The song was written by Dion Rambo, Jacques Richmond, Wendy Page, and Jim Marr and produced by Marr and Page for Billie's debut album, Honey to the B (1998). It was released as her debut single on 29 June 1998 and entered the UK Singles Chart at number one in July 1998, making Billie the youngest artist to debut at number one, at age 15. It also reached the top 10 in Ireland, New Zealand, and Sweden. The song was the official theme of the 1999 FIFA Women's World Cup.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">I Feel You</span> 1993 single by Depeche Mode

"I Feel You" is a song by English electronic music band Depeche Mode, released on 15 February 1993 by Mute as their 27th UK single and the first single from their eighth studio album, Songs of Faith and Devotion (1993). The song peaked at number eight on the UK Singles Chart and also made number one and number three on the US Billboard Modern Rock Tracks chart and the Billboard Hot Dance Club Play chart. It is one of the band's highest-charting singles worldwide. The accompanying music video was directed by Anton Corbijn.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Walking in My Shoes</span> 1993 single by Depeche Mode

"Walking in My Shoes" is a song by British electronic music band Depeche Mode. It was released on 26 April 1993 by Mute and Sire as the second single from their eighth studio album, Songs of Faith and Devotion (1993). The song reached number 14 on the UK Singles Chart and matched the success of the previous single "I Feel You" on the US Billboard Modern Rock Tracks chart, where it reached one. The B-side is "My Joy", the only exclusive B-side from the Songs of Faith and Devotion album, and is a rock track in the vein of "I Feel You".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Shocked (song)</span> 1991 single by Kylie Minogue

"Shocked" is a song by Australian singer Kylie Minogue from her third studio album, Rhythm of Love (1990). Written and produced by Stock Aitken and Waterman, "Shocked" was released as the album's fourth and final single in May 1991 by Mushroom and PWL. The song later appeared on most of Minogue's major compilations including Greatest Hits (1992), Ultimate Kylie (2004) and Step Back In Time: The Definitive Collection (2019). The DNA 7-inch mix of the song also includes a rap in the bridge by Jazzi P.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">A Little Respect</span> 1988 single by Erasure

"A Little Respect" is a song written and recorded by British synth-pop duo Erasure, released in September 1988 by Mute. It was written by Vince Clarke and Andy Bell. The lyrics are a plea to a lover to show compassion and respect. The heavily synthesized instrumentation is accentuated by acoustic guitar and Bell's vocal falsetto in the chorus. It was their tenth single and was taken from their third studio album, The Innocents (1988). Known as one of their signature songs, the single reached number four on the UK Singles Chart and was Erasure's second consecutive top-20 hit on the US Billboard Hot 100, where it made number 14, and reached number two on the US Billboard Dance Club Play chart.

<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.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Everything You Need (song)</span> 2000 single by Madison Avenue

"Everything You Need" is a song by Australian electronic music duo Madison Avenue, released on 18 September 2000. The single was a top-10 hit in Australia and Hungary, reaching number six in both nations, but did not continue the group's success in the United Kingdom, where it reached number 33. On the US Billboard Hot Dance Club Play chart, the song peaked at number 24.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Are You Ready (AC/DC song)</span> 1991 single by AC/DC

"Are You Ready" is a song by Australian rock band AC/DC. It is featured on the band's 1990 album The Razors Edge. A live version of the song recorded on the tour of the same name appeared on one of AC/DC's two live albums of 1992, Live: 2 CD Collector's Edition. The song peaked at number one in New Zealand, becoming the band's only number-one hit there, and has been certified gold for sales exceeding 5,000. The song also peaked at number 16 on the US Billboard Album Rock Tracks chart, number six in Ireland, number 14 in Finland, and number 18 in Australia. Music & Media magazine called the song "the best example of a rhetorical question". "Are You Ready" was used as the official theme for WWE SmackDown on Fox.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Disappointed (Electronic song)</span> 1992 single by Electronic

"Disappointed" is the fourth single released by English alternative dance group Electronic. Like their first single "Getting Away with It", it features Neil Tennant of the Pet Shop Boys as well as founding members Johnny Marr and Bernard Sumner. It was released on 22 June 1992 on Parlophone soon after the demise of Factory Records. The single was assigned the Factory catalogue number FAC 348, and the logo of the label remained on the artwork.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Stranded (Heart song)</span> 1990 single by Heart

"Stranded" is a song by American rock band Heart. It was released as the third single from the band's 10th studio album, Brigade (1990). It is a mid-tempo song that features Nancy Wilson on lead vocals. The song was released in the United States in September 1990 and in the United Kingdom two months later.

<i>Welcome to the Cheap Seats</i> 1992 EP by the Wonder Stuff

"Welcome to the Cheap Seats" is a song by British alternative rock band the Wonder Stuff from their third album, Never Loved Elvis (1991). The song features backing vocals by Kirsty MacColl and was released as part of the Welcome to the Cheap Seats EP in 1992, peaking at number eight on the UK Singles Chart. The EP's cover of the country standard "Will the Circle Be Unbroken", recorded during a jam session with Canadian rock group Spirit of the West, was also a popular radio single in Canada.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">The Whole World</span> 2001 single by Outkast

"The Whole World" is the first single released from American hip hop duo Outkast's first compilation album, Big Boi and Dre Present... Outkast (2001). The song was written by Outkast, produced by Earthtone III, and features Killer Mike and Joi. Upon its release as a single in November 2001, "The Whole World" peaked at number 19 on both the US Billboard Hot 100 and the UK Singles Chart. The song won the 2003 Grammy Award for Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Born of Frustration</span> 1992 single by James

"Born of Frustration" is a song written by Jim Glennie, Larry Gott, and Tim Booth and released as a single by English Madchester band James. It is the follow-up to 1991 hits "Sit Down" and "Sound", which both peaked within the UK top 10.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">The People Want to Dance</span> 1991 single by Holly Johnson

"The People Want to Dance" is a song by English singer Holly Johnson, released by MCA on 2 September 1991 as the third and final single from his second studio album, Dreams That Money Can't Buy. The song was written by Holly Johnson and produced by Andy Richards. It peaked at number 108 in the UK Singles Chart.

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

Kirsty Anna MacColl was an English 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' "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.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Down 4 U</span> 2002 single by Irv Gotti, Ja Rule, Ashanti, Charli Baltimore and Vita

"Down 4 U" is the lead single from Murder Inc. Records' compilation album Irv Gotti Presents: The Inc., released through Def Jam Recordings and Irv Gotti's Murder Inc. Records. The song features rapped verses from Ja Rule, Charli Baltimore, and Vita while Ashanti provides the chorus and sung vocals. The song is a remix as well as its music video being the sequel of Ja Rule's 2002 single, "Down Ass Bitch".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Do Anything (song)</span> 1991 single by Natural Selection

"Do Anything" is the debut single of American pop group Natural Selection. The song was written by group members Elliot Erickson and Frederick Thomas, who also produced the track, and the rap was written and performed by Ingrid Chavez. American actress and singer Niki Haris provides the song's spoken lyrics. A new jack swing and funk-pop song, it is the opening track on Natural Selection's self-titled, only studio album. Released as a single in 1991, "Do Anything" became a hit in the United States, where it reached the number-two position on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. Worldwide, it became a top-10 hit in Australia, Canada, and New Zealand.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">On a Sunday Afternoon</span> 1991 single by A Lighter Shade of Brown featuring Shiro Stokes and Huggy Boy

"On a Sunday Afternoon" is a song by American hip hop duo A Lighter Shade of Brown and the second single from their debut studio album, Brown & Proud (1990). Featuring singer Shiro Stokes and radio disc jockey Huggy Boy, it was produced by Jammin' James Carter. It is the group's most successful song, peaking at number 39 on the US Billboard Hot 100 and reaching number one in New Zealand for two weeks; it is certified gold in the latter country.

References

  1. 1 2 "Kirsty MacColl - Awards". AllMusic . Retrieved 7 July 2013.
  2. 1 2 3 4 5 "Electric Landlady - Kirsty MacColl". AllMusic . Retrieved 7 July 2013.
  3. "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. Sloan, Billy (8 June 1991). "Pop Music: Public fear for Kirsty" . Daily Record . p. 20. Retrieved 20 June 2024 via British Newspaper Archive.
  8. "New Releases: Singles". Music Week . 4 May 1991. p. 31. ISSN   0265-1548.
  9. "Tune In... To 1991". 16 February 2015. Vintage TV.{{cite episode}}: Missing or empty |series= (help)
  10. "New Releases: Singles". Music & Media . Vol. 8, no. 22. 1 June 1991. p. 12. OCLC   29800226.
  11. Baldwin, Paul (22 May 1991). "Record Reviews: Singles" . Northampton Chronicle & Echo . p. 4. Retrieved 20 June 2024 via British Newspaper Archive.
  12. Stewart, Steve (16 May 1991). "Sounds Around – Records: Singles" . Aberdeen Press and Journal . p. 7. Retrieved 20 June 2024 via British Newspaper Archive.
  13. Staunton, Terry (25 May 1991). "Singles". New Musical Express . p. 14. ISSN   0028-6362.
  14. Flick, Larry (8 June 1991). "Single Reviews". Billboard . Vol. 103, no. 23. Billboard Publications, Inc. p. 75. ISSN   0006-2510.
  15. Camp, Zoe (2014-10-30). "Welcome to New York: Taylor Swift, Kirsty MacColl and the Commodified City | The Pitch". Pitchfork. Retrieved 2015-02-18.
  16. 1 2 "Walking Down Madison". Kirsty MacColl. Retrieved 2015-02-18.
  17. "Tribute Concert for Kirsty MacColl". Johnnymarrplaysguitar.com. Retrieved 7 July 2013.
  18. Walking Down Madison (UK, European and US 7-inch single sleeve). Kirsty MacColl. Virgin Records. 1991. VS 1348, 114 360.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  19. Walking Down Madison (UK cassette single sleeve). Kirsty MacColl. Virgin Records. 1991. VSC 1348.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  20. Walking Down Madison (UK and European 12-inch single sleeve). Kirsty MacColl. Virgin Records. 1991. VST 1348, 614 360.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  21. Walking Down Madison (US 12-inch single sleeve). Kirsty MacColl. Charisma Records. 1991. 0-96342.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  22. Walking Down Madison (UK and European CD single sleeve). Kirsty MacColl. Virgin Records. 1991. VSCDT 1348, 664 360.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  23. Walking Down Madison (UK digipack CD single sleeve). Kirsty MacColl. Virgin Records. 1991. VSCDG 1348.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  24. Walking Down Madison (US 12-inch single sleeve). Kirsty MacColl. Charisma Records. 1991. 96342-2.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  25. Ryan, Gavin (2011). Australia's Music Charts 1988–2010 (PDF ed.). Mt. Martha, VIC, Australia: Moonlight Publishing. p. 173.
  26. "Kirsty MacColl – Walking Down Madison" (in Dutch). Single Top 100. Retrieved 20 June 2024.
  27. "Eurochart Hot 100 Singles". Music & Media . Vol. 8, no. 26. 29 June 1991. p. 25. OCLC   29800226.
  28. "European Airplay Top 50". Music & Media . Vol. 8, no. 28. 13 July 1991. p. 25. OCLC   29800226.
  29. "The Irish Charts – Search Results – Walking Down Madison". Irish Singles Chart. Retrieved 20 June 2024.
  30. "Official Singles Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 20 June 2024.
  31. "Playlist Chart". Music Week . 22 June 1991. p. 14. ISSN   0265-1548.
  32. "Hot Dance Music - Club Play". Billboard . Vol. 103, no. 33. Billboard Publications, Inc. 17 August 1991. p. 24. ISSN   0006-2510.
  33. "Hot Dance Music - 12-inch Singles Sales". Billboard . Vol. 103, no. 36. Billboard Publications, Inc. 7 September 1991. p. 27. ISSN   0006-2510.
  34. "Modern Rock Tracks". Billboard . Vol. 103, no. 31. Billboard Publications, Inc. 3 August 1991. p. 12. ISSN   0006-2510.