Random Album Review: Purple Rain

UPDATE: removed embedded SeeqPod, which was too script heavy for my tastes. A blog should be lightweight... use my iLike library for a listen instead.

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Purple Rain is the bomb. Despite this, I have to admit this album is contrary to my musical tastes in quite a few ways. Primarily, there are so many moments where I can feel the normally awful ooze of jamming rearing its ugly head, but surprisingly it never repels me.

When Purple Rain happened I think anyone in my demographic (suburban white teenager) was embracing probably the funkiest music of their lives. We could almost tap our toes in rhythm; it was intoxicating. We weren't sure if Prince was exactly black or exactly gay and for whatever reason it didn't matter. We could put the Purple Rain album right next to Led Zeppelin and Boston, and it was all right.

The film is a blurry distant memory. I couldn't imagine watching it again except for s&g. The most memorable thing for me was having an introduction to Morris Day's awesome sound.

Here is the track breakdown, best to worst.

The Beautiful Ones (5:14) - When it comes to generating lovin' action, this one has one of the highest play:score ratios of all time.

Darling Nikki (4:14) - Ten years before I knew this was my sister-in-law's theme song, I was fascinated with how provocative this song was. Great for offending any afraid-of-their-genitals Christians within earshot.

Let's Go Crazy (4:39) - I still haven't found Dr. Everything Will Be Alright.

When Doves Cry (5:54) - My complete inability to understand if Prince is the Dove or I'm the Dove or what possible noise non-existent aviary tear ducts might make doesn't diminish my enjoyment.

Purple Rain (8:42) - The quintessential Prince song. Though the film was essentially unwatchable, thankfully this album fails to induce any recall of it.

Take Me with U (3:54) - I enjoy the harmony with Apollonia Kotero.

I Would Die For U (2:50) - Trite but still alright.

Baby I'm a Star (4:25) - A high energy dud. (Sorry no SeeqPod below, but you aren't missing much.)

Computer Blue (4:00) - I don't get it, nor do I listen to it.