PRINCE is 'TIMELESS'

Time After Time

By TIM DAVID HARVEY 

Sadly, Dolly Parton passed away this week. As did the great Pennywise and 'Rocky Horror Picture Show' of Tim Curry, Optimus Prime himself, Peter Cullen and the red bob of Japanese avant-garde artist Yayoi Kasuma. May they all rest peacefully. Leaving a legendary legacy like no other. From artistry to philanthropy. Dolly worked more than '9 To 5', as she warned us of 'Jolene' and reminded us that when it comes to Whitney Houston, and her, 'I Will Always Love You'. What a way to make a living. In Dollywood there are also reports of a secret song buried in a time capsule. One that can't be opened until 2045. And you just know that it's going to be something. Just like all of the posthumous Prince material unearthed following his own sad passing a decade ago. Starting with the raw, but ready demo of 'Piano and a Microphone 1983', back in 2017. 

We just hope it's as ethical as Parton's prolific output. Because remember, here's an Artist who once recorded an album with fellow rock God Lenny Kravitz only to muse on its completion that it was just for them. According to legend, and the tao of the symbol, of course. With that being said, however, from outstanding 'Originals' to the return of 'Welcome 2 America', it's been real, but has it been respectful? As the amazing anniversary editions of some of his greatest classics ('Diamonds and Pearls', 'Sign O The Times') have heralded even more hits. But hits that he wanted? With or without this, the artist formerly known as, is absolutely 'Timeless', regardless. And the latest posthumous album, and the first since 2021, of the same name, doesn't need to prove that. Just like the purple haze left in his wake of his iconic shadow on the album artwork cover canvas. From highlights like 'I Wonder', to a live version of 'How Come You Don't Call Me Anymore' (from Oakland, back in 2016, right before he left us), a future Alicia Keys hit that Rogers Nelson takes back, these eleven tracks, for some, are worth the half-decade wait...in platinum.

'With This Tear', that was movingly release, with an affecting music video the same, on the ten-year anniversary of Prince Rogers Nelson's death is the posthumous hit that soars to 'Moonbeam Levels'. Recorded on Celine Dion's eponymous, first English-language, 1992 album, right before 'The Colour Of Love' was telling us to 'Think Twice' in regards to 'The Power Of Love'. This is another example of Prince manically, like Monday, making moving music for others. Yet with all due respect to the late, great Sinéad O'Connor, nothing compares to how the purple one does it. The reign continues on the instantly catchy chorus of 'Tick, Tick, Bang', that feels like another dynamite hit. "You're just a bombshell/If I ever get it, ever get it/There's no tellin', no tellin' how long I'd last/Before I tick, tick, tick, bang/All over you." BOOM! Even if these worked lyrics are not suitable for radio.

It's just all so Prince from the 'I Am You' outset to the studio outro ode of 'Bestest Friend' for Michael. So sweet, yet still the coolest man this planet ever housed, never giving in to saccharine sentiments. Exploring eras over the decades, from the jazz age of the classic 'Calabama' to the time when the icon just went by a loving guitar symbol (for a heart of 'Stone'), this all fits together so Sakanaction seamlessly for a man who blended genres effortlessly, as music itself encompasses it all. Still, from the revolution of 'Heaven', to 'The Guilty Ones' single, it might be the estate itself that is guilty of not paying attention to 'Heaven' as many fans have distanced themselves from an album that has received very little promotion. Would Prince really want this? Didn't he state he didn't want posthumous albums released, as his vault was raided in what was really mere moments after his death? The artistry is amazing, but the artist himself is what is worth so much more. Don't cash in on the beautiful one that never sold out.

Playlist Picks: 'I Wonder', 'With This Tear', 'How Come You Don't Call Me Anymore? (Live @ Oakland, 4 March 2016)'.

Spin This: Prince - 'Piano and a Microphone 1983'.