Guest Post: Prince Can Play

By Alanna Gluck

Little Red Corvette, Nothing Compares 2 U, 1999, Let's Go Crazy, Purple Rain, When Doves Cry, KISS!!! I can't take it any longer!!! I must get up and dance!!!!.

It's clear that his velvety ruffles get us...well, all ruffled, but i feel that a great deal of Prince's talent is overshadowed by our idea of Prince as an "artist", a character, or a novelty act that pushes our comfort zone just to the point that we, collectively, can handle it. 

His genius, both in musical ability and music business is undeniable.  Prince has produced ten platinum albums, thirty Top 40 singles, has his own label and recording studio, writes, self-produces and plays most if not all of the instruments on his recordings. Not to mention his aptitude for public relations and general self-promotion. 

Like I said, GENIUS.

In a 2004 show-stealing performance at the Rock n'  Roll Hall of Fame honoring fellow inductee George Harrison, Prince shared the stage with Tom Petty, Jeff Lynne, Steve Ferrone and Dhani Harrison (George's son), taking part in an all-star rendition of "While My Guitar Gently Weeps". 

If you must, skip ahead to 3:32, but take it from Prince, "your extra time and your..." is worth it!

His purpleness may get in the way, but without a doubt, Prince can shred ax.

And, because one taste of Prince is never enough, here is one of my all time (and more current) favorites from the royal canon (its. just. so. funky. ugh!).

Prince - Musicology (2004: Musicology)

--a note from Pongo: Where the hell does Prince throw his guitar at the end of that video?!?--