I am so old.
I was thrilled to learn that generally useless Spin magazine is putting out a "Purple Rain" tribute album featuring some great artists covering those nine Prince classics. I was horrified when I realized that the album is being so recognized because it is turning 25. The album was released in August 1984 and is getting July cover treatment from Spin.
"Purplish Rain" will be available as a free download for Spin readers and subscribers via their website beginning June 23.
I'm anxious to hear the Riverboat Gamblers' punk version of "Let's Go Crazy." Of Montreal seems like a good choice to do "Computer Blue." They'd probably also handle "Darling Nikki" better than I imagine Chairlift's cover, but I shouldn't judge before I've heard it. (Though the Love Is All version from their once tour-only covers EP will be pretty tough to top.) Sharon Jones and the Dap-Kings do "Take Me With You." I'd love to hear them cover the entire record.
And what about the smash "When Doves Cry"? I'm pleasantly surprised to see The Twilight Singers are tackling that one. Furthermore, it's a duet featuring Greg Dulli and Apollonia, the Prince protégé who starred opposite the Purple One in the film. She was the one the Kid told to go jump in a lake.
"Purplish" track listing:
- "Let's Go Crazy" by Riverboat Gamblers
- "Take Me With U" by Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings
- "The Beautiful Ones" by Fol Chen
- "Computer Blue" by Of Montreal
- "Darling Nikki" by Chairlift
- "When Doves Cry" by The Twilight Singers
- "I Would Die 4 U" by Mariachi El Bronx
- "Baby I'm a Star" by Craig Wedren
- "Purple Rain" by Lavender Diamond
I haven't felt old like this since "Appetite for Destruction" turned 20 a couple summers back.
