See a clip of Prince performing
"Strange Relationship"
Windows Media - Lo - Hi
If your feeling lucky sign up for
this sweepstakes, one person
wins Prince's Cloud Guitar.
You might think no one ever wins these
contests, but with this, it's not like
millions are gonna sign up. The odds are
in your favor. Here's the link
After all, who would've thought a skinny, unknown teenager from Minneapolis, Minnesota, who stands 5 foot 3" with the aid of high heel boots and rocks a righteous perm that even your momma could feel, would become one of the most influential guitarists of rock history? Prince has made some exceptional songs in his 25-year career that started in 1978 with his first album For You. As a singer-songwriter, Prince is a pure musical genius.
In addition, Prince is the personified musician, a showman who tours frequently and performs at sold-out concerts nationwide. On December 15, 2002, Prince invited some of his friends to a party that marked the end of one of his excursions -- The One Nite Alone Tour. Over 4,000 fans heard about the invitation, bought tickets, and came ready to party.
The Details
The highlights of that party are showcased on Prince Live At The Aladdin Las Vegas (NPG Music Club/Universal) DVD, which is currently in stores now. Although the taped 3-hour concert was cut significantly to 75 minutes for the DVD format, the video should please Prince fans nevertheless.
Special guests include: singer Nikka Costa, saxophonist Maceo Parker and percussionist Sheila E. Plus, the members of the New Power Generation: Rhonda Smith (Bass/Vocals), John Blackwell (Drums), Renato Neto (Keys/More Keys), Greg Boyer (Trombone) and Eric Leeds (Tenor Sax).
For your visual entertainment, he has a brand new dance called the "Ozzy Osbourne." Prince serves up a dead on impersonation of the very shaky, almost catatonic Ozzy. His facial expressions alone will make you double over in laughter as he moves across the stage like a zombie with tremors. He also has another new dance called "The Nevada Shake," which is similar to the ever-popular "Harlem Shake."
Does He Still Have it?
Maceo Parker was doing the damn thang. "Oh lawd, oh lawd. Las Vegas, ya'll in so much trouble now." Pulling out a white handkerchief and wiping his brow, Prince warns the crowd. Then Maceo gets "buck" while doing a rendition of James Browns "Pass The Peas." I'm talking about "New Orleans Crunk." If you can't feel the way Maceo is laying it down, then you must be dead. His performance is definitely a highlight of the concert. If you're looking for drumming lessons, perhaps you might want to connect with the homegirl Sheila E. She was putting a hurting on the congas. No singing, just tearing the drums up as if her life depended on it.
As a viewer you are exposed to all sides of Prince, the humorous side, his politically conscious mind, his romantic nature. In "Got A Broken Heart Again" his signature falsetto is still on point and his timing flawless. It makes you want to bust out your album collection and fall in love with that funky kid from Minneapolis all over again. My favorite performance from the concert is "Sometimes it Snows in April," which is a soft, lingering lullaby from the Parade album. The haunting melody and poignant lyrics always leave me misty eyed.
Prince performed a bevy of hits including "Pop Life" (from Around The World In A Day), "Take Me With You" (from Purple Rain), a guitar-roaring cover tune of Led Zeppelin's classic "A Whole Lotta Love" and an unreleased track, "Strollin'/You Want Me." Which has the "loungey" feel of a jazz cabaret in Paris.
I wasn't overly impressed with Nikka Costa's performance. It seemed like she was reaching for the sound of legendary rocker Janis Joplin, but not quite hitting the mark. Her performance was somewhat lackluster and just didn't have that pop.
The entire format of the concert is such as Prince's music: a mosaic of all musical genres. It's a fusion of jazz, funk/rock, and pop. The look and feel of the DVD is similar; some parts vintage other parts psychedelic. The sound quality is somewhat dull and in some areas of the film, the contrast of the video can be a strain on your vision. Also, there are not many extras in regards to additional scenes or bonus footage. No clips of Prince of getting his hair curled or lacing up his boots are included. No microphone checks or glimpses of behind the scenes.
Taking its shortcomings into consideration, Prince Live At The Aladdin Las Vegas is still very much worth checking out. Revisit the sound of Prince and go crazy!