My love affair with Prince’s music began with his double album 1999, introduced to me by my 8th grade boyfriend. (Since then I seem to have dated a lot of men who are into Prince’s music, even the goth guys.) I didn’t see Purple Rain in the theater when it came out in 1984. The movie was rated R and I was not 18. I was a good Catholic girl at the time, albeit one with Prince albums. I listened to the soundtrack all summer on my first Sony Walkman. In the fall, I went to see Prince in concert. I’ve seen a lot of concerts over the past 25 years, but Prince was so incredible that nothing has really compared. This may be due to the fact that I have yet to see Sharon Jones and The Dap Kings live.Sharon and The Daps used to play regularly at Southpaw, a local club around the corner from my apartment in Brooklyn. I attempted to see them several times, but never made it to a show. Once, I asked a guy I was dating if he wanted to see them. He wasn’t interested. Needless to say that relationship didn’t last. Now, they are touring the world and playing much larger venues. They’ve even performed on Letterman. The last time they were in NYC they played the 2100-seat Nokia Theater. Unfortunately, I was out of town. Now, I’m patiently waiting for Sharon and The Daps to finish their world tour and come home to Brooklyn.
[caption id="attachment_585" align="alignright" width="150" caption="At Frank\'s Lounge 2003 Photo by Dulce Pinzon"]
[/caption]“Take Me With You” has always been one of my favorite songs on Purple Rain. It's a duet with singer Apollonia, who co-starred in the movie. The song has a slow sexy vibe and is one of the mellower tunes on the album. When I heard the cover by Sharon Jones and The Dap Kings on the Spin tribute album, I was blown away. A completely different take, but not surprising for this fireball of a singer. Imagine if James Brown was a woman, that's Sharon Jones. Aretha Franklin is the reigning Queen of Soul, but Jones adds some funk to her soul that just brings it to another country. Perhaps that makes Jones the Queen of Funk? Did I mention that she's in her fifties? Her band, The Dap Kings are phenomenal. They were the session musicians for most of the songs on Amy Winehouse’s hit album Back to Black. While Winehouse certainly has some soul of her own, something different happens when The Dap Kings record with Sharon Jones. There is an energy and electricity to the music that just oozes through all of their songs, even the slow ones. They have three albums. I suggest Naturally and 100 Days 100 Nights. Songs like “How Long Do I Have To Wait for You?” and "This Land is Your Land” will keep you groovin’ through pretty much anything. While “You’re Gonna Get It” is a slower, soulful tune. Their remake of "Just Dropped In (To See What Condition My Condition Was In)," originally recorded by Kenny Rogers, sounds as though it should have always been a soul tune sung by a woman.
Sharon Jones and The Dap Kings record on a small independent label called Daptone Records. I mention this for a few reasons. First, you can still buy their music on actual vinyl records, which if you happen to have a record player lying around is pretty cool. They even release singles on 45’s. (If you don’t know what a 45 is, then you may be too young to read this blog.) In addition, Daptone is musician-owned and run, which is unusual in the music industry.
As for Prince. He has left behind the major record labels as well and puts out his own albums. The music is still amazing, but his lyrics have changed significantly. He’s now a Jehovah's Witness. (Can you imagine if he showed up at your door to proselytize?) Prince doesn’t tour much, but apparently he performs live every Friday and Saturday at his club in Las Vegas. So as I pack my bags for a three day wedding extravaganza in Connecticut next weekend, I consider that being whisked away to Vegas for drive-thru vows and $300 Prince tickets could be great. Why have none of my friends done this? Of course, a reception at Southpaw with Sharon Jones and The Dap Kings wouldn’t be too bad. Either way, everyone would be dancing all night to some very funky soul music.
I’ll keep you posted.
Listen to music
Sharon Jones and The Dap Kings
SWIK Prince Songs
See music
Sharon Jones and The Dap Kings: 100 Days 100 Nights
Prince: Take Me With You (Live) or 1999
Amy Winehouse: Rehab
Buy music
Prince: Purple Rain
Sharon Jones and The Dap Kings: Naturally, 100 Days 100 Nights
Purplish Rain download from Spin magazine. (You need to answer a question for the free download. The answer is keyboardist.)
Nice one. I saw Prince when he toured the Purple Rain record. It was, and still is, one of the great concerts I've seen.
ReplyDeleteAs for covers, don't forget Patti Smith's stupendous version of "When Doves Cry".
Thanks once again, Kyrawoman for introducing me to "new" (to me, anyway) music while reconnecting me w/my younger self.....keep it up and I'll have as long a "to get" music list as I do books.
ReplyDeleteEgads......how will one ever keep up w/mortgage payments? (as if THAT matters)
I love love LOVE Sharon Jones and was so pleased when I finally got to see her- both at Summerstage and at the Beacon Theatre. She is one utterly underrated, amazing SWI would love to K.
ReplyDeleteThanks for putting me on to Sharon and The Dap Kings. I wasn't up on them, but I will check them out. As far as my man Prince, nuff said. He's a wunderkind and his lyrics have changed. I stayed at the Rio in Vegas, but didn't get to see his show. I feel the need to see as many of my favs as possible before the chance is gone for good. I did see him perform once, but that's not enough!
ReplyDelete