Hello everyone. I recently applied for a late-night radio show at WNUR 89.3, Northwestern U.'s student radio station, and I received a slot for Friday mornings, 4-5 AM CT, starting this Friday. WNUR broadcasts to Evanston and most of Chicago. I am allowed to play whatever I want, and of course I decided to devote my show to examining the career of my favorite musician, Prince.

I plan to go really in-depth, discussing his life, his musical roots and the course of his career, with the help of some biographies I checked out from the library. I've decided to play what I consider his "gold era" albums in their entirety - Dirty Mind to Lovesexy. I also want to play my favorite b-sides as well as selections from his side projects. My show only runs until mid-June, when Northwestern lets out for the summer, so I probably will not be able to play anything past Batman. However, there is a good chance I will be able to extend my show into the summer, which will allow me to cover his later career.

I have written playlists for all eleven shows and I was wondering if you guys would like to look at them and offer suggestions. I also wanted to let you know about my show in case you live in Chicago and will be up at that hour (unlikely). Even if you don't live in Chicago, you can listen at WNUR's website: http://www.wnur.org/.

Here are the playlists I've come up with:

Show 1 - Friday, March 30, 2012

For You

- Soft and Wet (3:03)

- Just As Long As We’re Together (6:25)

Prince

- I Wanna Be Your Lover (5:50)

- Why You Wanna Treat Me So Bad? (3:49)

- Sexy Dancer (4:19)

- I Feel For You (3:24)

Dirty Mind [entire album]

- Dirty Mind (4:15)

- When You Were Mine (3:48)

- Do It All Night (3:43)

- Gotta Broken Heart Again (2:16)

- Uptown (5:32)

- Head (4:45)

- Sister (1:32)

- Partyup (4:24)

Show 2 - Friday, April 6, 2012

Controversy [entire album]

- Controversy (7:16)

- Sexuality (4:21)

- Do Me Baby (7:44)

- Private Joy (4:30)

- Ronnie, Talk To Russia (1:58)

- Let’s Work (3:55)

- Annie Christian (4:23)

- Jack U Off (3:09)

B-Sides

- Gotta Stop (Messin’ Around) (2:55)

Vanity 6, Vanity 6

- Nasty Girl (5:16)

- If A Girl Answers (Don’t Hang Up) (5:36)

The Time, The Time

- Get It Up (9:08)

Show 3 - Friday, April 13, 2012

1999 [First Record]

- 1999 (6:15)

- Little Red Corvette (5:03)

- Delirious (4:01)

- Let’s Pretend We’re Married (7:22)

- D.M.S.R. (8:17)

B-Sides

- Horny Toad (2:13)

- Irresistible Bitch (4:13)

- How Come U Don’t Call Me Anymore? (3:51)

The Time, What Time Is It?

- Wild and Loose (7:32)

- 777-9311 (8:05)

Show 4 - Friday, April 20, 2012

1999 [Second Record]

- Automatic (9:28)

- Something In The Water (Does Not Compute) (4:03)

- Free (5:08)

- Lady Cab Driver (8:19)

- All the Critics Love U In New York (5:59)

- International Lover (6:38)

Sheila E., The Glamorous Life

- The Glamorous Life (Club Edit) (6:35)

The Time, Ice Cream Castle

- My Drawers (4:09)

- Jungle Love (5:33)

Show 5 - Friday, April 27, 2012

Purple Rain [entire album]

- Let’s Go Crazy (4:39)

- Take Me With U (3:54)

- The Beautiful Ones (5:14)

- Computer Blue (4:00)

- Darling Nikki (4:15)

- When Doves Cry (5:54)

- I Would Die 4 U (2:49)

- Baby I’m A Star (4:25)

- Purple Rain (8:42)

B-Sides

- Erotic City (3:56)

- 17 Days (3:56)

- God (4:03)

Show 6 - Friday, May 4, 2012

Around The World In A Day [entire album]

- Around The World In A Day (3:28)

- Paisley Park (4:42)

- Condition of the Heart (6:48)

- Raspberry Beret (3:34)

- Tamborine (2:48)

- America (3:42)

- Pop Life (3:44)

- The Ladder (5:29)

- Temptation (8:18)

B-Sides

- Hello (3:24)

- Girl (3:48)

- She’s Always In My Hair (3:27)

Sheena Easton

- Sugar Walls (4:02)

Show 7 - Friday, May 11, 2012

Parade [entire album]

- Christopher Tracy’s Parade (2:12)

- New Position (2:20)

- I Wonder U (1:40)

- Under The Cherry Moon (2:57)

- Girls & Boys (5:30)

- Life Can Be So Nice (3:14)

- Venus De Milo (1:56)

- Mountains (3:58)

- Do U Lie? (2:44)

- Kiss (3:38)

- Anotherloverholenyohead (4:01)

- Sometimes It Snows In April (6:49)

Sheila E., Romance 1600

- A Love Bizarre (12:16)

Show 8 - Friday, May 18, 2012

Sign O’ The Times [First Record]

- Sign O The Times (4:57)

- Play In The Sunshine (5:05)

- Housequake (4:42)

- The Ballad Of Dorothy Parker (4:02)

- It (5:10)

- Starfish And Coffee (2:51)

- Slow Love (4:22)

- Hot Thing (5:39)

- Forever In My Life (3:30)

B-Sides

- Shockadelica (3:31)

- La, La, La, He, He, Hee (3:23)

Mazarati, Mazarati

- 100 MPH (7:22)

Show 9 - Friday, May 25, 2012

Sign O’ The Times [Second Record]

- U Got The Look (3:48)

- If I Was Your Girlfriend (5:02)

- Strange Relationship (4:01)

- I Could Never Take The Place Of Your Man (6:29)

- The Cross (4:49)

- It’s Gonna Be A Beautiful Night (9:02)

- Adore (6:31)

Madhouse, 8

- 6 (4:28)

Jill Jones, Jill Jones

- Intro (Baby You're A Trip)/Mia Bocca (7:21)

- G-Spot (4:28)

Show 10 - Friday, June 1, 2012

The Black Album [entire album]

- Le Grind (6:44)

- Cindy C. (6:15)

- Dead On It (4:38)

- When 2 R In Love (4:00)

- Bob George (5:37)

- Superfunkycalifragisexy (5:56)

- 2 Nigs United 4 West Compton (7:01)

- Rockhard In A Funky Place (4:32)

B-Sides

- Escape (3:31)

- Scarlet Pussy (4:19)

Show 11 - Friday, June 8, 2012

Lovesexy [entire album] (45:03)

Batman

- Electric Chair (4:09)

- Partyman (3:12)

Batdance (6:14)

[Edited 3/28/12 9:28am]

When you say you are allowed to play "whatever I want" - does that include tracks with vulgar language? I didn't think you could play tracks like "Sister" or "Let's Pretend We're Married" over the airwaves.

NoVideo said:

When you say you are allowed to play "whatever I want" - does that include tracks with vulgar language? I didn't think you could play tracks like "Sister" or "Let's Pretend We're Married" over the airwaves.

Yes, thankfully I am allowed to play anything as long as I play a disclaimer every half hour.

mchl88 said:

Don't know what kind of suggestions you want because it looks like you're already locked in but I would try to get Bambi in to the first show. It's not only an early example of his rock side but also the way he'd go on to play with sexuality

Good suggestion. I will try to find a way to fit that in. I'm also open to suggestions about interesting things to say about songs, etc.

I would be cool if you could play some bootlegs too, like Prince and The Revolution's scrapped album "Dream Factory", what was supposed to be released after Parade. It's out there if you know where to look

Cool. I'll be listening. I live near Evanston and love that station. Congrats man.

afro75 said:

I would be cool if you could play some bootlegs too, like Prince and The Revolution's scrapped album "Dream Factory", what was supposed to be released after Parade. It's out there if you know where to look

There are lots of bootlegs I'd love to play, but I'm not sure if I'm allowed to. I'll email the manager about it. I'll probably stick to released material anyway, however, because there just isn't enough time.

i sure will check it out! and please play

lil

corvette

and if u remember, can u dedicate it 2 me? i'd make my new month.

if not please have a good show. 'cause i will do my best to be in the listening universe.

Isaacedwardleibowitz said:

NoVideo said:

When you say you are allowed to play "whatever I want" - does that include tracks with vulgar language? I didn't think you could play tracks like "Sister" or "Let's Pretend We're Married" over the airwaves.

Yes, thankfully I am allowed to play anything as long as I play a disclaimer every half hour.

If this is a terrestrial FM station, you can't play those songs with cursing in it. No matter what time it is. Your station could get fined. Be sure to check with the program director/owner just to verify. I would hate for you to get in trouble.

[Edited 3/28/12 13:34pm]

daPrettyman said:

Isaacedwardleibowitz said:

Yes, thankfully I am allowed to play anything as long as I play a disclaimer every half hour.

If this is a terrestrial FM station, you can't play those songs with cursing in it. No matter what time it is. Your station could get fined. Be sure to check with the program director/owner just to verify. I would hate for you to get in trouble.

[Edited 3/28/12 13:34pm]

I appreciate your concern, but I specifically discussed this with my manager. Between 11PM-6AM you are allowed to play anything as long as you play the disclaimer every half hour, or every fifteen minutes if you know for sure you will be playing something with expletives in it.

Isaacedwardleibowitz said:

afro75 said:

I would be cool if you could play some bootlegs too, like Prince and The Revolution's scrapped album "Dream Factory", what was supposed to be released after Parade. It's out there if you know where to look

There are lots of bootlegs I'd love to play, but I'm not sure if I'm allowed to. I'll email the manager about it. I'll probably stick to released material anyway, however, because there just isn't enough time.

There used to be a radio show called Breakfast With The Beatles and they'd play unreleased Fab 4 songs.

"Bambi" needs to be on your 'Prince' set. I'd mix in some outtakes from Crystal Ball before it became Sign O' the Times if you can. I'd also cut 'La, La, La, Hee, Hee, Hee' and change it out for 'Scarlet Pussy'.

Nix 'God' and use 'Another Lonely Christmas'. It's hard to go wrong really, and so much of this stuff is just dependant on individual tastes, it's hard to know what to use and what not to, but I just pointed 2 or 2 real clunkers.

herb4 said:

"Bambi" needs to be on your 'Prince' set. I'd mix in some outtakes from Crystal Ball before it became Sign O' the Times if you can. I'd also cut 'La, La, La, Hee, Hee, Hee' and change it out for 'Scarlet Pussy'.

Nix 'God' and use 'Another Lonely Christmas'. It's hard to go wrong really, and so much of this stuff is just dependant on individual tastes, it's hard to know what to use and what not to, but I just pointed 2 or 2 real clunkers.

Thanks for the tips. I already have "Scarlet Pussy" there on the Black Album day. No way I'm cutting "La, La, La", as it's one of my favorite b-sides. I'll definitely consider the "Another Lonely Christmas" suggestion - I'm not a huge fan of "God" anyway.

I really want to include "Bambi" but there just isn't time. I feel strongly about including all of Dirty Mind, and I need to leave time that day to talk about Prince's early life. I'm looking for a way to work it in.

herb4 said:

"Bambi" needs to be on your 'Prince' set. I'd mix in some outtakes from Crystal Ball before it became Sign O' the Times if you can. I'd also cut 'La, La, La, Hee, Hee, Hee' and change it out for 'Scarlet Pussy'.

Nix 'God' and use 'Another Lonely Christmas'. It's hard to go wrong really, and so much of this stuff is just dependant on individual tastes, it's hard to know what to use and what not to, but I just pointed 2 or 2 real clunkers.

That's a very good idea.

You could definitely incorporate tracks like:

Crystal Ball

Dream Factory

Movie Star

Good Love

Crucial

I have another question for you, are you going to be doing a lot of talking in between? I ask this because with so much music included, you may not have a chance to really tell the story you want.

A suggestion for you would be to listen to a morning radio show (one that mixes talk and music). It doesn't really matter the format. I would suggest that you listen to one for one hour to see what format they use. IE:

Top of the hour call letters

Song

buffers/transitions

song

talk

commercial

song

talk

etc.

I would actually write down the time that each thing takes place. That way, you can plan out your show a little better. One thing I learned when I worked in radio is that a 45 minute album actually turns out to be about 1 hour in radio time.

Also keep in mind, that you should try to keep your board "tight." One thing that will make a listener turn really fast is dead air (even if it's just 2 seconds). Also, "long songs" can be a turn off for a listener. I say this only mostly for the songs over 6 minutes.

A helpful hint may also be to consider using some of the single edits in place of some of the album cuts. That way, you can end your show on time.

I hope this helps and good luck with the program. I hope you are able to podcast it so we can all hear it.

Ease up, ya all, there's not enough shows to do all the music. But for my 2 cents...You have to have Bambi and Crucial, even if you have to take a pass on Another Lonely Christmas as its a little out of season.

Though I don't necessarily agree you should play the entire Black Album and Controversy album, looks great overall! Imho, Power Fantastic and Pink Cashmere should be played. Power Fantastic is one of the most essential classics of his; that neo-soul vibe of the song and the obvious ambiguity that Prince often puts into his songs about sex vs. spiritual experience. And with Pink Cashmere perhaps you can briefly mention Clare Fischer's orchestration influence on Prince's songs? (if you have enough time, I understand it may be too late to make changes) Oh and I'd love it if you could include Scandalous for the Batman album..

[Edited 3/29/12 0:01am]

Isaacedwardleibowitz said:

afro75 said:

I would be cool if you could play some bootlegs too, like Prince and The Revolution's scrapped album "Dream Factory", what was supposed to be released after Parade. It's out there if you know where to look

There are lots of bootlegs I'd love to play, but I'm not sure if I'm allowed to. I'll email the manager about it. I'll probably stick to released material anyway, however, because there just isn't enough time.

I see. Digging the playlist you've already put together. Good luck with the shows!

daPrettyman said:

I have another question for you, are you going to be doing a lot of talking in between? I ask this because with so much music included, you may not have a chance to really tell the story you want.

A suggestion for you would be to listen to a morning radio show (one that mixes talk and music). It doesn't really matter the format. I would suggest that you listen to one for one hour to see what format they use. IE:

Top of the hour call letters

Song

buffers/transitions

song

talk

commercial

song

talk

etc.

I would actually write down the time that each thing takes place. That way, you can plan out your show a little better. One thing I learned when I worked in radio is that a 45 minute album actually turns out to be about 1 hour in radio time.

Also keep in mind, that you should try to keep your board "tight." One thing that will make a listener turn really fast is dead air (even if it's just 2 seconds). Also, "long songs" can be a turn off for a listener. I say this only mostly for the songs over 6 minutes.

A helpful hint may also be to consider using some of the single edits in place of some of the album cuts. That way, you can end your show on time.

I hope this helps and good luck with the program. I hope you are able to podcast it so we can all hear it.

Thanks, this is definitely something worth thinking about. I actually had a radio show at WNUR a few years ago, so I have some experience, but I think I will do a practice run through the show before my show to be sure. I've prepared statements to make about Prince's early life and the story behind the albums, which I've timed to make sure they'll fit in.

Isaacedwardleibowitz said:

daPrettyman said:

I have another question for you, are you going to be doing a lot of talking in between? I ask this because with so much music included, you may not have a chance to really tell the story you want.

A suggestion for you would be to listen to a morning radio show (one that mixes talk and music). It doesn't really matter the format. I would suggest that you listen to one for one hour to see what format they use. IE:

Top of the hour call letters

Song

buffers/transitions

song

talk

commercial

song

talk

etc.

I would actually write down the time that each thing takes place. That way, you can plan out your show a little better. One thing I learned when I worked in radio is that a 45 minute album actually turns out to be about 1 hour in radio time.

Also keep in mind, that you should try to keep your board "tight." One thing that will make a listener turn really fast is dead air (even if it's just 2 seconds). Also, "long songs" can be a turn off for a listener. I say this only mostly for the songs over 6 minutes.

A helpful hint may also be to consider using some of the single edits in place of some of the album cuts. That way, you can end your show on time.

I hope this helps and good luck with the program. I hope you are able to podcast it so we can all hear it.

Thanks, this is definitely something worth thinking about. I actually had a radio show at WNUR a few years ago, so I have some experience, but I think I will do a practice run through the show before my show to be sure. I've prepared statements to make about Prince's early life and the story behind the albums, which I've timed to make sure they'll fit in.

Cool! I hope you have a great show.

It turns out the show will start next Friday, in case anyone was thinking of making an effort to listen in.

Y didn't U rename it WNPG.....

Well I had my first show this morning and it went well. The show will be every two weeks, so the next one will be on April 20th, 4 to 5 AM central time. Also, it turns out that the station automatically records every show and posts it to the internet in mp3 format, so if you'd like to hear the show you can do so here: http://theradiotapes.com/...604CDT.mp3 (it starts a few minutes in).

The manager says I can play bootlegs so I will be adding some to the playlist, and any suggestions are welcome.

[Edited 4/6/12 20:31pm]

[Edited 4/6/12 20:32pm]

Great show man! Keep up the good work and I'll be listening to the next one!

If time allows, try and fit in the 12 inch of Erotic City instead of the edit.

Congratulations on the 1st show (I'm gonna listen tonight you are living my dream !

and good luck on the rest !