Friday, June 05, 2009

Flashback Friday – Prince - "Purple Rain"

It's been 25 (!!!) years since Prince dropped this album. The movie was no Academy Award winner (remember the scene when Prince runs to break up his parent's fight? It was, uhm, unfortunate) but the music and the clothes were amazing.

This soundtrack is truly one of the greatest albums ever. Almost ever track could be a stand alone single. Today you're lucky if you get two, which is why CD sales are down and iTunes sales are up.

I still remember the first time I heard "When Doves Cry" aka "The Song With No Base". Brilliant, freaking brilliant.

Prince has changed. He's not yet at the Michael Jackson level of bat shit crazy but getting there. He's one of the most talented musicians out there and it pains me that he's so weird now.

He refuses to let his music be on YouTube so all I can post is the album cover.

What is your favorite track off this album?

Have a great weekend.

15 comments:

Ciao Chow Linda said...

My husband is a big Prince fan. I will forward your post to him. go Prince.

Skywalker said...

I have never understood the attraction of "The Purple One". Serious, never. I don't remember Purple Rain as much as I remember "Diamonds and Pearls" and the twins that he employed.

J.Doe said...

I like the song 'When Doves Cry' (the full version-not the radio shortened one), and although Prince doesn't want his stuff on Youtube, I googled the title of the song and saw the video anyway. I don't remember on what website though.

Gibber said...

I don't think it's on this album, but Rasberry Beret is one of my favorite prince songs. I just love the melody and musical progression of the song. Yeah, i'm a music nerd. Close second is When Doves Cry.

Anonymous said...

I was 9 when this movie came out and living in Minneapolis. Of course I I didn't see it in the theater but when it finally made it to cable my friends and I would watch it daily. Loved it. We even had the Sex Shooter dance down which we would perform on command. I love the energy of the musical performances. I think that my favorite song off that record is Baby I'm a Star.

I saw Prince live about 10 years ago in MInneapolis and we left the concert with out voices. It was amazing. I felt that same energy that I felt the first time I heard his music. He really is amazing even if a little strange.

Jen said...

Oh, it's gotta be "When Doves Cry".

That album was soooooo central to my young twenties. I even, kinda, liked the movie.

Prince was aptly named in those days.

Anonymous said...

"I Would Die 4 U" is the ultimate Christian rock song!
I don't think that he's become weird or anything, I think that as we grow older we tolerate less clutter and "busyness', we become more of who we really are.
I can hardly believe that it was 25 years ago that this movie appeared on the scene! A classic. I love Prince like I love Earth Wind and Fire, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Sade, and The Rolling Stones. I find them all uplifting in a spiritual way. Funny, non?

Liane Spicer said...

25 years? Damn, I feel old! I know the nameless one is hugely talented but I've always found him rather - strange. In a fascinating way. Then there were those outrageously beautiful girls who were always around... And the fact that serious musicians have the greatest respect for him.

I used to tell my (then) husband that he looked a lot like Prince. (Ex)hubby was not amused, for whatever reason!

nyc/caribbean ragazza said...

CCL - Your husband has excellent taste. :)

skywalker - I understand. I think his biggest fan base is among those of us who grew up in the 80s. I do love his earlier work, from "I Wanna Be Your Lover" on.

j. doe - I like the full version better too.

gibber - Great song. It's on the Around The World In A Day CD, along with Pop LIfe.

scattered - you're right about his performances. Amazing. No lip synching and he can actually play an instrument.

jen - he truly was a Prince. He and Madonna dominated the early-mid 80s. Larger than life entertainers.

TTN - I have no idea where the time went. I love all the groups/singers you mentioned. However, when I think of the Stones one of the first songs to pop into my head is "Sympathy for the Devil". Not the most spiritual songs out there. ha

Liane - Prince used to be sexy. I don't know why your ex was not amused. Is he short like his Purpleness? I do remember how he used to date these outrageously beautiful women who were much taller than him.

Liane Spicer said...

You're probably right - must have been the height sensitivity. He's average height but I stood a few inches taller!

Anonymous said...

Do you know that Prince recently had a hip replaced? Yeah, makes me cringe to think that rockin' Prince is getting older. Saw his Purple Rain suit at the Hard Rock Cafe in Vegas. Man, that dude is tiny. I'd be lucky to fit my arm into the left pant leg. Okay, he weird but talent trumps weirdness every day.
That man is brillant.

nyc/caribbean ragazza said...

ms. violetta - No! really? wow. Yes he is very petite. I was shocked when I saw him in person. He projects height.

Valerie said...

Good grief, how old do I feel now that I learn it has been 25 years since this debuted? Mamma mia! He's always been a little "out there" but definitely seems to have weirded out in recent years.

Jazzy said...

Prince is a musical genius and most geniuses are 'strange'. I'll take strangeness over 'crazy' (ya hear me MJ) anytime.LOL

nyc/caribbean ragazza said...

valerie - I can't believe it either. It feels more like 5 years. ha

jazzy - I agree. MJ crossed over from strange to crazy around the time BAD came out. Prince is a genius. I know that word gets thrown around a lot but he's a very, very talented musician.