My father is a graduate college music professor. In a couple of weeks, his students are bringing in two "pop" music selections of their choice. As a class, they are going to listen to, critique, etc. these selections. My dad wants me to recommend two Prince songs that he can take. He's a borderline fan and has been to a few shows, but doesn't know which songs would showcase Prince's talent the most and lend to some interesting discussions. Keeping in mind that the raunchier stuff should probably be ruled out, what two songs would you all recommend that I give to him? I have a list a mile long of ones that I think would be good, but I'd love to get some input from all of you.

Thanks for your help.

-Greg

Probably 1999. That's pretty happy, and so on. But if u wanted to go more modern, why not try Something from TRC (not pop i know), or Rave.

I'd go for 'When Doves Cry' and 'Kiss'.

When Doves Cry because it shows how to join alot of different styles, vocals, and music changes succesfully.

Kiss because less is definately more.

---

Anna Stesia would spark a good discussion and Dorothy Parker as well. I'm trying to stay with the more pop-like songs that perhaps aren't too straight-forward. Then again you may want to substitute one of these with a crowd favorite like When Doves Cry, Raspberry Beret, 1999, or Let's Go Crazy which, while definitely not obscure have some interesting lyrics/imagery.
[This message was edited Fri Nov 7 13:46:56 PST 2003 by whodknee]

I remember Liz Jones saying in her book that a woman named Bell Hooks was using "If I was Your Girlfriend" in her poetry classes. The students were studying the lyrics trying to figure out if P was a man or a woman. Lyrically, there's so many good ones to choose from. "Annie Christian" is pretty deep too.

I'd say Greatest Romance Ever Sold, because it was better than anything on the radio when it was released, yet failed to chart.

or

Most Beautiful Girl in the World, for what it represents in terms of Prince's relationship with Warner Bros.

I think "7" and "1999"

I showed "7" when i was an aid for my high school music class. all the kids loved it, but were door knobs when it came to discussing the song.

what about If I Was Your Girlfriend?

'family name' (TRC)
interesting musically, interesting lyrics
tho' the class will fall asleep waiting for the
song to start

7.
friendloversistermotherwife.

plenty 2 debate with these 2 , sooo many others.. !

Thanks for all the suggestions! Keep 'em coming!

Definitely "2 Nigs United For West Compton" Great musicianship especially the bass solo!

MrSquiggle said:

That's the first one I thought of when I was reading the message. I would say include it as one of the 2. Definately.

i would say " when you were mine" and "holy river" two of my favurite songs

Joy In Repetition* - as it shows off a whole other side of what Prince is about, and would hopefully genuinely surprise people who only know him because of the hits or that he wrote on his face...
*Preferably the original version with the Linn Drum intro - not the version spoiled by the segue on GB.

...and maybe Little Red Corvette would be a good one - lots of analogies in there about comparing a fine woman 2 a classy car etc etc...could raise some interesting thoughts & discussion....

Let us know how it goes off!
[This message was edited Sat Nov 8 12:51:21 PST 2003 by bananacologne]

If Ur discussing "pop" songs then Id definetly choose 1999. Its just perfect. According 2 Alan Leeds Prince, Dez and Lisa originally sang in harmony at the same time. Later, Prince cut that up mixing 2 voices on each line, leaving 1 voice 2 carry the line. This gives the track a feel as though the band has a strong frontline rather than a well-schooled harmony team. The four-note synthesisers and drum machine create a perfect 4/4 dance rythm way ahead of anything at its time. Plus, its a song the class will be familiar with of cause!

Thanks to bananacologne I have decided that you should us "Joy In Repetition" and "If I Was Your Girlfriend". It will blow your dad's class away.

LittlePill said:

I think you may be right! I'll definitely give those to him to check out, along with a few others.

By the way, they don't have to be "pop" songs, just songs by "pop" musicians. So, anything goes as far as songs from his catalog.

-G

reading the other posts i'd like 2 add...i agree bout these 2

if i was your girlfriend
joy in repetition

+ question of U and starfish and coffee.

Sorry, someone had to say it.
Jughead and Push.

I think any two songs from SoTT.

The title track is definitely worthy of discussion, esp. how it still fits in today, historical context etc.

Something like If I Was Your Girlfriend is fully worthy of discussion about the writing, how he looks at the song from the perspective of the girlfriend.

The musicianship on SoTT is also superb. Wonderfully crafted. The contrast between some of the songs is great.

1p1p1i3 said:

Thanks for all the feedback! I think I am going to burn him a disc of about six songs and let him make the final decision.

Peace!

Sign O' The Times and Joy in Repetition would be good choices.

gmcb said:

i would recommend

when doves cry

it completely blew everyone away

nothing sounded anything like it

i would also choose

if i was your girlfriend

it offers insightful discussion

about a man wanting 2 relate

2 his girl on a deeper level

than just lovers

sumtymes said:

sumtymes said:

If you do when doves cry get a live version from a boot

My music teacher at school regularly used to make us all listen to Manic Monday with our eyes closed.
He said it was the Perfect pop song.

Sign O' the Times. I put this song right up there with other social-minded classics like, Grand Master Flash & the Furious Five's "The Message", Marvin Gaye's "What's Going On", and Stevie Wonder's "Living for the City."

'If I was your girlfriend' has to be one of them.If that song doesn't promote discussion, nothing will.

and my other choice would be 'Family Name', not one of my faves, but again, it'll get a debate going.