it sounds like he recorded that song on a rocking chair. Can't you hear the squeek in between the song.

Yes. I think it gives it a more relaxed/reflective mood, like he just sat down and started playing. Love that song.

misterman said:

I don't know how he had the studio mic'ed but acoustic guitars are strummed from one chord to the next they tend to squeak.

I think the squeeking and/or rocking chair effect mainly comes from Prince's piano bench as he adjusts himself during the song. Ya know?

It sorta has a "gritty" affect to it...that's one of the reasons why I like it so much

I love that song!

It's stuff like that I miss from Prince's recent output.

TRC had a certain "organic" quality to it, but everything he has recorded since Lovesexy (i.e. everything recorded at Paisley Park - generally speaking) - has sounded very clinical and sharp.

VelvetSplash said:

That's what's so nice about the "One Nite Alone" piano album
it has some background noizes and some static on it and it
makes the whole thing far more intimate. Especially songs
that are not 100 clean tend to sound a little bit more like
old vinyl records and that's great. Sometimes cd's just
sound too good. Too clinical and unreal.

Totally agree ... fantastic song.

Only slight downside is the B flat chord on the word 'Wish' in the chorus. Kind of hits you out of the blue. One of the few songs for which I prefer the album cut to most of the live versions I've heard.

L

Levi said:

yeah. i haven't heard a version of it live that i liked better than the original. the original caught so much feeling and atmosphere. untouchable.

Just a week ago (already April) it snowed while I listened to that song. Strange feeling. It made me cry.

The noise is just the natural squeak of the strings
when changing chords. Usually when recording, you
do your best to avoid that sound wherever possible,
but I always suspected that with this particular
track Prince intentionally made sure he captured
the squeaks,,,1: to get a really 'intimate' feel
from the guitar, and 2: as a nod to Joni Mitchell
(who's 'Blue' album has that real 'warts n all'
intimate acoustic sound all over).

JassyGF said:

Lisa played piano on this track. Prince and Wendy were on guitars.

VelvetSplash said:

& The Truth?!

it snowed here in pa on april 4rth. the song kicks ass

BorisFishpaw said:

The song is wonderful and so true...cause it did just snow in April...
[This message was edited Tue Apr 15 17:59:18 PDT 2003 by Starmist7]