Aerobics, anyone?

The initial reaction to Madonna's "Sticky & Sweet" tour, onstage at the capacity-filled Oracle Arena in Oakland on Saturday (and Sunday) is: Wow, that woman can work out! Jump-roping to a throbbing version of “Into the Groove” — in which the singer was attired in gym shorts — she didn't miss a lyric, nor did she seem to need an extra breath.

The tune came about one-quarter of the way through the stimuli-packed, two-hour show, which drew heavily from the buff singer's latest album, "Hard Candy," but also, thankfully, managed to include some old favorites, most of which were reworked for the new century.

Perhaps the most evocative number was the new "She's Not Me," in which the pop icon literally beat on dancers costumed as various incarnations of herself — the material girl, the 1984 Video Music Awards bride, Marilyn Monroe, et al. It came off as a nifty metaphor for the 50-year-old's 25-year career in the pop spotlight and proved a fun anchor for a somewhat varied show.

While most of the songs were backed by the constant electronic dance-party beat found on the new CD, there were a few notable exceptions.

“Borderline,” featuring Madonna in one of several guitar-playing stints, got a rock treatment, and "Devil Wouldn't Recognize You" featured a gorgeous piano solo.

A few tunes in which she accompanied herself on acoustic guitar revealed an almost-human side of Madge. Smiling, she sang the melodic “Miles Away” in front of video footage of people from around the world; in another quieter moment, she seemed to enjoy the crowd's adulation during "You Must Love Me” from “Evita.”

As always is the case with Madonna, no expense was spared on quality or concept. Video backdrops ranged from art by Keith Haring ("Into the Groove,") to guests Kanye West (”Beat Goes On”) and Britney Spears (”Human Nature”) and myriad political and historical figures the likes of Oprah, John Lennon, Mother Teresa and Barack Obama in a "Get Stupid” video montage.

She danced with several screens boasting full-length images of Justin Timberlake on “4 Minutes,” a number that was more technically dazzling than musically satisfying. Technology also pumped up “Ray of Light,” “Vogue” and “Like a Prayer.”

A not-quite-spontaneous a cappella audience sing-along of “Like a Virgin” amused the all-ages audience before the finale “Give It 2 Me.”

The sound system was impeccable, the band and background vocalists were superb and the dancers nicely complemented their fearless role model.

Unlike many of her contemporaries or predecessors who sound great playing oldies, Madonna has forged a path into the 21st century. She's a consummate professional whose vitality — if not her earth-shattering artistry — keeps her in the limelight, showing kids half her age just how pop should be done.

Source: San Francisco Examiner (found on Drowned Madonna)