audio review : Purple Rain ( album ) … Prince And The Revolution

audio review : Purple Rain ( album ) ... Prince And The Revolution

This album includes songs from Prince’s Purple Rain movie of which he “are” A Star; a chick-chasing rock star, that is, who isn’t ashamed to wear high heels, sing in gay falsettos and yell his little heart out. “Baby baby baby baby,” he screams maniacally to a girl; one of The Beautiful Ones; “I want you!” It’s one of the set’s most dazzling highlights.

Dramatic vocals over airy guitar/keyboard melodies and funky drums; the Revolution bit refers to his backing band; is the rule here. That’s if this (Crazy) show has any rules at all. Other notable songs include Darling Nikki; a sex fantasy about a horny rich girl who likes to “grind”; a sizzler entitled I Would Die 4 U and the epic title closer.

my rating : 4 of 5

1984

video review : Purple Rain

video review : Purple Rain

video review : Purple Rain

This could’ve been a good concert video. Instead the stage bits are repeatedly interrupted by what’s supposed to be a movie. The acting is porn bad; the only two real actors are Clarence Williams and Olga Karlatos as Prince’s dysfunctional parents; but the girls are pretty; Jill is my Apollonia; and the music rocks.

Of course the music rocks. This is a Prince movie and Purple Rain is his best album. The fictionalization of it is off-putting; for some inexcusable reason, his name is changed to The Kid; but its songs shine. Some are poignant enough to leave the ladies in tears. Perhaps the title is a metaphor for running mascara.

my rating : 3 of 5

1984

audio review : Purple Rain ( album ) … Prince And The Revolution