Experiencing Purple Rain for the first time

May 02, 2016 by Soul On Ice

Two pieces appeared on this site over the past 12 days which are central to what is going on with today’s post: one piece was about going to the movies and the other was about Prince. Going to the movies, while fun, is not what it used to be and some of the reasons why are highlighted in the piece. As it pertains to Prince, the theme was Prince being appreciated from afar, realizing the talent and gift he shared with the people, and realizing that joining the party late was one of the biggest regrets topping the personal list of regrets.

One thing that never took place, until last Saturday night, was seeing Purple Rain. Sure, there were opportunities to watch the movie in the past, but those opportunities mostly consisted of the movie coming on television. When a movie is scaled down for television consumption, the drawback is usually an abbreviated, bastardized and compromised version of the authentically-told film that was in theatres or elsewhere that is not constrained by being on TV. As much as there was a desire to watch the movie, watching it on TV wasn’t going to work. Luckily, movie theatres around the country realize the magnitude of the loss of Prince and brought it back to the big screen. A local theatre in Dallas with some history of its own advertised a 9 P.M. showing for Purple Rain a week in advance, and plans were set in motion to make sure to be there.

Necessity or no thanks: Cable TV and live streaming in the 21st century

April 27, 2016 by Soul On Ice

It’s the end of the month, aka “time to pay some bills.” The end of the month rarely ceases to amaze, but there are exceptions. About two months ago, per the usual at every month’s end, the time arrives to pay the bills. Rent? Check. Electricity? Check. Phone bill? Check. Car insurance? Check (well, that comes out automatically on the 1st of every month, but you get the point).

Next, the cable+internet bill. After typing in the cable’s official website, and clicking “Pay Bill,” the monthly total left me absolutely floored: $183.99. In a state of disbelief and boiled-over fury, I paid the bill first (because no matter how upset one gets, there’s still an obligation to pay what you owe) and immediately called the cable company second. That recent bill was the day when the hijinx would stop, the robbery would end, and the proverbial shit was going to hit the fan. After being on a brief hold, the exchange with the customer service representative at the local cable company went a little something like this:

“How much would the monthly bill be if cable is moved and internet is kept?”

“Let’s see, sir.” *customer service reps punches keys on a keyboard smoothly for a few seconds* “Okay, sir. Your monthly bill would go from $177 a month to $65.”

“It would go to WHAT????? Oh, that cable’s got to go. Get rid of that now.”

Observing Prince from the sidelines

April 25, 2016 by Soul On Ice

This is prefaced by saying there are many Prince tribute pieces in the universe which are much more nuanced all over the internet. Hell, acquaintances, some of who will be mentioned throughout this piece, and who ingratiated themselves with Prince at a consistent and feverish pace, have written lengthy, informative, and entertaining pieces about the purple one. Pieces such as one published on his dreams and having the ambition to see his dreams manifest into reality while the world seemingly played catchup (1) are spot-on. Articles about Prince’s seemingly effortless ability to maneuver through time (2), on his unapologetic manner of bringing depth to a preconceived definition of blackness, gender and sensuality (3) or how Prince was a hero to strippers (4), or his ability to push boundaries and showcase his independence (5) are proof of such.

This is more of getting to the party late, or starting the race after countless others took off. It is akin to being a part of a team, but not getting any playing time. It is one thing to observe the action on the court, but it’s another to actually be a part of the action on the court. It’s one thing to watch the game; it’s another thing to feel the game. For years, watching the game from the bench was sufficient, but as time passed, it became a necessity to go from a mere spectator to a full-fledged participant. The goal wasn’t to win the MVP; it was simply to blend in the crowd and the action after being so far behind. Embracing a new sound, one that had been previously listened to in a more casual manner, and allowing that sound to become an extension of your evolution as a person, is what Prince did for the last several years.

Better late than never: Listening to all of Adele's albums for the first time

April 06, 2016 by Soul On Ice

There’s a famous quote that states “ignorance is bliss.” To that, yes. There is a beauty in discovering something for the first time; a curiosity and, when embraced with no preconceived notions, it comes less of a task to tear down and more of a joy when finding out or, in this case, listening with virgin ears. It is within this context that a 33-year-old man who loves damn near all things rhythm-and-blues, soul, romantic, love (and heartbreak), listened to Adele for the very first time in January of 2016.