Purple Rain at 24

Last night, I went to see PURPLE RAIN on the big screen for what I believe to be only the second time. The first being in East Lansing back in 1984 with brother Nate and his best friend Craig. Back in the days when no one cared who walked into an R rated musical. First things, the event was sponsored by AFI (American Film Institute) and the print was shitty and the sound was OK. That out of the way, what a trip to see Prince and Co. 20 feet tall. The musical numbers are still groundbreaking. My favorites are The Beautiful Ones and I Would Die 4 U. The Time's cuts Jungle Love and The Bird brought back fond memories, too. Our crowd was a little sedate until the vamp of Let's Go Crazy. By the end of each number there was hearty applause from yours truly and the real diehards in the audience.

Apollonia looked young and fresh and Prince was even more beautiful on camera. I was amazed at the way shots lingered on members of the "audience:" Apollonia, waitress Jill Jones and club owner Billy Sparks. They really telegraph how moved, pissed off or ecstatic they were about a particular tune. The film is not subtle, lots of mistreatment of women and minstrelsy (it was the Reagan 80's) and some unintentional laughs result. But overall, it was a fun experience to be transported back to middle school for 90 minutes. Granted you could do just as well watching the recently rereleased DVD with extras, but it's a concert film that requires being with other 30-somethings singing along to Computer Blue. Time to watch Under The Cherry Moon.

On the NK front, dates in Los Angeles are coming in. I've been tabbed to play the Defy Music Group premiere event on Weds. July 30 in downtown L.A. details to follow. But check out the DMG splash page on myspace! I'm also booked to play on the Universal Citywalk in August as part of their outdoor concert series. Check my updated website normankelsey.com for show details.

Peace & Disco Beats