Friday 26 February 2016

A Majestic Man & His Many Colours



On this blog, I've written about royalty, princesses, palaces, interiors, colour, style, exoticism, travel, artisanship, beauty, nature, literature, history, film & poetry ... but never music - more specifically, my undying love of it, AND, in particular, the 'music-man' who has captured my heart & countless others for nearly four decades. Gosh that sounds a bit old! ... But hey, he's older ... though significantly more spry & fly' than I'll ever be!!


Yes, I'm referring to the one & only 'Artiste' - the diminutive dance-dexter, swoon-scintillator, heart-palpitator, groove-motivator & purple thunder of all regal wonders ... that is Prince.


A name & noun that sits & fits plumb in my Palace.  For PRINCE  & MPW are one. Practically sympatico - OK, I'm getting slightly carried away, but I mean the PURPLE, the PAISLEY, the embroidered emblems, eclectic fabrics & outfits, the classicism, the divine design, the flower-power, the sensuality, balladry, poetry & romance. HELLOOO!


*Rocking the embellished 'Onesie' like a
 fuchsia funkmeister. Prince does pink proud.


I've been privileged to see Mr Nelson in concert on several occasions, in a swathe of slinky costumes, on a few kinky continents ... sporting an array of fabulous hair-do's too: from powerful, masculine mohawk to long, sleek & sexy-full, short-shaved & engraved (with slave) to his present funky 'fro ... & boy, does he become them all - tilting his head, tapping his feet, commanding the beat & sounding-off like the masterful, maestro he truly is. 


His latest incarnation - stripped back & super-cool on a mic & piano (nothing else & with no heels in sight!) - was, & is, without exaggeration & fully deserving of the hype ... the greatest concert experience of them all. 


 Did I happen to mention the bling-connection?
Stepping out for a night with His Highness


Sans band, back-ups, booty-girls, special effects, synths, lights & other mod-cons, we got to see the Prince of pure, practised perfection. THAT voice (& celestial range), brought into sharpest focus, & the consummate keys that accompanied it ... were a gift - one that pierced our ears, hearts & minds to the verge of quiet collapse.


Ain't got no time for beige!


I say 'quiet' because the Princely vision held our attention ... completely, astutely, telling the hysterical 'Let’s go crazy' one's when to shhhh, & the dazed among us when to stomp & holla. And the people listened - shushed, stomped & sang when summoned - because, he IS, after all, a Prince.


To be honest, he had us at stage-entry. Standing silently in (back-lit) golden silhouette, with rotund locks & regal sceptre outlined - an almost 'holy' apparition ... We ate it up & lost our flirty, 'Dirty Minds' before he even started singing it. 


From there, Prince took us on a musical ride of remembrance, of lost-love ballads that 'Nothing Compares 2', of first 'Kiss' kisses & relaxing drives that 'smelled of the weekend'. He asked us to 'try to imagine what silence looks like' ... Yeah ... what silence looks like ... & he looked at us.

Swoooon!!


A medley of some of my fave, flamboyant,
  artsy album covers from the 80s through to the Noughties.
How's that luscious 'Love Sexy'? (bottom/centre) ...
Oh Maaaa! So risqué back in the day.


And so, in my umpteenth decade, listening with pounding heart & a river flowing down my face, to even smoother versions of songs I first cavorted to when I was twelve!!! (Great-gosh-almighty!) I realized what a long, colourful, winding road it was that led me to be here, all 'growned-up'. In fact, WE are ALL growned up now. Prince too. But the sweet, melodious memories remain.


Though no longer a gum-popping teen in the playground, with secret ambitions of joining a 'revolution' (Prince & the Revolution! :) ) ... & Prince himself not the tufted, pompadoured, frilly shirt-slayer of yesteryear ... the musical reality was the same. The intensely beautiful lyric, the syncopating, hypnotic beat, the gripping growl & faultless falsetto, the sensuously deep emotion, sultry, side-eye glances & fluttering lashes, the energy, the enigma, the 'gentle' man, the Music MAJESTY.  Up close & personal.


Oh this was REAL - but for me it was a forty-year fantasy, from which I will never, ever recover. Xx



*In other fascinating royal news, Prince's doves, 'Divinity' & 'Majesty' (see what I mean? Sympatico!!), are credited on his 'One Night Alone' album with providing "ambient singing". Coo Coo, Woo Woo! Tehe :)*


Thank you for making space in your day to read my post
(I love & appreciate all your uplifting comments) 

IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO, YOU CAN FOLLOW MY PALACE ANTICS BY SUBSCRIBING TO THIS BLOG ... OR CONNECT WITH ME ON IG or  TWITTER

  *************************************
#All writing & photos by Rani.C (Char) 
#Albums/CD covers - personal copies
*Image from Essence magazine
*Top image - Taken inside the State Theatre, Melbourne, at the February 17th Prince concert, 'Piano & a Microphone'.
#The comments appear along the pink bar below 

55 comments:

  1. LOVE! Lol majesty and divinity! You two were made for eachother. So happy to see this Rani. Such amazing writing as usual, I really felt like I was there. Sadly, yet to see Prince in concert so thanks for this beautiful, brilliant review. You make me laugh with your colourful words and I love the photos. Prince and his Princess Rani, love it! Big kiss from Adelaide. Carlina xxx

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    1. So happy to have you here! Am sending a smooch from the Palace!

      Thank you Carlina for these lovely sentiments Xx

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  2. Hahahaha ahhh Rani you are a spectacular being. I just love your personality and style, in like, everything you do ! This is a fantastic post, even Prince should read it! XX Marion

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    1. That would have me trembling in my tiny boots!! ... but such a lovely thing to say. Thanks ever so much sweet Marion Xx

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  3. Shirt slayer! Smashed it Rani. This is so great I can't even ..Roland

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    1. You're a dedicated reader Roland ... & I'm incredibly grateful Xx

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  4. Stunning review and I enjoyed your album display.
    Have shared and tweeted this.

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  5. You never cease to amaze with your talents and creativity. So fabulous! Brought back a lot of wonderful memories. Thanks gorgeous you're doing great things. Love Fran xx

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    1. I trust the flash-backs were marvelous & I hope you are presently well. Thank you for visiting dear one ... and leaving this very kind comment Xx

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  6. I saw him in London but this sounds extra special. Incredible write up, love the way you described it all.
    Excellent and funny. Cheerz

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    1. '21 Nights'?? That was the bomb! I hope he takes this one all around the world .. & you get to see it ... in as many places as your pocket will allow! Thanks for stopping by. I appreciate your time & lovely words.
      Xx Rani.Cee

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  7. Wow! Adore this. I lol'd too.
    Love Prince and hate beige haha. I'll take colour everyday.
    Thanks for another fantastic, fun post Rani. Your rings are gorgeous btw

    Noelia

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    1. No, Thank YOU!
      Tehe, beige, vanilla, even black ... make the perfect 'backdrop' for colour. So, we can definitely work with it Noelia :)
      Thanks also for the bling-love Xx Smooosh

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  8. Can't express how much I love this, every word gives me shivers. Wish I was there and uh would have loved to see your complete look. That jewelry! Envy your fashion sense, always so feminine and head turning. I'm going to read this again it made me laugh and snort especially the pink captions. Thank you for sharing and brighten. my Sunday. I miss you beautiful lady.
    Ange xx

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    1. Hi dear Angela! You have brought an added burst of sunshine to my mid-week ... & are always extremely generous. Thank you my friend Xx

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  9. Love prince and you more and more. Want to see you shimmy \o^o/ sexy girl. lol
    Oh you never grow old Rani it's your flawless radiance skin and beautiful spirit. How do you do it? Lucky much!
    This blog is so awesome and youre golden. Hugs, Sarah xxxx

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    1. This a welcome surprise! Thanks presh!
      Puh, feeling less 'glowy' & more 'doey' these days, but very thankful for your visit. You know, I will shimmy if you shimmy too :) Xx

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  10. omgh the heck I miss this?. Prince can sing and wear anything bc he's hot. The princess can do, wear any colour bc she is gloriously beautiful. What a match!!!!!! This is one of your best Rani darling, So, so, so perfect <>>
    Please check your inbox princess xo

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  11. Didi now I bookmark because I love your cool stories. Great heart and emotion I see you put lot into your work.

    Wish I can meet you yar, sweet and awesome lady.
    Bhumi

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  12. Beautiful words as always Rani -you know how to bring sunshine and now music into our livesxx

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    1. Thanks dearest Linda for your lovely comment ...
      & for taking time out of your busy schedule!
      Always happy to see you here, there ... or everywhere!!
      Smoooosh Xx

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  13. Lmao! Only Prince can get away with THAT album cover. "Oh maaaa!" So good!

    Rani u look too young to have as long past with the artist. I seriously thought u were about 20! Although many 20 and 30 yr olds look 50. You're an absolute babe.

    Thanks for sharing your experiences in such a creative and entertaining way.
    Love reading your brilliant blogposts. They make me happy
    Amanda

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    1. Tehe, looks can be deceiving
      I don the sunnies for those puff-the-magic-dragon-eye-bag days!
      ..& find youthfulness to be a tad overrated.
      Still, gotta smile when I'm offered tweenie discounts!!
      Thanks for the compliments, sparkle & cheer my dear.
      The palace needs a bit more joooj & kindness today. So, bless you for that Xx

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  14. Ha! Fabulous, just fabulous. What a musical ride and unbelievable way you have with with words. Fills me with joy. Eileen xxx

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    1. Thank you for dropping by Eileen and leaving such nice comments!
      So happy that this appeals to you Xx

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  15. Prince is unreal and so are you. Love the way you tie it all in with your palace. Ahmazing! And I agree with every comment on here. You are brilliant and timeless Rani. Effortless beauty as well. Has me in awe! I s'poze we won't be seeing any photos of you and his majesty lolol - we don't need to. Your words are life! Look forward to your next exciting tales stunning lady, as this one totally made my day. Lots of love. Tracy xoxoxoxox

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    1. PS: I'm on graveyard shift, nearly at the end, nearly! Judith says hi and that we should do lunch sometime. Message me whenever. We want to see your beautiful face. Thanks for saving us with your upbeat post

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    2. Forever and a day a darling-heart!
      Thank you for your thoughtfulness Tracy ...
      Uh well, His Majesty & I don't usually court publicity! Heeee
      Shall message regarding the 'ladies-who-lunch' date.
      Appreciate the invite Xx Sending a smoochie or two.

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  16. Compliments!I enjoy this music.
    It is great that you can write on such wealth of many different topics and be outstanding at it. Admire you talents and humor maam. You are even very kind and raise the bar on everything for the better good, an I am proud that you represent Indian women's humility, character and intelligence. I see a rare and beautiful gem.J.Sharma

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    1. What a kind, considered & beautiful comment!!
      I should be thanking you for having such broad interests
      & for visiting my palace. I'm almost rendered speechless by this ...
      (which is, for the fact-book, the only rare thing about me!)
      Buoyed beyond measure by these words & truly grateful Xx

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  17. Super cool and majestic YOU. With your sublime, angelic looks and vast abilities - you'd easily make a muse for the purple one! Best read of the week and I read all day xxx Julian

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    1. You're a charmer and very sweet Man Julian!
      I'm flattered that I reach the desired standard, in the palace-pop-world! Hehe :)
      Thanks for reading & leaving your lovely comment Xx

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  18. Magnifique! I like so much

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  19. - Mitch
    I lol'd at the doves but you know me!
    Your gifts, colours and joyfulness are so admired, sweet and stunning Rani.

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  20. Rani you adorable, gorgeous, little blossom ..I just love you to bits. You enlighten me and liven up a dull day. Fabulous as always.
    Chelle xx

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  21. Wonderful! Love the way you wrote this and wish I had gone to the concert

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    1. With sincere thanks, a heavy heart & much respect to ALL
      (for your comments above)

      Rani Xx

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  22. was thinking of you and this amazing tribute Rani girl. Need your inspiring words on this sad day
    Are you back yet?
    Sending lots of love and hugs.
    Ange xx

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    1. So thoughtful. Thank you sweet Angela.
      I'm afraid, words fail me ...& any that do come to mind, seem trite & wholly inadequate :( :( (Heavy sigh!!)
      Life has lost much flavor in just five days.

      Hope you're doing ok my friend Xx

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    2. Never!You always have the most perfect thing to say and at thr perfect time. Your a very special lady. Ange

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    3. A gorgeous, humble woman. Miss you beautiful 'divinity '. My two cents worth - you have the best instincts and purest soul.
      Come back soon. Your posts are magic
      Becoxoxo

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    4. This is beautiful! Thanks so much Ange & Miss Rebecca, I'm so sorry for this late reply! Blogger decided to re-post this today, just randomly, grrrrrr!!!!...but in doing so, inadvertently alerted me to all my missed comments/notifications (for which I'm now grateful :) ) I need to log in more often, & perhaps, even get back to some Palace-Walking. Love & Canoodles to all

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  23. Downright stunning and intelligent woman Mis Cee. This is a treasure for sure.
    Alexandre x

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    1. Bless your sweet soul Alexandre! Thanks for taking the time to visit my blog & leave your lovely comment. I'm a big fan of your luminous photography Xx

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  24. I really enjoy this. Now sad for Prince but lovely memory
    Thank you you writing is beautiful

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    1. Yes, it is so heart-breakingly sad & mind-blowingly devastating. The world is still in mourning :( ... Thank you for your appreciation all the same Xx

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  25. Miss your sparkle gorgeous woman. Have you eloped?
    Waiting for the next inspiring post
    Prost! Roland

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  26. This! So f'ing good
    Can just imagine you sitting there crying your big, gorgeous eyes out!!
    You the best lady. Hope you're feeling better and return soon xzc Prince lover

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  27. What a fabulous post, Char!! Or is it Rani? I had no idea that you were a blogger as well. What a multi-talented artist you are in your own right!! Bravo and kudos to you!!

    I can just imagine you at the show, grooving to the music (just like I did) and being in complete and utter AWE!!!!

    The power of music has saved my life on more than one occasion. Prince was a musical genius, a talent that will never be replaced, and I thank my lucky stars that we can still watch those videos (much more have been released since his passing) and listen to our favourite albums over and over and over again.

    Thanks again for such an evocative and wonderful tribute!! You totally rock!!

    <3<3<3

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    1. Dearest Cynthia,
      What a fabulous surprise and absolute pleasure to see you in my humble Palace!
      I'm so thrilled & touched by your words, sentiments & kind encouragement.

      I appreciate we are all strapped for precious time, so thank you for affording me some of yours!! I just love that we can connect on another level & area of interest & reverie ....& I feel so happy to know you.

      Thank you with all my heart dear friend. Your kindness & enthusiasm is so sincere & uplifting. I simply cannot wipe the smile off my face.

      All my Love & shimmery wishes
      Rani (which just means, Princess) of the Palace Xx

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  28. You are outstanding young lady!! This is publish worthy stuff and you should share it on Insta more. It's an incredible blog that shows your many amazing talents and beautiful character. You express yor feelings so colourfully and passionately, it is a pleasure and inspiration to read.
    I think you are so wonderful, gifted, stunningly beautiful and kind xx
    Congratulations Rani Char. Prince would be proud
    All the best
    Adam

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    1. Bless you Adam! Such praise takes my breath away & again, I'm so delighted to have a visitor here after much time & prolonged silence.

      Your compliments are very motivating & endearing.
      Thank you so much my friend for your time & interest.

      Kind wishes
      Char Xx

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#Thanks for bringing some extra sparkle & cheer to the Palace today. I'm delighted to read your comments (& Shimmying too!!!)