Purple House from the new Hendrix tribute album is the third act in the victorious year that Prince is putting together. (The first is the Granmmies and the second is the Hall of Fame performance). On an album with heavyweight guitar gods like Eric Clapton, Santana, and Stevie Ray Vaughan, we hear Prince put down what has to be the best track.

It is only fitting that Prince do this to officially lay claim to the Hendrix legacy that has been his since Purple Rain. The track is all vintage Prince with the element of the Hendrix influence readily apparent. Like so many perfectly crafted Prince records, Purple House is flawless but natural.

I am surprised at there is not more talk about this record.

I have to disagree. I finally heard the track yesterday. As I was telling peope yesterday, it sounds like the backing music to a Chili's commercial. It should have been called the Baby Back Baby Back Prince Mix.

You can tell he was gong for that Memphis style blues but the horns are too much. The guitar solo is good, though.

bambi99 said:

I think a synth is the horns in that song.. should have used real ones

I haven't even tried to hear the samples from the album yet, but I did read a review yesterday that was positive about the whole thing.

Sdldawn said:

yeah! Maceo and Greg should have been on cue 4 this one, at least Maceo anyway...

I don't understand what everyone wants from Prince. I love this cut. The version from Rave was good to.

NPGaddict said:

I have to disagree with you there... Purple House is ok, but it mos def is NOt the best track on the album( in my opinion). Spanish Castle Magic ( Corey glover, Santana, Tony Williams, Stanley Clarke) is Bangin! Its true to the original, but it has more bottom..more uumph, if you will. Then theres Chaka Khans vocals on Little wing. Beautiful. There a point in the song where she hits this hiiiigh note, and the guitar solo meets her at the peak of the note and continues the solo. Then there Stevie Ray Vaugns version of Little Wing. Powerful stuff, man.
Lets not forget Mr. John Lee Hooker on Red House. Nuff Said.
So, back to my point, Purple House is ok, but its sound a little too polished/synthetic to me. The solo is nice, but keyboard horn sections make my trigger/skip finger itchy. But thats just my opinion.

peace.

BKOOLBABY said:

I loved the Rave version (minus Johnny Blackshire).
Thought the solo was awesome.