So Far So Good 2019

So far so good. That's exactly what I was thinking, especially this particular year. Change is change and sometimes change is good. I'm super stoked for Independence Day this year, Pacific coast here we come. Getting out of our city will act as a reminder, and possibly a barometer, for what's been done and what could be. I know, live in the now. 

Summer has struck without it being too hot, yet. The occasional summer showers or lightening storms are a welcomed blast of nostalgia. Agent M and I have been doing a shit ton of biking, like, a lot. Anyhow, when it warms up and the sun is shining, we can all relate to the ways in which summer feeds us. Thanks summer, thanks mother earth. 

Enjoy The Fourth with friends and family, festivities or new found adventure. Whether outside grilling or inside chilling, summer tunes never hurt. Music is a must on summer road trips however. Below is a quick list of my favorite albums during the first half of 2019.
So Far So Good...

Sharon Von Etten | Remind Me Tomorrow
big, score-like, she baits you in, atmospheric, imagery, I Told You Everything, Hands

Julia Jacklin | Crushing
best album so far, too good, too truthful, painful and beautiful, CRUSHING, CRUSHING

Jeff Tweedy | Warmer
extra baggage, tales, you know who the fxck he is, Guaranteed 

Kevin Morby | Oh My God
smokey, piano, clearly understood, misunderstood, wiser, word play, unkept, just right, O Behold

Faye Webster | Atlanta Millionaires Club
whiney pop ballads, hybrid synth jangle, tambourines and pedal steel, country R&B, is this shit real?

Prince | Originals 
Prince, Prince songs, Prince was a genius, I miss Prince, purple & blue

So long, happy 4th.

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Purple Medley

Prince took over Saturday Night Live this past weekend with host Chris Rock. Instead of playing two performances, as is typically done, Prince was given roughly 8 minutes to do his thing. Initially he played keys while sharing vocals on "Clouds." Quickly the mood turned to a more rock driven sound as Prince took up his guitar. He and 3rdEyeGirl charged through "Plectrum Electrum" and "Marz." The last track, "Another Love," was a blend of R&B and rock. Enjoy.

Prince | Live | SNL Nov.1st


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Two 4 One

Prince dropped a double dose on us today. Thanks be to funk. Genius is a word that only applies to a select few of the 7 billion people on earth, Prince is one of them. Art Official Age and PlectrumElectrum were released today. The former is a solo album and the latter is with band-mates 3rdEyeGirl. I suggest copping both of these records, so hit up your local record store or do the digital thing. There are flashes of his brilliance on both. Whether it be R&B influenced titles like, "CLOUDS", or bass driven synth-funk hits, "THE GOLD STANDARD"—Mr. Nelson has tapped into his multi-faceted magic. He uses his talents to create new "radio-friendly" tracks in, "U KNOW" and "BREAKFAST CAN WAIT". Then there's "FUNKNROLL" which is totally rocking, makes me want to move, and may not be classifiable. 3rdEyeGirl is funk-rock at its finest, with an ability to push Prince toward his otherworldly talents. There's a lot of material to sift through, have fun and remember to turn it up. Enjoy. 

Prince | "FUNKNROLL" | Art Official Age 



Tune in tonight (9:30pm CT) to watch a free, live stream from Paisley Park celebrating these albums.

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PRINCE: ART OFFICIAL AGE

Prince & 3rdeyegirl

The Purple One is set to release two albums on the same day. Mark your calendars—September 30th! Prince might be aiming for total domination and he's more than capable of pulling it off. ART OFFICIAL AGE is a solo album aided by Joshua Welton. The second offering will be titled PLECTRUMELECTRUM, and will feature 3RDEYEGRIL. The latter will be the debut recording from Prince and the all-female band. His Purpleness was quoted as saying, "No one can play like this band... People are going to try, but they won't be able to." If you're interested in pre-ordering either of these releases, click here. In all, there will be 25 tracks, with "FUNKNROLL" being the only song to appear on both. Rumors are swirling about a potential tour. Please come back to The Bay.

Prince | "Breakfast Can Wait" | ART OFFICIAL AGE



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Purple Reign

Prince continues to roll out new music with his band, 3rd eye girl and the New Power Generation. As far as I'm concerned, he's one of the most genuine rock and rollers alive, while being equally intelligent and virtuosic. Recently he took over the rebooted Arsenio Hall Show, unleashing three stellar songs and impressively partaking in an interview. He opened with the freshly minted, Funk N Roll. Also played on the air were Mutiny, and his classic, She's always in My Hair. Currently no one else in music is able to match his ability to mesh rock, funk, pop and whatever the hell else he's willing to weave into his tapestry of genius. And by the way, who the hell else could pull of that wardrobe without being totally bashed by both fans and media? There's only one Prince, we should be thankful for the many musical gifts he's given us. Be on the look-out for his upcoming album. Below is a string of videos showcasing his material, as well as, his unique and inquisitive personality. All hail the Prince.

FUNKNROLL



SHE'S ALWAYS IN MY HAIR



MUTINY



The Interview



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