We've all heard the story - before he passed Prince reportedly told his sister he had achieved his purpose in this life and he hoped to be remembered as a prolific writer. So on the second anniversary of Prince’s passing I decided to honor Prince’s wishes through a closer examination of some of his lesser known tracks.

When I first heard his request, it struck me oddly specific. By all accounts he was an overwhelmingly talented songwriter, multitalented musician, and electrifying performer. Why would he minimize? But he was also lesser-known as a laser focused taskmaster. So perhaps his dying wish was telling us exactly how to best handle the task he left us all with – decode the life of a notoriously private and exquisitely beguiling Faberge funk unicornn through an understanding of the writer's task and purpose.

Without going too deep, perhaps the writer's journey is best described as overcoming personal barriers for successfully communicating what we see within and around us, and hopefully for the benefit of others. Learning to use words to connect with others is no small task. Every day we all choose the wrong words and miscommunicate what is inside ourselves and what we see in the world. If you are intensely private and have some pretty amazing ideas you may be reluctant to share, too.

When putting together the playlist I decided to use deep cuts because, quite often in life, our most personal insights aren’t widely known or acclaimed. During the 80s unique mix of art and commerce - a song like Raspberry Beret was a big hit because the story it tells doesn’t require too much thought from listeners. “Working part time in a five and dime” pays the bills and keeps the lights so you can dedicate time to more personal insights found in deeper cuts. I've always found Prince's more challenging cuts more thrilling, even when I didn't agree with them.

So without further ado... here's the playlist that's been playing during the last 36 hours. I'll quit wasting time with words and just say it's a blend of many things other fans might recognize. Hope you like.

1. For You
2. Nothing Compares 2 U
3. Father’s Song
4. Condition of the Heart
5. Alexa De Paris
6. 4 The Tears in Your Eyes
7. Venus De Milo
8. Breakdown
9. Sometimes It Snows In April
10. The Cross
11. Colonized Mind
12. The Love We Make (live in Montreux, 2013)
13. Love Thy Will Be Done

[Edited 4/22/18 12:32pm]

Nice playlist.
Little more downbeat for my tastes but definitely consistent in tone.
Interesting you included three instrumental pieces.
[Edited 4/22/18 17:06pm]