When I think of all the music that has moved me over the years - my quest for Cuban son, rhumba and soukous resonating from African, the endless nights raving under blinking lights, the bone crushing exhilaration of being the only girl in the mosh pit, exploring the depths of funk, awakening to Berlioz, fawning over New Wave and on and on - I must go far, far back to the time where I began to choose music for myself. Raised on my mother's vinyl collection, she taught me to harmonize with The Beatles, how to recognize instruments, and generally to appreciate music. Before she had me at the tender age of 17, she wanted to be a pianist. Her music collection was large but devoid of disco, funk, R&B.
When I finally got that coveted walkman for Christmas, one of the first cassette tapes I got (yes, my dears, we listened to tapes back then) was Purple Rain by Prince. I didn't realize there was a problem with my musically vanilla universe until I was exposed to his shades of lavender and changed forever.
Oh my! Countless hours were spent by me gazing at him astride his motorcycle, slowly washing the dishes at night because I was too busy dancing in the kitchen while enclosed in his purple realm betwixt my headphones. He piqued my adolescent curiosity. I didn't understand some of the things he was singing about but I was definitely hellbent to find out. (Once I got over my ugly duckling stage.)
I think Purple Rain is one of the most perfect records ever made. It makes me yearn for love slightly out of reach. It makes me remember heartbreak. It makes me leave notes on windshields just like the one Darling Nikki left on the stairs. I play it when I know that it's time for me to go a little crazy. One time I had a party and JPo and I ended up dancing to the whole record while our drunken guests sat on the couch in a little bit of awe.
This year is the 25th anniversary of the record's release. Sing-a-long parties screening the film are happening all over the country. This Thursday Celebrate Brooklyn is hosting one in Prospect Park. It's been on my social calendar for weeks. I've got a ruffly shirt and my purple eyeshadow ready to go.
Don't you think it's time to go a bit crazy?
I AGREE!! Purple Rain is one of the most perfect albums ever made.
Posted by: Jean | Wednesday, August 05, 2009 at 08:15 PM
Don't let the elevator try to bring you down! Go to BK! I will be working in envy.
Posted by: J-Po | Thursday, August 06, 2009 at 03:02 PM