The Record File – An Xperience Column

by Tony Mastrianni.

MADONNA SAVED SUMMER 2026: STILL THE QUEEN OF THE DIVAS!

Let’s face it, it was a dreadful summer, with the music industry not releasing too many major artists’ albums. The new Stones and McCartney releases were nothing to rave about. However, one big record towered above the slag heap. Although I have had a love/hate relationship with Madonna for many decades, I can now attest that the dance floor is very much alive again. Madonna was the rage of the Summer of 2026 with her latest album (a two-LP), “Confessions II,” on the Warner Records/Maverick label. Reuniting with producer Stuart Price, Madonna sets the stage for an evolution of the groundbreaking world she created with the album “Confessions on a Dance Floor.” Across the 16 continuous mixed tracks of this double album, she explores diverse themes like love, trauma, loss, and healing. The album reinforces Madonna’s enduring belief that dance music is far from superficial; the dance floor is a lifeline, a place for escapism, connection, and survival. This spring, she previewed the album, inviting fans to the dance floor with the Billboard Dance Airplay No. 1 hit “I Feel So Free.” She also debuted “Bring Your Love,” featuring Sabrina Carpenter, at Coachella, marking 20 years since her festival debut (which subsequently topped the UK Club Chart as well). Her voice is superb throughout the 2 LPs.

The album features her daughter, Lola Leon, on the sentimental track, “The Test,” which the two co-wrote, with deeply personal lyrics reflecting the healing and progression of their relationship. Madonna also collaborates for the first time with Dutch DJ and producer Martin Garrix on the lamenting “Bizarre,” an exploration of the complexities of love. Additionally, Belgian artist Stromae brings his unique style to the seductive “My Sins Are My Savior.” Producers Andrew Watt and Cirkuit join Stuart Price on two evocative songs, “Danceteria” and “L.E.S. Girl,” chronicling Madonna’s early years in New York City, celebrating the legendary club, the friendships that shaped her, and the unique life only Madonna could capture. At the first-ever halftime show for the FIFA World Cup 26 Final on July 19 from New York New Jersey Stadium, and with a global audience exceeding 1.5 billion viewers, her “Confessions II” track “Read My Lips,” featuring Colombian singer Feid, became an anthem of the tournament. 

Bottom line: pseudo-divas come and go, but this diva, now 68 years of age, still outperforms all imitators. Hundreds (if not thousands) of young women in search of stardom around the planet have sung and danced to her drum for the past five decades, and all have fallen short of the glory of Madonna.  

ONE LAST GEM FROM ELECTRO ROCK MASTERS, SOFT CELL!

These guys can dance to the odd beat! Electronic music legends SOFT CELL, a.k.a. singer and frontman Marc Almond and multi-instrumentalist and producer Dave Ball, have released a feel-good, kitsch video for their new single, “In Heaven (When I Dance With You).” Out digitally on all platforms, this track is the second single taken from ”Danceteria,” Soft Cell’s sixth and final studio album, which will be released in late September (via Republic of Music). “Danceteria,” the album, is a classy and playful farewell to 47 years of Marc and Dave making music as Soft Cell and features career-defining performances from our electronic pop legends. Reminiscent of Sparks, Pet Shop Boys, and with lyrics Lady Gaga would kill for, the album takes you on a vivid journey through a day in early ’80s New York, bouncing round the clock from night to bleary daybreak and headlong back into the club. The 12-track album will be simmering with great sounds, which comes as no surprise. Thanks for all the great music, guys!

ELEPHANT’S MEMORY FINALLY REISSUED ON REAL GONE MUSIC!

Led by the leadership of saxophonist and vocalist Stan Bronstein, Elephant’s Memory is best remembered for backing John Lennon and Yoko Ono on “Some Time in New York City,” “Approximately Infinite Universe,” and “Live in New York City.” (They also recorded an album for the Beatles’ Apple label). But before those brushes with fame, the band earned a reputation as a political street band in Greenwich Village, and you can see them in action on the front cover of this album, released on the Metromedia label in 1970. The opening track, “Mongoose,” was a minor hit and is one funky, irresistible ride (ex-Country Joe & the Fish member David Cohen contributes guitar and keyboards), and the rest of the record brings that gloriously grimy, late-‘60s Greenwich vibe … it’s no wonder Elephant’s Memory contributed a couple of tracks to the “Midnight Cowboy” soundtrack. 

For its first reissue in any format, this album was remastered by Mike Milchner at Sonic Vision and pressed on clear vinyl with black swirl. A blast from the past, and one of the most intense demonstrations of cacophony of this era. Another superb reissue from this great indie label! 

THIS NASHVILLE ARTIST IS A BEACON OF STORYTELLIN’

Let’s take a left turn here and head for Nashville. I have an old friend there who takes the country out of country (what??)  Yes, sometimes country music gets too countrified and simple-like.  Let me introduce you to Lance Cowan, who might be breaking out with his new album, “The Air That I Breathe,” on Patio Records. Lance’s professional journey is a study in the art of narrative, weaving through three distinct, yet interconnected careers that orbit the same principle:  The Art of Storytelling!  He was a writer/correspondent, a public relations manager, and a singer/songwriter.  He has the Midas touch with his lyrics.  He weaves his tales all through this album (his third).  He seemingly has perfected his writing skills (and his vocals are very good).  If musicianship is in question, let me assure you that the players on his new album are brimming with high credential contributors—such as Dan Dugmore (James Taylor, Linda Ronstadt), Pat McGrath (Carrie Underwood), Phil Madeira (Emmylou Harris, Phil Keaggy), Bryan Owings (Emmylou Harris), Dave Pomeroy (Don Williams, Elton John), Chip Davis (Alabama), Billy Davis (Dolly Parton) and Sam Bush and Jimmie Dale Gilmore.  

Mr. Cowan’s stories take the clunky out of country, and he will intrigue and entertain the listener with strong character.  Certainly not your everyday country record.  If you are looking for an alternative country singer with character who will entertain the hell out of you, then look no further! And the music is fine.

‘Till Next Time…