(Featured Image: Prince by Neal Preston, circa 1984.)
Last week, Duane Tudahl’s long-awaited book Prince and the Purple Rain Era Studio Sessions: 1983 and 1984 was finally published, and I was lucky enough to speak to him about it. If you haven’t read the book yet, you need to listen to this podcast: Duane is a knowledgeable and passionate Prince fan-turned-scholar, and his enthusiasm for the project is infectious. And if you have read the book, you should still listen, because he has a lot to share not only about his research and writing process, but also about his experiences with the celebrated Uptown fanzine and his ideas for preserving Prince’s legacy moving forward. NPG/Comerica/Warner Bros., if you’re out there, give this man some consulting work; we can all benefit from someone with his dedication and expertise steering the ship.
Now, for those of you who haven’t read the book yet, allow me to sweeten the pot: I’ve already bought my copy, but I am planning to secure another one (hopefully signed by the author!) and gift it to a lucky listener who reviews d / m / s / r on their podcast app of choice (iTunes, Stitcher, or Google Play). If you’ve never done this before, it’s easy: just subscribe, give the podcast a rating, and leave a short review, then leave a comment on the blog so I know you did it. In about a month, I’ll send my extra copy of Duane’s book to whoever wrote my favorite review. Note that this doesn’t mean your review has to be positive–if you hate my podcast and want to drag me, knock yourself out! As long as you leave a review and tell me where to look for it (and are willing to send me your mailing address, of course), you’re eligible to receive the book.
For now, I hope you enjoy this interview, and I hope you’ll check out Duane’s book–it really is phenomenal. Thanks for listening, and see you again soon!
00:00:00 “D.M.S.R.” (1983 Rehearsal)
00:01:26 Prince in the Studio
00:02:34 The Beatles Recording Sessions
00:21:53 “The Screams of Passion” (1984 recording)
00:23:05 Prince from Minneapolis Conference
00:31:07 “The Dance Electric” (1984 recording)
00:54:18 “Possessed” (1984 recording)
01:11:22 “Around the World in a Day” (1984 recording)
01:16:08 Visit Duane’s Website for a Free Sample Chapter
01:16:47 Duane’s Facebook Group
01:25:35 Cover Art for Prince and the Purple Rain Era Studio Sessions by Rev
01:26:38 “D.M.S.R.” (1983 Rehearsal, Reprise)
OK, Zach, I can never resist a contest–just posted a review in ITunes for you. Will send snail mail address to you on FB if I win! : ) Keep up the great work.
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Hi Zach. I loved this. He comes over as such a great guy and what he says about no more new music and new performances of course resonates with all of us. Very happy to learn he will be at the Conference too. I think I’l get his book then and ask him to sign it! Thanks for all these podcasts – they make for excellent downtime listening.
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should say “I’ll” but can’t work out how to edit …
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Loved the podecast and cannot wait for all the delightfull stories from the book.
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Duane you are channeling Prince’s spirit! Maybe that’s why you finished your book a month before he died? Not coincidental but sympatico timing. Because of my schedule I was going to start listening to the podcast and finish it later, but Prince’s beginning chant of “chocolate malt” touched something personal and drew me in… something so silly and simple, I could not resist. Later in the podcast you both hit the nail on the head and brought it all together. Prince had a mystical way through his physical presentation, his melodies or lyrics, or some silly chant or phrase, of touching a part of us in a very personal, comforting way. How did/does he do that? It does give you chills. Peace and love!
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