Tribute - Prince

VentSpleen looks back at memories of not dancing in the purple reign of Prince...



Purple Rain, remember when you first heard it? I do, it was one of those horrible school disco things. The ones that used to serve tepid coke and Mars bars for 10p, proper sized Mars bars not the excuses they sell now. It was 1984 and I was 9 and I remember not dancing, I didn't and still don't. but listening open mouthed to Purple Rain and thinking that it was unlike anything I had ever heard before. The now iconic guitar licks and that voice starts, this for me was the song Prince could never ever better. I liked When Doves Cry but I loved Purple Rain, for me it showcases everything I loved about Prince. Achingly vulnerable lyrics and a voice that you could recognise anywhere but the guitar work on the song and arrangement simply just doesn't age and is still just as magnificent.



I kind of lost track of Prince once he entered his odd 'Symbol' phrase so I limit my adoration to pre Symbol albums. Sadly, I never got a chance to see him live but if you can, check out some of his performances and see how he holds the audience in his hand. Ultimate showman and talented musician. Prince's legacy will stand for all time alongside all of the greats, those that really produced something of worth and will never ever be forgotten. I'm sorry if this is a little disjointed but right now that's all I've got - I will end this with some words from the man himself...

Dearly beloved

We are gathered here today

2 get through this thing called life

Electric word life

It means forever and that's a mighty long time

But I'm here 2 tell u

There's something else

The afterworld

A world of never ending happiness

U can always see the sun, day or night

Good night my sweet...







Image - Wikipedia