You don't have to be beautiful, rich, OR cool to appreciate Prince - you just need a little extra time, a pair of ears, and a pulse.

It's finally time to talk about the Purple One on Strong Songs, specifically his 1986 chart-topper "Kiss." How did a song that was originally written for a standard band become so stripped-down and distinct? Why do those vocal and guitar parts work so well? And who was responsible for some of the sounds and styles Prince was channeling when he recorded it?

All that and more, on this episode.

Artist: Prince

Album: Parade (1986)

Written by: Prince

Listen/Buy via Album.Link

ALSO REFERENCED/DISCUSSED:

• "Papa’s Got A Brand New Bag" by James Brown, 1965
• "I Got the Feelin'" by James Brown, 1968
• "Say Man" by Bo Diddley, 1959
• "Manic Monday" by Prince (!) performed by The Bangles on Different Light, 1986
• “Addicted to Love” by Robert Palmer from Riptide, 1985
• “Rock Me Amadeus” by Falco from Falco 3, 1985
• “West End Girls” by the Pet Shop Boys from Please, 1984
• “Johnny B. Goode” by Chuck Berry, 1958
• “St. Louis Blues” by W.C. Handy performed by Bessie Smith, 1929
• “Make Me Feel” by Janelle Monae from Dirty Computer, 2018
• A 2013 Sound on Sound interview with "Kiss" producer David Z: https://www.soundonsound.com/techniques/prince-kiss

Update 6/24: A couple listeners pointed out that Prince actually *wrote* The Bangles' "Manic Monday," which is too fun of a fun-fact not to mention on the episode.

OUTRO SOLOIST: Sam Howard

This episode's outro soloist is bassist Sam Howard. Sam lives in Nashville, TN, where he performs and tours with all kinds of artists. Sam played all the way through the Strong Songs outro, so keep an ear out for his playing mixed under the horns on the way out. You can find out what Sam's up to at his website, https://samhowardmusic.com.

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