Favorite Popular Prince Songs (Part 1)

 

Anyone who knows me well knows I adore Prince.  I usually do some posts each April in remembrance of his passing.  Today I'm sharing the first part of my Top 10 Favorite Popular Prince songs with a few interesting tidbits about each.  I know this doesn't have anything to do with reading or books but if you take the time to read it, I hope you enjoy!

" I just can't believe all the things people say (controversy)

Am I black or white, am I straight or gay? (Controversy) "

This song came out in 1981, and it was Prince's way of addressing speculation about his gender, race, sexuality and religion.  At the time he couldn't understand why people were so curious about him.  However, I personally think he turned that curiosity into a fortune by continuing to flaunt his individuality through the years.

" I ain't got no money
I ain't like those other guys you hang around "

Released in 1979, it was eventually released Prince wrote this about a crush on pianist and singer Patrice Rushen.  

" Why do we scream at each other?
This is what it sounds like when doves cry "

This song chronicles a relationship gone wrong.  The doves crying are representative of the mourning of love lost and the grief and pain of a relationship falling apart.  It is probably one of my all-time faves if not my number one. 

"Guitars and drums on the one"

My favorite thing about this track is the composition and the music itself.  The song was also the last real song Prince released using The Revolution as his band.  It was definitely an end of an era. There are several extended versions of this song with one lasting over ten minutes.

" I don't wanna take my clothes off
But I do
Oh, I don't wanna turn nobody on
'Less it's you, oh "

Released in 2006 this song came from one of Prince's biggest comeback album releases, 3121.  There is actually no bass used in this song, similar to When Doves Cry and Kiss.  Sidenote: for the longest time 3121 was the code for our house alarm until we changed systems.  

Hope you've enjoyed this as much as I've enjoyed sharing it with you.  Look for Part II soon as well as a post featuring some of my favorite memorabilia.  

2 Bloggers 1 Series - Small Favor (Dresden Files #10)

 

It's hard to believe Stormi and I are still managing to read a Dresden Files book each month.  Even harder to believe is that we are already up to #10.  I am still enjoying the series and haven't considered quitting yet.  So read on for my thoughts and then hop over to Storm Reads to see what Stormi thought!

 

TITLE: Small Favor (Dresden Files #10)

AUTHOR: Jim Butcher

PUBLISHER: Roc

PUBLISHING DATE: April 1, 2008

PAGES: 444   

SOURCE: Library

FROM GOODREADS: Wizard Harry Dresden’s life finally seems to be calming down. The White Council’s war with the vampiric Red Court is easing up, no one’s tried to kill him lately, and his eager apprentice is starting to learn real magic. For once, the future looks fairly bright. 

But the past casts one hell of a long shadow. 

Mab, monarch of the Winter Court of the Sidhe, calls in an old favor from Harry. Just one small favor he can’t refuse – one that will trap Harry Dresden between a nightmarish foe and an equally deadly ally and strain his skills and loyalties to their very limits. 

And everything was going so well for once….

MY THOUGHTS: Well, let's get the important thing out of the way first.  Mouse wasn't in very much danger this installment so my anxiety about him (and the numerous times I would message Stormi asking, "Does Mouse die?") was much less.  

Once again Harry is in the middle of a hot mess which all started out with a fun snowball fight with his friend Michael's kids.  Soon they are being attacked by Billy Goat Gruff and his family and Harry soon learns that's just the tip of the iceberg for all the problems brewing. Marcone, the Chicago mob boss, has been kidnapped, Mab is more off her rocker than normal and is calling in a favor from Harry, and someone is after the Archive (a young child who has the power of knowing everything ever written or documented in the whole universe.  

This book was a lot of fun as normal, and I love how Butcher will pull past characters in from time to time and weave them into a new adventure.  My favorites, besides Mouse, Mister (the cat), and Harry include Thomas and Murphy.  I also enjoy how Harry now has Michael's daughter as an apprentice and is teaching her how to use her natural strengths and powers.  I will admit I wouldn't mind a book which opens with Harry being on vacation somewhere and getting some peace.  I think he has earned it.  I'm also a bit upset about Harry's new relationship interest.  I'm tempted to deduct a star just because of that but I won't be petty.

I can't praise this series enough and if I'm still interested after 10 months, Butcher is definitely doing something right.

MY RATING: 5 PAWS

April Coming Attractions

 

So, I ended up reading eight of the books I featured in March's edition, plus a few additional things so overall I won't complain.  I will say that April is shaping up to be "ARC April" as I have so many I need to make time for.  Let's dive right in!

First up I have two buddy reads with Stormi, Lair (Rats 2) and Turn Coat.  I also am reading "Suffer the Children" for an online horror book club I participate in over on Facebook each month.

 

Next, I have a few arcs I want to get to.  I am currently reading Direct Descendant and it's an odd little book that I can't explain and am not sure I like but can't put down.  Now that's saying a lot of contradictory things.  

I adore Vera Wong and am really excited for the next in the series.  I've read quite a few books by the author and always enjoy them.  In fact, she is kind of an auto-read at this point. I also loved Bless Your Heart so Another Fine Mess is high priority. 

And finally, April is month of Prince's passing and if you've been around my blog any in the past, you know I am a Prince die-hard.  This is the newest book about him, and I always try to read once this month.  I also hope to do a post about my favorite Prince song, and I may even rehash an old Prince tag I created some years ago. 

Hope you stick around and see what exactly April has in store for Booker T's Farm (and spoiler alert, so far, it's bad storms and rain).