Ballet School Mash Up Madonna’s “Justify My Love” & Beyonce’s “Partition”: Idolator Song Premiere
Last September, Ballet School, an act based in Berlin, released their gorgeous, synth-filled debut LP The Dew Lasts An Hour. But as they prepare to head out on a tour of North America that kicks off next week, it seems the trio held off on putting out one particular gem in the form of a mash-up cover of Madonna’s sensual 1990 chart-topper “Justify My Love” and Beyonce’s equally steamy “Partition” — until now!
Today Idolator is premiering the tune, and Ballet School frontwoman Rosie Blair gave us the lowdown on the band’s thinking in mixing these two pop favorites together, which include her thoughts on the way Madonna was unjustly criticized at the time for being up front about her sexual nature:
When “Justify My Love” came out, it made perfect sense because it is the sound of the world’s most powerful woman reaching her early thirties sexual peak. Like, it figures. For about five years after this Madonna released nothing but explicitly sexual music and was totally punished for it. She rarely refers to it now but it was the lowest period of her career, critically speaking. Every time she did an interview one of the questions would invariably be “Do you think your career is over?” I mean, how rude. Beyonce’s “Partition” is the same vibe, a woman in her early thirties reaching maximum velocity with her sexuality except this time, Beyonce was critically acclaimed for her work. The juxtaposition between the two songs is one that is just as important for me culturally as it is musically. It makes me think that it’s worth putting your ideas and perspectives out there as a female even if you get a kicking, ’cause there’s always a bigger picture. This is the definition of “influence.”
We couldn’t agree more, Rosie. Give more thought to the Ballet School singer’s words by listening to the cover(s) below!
Ballet School tour dates with Seoul: Wed 15 April – TORONTO – The Garrison Thur 16 April – MONTREAL – Bar Le Ritz PDB Sat 18 April – BROOKLYN – Knitting Factory Sun 19 April – PHILADELPHIA – Johnny Brenda’s Mon 20 April – WASHINGTON – DC9 Wed 22 April – NASHVILLE – The High Watt Thur 23 April – ST. LOUIS – Billiken Club Fri 24 April – KANSAS CITY – Middle Of The Map Fest Sun 26 April – DENVER – Larimer Lounge Mon 27 April – SALT LAKE CITY – Kilby Court Wed 29 April – LOS ANGELES – Satellite Club Thur 30 April – COSTA MESA – Maison Fri 01 May – SAN FRANCISCO – Rickshaw Stop Sun 03 May – PORTLAND – Hawthorne Theatre Mon 04 May – SEATTLE – Barboza Tue 05 May – VANCOUVER – Media Club Fri 08 May – ST. PAUL – Turf Club Sat 09 May – CHICAGO – Schubas
What do you think of Ballet School’s rendition of “Justify My Love”/”Partition”? Let us know below!
Get an eyeful of even more pop music coverage, from artist interviews to exclusive performances, on Idolator’s YouTube channel.
