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Happy 50th Mr Rogers Nelson!

Saturday, June 07, 2008

50 years ago today Prince Rogers Nelson was born into the world and the face of music and never been the same again.

I cannot quite believe he's 50 years old but to be honest he doesn't show it - last years 21 Nights in London gigs are testament to how energetic and full of life you can be when approaching 50. As ever Prince shows no signs of stopping.

I cannot say I agree with the highs and lows of his career as plotted by the BBC but it's a nice indication of what Prince has achieved over the years (personally I feel the chart would be much larger and have much more detail as he really has achieved so much).

Happy Birthday Prince - here's to the next 50 years.

I have created a celebratory Mux Tape full of Prince goodness (not mainstream stuff though). Be sure to check it out!

Labels: Music, Prince

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Prince was right...

Sunday, April 06, 2008

Sometimes it Snows in April

This time we got more snow than we did in March. Will we actually see Spring this year?

Labels: Prince, UK, Weather

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Prince. Career Suicide, Part II (Dugg)

Wednesday, November 07, 2007

Come on Prince get your act together.

We've had a fantastic year - 21 days of phenomenal shows here in the UK, one of your best albums in ages and what do you do to end the year - piss off the fans!

For god sake man stop trying to bute the hand that feeds you.You cannot bean online artist if you are not prepared to live with consequences of online activity and if the activity is due to the fans wanting more - give us what we want instead of letting (some of) us going out there and getting it ourselves!

Prince threatens fan sites that post album art, pictures, even (allegedly) pictures of their own Prince-inspired tattoos. It's a... different approach to fan relations.

read more | digg story

Labels: Digg, Prince

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Joy...

Saturday, September 22, 2007

For those of you who couldn't make it to the 21 nights in London, for a further 21 nigths Prince has made an exclusive set available over at 3121.com.

I managed 3 of the 21 nights and I already miss him!

I'm offline for a bit now as we're about to head off on holiday - north east of England this time for a weeks chill out. Don't forget to watch my iPod Touch review! (subscribe to my Trunk Cast or download here).

See you on the rebound!

Labels: Apple, London, Music, Prince, Trunk Cast

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The Magic Number

Saturday, August 25, 2007

Through some luck Ness and I managed to acquire tickets to yet another Prince gig last night (my third attendance this tour and Ness's fourth).

Prince once again was on form and we enjoyed one hell of a party.

The piano section this time was spiced up by the use of a vox and some hot sampling by Prince, he managed to reduce me to tears during Sometimes is Snows in April whilst tearing up the floor with new renditions of Sign 'o the Times, Pop Life and When Doves Cry. Prince followed Musicology with Prince and the Band (which I desperately want on MP3!)

He also managed to slot in samples of Honky Tonk Woman and Head.

Prince was also in a very jovial mood last night, popping digs at the Rolling Stones (who also played the 02 this week) and informing us during Satisfied that there rules to comply to to keep his house in order. As far as I can recall these were:

Put the toilet seat down!
Sports are ok on a Sunday - but shopping is not a sport
Free discussion and debate are allowed
If you have to talk, please do so during the commercial breaks ;o)

Another blistering show and another post morning with no voice but elated. I still need to feed my Prince addiction though and (unlike Keith Richards), I'd say it's one of the best drugs of choice out there!

Labels: Prince

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Hot Thing

Wednesday, August 08, 2007

I cannot believe it - Prince was smoking last night!

The two day rest must have done him some good as last nights concert was hotter than Saturdays.

He really tore up the stage, managing to dance and gyrate all night, it did seem that he didn't want to end. With four encores it felt like he didn't too.

The arrangement was different last night starting with a like video to get us all in the mood and then he started the concert with Little Red Corvette and an acoustic guitar set.

The band joined him later followed by the Wonderful World interlude followed by a fantastic 25 minutes session of Prince and his piano. He really belted out some old skool hits last night and the crowd really appreciated it.

Songs that differed from Saturdays performance included, Do Me Baby (which we also heard him rehearse), Diamonds and Pearls, The Beautiful Ones, I Could Never Take the Place of your Man, Alphabet Street, DMSR, Somewhere Here on Earth and Condition of the Heart.

As well as the audience members who got up and danced, one lucky guy was privileged enough to be on the mic to sing Play That Funky Music

The support was a Texan Meringue band called Fantasma. We weren't that bothered by them when they performed their own material but the final encore seen them return to the stage to tear into Get on the Boat with Prince and the Band.

Oh what a night!

(Of course this means I want to go again...)

Labels: Friends, Prince

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Here we go again!

Tuesday, August 07, 2007

I cannot believe it's Tuesday already. I am on my way into London to meet Ness for lunch before we head off to tonight's Prince concert.

I am very interested to see how tonights set list will change.

Labels: Friends, Prince

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Tired but happy

Monday, August 06, 2007

I thought I had recovered from Saturdays jubilations but this morning I am not so sure.

Thankfully I had the foresight to load my iPod with additional Prince tunes (although I forgot to sync them all!)

At least it's a short working week for me. I am back it the 02 with Ness tomorrow for Planet Earth Round 2. I am really looking forward to next weekend too as Carol and Dave are visiting.

Labels: Friends, Prince

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Beautiful Night

Sunday, August 05, 2007

Last night's Prince concert at the 02 was amazing. He really is on form, jumping, dancing, spinning and gyrating around the stage like he has always done.

The concert was very good and the short dude (to quote Dean) was on stage for around 2 and a half hours.

The set was very tight and this incarnation of the band are very good. Of course the inclusion of Maceo Parker means lots of Sly and James Brown tracks being kicked out to the masses.

Dean and I were both quite interested to see Vanessa's reaction as she was so excited. When Prince came up through the floor of the stage she was speechless. Ness also managed a tear or two during Purple Rain. I am not criticising though as I had tears rolling down my face during Sometimes it Snows in April.

Prince managed three encores during the main concert and he certainly mixed up his repertoire. The opener was Let's Go Crazy which really got the audience in the mood. Other songs (that I remember) were Guitar, Controversy, Raspberry Beret, Pass the Peas, Play that Funky Music, Lolita, Kiss, Musicology, If I was Your Girlfriend, U Got the Look, Shhh, Sexy Dancer/Le Freak, I Feel 4 You, Cream, Pink Cashmere, Black Sweat, Take Me with You, I Would Die for You (although that may have been the after show party), Little Red Corvette and Nothing Compares 2 U.

I think that was it!

I just want to say a quick note about the venue as I am really impressed with the way they have changed the venue since it was the Millennium Dome. It's like a small village inside with the stadium at it's center. it was clean, Light, spacious, everyone got a good view and the acoustics were very good.

I wouldn't want to pay for the £250 front seats though cause I fear being sat at the front by the top of the symbol would mean you wouldn't see very much (Prince seem to spend the majority of the concert on the point).

It was a bit of a crush getting out too - I don't think it helped that out of the 20,000 people, 2,000 of us were making our way to the night club for the after show party.

Now what can I say about the party? I enjoyed it. It was fun. The DJ had a cool knack of mixing Prince tracks in with more contemporary ( and not so contemporary) stuff, I am just ashamed by the behaviour of some of the crowd.

a) I cannot believe just how drunk some people were and b) I cannot believe how rude people were.

We were all told the after show party was a strict no camera affair and people didn't listen, much to their own undoing.

Nikka Costa (who also opened the main concert) came on stage around 1.30 (we had gotten into the club round midnight) and she opened with a very strong set. During Like a Feather, Prince joined her on stage. The song was really tight but sadly our attention was drawn to the bouncer hauling people out of the club for taking photos.

At this point Ness and I did throw glances as we noticed Prince didn't seem to happy. Sure enough we were right as he didn't come back on stage. The band joined Nikka for a rousing rendition of Every body's Got Their Something but after this people started to heckle her.

Nikka really did seem to be struggling to keep the crowds attention and I found it very embarrassing to her this wonderful woman sing whilst a small percentage were chanting "We want Prince".

Nikka Costa left the stage around 2.30 and we noticed the stage wasn't being prepared but it looked like It was being dismantled. It was at this point we'd decided we'd had a great night, enjoyed the concert and had a good ol' dance at the after show party and called it a day. I eventually got home just before 4am!

Reading 3121 this morning it appears that we were right to leave when we did as Prince didn't come back on stage. I am not worried though as we had an excellent time and a free Nikka Costa closed concert to boot (and she had the worlds hottest guitar players backing her up at one point ;o) ).

All in all a fantastic show and my poor aching back and feet are proof of how much dancing we did last night.

Roll on Tuesday when we get to do it all over again!

Labels: 365, Friends, Music, Prince

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SMFWTHV*

Thursday, August 02, 2007

I am now getting excited about the Prince concerts we are going to see this weekend.

As you know I am lucky enough to be going to two shows and judging by all the rave reviews and feedback I have found online I am just itching to get to the 02.

The aftershow reviews sound promising too - hopefully Saturday night will be cause for a double celebration.

I find it interesting that Prince is back to doing several encores by show - tried and tested Prince fans know not to leave the arena/stadium early and it looks like this is once again the case.

Typically some of the reviews have been critical of things that didn't happen at the show and I find this useless, I also tire of comment like "Prince continues his Purple Reign" - please this line has been used since the 80's can you journo's please think up something else?

Anyway two days to go - I count the days...

*Skinny Mother Fucker with the High Voice

Labels: Prince

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Screams of Passion

Saturday, July 28, 2007

Thanks to Pop Muse for sharing bringing this video to my attention.

I love this song and have never seen the video.

It's very reminiscent of the video for Raspberry Beret but then why wouldn't it be as Prince is the man behind The Family ;o)

Labels: Prince

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18 minutes of joy!

Wednesday, July 18, 2007

Your latest 18 minutes of joy is now online (or for those who have no clue what I am on about - I'm talkin' about Trunk Cast 97!

Labels: Music, Prince, Trunk Cast

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Chelsea Rodgers was a Model...

Sunday, July 15, 2007

Calling Planet Earth, it's 8 am on a Sunday, I have just got up, grabbed the first clothes to hand, got dressed and headed off to the newsagent.

Why?

Prince's new album was given away today in the Daily ~~Fascist~~ Mail. I know I will get a free copy with my concert ticket in a couple of weeks but who could resist such an offer? The entire album for the cost of the newspaper (£1.40)!

First listen it sounds like Prince is back on form and I am really looking forward to the concerts in a couple of weeks ;o)

The stand out track has to be Chelsea Rodgers. You can tell there has been a re-introduction of Wendy and Lisa as parts of the album sound familiar (Purple Rain familiar).

"Chelsea Rodgers was a model..."

Oh and this is my Simpsons Avatar (well, everyone else is doing it!)

(This doesn't mean I am going to see the movie though!)

Unlike Transformers as Richard and I are off to see the preview screening at the Empire, Leicester Square next weekend :o)

Labels: 365, Music, Prince

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WaTcHoUt!*

Friday, July 13, 2007

It's been a more than unusual week at work as we moved into our new premises this week. I say new as we have moved back into our old building but it has been completely refurbished. So much so the old name has been removed and it's been renamed to 100 VE.

You won't be able to miss it on the bank of the Thames it's an imposing 1920's Art Deco building but now the interior is a swish technical heaven!

I took some snaps when we first went to view it and today whilst enjoying my lunch on the roof over looking London. I think we have a better view than the tourists who go up in the eye (and we get paid to be there!)

Vanessa has been a complete star today and has managed to come up trumps for the Prince concert we are attending on the 4th August. Not only are we going to see the MPLS genius at the 02, we have also managed to secure tickets to the After show Party! I have been fortunate enough to attend some of these in the past and it feels odd to be acquiring tickets before the event but I know it's going to be worth it.

I think it will be a very late night on the 4th (giving me just about enough time to recover to do it all over again on the 7th ;o) )

* this was meant to sound like Prince's opening scream from Gett off

Labels: 365, Music, Photography, Prince, Work

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Recovered!

Friday, June 08, 2007

Well I have just about recovered from the work conference. It did seem to be very intense and I think actually organising the event as well as attending just adds to the pressure.

I am really pleased that everyone enjoyed the team activity I had arranged. We were shown how to sculpt with ice and were given the challenge to pair up and come up with a wine cooler.

Lawrence and I took the challenge of keeping the exterior of the design minimal whilst focusing on the inside of the block - placing the bottle in the opposite way to normal whilst making a feature of the shards etc inside.

I think we achieved what we had set out to do and as everyone else seemed to knock the hell out of their blocks, we were certainly the only ones to follow this route.

That's not to say the rest of the team didn't do well, there were some great designs.

I am not sure I would arranged an activity which gave Lawrence control of power tools though. If you follow this link you will see the other photo where he is brandishing a saw - scary!

I look at this photo and I still hate my hair - I look bloody awful. I am certainly going to change my barbers as that's two terrible hair cuts in two visits.

The decor in the hotel and the total lack of hair did allow me to take a cool 365days photos yesterday which I titled "Red Letter Day".

Can you see me in the shot? I think it's very subtle but I like it.

BTW whoever thinks that the new Maroon 5 album sounds like Prince - or picks up on his influences needs their head read. It's fucking awful!

Labels: 365, London, Photography, Prince, Work

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Luv2H8

Thursday, May 17, 2007

OK so we're off for the weekend. Before we go I want to share this fab playlist set up I have created for my iTunes/iPod. Basically it lets me listen to my favourite and least played tracks of the same artist:

1) Create a new Smart Playlist with Artist as (i.e. Prince) + My Rating "is greater than" *** - call it +Prince

2) Create another new Smart Playlist with Artist as "Prince" + Play Count is 0 - call it -Prince

I usually set both of these two select checked items only, random with live updating, limited to 25 items.

3) Create another Smart Playlist with Playlist = +Prince + Playlist = -Prince.

This time check all the boxes (live updating etc), but select 50 items. In the Match box above change the option to "Any".

Save it as Luv2Hate Prince and there you go; a brand new Playlist which allows you to listen to favourite and least played tracks. Of course as you go you can rate your tracks and as they are played their play count goes up. This means whenever you sync your iPod following listening to any of the tracks, you have a new list (but not so new that you miss your favourites)...

Tip: To keep it all in order, save these Playlists in a separate folder.

What do you think? I quite like it. So much so I bought the company (!)

Right I just want to part with the following:

Shadows on the sun
Another night's begun
It's always dark in Luna Park

Wind across the moon
Electric storms and soon a flying spark
in Luna Park

And when we're getting higher we're happy
Somebody's eating fire we're happy
The big wheel in the sky will make you scream
Come on, join a line
The ghost train leaves on time
It's always dark in Luna Park

On the shooting range the plastic prizes never change
So make your mark on Luna Park

Thunder. I wonder?
A storm will come one day to blow us all away like dust on the moon
In Luna Park it can't be dark too soon

Luna Park - Pet Shop Boys "Fundamental" 2006

Labels: 365, Apple, Music, Pet Shop Boys, Prince

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Only 31.21

Saturday, May 12, 2007

I have my tickets...

Do you have yours?

Labels: Music, Prince

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I'm a Speedy Boarder! (not)

Friday, May 11, 2007

First evening, looking very relaxed already (64)

Written on holiday as my daily journal

What is it about airports and holidays that really brings out the worst in people?

At the airport we all queued in a patient and english manner for our turn to board the plane but this calm was punctuated by an arrogant so and so who thought his speedy boarding ticket allowed him to jump the queue in front of everyone else (including other speedy boarders).

I find it bizarre that Sleazy Jet can charge upwards of £3.50 per person per flight just to put 20 people in a queue ahead of other passengers. Especially when these people treat it as Sleazy's equivalent First Class.

Let's face it, everyone has to queue and you all get as much chance as the next person at a seat (and it's not as if anyone will have to stand). And yet there is still this chaos.

This even spilled over to the plane where the two Spanish gents in question (both speedy boarders, both wanting to get on first)), had an altercation. It's not worth it!

Monday We spent the rest of the day relaxing at the apartment before heading out for dinner in the evening. The weather is crisp, warm and sunny - the exact opposite of what we left behind (yes after all this time the nice weather has finally decided to move on from the South East of England).

We soon fell into our Spanish holiday routine and found ourselves in our favourtie restaurant in the evening.

Usually our evenings are punctuated with the odd German vocal but oddly this week there appears to be more Brits here than Germans.

We wouldn't have minded except for the family from hell who decided to sit behind us. With four adults and equal number of children you would expect there to be order but as seems to be the case at home, parents seem completely unable to control their children.

So our peace was broken by hearing this horrible Essex shrill from the mother asking the waiter for E-g-g AND C-h-i-p-s for each of her darling children.

We found this rather amusing, especially as here father and the waiter were trying to explain what the Spanish was (and any English equivalent).

Of course the darling children got their food and ate it with gusto - not! It was too hot, it was too runny, it was anything but edible! And what did the adults in the party do about it? Nothing? They let them sit there, complain, whinge and kick up a fuss. Richard and I commented to one another that when we were that age we ate it when it was served or went without...

Tuesday Today was much more relaxed affair, we got to do what we enjoy on these holidays; lay in till late, have a relaxing (and filling) breakfast on the balcony, shop, lunch, a couple hours on the beach, a shag or two, siesta and then out for dinner :) (Not necessarily in that order).

The beach was quite quiet yesterday but this didn't matter as it meant Rich and I could snooze as much as we wanted in the sun - I think it must have been around 30 yesterday so it was hot enough to bronze out lilly white skin. I think I have managed to catch some sun but I don't like to go too mad... (Until the bevy of German prunes wandering around).

Mickey came with us to the beach too - he had his usually holiday snap taken as well as the swarm of ladybirds that appeared to be occupying the beach.

We both bought some new clothes, something I try to do on every trip - if I don't I end up having to look like all the other clones at home. My only concern is fitting it all into an already packed suitcase!

Lasts nights meal was at a different restaurant as our favourite closes on Tuesday but at least there wasn't enough room for the family from hell to accompany us!

Wednesday Tonight we plan to have the cameras at the ready - for two nights we have been passed by two particularly hot young Spanish guys jogging. Clothed on Monday and topless last night. Believe me, they are well worth the odd digital snap! Hopefully we will see them again tonight!

Surprisingly we didn't spend any time on the beach today, instead we decided to use our time walking along the headland, taking in the sights. This was a great opportunity to use the new camcorder although I am conscious that carrying a video camera really does make you look like a tourist.

Still it was worth the walk especially as there were a couple of Spanish hotties larking about on the rocks (see Trunk Cast 91).

All in all though it was a very calm and relaxing day which culminated in our usual siesta and trip to the beach front restaurant for dinner. Of course we have to fit some sangria into at least one trip so tonight was the night. I don't know if it's the recipe, the restaurant or the location but you cannot beat sangria made by the Spanish in Spain.

Unfortunately the two hot Spanish joggers were not spotted on the prom - only one of them jogging solo. I did capture him on my Olympus (he's in the video for Trunk Cast 91), nor was he topless I am afraid but you'll still get the general idea!

It's been a hot break (in more ways than one), and the weather seems to be getting hotter. It was a balmy 28 yesterday and the report for Thursday is hotter still.

Thursday I can see why birds migrate and take the routes they do - we have had a lot of swifts flying overhead since we have been here and they really do have a fantastic life. They may spend it all on the wing but they do tend to be in the right place at the right time... In a couple of weeks they'll be flying over our house in England - isn't it amazing how they navigate?

So it's Thursday and we need to think about getting the apartment tided up for when we leave. It's nice having access to such a place but that's the difference from a hotel - you have to make you own bed and tidy your own mess! (Not that we are at all messy!).

We had a text from Liz this morning explaining that Brandy has become very needy since we have been away. I think this is true testament to how much she is missing Jerry. I am sure we'll be in no end of trouble when we return tonight!

I had some great news from home today as Ness and Liz have worked Liz crazy to acquire tickets for Prince's forthcoming concerts in London. Thanks to their tanacity, Vanessa and I will be attending two nights in August :)

So I am going to make the most of the warm weather, the birds chirping and the sea view... When you read this we will be home. The photo's should be uploaded to Flickr and Trunk Cast (Video) 91 will be available for download.

Enjoy viewing them, at least as much as we have had taking them.

Labels: 365, Cats, Friends, holiday, Pic-a-Day, Prince, Weather

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From the archives

Thursday, March 08, 2007

Isn't it amazing what you can find in your family archives? I didn't know my family had such cool photographs :)

Talking of archives I have dug out The Jewel Box for one evening - I'm getting my groove on to rare treats such as Welcome to the Rat Race and There's others here with us (I'd better check my Databank!):)

Labels: Photography, Prince

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Prince and Santa

Saturday, December 16, 2006

I can only imagine what Prince will put together for next years Superbowl Half Time show - rest assured though it'll be the best thing to ever happen to the Superbowl.