Let me start with what I like about the album. I like that Madonna is still taking risks this far into her career when she doesn't necessarily need to and that once again she is offering her audience something completely different then she has done before. That said, I wish she would have some how found a way to stay true to herself a little bit more in the process.  

She has stated on several occasions that this time around she was not the only diva in the studio. Unfortunately this comes through in the music. As a devoted Madonna fan, I feel that her personal touch is what is missing to make this album a Madonna classic. If I wanted to listen to Timberlake or Timbaland then I would buy their albums. But I don't. On a few tracks it feels as if Timberlakes influence is over shadowing Madonna. Even in the lyrics there seems to be something a little strange and phony going on. Almost as if Madonna was trying to sound cool and appeal to a younger crowd rather then writing lyrics that came from her heart. (See my bootie get down like that/ if someone wants to pimp your style) 

Here are Madonna's long time friend and backup singer Donna Delory's latest tour diary additions about Montréal:

June 23

We are leaving Montreal on our plane now. It is so fun to travel with everyone and to see the crew in a different place other than behind or under the stage. The audience was so amazing here our best so far. When I took my ear monitors out at the end of the show I couldnt believe how loud it was!!!! Such passionate people, we all loved it. I cant wait to come back to Canada on my own tour maybe next year.

Donna

June 20th

I am sitting down now in a restaurant in the French Quarter of downtown Montreal. The patio window is open for the summer and the cool breeze is blowing in. It is nice to look out and see the trees swaying alongside the buildings in their golden light. I was here with Madonna years ago but that was in the old city, different vibe. We arrived late this afternoon after a typical travel day on the road. I always get this feeling the moment we touch down in a new city that I have to get out and explore. After having no luck of getting a name at the concierge of a whole foods, natural market, which is the first thing I try to scope out, I asked, what about an organic restaurant? He told me about this place, Globe ...He said it was very conscious food with a trendy atmosphere. Lots of business men in suits I see. Is that you know who coming through the speakers? Express your self dont repress yourself I look up and see people toasting to the funky beat.

Next song, now my giant farm fresh organic salad with Fennel and sunflower seeds has arrived to You can Make it if you try. I smile at the message coming through the music. I think about how traveling gives you such a different perspective on life and your place in it. I feel so far from home now. I try to imagine whats going on there. Last night after I got back to my hotel after the show, I sang my daughter Sofia to sleep on I chat. I was amazed at how we could feel each other through the computer. Just by seeing my face and hearing my voice I could tell how comforted she was by the love and devotion I have for her no matter how far away we are physically. Seeing her sweet face is the gift I get at the end of the day.

Donna

For those of you who are not sure who Donna Delory is, she has been working with Madonna since 1987's Who's that girl tour and is an amazing singer and songwriter herself as well.
Donna Delory's official website
DREAMTEAM tour diary

Check out these great shots of Donna Delory and Madonna over the years:

(Madonna performing ''Express Yourself'' at Mtl's big O in 1993)

This was the last time Madonna was in Montreal 13 years ago for the Girlie Show. 2000 extra tickets were put on sale the day of the show. I was 15 years old and after begging my mother down on my knees, she was sweet enough to buy me a ticket. My ticket was 43.50$ and quite close to the stage, oh how times have changed...

It was my first concert, the first time I saw drag queens, the first time I saw boys kissing and holding hands and of course the first time I saw Madonna in person! What a special night it was for me. So many firsts. I remember how much my knees were shaking when Madonna came out of the ground singing Erotica.

Here I am with my sister Luisa. We are going to see Madonna in Montreal together once more after 13 years! Luisa you rock and I love you so much! There is nobody I would rather see the Confessions show with more then you.

Here is a shot of the HMV megastore window display welcoming Madonna:

* Madonna arived at the Montreal-Trudeau airport at 5 pm on Tuesday June 20th. She was then escorted to her hotel by police after being advised that she would be receiving a bill in the mail for the escort.

* She stayed at the luxurious St-James Hotel in old Montreal where hundreds of fans waited for her. Only once did she use the red carpet that was layed out for her at the front entrance and Madonna came along with her own private cleaning lady.

* She spent her first night out in the city dining with Stuart Price and Guy Oseary at Time Cafe on the very trendy St-Laurent Boulevard. Guy Ritchie and the children were never spotted in Montreal.

* Rumour has it that strip club "Cabaret Les Amazones" was shut down for Madonna and her private party on the night of June 20th. (I highly doubt that)

* A Montreal-Trudeau airport employee reported that Madonna booked a guided helicopter tour over Montreal at 6:00 pm on June 21, only a few hours before her first performance.

* During the afternoon of June 22, Madonna was reported to be hiking and kayaking with several bodyguards at the "Parc des Milles Iles" in Laval.

* After her second show, Madonna was spotted at after hours club Stereo. She was there for only a couple of hours until the place was mobbed with fans and then she left.

* Madonna's 2 shows at the Bell Center brought in a reported $5,670,150 for 34,940 seats sold at 2 sold out shows

***Hey Madonna! The next time you come to Montreal, let me know and I'll take you to my mom's house so we can have some home made wine and lasagna. Nobody will find you there... 

Madonna Madness vous souhaite la bienvenue!

Bienvenue sur le site officiel du party ''Madonna Madness'' de l'inferno ClubMix Montréal. Venez célébrer le grand retour à Montréal de la Reine de la Pop. Cet évènement ayant lieu le week-end  juste avant les 2 spectacles au Centre Bell, nous est possible grace à la collaboration de 2 mega fan de Madonna. Le premier, Dj Dominic Romeo (Philadelphie) vétéran de la scène house de la côte est des États-Unis, nous régalera de ses remixes exclusivement produit pour cette soirée spécial, de B-sides, de remixes ultra rares, ainsi bien sure de tous nos classiques préférés de la Sainte Madone... Le Deuxième est un jeune photographe Marco Di Biasio www.marco-d.com qui nous réserve lui aussi quelques surprises de son côté: '' Le but de ma soirée est de présenté du jamais vue et du jamais entendu. Je ne veux pas que ce soit un party Madonna comme tous les autres. J'aimerais que même les plus grands fanatiques de Madonna soient étonnés et impressionnés par ce qu'ils vont vivre. Bref je veux de l'hystérie juste avant de la voir live en spectacle!''

Le prix d'entrer est seulement 5$ à la porte, et plusieurs prix seront donner aux personnes ayant les plus beaux costumes de Madonna. Alors sortez vos perruques blondes!