I didn't know Prince was a cover band

[Enginerd]

@Eleusis

You fucking kidding me?!?!?

That was “guitar sync”?

I’m pretty sure it was all hammer-ons and pull-offs. He did the same thing on SNL a couple of years ago - right hand in the air, left hand on the neck. The camera work on SNL made it clear that he was actually playing the instrument; the shots tonight were from the right and you couldn’t really see his left hand.

[Eleusis]

Yes, I’m convinced this was a true live performance, and it did fucking rock.

[Eleusis]

…and no… it was not real lightning.

[Eleusis]

@featherlou

And don’t forget a fantastic singer. Everyone knows about Mariah Carey’s dolphin-friendly vocal range, but how big do you think Prince’s range is? He sings everywhere from way down low to way, way up high. He would be a musical genius with just the guitar, singing, or songwriting alone, but he excels at all three (not counting all the other instruments he plays). Nobody has to like him, but in my opinion, he’s a musical force of nature."

That’s why I respect him.

He does have a good voice, he’s a great songwriter, and a fucking awesome guitar player… but put it together and for me (just me here)… and I’m all like “meh”.

However, I don’t see how anyone could discount this SHOW, especially compared to previous ones.

Janet Jackson’s titty was really lame in comparison, and I’m straight.

[Seven]

@featherlou

And don’t forget a fantastic singer. Everyone knows about Mariah Carey’s dolphin-friendly vocal range, but how big do you think Prince’s range is? He sings everywhere from way down low to way, way up high. He would be a musical genius with just the guitar, singing, or songwriting alone, but he excels at all three (not counting all the other instruments he plays). Nobody has to like him, but in my opinion, he’s a musical force of nature.

Frosted Glass, was that real lightning? I thought it was a television special effect.

Some of his recorded “way down low to way, way up high” is studio trickery.

I don’t like Prince so I can’t name any songs, but there have been a few tracks I’ve heard where he’s done this. In fact there was one song were it sounded as if the entire main vocal track was tweaked higher (think Alvin and the Chipmonks but not so extreme).

This isn’t intended to be a bash on his vocal ablilty… I’m just saying.

Personally myself, I feel you should do whatever you need to do in the studio to get your point across.

[e-bow]

@Hugh Mongoose

I personally would rather have seen the Foo Fighters themselves, rather than that cover he mixed in with all the others - most of the people I saw the game with agreed.

I thought he found something inspiring in one of the Foo Fighters’ least interesting songs.

I also liked his “All Along The Watchtower.” It’s hard enough to do a Hendrix-esque version of that song, considering that you’ve got to compete with Hendrix, but he managed to do so, and insert a good amount of himself into the performance.

Prince’s past two records have meant to be big comebacks displaying his return to form, but that halftime show blew pretty much everything he’s done in the past 15 years out of the water.

[BobLibDem]

Proud Mary? Why?

[Walloon]

@installLSC

Prince announced the next year he was changing his name to the symbol (which he never actually followed through with legally). He never explained why, but the most common theory is that any contracts he signed as “Prince” (such as his record deal) would no longer be valid.

No one would take such a claim seriously, and Prince (and his lawyers) are too smart to make such a clumsy attempt. Here is Prince’s own explanation about his battle with Warner Bros. Records:

The first step I have taken towards the ultimate goal of emancipation from the chains that bind me to Warner Bros. was to change my name from Prince to [Symbol]. Prince is the name that my Mother gave me at birth. Warner Bros. took the name, trademarked it, and used it as the main marketing tool to promote all of the music that I wrote. The company owns the name Prince and all related music marketed under Prince. I became merely a pawn used to produce more money for Warner Bros.… I was born Prince and did not want to adopt another conventional name. The only acceptable replacement for my name, and my identity, was [Symbol], a symbol with no pronunciation, that is a representation of me and what my music is about. This symbol is present in my work over the years; it is a concept that has evolved from my frustration; it is who I am. It is my name.

In September 1996, Prince (through his Paisley Park Enterprises) filed to have his name Prince registered as a trademark for “phonograph records, audiotapes, compact discs, and videotapes embodying musical performances.” In October 1996, he filed to have his name Prince registered as a trademark for “entertainment services, namely, live musical and vocal performances by an individual”. The trademarks were registered in January 1998 and April 1998.

[parsnip]

Just want to add WORD to Florida AMU. It must have been hard to keep stepping out there in that rainstorm. I thought Prince did a wonderful job. My 10 year old kept asking me to explain the symbol-stage, but at least she didn’t focus on the fancy guitar during the big curtain flutter.

[Kalhoun]

@featherlou

And his own shit isn’t lame, either. Tell me something - do you know much of Prince’s music, or are you one of his critics who aren’t familiar with any of his music other than “1999” and “Purple Rain?” If you know all of his stuff and still don’t like him, fair enough. If you have only a passing knowledge of the breadth and depth of his recording history, well, your ignorance is showing.

I agree. I’m a big fan who doesn’t own any of his music, but it’s obvious to me that his talents cross many styles of music. A little something for everyone. And EVERYONE covers other people’s shit anyway…the Stones the Beatles, Clapton, and on and on. He’s got enough attitude to carry him into 2099. I love him. And the Fuck You to the FCC that he delivered with his cocktastic guitar was icing on the cake to me. Awesome halftime show in my opinion.

[Kalhoun]

@Hugh Mongoose

I hope it was real, but it looked too generic for me to believe it was. If it was real, someone deserves a raise for that cut.

I tried to see if he was dubbing the whole thing, and if he was, I sure as hell couldn’t tell.

[Walloon]

@Kalhoun

And EVERYONE covers other people’s shit anyway…the Stones the Beatles, Clapton

Apparently some people like that music better than you do.

[Kalhoun]

@Walloon

Apparently some people like that music better than you do.

Huh? It’s early…I think I’m missing something.

[Trunk]

I thought it was a good halftime show. It’s pretty cool that he didn’t just run through his hits, and went off on a couple of real solos, too.

Did the band at one time play the opening bars from “I would Die 4 U” or was I imagining things?

I kind of liked the Cirque de Soleil opening, too. I don’t think that translates so well to the TV.

[BoBettie]

@Enginerd

I’m pretty sure it was all hammer-ons and pull-offs. He did the same thing on SNL a couple of years ago - right hand in the air, left hand on the neck. The camera work on SNL made it clear that he was actually playing the instrument; the shots tonight were from the right and you couldn’t really see his left hand.

For the life of me I coudln’t think of the terms hammer-ons and pull offs, but that’s exactly correct. It’s hardly a rarely used guitar style.

[Wee_Bairn]

But the thing is, Prince NEVER used to cover anyone’s songs, not even in concert. The only one for years was a live version of Joni Mitchell’s “Case of You” he did a few times. Covers aren’t bad per se (every Elvis song was a cover, pratically), it is just odd to see Prince doing them. But in this context, it was the right thing- no one except die hard fans can name any song of his from the last 15 years, and if he doesn’t do the dirty classic stuff anymore what is left besides Purple Rain?

[Elenfair]

Minnesota represent!

… what?!

I enjoyed the halftime show. It was actually the first one I watched all the way through. As a musician and composer, I’ve always been fascinated by Prince’s guitar playing skills. Can’t help but respect the guy.

[WordMan]

It was live and he was brilliant - yes it was hammer-on’s and pull-off’s - that “look ma, no picking hand” maneuver is one he has used for years.

Anyone is welcome to state that he is not their taste, but to deny the sheer musicianship is more than a little foolish…

I assumed he played covers because he was playing to a huge, diverse crowd and navigating that find line between playing songs different groups would know while putting his own stamp on them. Again - brilliant.

[Scoundrel_Swanswater]

I have never been a fan of Prince and actually hated him during that whole “Purple Rain”-hysteria.
Then I heard “Around the World in a Day” and my God, that guy has some serious talent.
I still don’t like most of his music, but in my book he is up there with Wolfgang and Amadeus in musical skills.

[Turek]

@Scoundrel Swanswater

I still don’t like most of his music, but in my book he is up there with Wolfgang and Amadeus in musical skills.

Both of him?