Music That Defines Our Memories
Remember those Choose Your Own Adventure series of books? Aimed at young readers, they offered an opportunity to periodically take the wheel and steer the direction of the book's story. At some point, while reading, you are asked to make a choice. A choice that could completely change the plot's direction, the fate of the … Continue reading Purple Rain As A Choose Your Own Adventure – The Spiritual Path
In some respects, Patricia Kotero won the lottery. She was chosen to replace Denise Matthews, better known as the singer Vanity, as the female lead in the upcoming motion picture starring the musician, Prince. She went from model to NFL cheerleader (L.A. Rams) to TV & music video actress to major motion picture actress co-starring … Continue reading Apollonia 6 (1984)
At this point, simply calling Prince "prolific" doesn't really add much to his already well-established narrative. By August 1982, at the age of 24, Prince had already released 4 solo albums as well as co-writing, producing and playing most instruments for The Time's 1981 self title debut. On top of that, he had another Time … Continue reading Vanity 6 (1982)
From day one, Prince exuded sexuality. There he was, shirtless, or possibly even nude (if you bought a dirty mind), for his album and record sleeve appearances on For You and Prince. Breathy, risque vocals and lyrics could be found on “Soft & Wet,” “When We’re Dancing Close & Slow,” and “Sexy Dancer.” These artistic … Continue reading Prince’s Sexual Revolution – Dirty Mind/Controversy Era
After spending the previous couple of years either clearing out the vault or creating new tracks designed to fit the narrative of feature films (Batman, Graffiti Bridge), Prince was likely ready to MOVE ON. Not a simple, "Alright, let's get in the studio and create a new song" type of MOVE ON. I mean the … Continue reading Prince – Diamonds & Pearls (1991)
What time is it? It’s time for a quick review of The Time’s self-titled debut album from 1981. The album was officially produced by Morris Day and Jamie Starr, one of Prince’s many alter-egos when writing or producing music for other artists. It was also composed and written primarily by Prince, with additional writing contributions … Continue reading The Time (1981)
Prince frames his left nipple so perfectly here. Prince's Lovesexy, also known as "the album where Prince is naked on the cover," indeed came about quickly. Primarily recorded in a two-month burst from December 1987 and January 1988, Lovesexy was the response to Prince's "spooky electric" period in late 1987. There's been speculation about what caused this period … Continue reading Prince – Lovesexy (1988)
Prince was at a crossroads during the creation of what would ultimately end up as Sign o' the Times. By mid-1986, the Under the Cherry Moon film and its soundtrack, Parade, were ancient history (in his mind). In typical Prince fashion, he was already moving on to his next project or projects as it would … Continue reading Prince – Sign O’ the Times (1987)
"Don't worry, I won't hurt you. I only want you to have some fun." "Party like it's 1999," a term used to describe the act of partying and having fun as if there is no tomorrow, has become part of our lexicon, regardless of whether or not you listen to or enjoy Prince's music. The … Continue reading Prince – 1999 (1982)
"It's you that I adore. You'll always be my whore." Billy Corgan, the lead singer, songwriter, guitarist and creative force behind the Smashing Pumpkins has always been a bit of a wild card. He is often labeled "insufferable" or "difficult" by bandmates, peers, and managers (Sharon Osbourne famously ended her 4-month tenure as Smashing Pumpkins … Continue reading Smashing Pumpkins – Adore (1998)