Dead Prince

Prince died today.  One of the major musical presences of NJ Kpopper's adolescence.  More than just music, his insistence on creating a romantic fantasy world in movies and soundtracks like Purple Rain and Under the Cherry Moon had a major impact on me.  I made my Mom take me to Under the Cherry Moon, if I remember correctly (because I had no other options).  The semi-farcical, but still with underlying sincerity, nature of romance in Prince's world is one thing that has stayed with me.  And a lot of beautiful music at a very high level.

Prince's music somehow does not quite penetrate the inner circle of the most precious music in my world, the stuff that you would have to kill me first before taking it from me.  You don't see me walking around in Prince t-shirts or with Prince stickers on my stuff, like you would with other artists.  That is odd, given how much time I spent listening to Prince in my earlier days.  I think it has something to do with Prince being too talented, that he could just jam on anything he wanted to, and it would sound good.  He expressed himself beautifully, but didn't have to struggle for it to the same extreme degree that others did (not saying that he didn't work hard).

Certainly this makes me feel old when yet another influential figure (Bowie, Rick James, etc.) among musicians has left this world.  I know that I will be leaving this world soon too, and have to hurry up my preparations...

But it is in bad taste to gripe that Prince has not made my top 5 on the day that he died.  Let me say instead that I am so very grateful that his music helped shape who I am.  He tried to make the world a better place, and if everyone were to go back and watch Under the Cherry Moon with the spirit of a romantic 14 year old, they too would see that and overlook any flaws.

And I will leave this here for those who want a groove to grieve with.