A Funk Soul Sister and Some Purplish Rain

Today, July 27, 2009 marks the 25th Anniversary of the movie Purple Rain. I can’t let this pass without recognizing the occasion and the album’s significance, not only in my life, but also in music history. This could be a great opportunity to write about the many women who have worked with Prince (Sheila E., Sheena Easton) or those who have made his songs famous (Stevie Nicks, Sinead O’Connor). Instead, I’m celebrating by listening to a cover tune by one of my favorite SWIKs, Sharon Jones. Spin magazine’s free tribute download, Purplish Rain, includes some interesting covers of every song from this classic soundtrack. The standout is “Take Me With You” by Sharon Jones and The Dap Kings.