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February 07, 2007
Retrohump: Miami rain
I never thought I would use the following three words in the same sentence without requiring a negative: consensus, brilliant, and halftime show. Then again, I could not have predicted the fuschia-suited one to provide the mid-term sounds to obscure the Rex Cannon's wails.
Prince was indestructible and, apparently, water-repellent through the rain-drenched halftime show; the only thing missing was his explanation for playing a snippet of later-period Foo Fighters.
Par for the course for artist formerly known; par for the multi-hued, headscarf-wearing, exhibitionist course. Didn't see it? This likely won't be available by noon, so here's to hoping you've done your time wasting earlier in the day.
Part of Prince's universal appeal is his mutability. He is, in some respects, a Van Halen-style guitar shredder/soloist who loves funk. He is a hypersexual pop artist with thoughtful lyrics. He is an devoted entertainer who is incredibly diffident in person. He is the Michael Jackson that can play musical instruments.
Witness him here, with the drumming/singing Sheila E., breaking out the dance moves throughout the hyper-jazz-funk solos, even exchanging places with Miss E., and flawlessly assuming the drums.
Here is Prince with the anthemic I Would Die For You, wearing what can only be described as something off Jimmy "Superfly" Snuka's discount rack.
Here is the early 90s MTV-styled joint Gett Off. Prince, like Bowie, adapts with the times.
Saving the best for last - the Batdance. Combining all the pillars of Prince - a fondness for theatrics and costumes, sexually suggestive lyrics, and organs (musical, mind you) aplenty.
BONUS
The oft forgotten other Batman Soundtrack song, Partyman
Posted by Keith O'Brien at February 7, 2007 09:40 AM
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Comments
Could the rumors be true that Prince covered "Best of You" to say "F Foo" to the Foo Fighters for covering his "Darling Nikki?" Supposedly he was not to fond of their version and when asked if he had heard it replied "I don't like anyone covering my work. Write your own tunes!"
-If this is true be warned...
Never Ever Mess With Prince!
Posted by: Yonah at February 7, 2007 10:50 AM
Waitamintue... MJ's not musically talented? Maybe not anymore, but have you completely forgotten about Thriller?
Posted by: Randall Monty at February 7, 2007 11:49 AM
My intention was to say that MJ has no music instrument talent. Amending now.
Posted by: Keith O'Brien at February 7, 2007 11:56 AM
I bet Michael jackson can play something. Piano, at least?
Posted by: Jeff K at February 7, 2007 01:56 PM
Michael is a very talented glockenspieler. As children in Gary, Indiana, Tito and Michael would jam out on duel glocks (this was back when the term "glock" referred not to a gun but a pseudo-xylophone), between rehearsals.
Posted by: skysby at February 7, 2007 02:51 PM
He wrote much of his music. I remember seeing an interview where he literally sang the beat and melody to one of his songs. Its difficult to explain, but seeing it was amazing...youtube?
Posted by: Sebastian at February 7, 2007 03:03 PM
Regardless of what his reasons were for covering it (I do prefer the "I'm'a SQUASH you Grohl!" theory) he did manage to make it sound like an actual song as opposed to an endless repetitive bleat.
Posted by: D at February 8, 2007 11:50 AM
