"At 42 thousand feet above the sea..."

There are times when we are so busy looking at the crack on the floor, we forget to look up and cast our eyes towards a higher plane. Not only does the physical act relieve the tension in your neck, but your focus shifts, and your eyes take in a much broader, brighter picture. Such is usually the case with "Love". Oh, the effervescent and evasive L word. Capable of making burly men weep and ice maidens thaw. A chemical and emotional current that changes the tide of the world we each live in.

"that's where U and Eye 1st came 2 b"...

I was in such tsunami myself when I first heard Prince's latest single, TE AMO CORAZON. It had less to do with romantic love (ahem, I'm still waiting for Mr. Goodbar, where are you?) and more to do with love of self. Maybe deep down I'm just an emotional marshmallow (yeah, like you ain't) but the chords and the tentative way in which its sung.. (mercy!!), lead me to an emotional overhaul. It bears witness to the ties that bind or release us; our feelings, our fears and our loves. Yes ladies, I was feeling this song.

"From the dust of the earth and the knowledge tree"...

As soon as I heard the video had been completed, I was ready to focus in on a magnetic picture of innocence, love and mystery. I was not disappointed, for Beauty is as beauty does! Salma Hayek has an exquisite eye for making the enigmatic L word an open invitation to touch, experience and indulge your senses. The incredible cinematography and sumptuous surroundings translate the mood of TE AMO CORAZON into an international understanding. Prince has never looked more beautiful and inviting. Mia Maestro, so soft and angelic. At first viewing.. my mind's eye told one story. By the fifth time, I had created a rich and complicated twist of wanton appreciation for the search.

"Te Amo Corazon"

Finally! The PRESS CONFERENCE. Obviously, after receiving first dibs in listening and viewing the video, I was very much biased. (Well, I am!) When you find a brilliant gem you want everyone else to appreciate it as much as you do. Never having been to a press event before, I'm quite sure they usually don't take place in the middle of Marrakesh. Okay, so maybe it's just the penthouse suite at a five star hotel transformed into Morocco, nonetheless the sensual mood met you at the door with an ooze of incense coupled with the visual of dimly lit candles and rich tapestries draped throughout. A bit different from your average press conference, indeed. As I sat among the flashing lights and occasionally eavesdropped in on all the name dropping (guilty, oh so guilty) I felt a quiet movement take place. The first chords of the song were being played on a video screen in front of us. Immediately, the smell of tuberose and gardenia became softly stronger and the energy shif ted from aggressive to open. Just like the mind's eye opens to receive light -- the illumination was felt like a silent electrical current from beginning to end. When the lights refocused... there appeared our man. A deafening burst of applause permeated the room.

Prince graciously smiled while a stunning Mia Maestro dressed in an exquisite simple black sheath with diamond bangles and Prada shoes (yes I looked) beamed. Prince wore an amazingly chic cream-colored nehru jacket with a silk black dress shirt underneath. Apparently he nicked the design from an old picture of Stevie Wonder from the early 70's. (bet u'all didn't know even Stevie had some Superfly in him!) and of course, as always, looked impeccable. Questions were immediately lobbied back and forth, most of course, which will be highlighted by your Access Hollywood or Entertainment Tonite. However a few asked about a tour. Prince didn't want to talk about it yet but he did say "I'm inviting some of my old friends. U'll find out about it." He also said that the new single was not indicative of a "latin" feel of the new CD. When asked about Universal, Prince wanted to make it clear that basically his deal with them is the same as with Sony in 2004. It is not a contract. He challenged all artists 2 question their respective deals and ask about digital rights, ownership of master recordings and sequel rights. Upon closer examination, alot of these clauses r suspect. And he'll be independent for long time. Any deal is within his interest and a structured agreement to his liking. A special interview with a VH1 host had taken place privately with Prince and Mia so there are sure to be tidbits not seen or heard to come!

All in all, it was a beautiful day in sunny Morro..California and I was a part of it.

Everyone should savor the piece de resistance of Prince's latest -- the actual journey in discovering every slight chord change, every petal dropped, and every coy look. The path of appreciation is open to all who want to come. Don't you wanna? 3121.

-- VB

Finally! The PRESS CONFERENCE. Obviously, after receiving first dibs in listening and viewing the video, I was very much biased. (Well, I am!) When you find a brilliant gem you want everyone else to appreciate it as much as you do. Never having been to a press event before, I'm quite sure they usually don't take place in the middle of Marrakesh. Okay, so maybe it's just the penthouse suite at a five star hotel transformed into Morocco, nonetheless the sensual mood met you at the door with an ooze of incense coupled with the visual of dimly lit candles and rich tapestries draped throughout. A bit different from your average press conference, indeed. As I sat among the flashing lights and occasionally eavesdropped in on all the name dropping (guilty, oh so guilty) I felt a quiet movement take place. The first chords of the song were being played on a video screen in front of us. Immediately, the smell of tuberose and gardenia became softly stronger and the energy shif ted from aggressive to open. Just like the mind's eye opens to receive light -- the illumination was felt like a silent electrical current from beginning to end. When the lights refocused... there appeared our man. A deafening burst of applause permeated the room.

yeah onenitealone, I loved that story about the ATWIAD listening party. Can't remember where I read it (maybe Per Nilsen's DMSR), but if I was an exec I would have dug it.

Reminds me a little of the ATWIAD listening party with the Warner Bros execs.

onenitealone said:

Oh yeah: didn't his people call the WB office in LA and say "Prince will be there in an hour to delever his new album." and the had to get a room ready so they could listen to it?

i remember reading that some place... ages ago...

Old friends?

Hmm.

I can't even get through the entire thing without feeling sick. What the hell is that garbage? Someone translate please.

Has Violet be hypnotised!? She used to sound so normal, now she sounds like a brainwashed sheep on speed.

This was in my e-mail this morning:

pkidwell said:

Agree... My head starts to hurt a few sentences in... Was there any info disclosed yesterday that we didnt already know last week?

There are only about a zillion publicists/designers here in Hollywood that could do a far better job at getting the buzz out on Prince's new project.

Jude said:

-----
It is a fan writing this stuff. You guys take everything to seriously.

laurarichardson said:

exactly. and i don't know ANY prince fans who are also good writers.

laurarichardson said:

exactly. and i don't know ANY prince fans who are also good writers.

Anxiety said:

whats your definition of a "good writer"?

Jude said:

-----
It is a fan writing this stuff. You guys take everything to seriously.

a rich and complicated twist of wanton appreciation for the search.

forget the song, i just want

XxAxX said:

What?

Anxiety said:

i'm referring to the way the illumination was felt like a silent electrical current from beginning to end

XxAxX said:

oh, okay, that.

talk2bill2 said:

I can't quite remember, sorry. But it certainly sounds like ol' boy.

"From the dust of the earth and the knowledge tree"...

As soon as I heard the video had been completed, I was ready to focus in on a magnetic picture of innocence, love and mystery.


. A deafening burst of applause permeated the room. ???

A special interview with a VH1 host had taken place privately with Prince and Mia so there are sure to be tidbits not seen or heard to come!

All in all, it was a beautiful day in sunny Morro..California and I was a part of it. you were not

The path of appreciation is open to all who want to come. Don't you wanna? 3121.

-- VB