Purple Rain at 25
Friday, June 05, 2009
Without “Purple Rain,” Prince would just be another funky sex icon from Minnesota. But 25 years ago, the smash-hit album (and the film it inspired) turned him into a superstar. It also sparked lasting movements in music, fashion and censorship. Evan Sawdey of the culture site PopMatters joins us for a look back at this purple storm.
Comments [9]
Eventhough Purple Rain was a huge commercial success for Prince it is by far not his best music. They must be 50 other songs that can replace every song on that album. His talent is far superior to anyone on this planet. If you think that the last great music he has put out was Purple Rain then you must be stuck in the 80's.
A Purple Rain cover album from Swedish artists?
Purple Pain- http://www.cduniverse.com/search/xx/music/pid/6728412/a/Purple+Pain.htm
After reading the Popmatters essays, I'be been watching a ton of Prince videos. Sorry folks. Prince owes more to Little Richard, James Brown and Hendrix than he does to Bowie.
::Buries head in hands::
I can't believe Purple Rain is 25 years old...Where did time go???
Still one of the greatest of all time!
I enjoy Prince, but not your guest. Most uncool guest ever on Soundcheck, perhaps. And ditto to the glam rock comment, how could there be no mention of Ziggy!?
i'm a little confused. wasn't billie jean also promiscuous? wasn't that the whole point? michael jackson is basically saying "she's a slut, that's not my baby!"
I love Purple Rain, but your guest needs to learn 2 very important words to explain Prince's Glam success : ZIGGY STARDUST. The two albums are almost mirrors of one another.
I also remember that it was a huge crossover hit playing on urban stations as well as pop and rock stations.
Prince rules, thank goodness he got emancipated!
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