Nicholas Fonseca

Baring your tortured soul is one thing, but unleashing a barrage of selfpitying ballads and expecting people to listen is a test of even the most open-minded fan’s patience.

Madonna has always had a successful second (third? eighth?) career as a remix artist, so it makes sense that she'd funk up failed singles from this year's ''American Life'' for this seven-song EP. Too bad, then, that none of these rock-leaning cuts will drive listeners to the dance floor.