I’ll make this as short and sweet as possible. Not
much needs to be said. Without question, the MF of the last twenty-five years. I’ve eschewed chronological order, because
his work is MOZAIC in its brilliance, breadth and bravado. The second volume is chronological to give a picture of his idea
development. Most of this music was performed solely by Prince unless I tell your funky ass otherwise.
WHEN DOVES CRY (Purple Rain 1984)
The one that started me down the purple path. It’s
got it ALL, except bass of course. For this record alone, he is one of the giants.
POP LIFE (Around The World In A Day 1985)
Featuring The Revolution and a great affect-less co-lead
vocal from keyboardist Lisa Coleman of Wendy and Lisa fame. These two women were the most important and influential people
in Prince’s musical life. He was never the same after parting ways with them. The music he made with them ranks as the
best of the 1980’s and the only music from that time that captures the full color and spirit of ‘66-’68
Beatles.
WHEN YOU WERE MINE (Dirty Mind 1980)
His first declaration of independence from the hybrid punk/funk
of 1980’s most controversial record. Not only does he funk better than anyone, he rocks better. Remember he usually
has an electric guitar very much like the one Bruce is wearing on the cover of BORN TO RUN in his hands when he wields said
rock.
I COULD NEVER TAKE THE PLACE OF YOUR MAN
(Sign O’ The Times 1987)
U know all about this one, don’t cha? From the sprawling
double set from ’87. He originally wanted a triple album, but Warners wasn’t having it. This is the only record
from that decade that approaches THE WHITE ALBUM in any way. And much better and more consistent than TUSK.
DIAMONDS AND PEARLS (Diamonds and Pearls 1991)
A lush beauty from the dawn of the ‘90’s, featuring
The New Power Generation and the fantastic Rosie Gaines on co-lead.
7 (Androgyny 1992)
The last great Prince pop song and a doozie at that.
I WANNA BE YOUR LOVER (Prince 1979)
His first hit and the funkiest thing of that year or nearly
any year. The reinvention/revolution of DIRTY MIND is less than a year away.
RASPBERRY BERET (Around The World In A Day 1985)
The total sunshine feeling of Beatlesque glory in the spring
of ’85. It was good to be young then.
KISS (Parade 1986)
The most inventive funk record ever from the most inventive
pop album of his career. No reverb, no bass, no clothes. I couldn’t even listen to it the first twenty times, it was
so weird. Now it’s the air we breathe.
PEACH (The Hits 1993)
From the amazing HITS / B-SIDES triple CD set, a delicious
rocker proving once again what a Muther he is with any axe he decides to pick up. “She was pure, every ounce. I could
tell when those titties bounce…” Top that if you can, Mick, Marc and anyone else who thought they were talking
coyly or suggestively about sex.
CREAM (Diamonds and Pearls 1991)
The hit from ’91, and the best number one song tribute
to T-Rex ever. The guitars sound like taffy.
Now here’s where it gets interesting. He was so prolific
that, like The Beatles, he shuffled off several key tracks to the other side of the single in a move of such artistic confidence,
these very 45’s have become coveted collector’s items. It’s now a long lost art-form, the B side, and that,
like most other things in the new modern era of pop music, is sad. These are all available on THE HITS / THE B - SIDES triple
CD set and reward the investment.
GIRL (B side of America, 1985)
EROTIC CITY (B side of Let’s Go Crazy, 1984)
SHOCKADELICA (B side of If I Was Your Girlfriend, 1987)
IRRESISTIBLE BITCH (B side of Let’s Pretend We’re
Married, 1982)
SHE’S ALWAYS IN MY HAIR (B side of Raspberry Beret,
1985)
17 DAYS (B side of When Doves Cry, 1984)
HOW COME U DON’T CALL ME ANYMORE?
(B side of 1999, 1982)
ANOTHER LONELY CHRISTMAS
(B side of I Would Die 4 U, 1984)
4 THE TEARS IN YOUR EYES
(Written and recorded for USA For Africa and performed live
July 13, 1985 for Live Aid)
