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Mark Elliott

Mark Elliott balances a passion for all things pop with a day-job managing the content and commercial fortunes of one of Britain’s largest specialist magazine publishers. His career has taken him from the boardroom of Time Out London (where he was Managing Director) to the publishing hotseat at brands such as Closer and Empire. All of this interesting career stuff pales in comparison besides his – frankly ridiculous – record-collecting habit (how many overseas variant covers of Like A Virgin does anyone really need?) and The Ministry Of Pop, his book on Stock Aitken Waterman, published in 2017.

Articles by Mark Elliott

Into The Groove: The Story Behind Madonna’s Floor-Filling Song

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Into The Groove: The Story Behind Madonna’s Floor-Filling Song

The best-selling of Madonna’s many UK hits, Into The Groove helped ‘Desperately Seeking Susan’ become one of the 80s’ most iconic movies.

Holiday: Behind The Song That Started Madonna’s Lifelong Chart Stay

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Holiday: Behind The Song That Started Madonna’s Lifelong Chart Stay

No one expected Holiday’s monster success in late 1983, but the single would break records and become one of Madonna’s signature songs.

‘Who’s That Girl’: Behind Madonna’s Sure-Fire Soundtrack Smash

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‘Who’s That Girl’: Behind Madonna’s Sure-Fire Soundtrack Smash

Madonna’s ‘Who’s That Girl’ album may have been one of the 80s’ biggest soundtracks, but would records sales translate to the box office?

Chant No.1 (I Don’t Need This Pressure On): Spandau Ballet’s Song Story

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Chant No.1 (I Don’t Need This Pressure On): Spandau Ballet’s Song Story

Chant No.1 (I Don’t Need This Pressure On) confounded critics, its new sound proving Spandau Ballet were outgrowing the New Romantic scene.

‘Aphrodite:’ How Kylie Minogue Re-Emerged As A Dancefloor Goddess

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‘Aphrodite:’ How Kylie Minogue Re-Emerged As A Dancefloor Goddess

Turning to the man behind Madonna’s ‘Confessions On A Dance Floor’, Kylie Minogue created her most cohesive album yet in ‘Aphrodite’.

‘Parade’: How Spandau Ballet Marched Into New Territory

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‘Parade’: How Spandau Ballet Marched Into New Territory

Spandau Ballet were at peak fame for the ‘Parade’ album, which signalled a new approach for the former New Romantics turned soul balladeers…

All The Lovers: The Kylie Minogue Song That United All Communities

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All The Lovers: The Kylie Minogue Song That United All Communities

The song that gave Kylie Minogue’s fan community its name, All The Lovers is also one of the Australian singer’s most celebrated singles.

Best Kylie Minogue Albums: The Complete Studio Discography, Ranked

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Best Kylie Minogue Albums: The Complete Studio Discography, Ranked

The best Kylie Minogue albums prove why the “Princess Of Pop” has confounded expectations with each dancefloor reinvention.

‘I’m Breathless’: Madonna’s ‘Dick Tracy’ Soundtrack Leaves Us Gasping

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‘I’m Breathless’: Madonna’s ‘Dick Tracy’ Soundtrack Leaves Us Gasping

A witty triumph of innovation, ‘I’m Breathless’ was a part-soundtrack for ‘Dick Tracy’, and a Madonna album like no other.

‘Rio’: The Album That Secured Duran Duran’s Legacy And Defined The 80s

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‘Rio’: The Album That Secured Duran Duran’s Legacy And Defined The 80s

Routinely billed as the ultimate Duran Duran album, ‘Rio’ remains the perfect introduction to the British supergroup that conquered the world.