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Hi again & as you should know by now I’m one of the founders & co-hosts of the #PrinceTwitterThread.
This is my 7th & final Twitter thread from this 4th series on #SOTTDELUXE.
Today I hope we can all have a Cosmic Day together as I take you thru my favourite SOTT vault track.
This is my 7th & final Twitter thread from this 4th series on #SOTTDELUXE.
Today I hope we can all have a Cosmic Day together as I take you thru my favourite SOTT vault track.
Cosmic Day was recorded on 15 November 86 - that same month P also recorded 3 other mega tracks:
IIWY Girlfriend
Adore
Play in the Sunshine
Cosmic Day never made it on to Camille as that had been completed & it wasn’t earmarked for inclusion on Crystal Ball nor SOTT.
IIWY Girlfriend
Adore
Play in the Sunshine
Cosmic Day never made it on to Camille as that had been completed & it wasn’t earmarked for inclusion on Crystal Ball nor SOTT.
1 week later on 22 November 1986 - P recorded a similar kind of song in terms of energy - Play In The Sunshine (PITS).
PITS was earmarked for inclusion on Crystal Ball & as we know it also ended up on SOTT.
If I had my way, I would have chosen Cosmic Day over PITS for SOTT.
PITS was earmarked for inclusion on Crystal Ball & as we know it also ended up on SOTT.
If I had my way, I would have chosen Cosmic Day over PITS for SOTT.
Maybe P chose PITS over Cosmic Day because in spite of its Rockabilly pretensions, PITS is rooted in gospel & more of a fit for SOTT.
+ P already had a long rocker - ICNTTPOYM.
@RhondaNicole_ set out the gospel authenticity of PITS in her brilliant
https://twitter.com/rhondanicole_/status/1315732658261946368?s=21 https://twitter.com/rhondanicole_/status/1315736818227142656
+ P already had a long rocker - ICNTTPOYM.
@RhondaNicole_ set out the gospel authenticity of PITS in her brilliant
https://twitter.com/rhondanicole_/status/1315732658261946368?s=21 https://twitter.com/rhondanicole_/status/1315736818227142656
The similarity between Cosmic Day & PITS doesn’t end there tho’ as they both share a spiritual yearning for perfection:
“The promise of a new, better day. A yellow day, to be exact.”- @RhondaNicole_
“Yellow Day” was first mentioned on the beautiful “Condition of the
”
“The promise of a new, better day. A yellow day, to be exact.”- @RhondaNicole_
“Yellow Day” was first mentioned on the beautiful “Condition of the
”
Cosmic Day is an alternative phrase for the sentiment in “Yellow Day”!
Cosmic Day/Yellow Day is all about having that *Perfect Day*.
A day when everything you do & experience just turns out to be sublime & full of happiness.
P wants this
for everyone on Cosmic Day!
Cosmic Day/Yellow Day is all about having that *Perfect Day*.
A day when everything you do & experience just turns out to be sublime & full of happiness.
P wants this
for everyone on Cosmic Day!
A day when you feel at peace with yourself & with the world.
And in spiritual & emotional alignment - w/ the world & w/ the one you love
*a butterflies in the stomach moment*
Many of us know what that *moment* feels like - the moment you experience pure perfection in life!
And in spiritual & emotional alignment - w/ the world & w/ the one you love
*a butterflies in the stomach moment*
Many of us know what that *moment* feels like - the moment you experience pure perfection in life!
Another reason why Cosmic Day wasn’t released is probably because the guitar melody resembles the main riff from George Harrison's 1970 hit "What Is Life?" (‘All Things Must Pass’ album)
This similarity must have been pointed out to P.
The riff is very similar!
Listen
This similarity must have been pointed out to P.
The riff is very similar!
Listen
Given what happened to Harrison in the 70’s with the “My Sweet Lord’, lawsuit
, it’s conceivable that the P camp were worried that Harrison might lodge a lawsuit in P’s direction.
Or perhaps P just didn’t want the headache of having to deal with accusations of plagiarism.
, it’s conceivable that the P camp were worried that Harrison might lodge a lawsuit in P’s direction.Or perhaps P just didn’t want the headache of having to deal with accusations of plagiarism.
Ironically, almost 20 years later P shared the same Hall of Fame stage with Harrison’s son, Dhani, in a tribute to Harrison with “Whilst My Guitar Gently Weeps.”
P stole the show with his performance & it was a platform to finally evidence to the world - his Guitar God Genius!
P stole the show with his performance & it was a platform to finally evidence to the world - his Guitar God Genius!
Cosmic Day is a Holy Grail track that has become the stuff of legend.
For over 20 years we could only imagine what this song might sound like.
In or about 2008 (I think) a 1 minute version leaked & was circulating.
In 2015, a longer version (1:52) appeared on this
For over 20 years we could only imagine what this song might sound like.
In or about 2008 (I think) a 1 minute version leaked & was circulating.
In 2015, a longer version (1:52) appeared on this
These short snippets had most fams salivating for the full & complete version.
Then in 2017 a longer 3 minute & somewhat slowed down, looped & edited version was issued on a bootleg from the same Eye label on Blast From The Past 6.0.
Then in 2017 a longer 3 minute & somewhat slowed down, looped & edited version was issued on a bootleg from the same Eye label on Blast From The Past 6.0.
The source of these leaks was a tape containing songs that P had recorded for ‘other artists’!
Is this why Cosmic Day was never released?
I can’t confirm the authenticity of that account, maybe @ALANLEEDS1 can!
But now we have it & what
it is: https://open.spotify.com/track/5W3WtHoO62tIMStpzc4olk?si=76iweiOaQ1ysuvQeHR1OQw
Is this why Cosmic Day was never released?
I can’t confirm the authenticity of that account, maybe @ALANLEEDS1 can!
But now we have it & what
it is: https://open.spotify.com/track/5W3WtHoO62tIMStpzc4olk?si=76iweiOaQ1ysuvQeHR1OQw
Cosmic Day is 1 of my favourites from the SOTT vault hence why I chose it here.
I love the lyrical content, the music & the vocals.
However, it received quite a frosty reception from the fam base when it was recently released & I for one just couldn’t comprehend this at all
I love the lyrical content, the music & the vocals.
However, it received quite a frosty reception from the fam base when it was recently released & I for one just couldn’t comprehend this at all
Cosmic Day is Golden Era P.
P at his most fantastical, most majestic & most brilliant & at his most unique too.
It was a perfect fit for ATWIAD but it’s a shame it came afterward.
P is once again in Willy Wonka mode - the song creates images of another kaleidoscopic utopia.
P at his most fantastical, most majestic & most brilliant & at his most unique too.
It was a perfect fit for ATWIAD but it’s a shame it came afterward.
P is once again in Willy Wonka mode - the song creates images of another kaleidoscopic utopia.
It shares a dream world with “Girl” 12” version (America/Pop Life B side) which dates back to the 1999 era.
Yes, Girl, yet again. Some of you are probably thinking how many times is that now .. is Girl the only song this dude knows.
Girl is important to me on so many levels.
Yes, Girl, yet again. Some of you are probably thinking how many times is that now .. is Girl the only song this dude knows.
Girl is important to me on so many levels.
Girl birthed a type of P song - one that is like a mythical world .. a fairytale...like those you find in movies like an ex-rated Charlie & The Chocolate Factory, NeverEnding Story, Dark Crystal & Labyrinth.
A fantasy world where one can get lost - as P often did on a Cloud
A fantasy world where one can get lost - as P often did on a Cloud
This ideaof P living on a Cloud is something I touched upon when I wrote about Girl in my ATWIAD After-show thread
Girl beholds a certain magic for me.
I know P hated his music being described as “Magical” but that’s what Girl is - it’s magical!
https://twitter.com/deejayumb/status/1229550263540867077?s=20 https://twitter.com/deejayumb/status/1229550263540867077
of P living on a Cloud is something I touched upon when I wrote about Girl in my ATWIAD After-show thread Girl beholds a certain magic for me.
I know P hated his music being described as “Magical” but that’s what Girl is - it’s magical!
https://twitter.com/deejayumb/status/1229550263540867077?s=20 https://twitter.com/deejayumb/status/1229550263540867077
The relationship between P & Clouds has a long history from photos thru to lyrics thru to his infamous Cloud Guitar & equally infamous Cloud Suit.
P lived & breathed Clouds all the way thru to one of his final albums “Art Official Age”!
He had a strange fascination with them!
P lived & breathed Clouds all the way thru to one of his final albums “Art Official Age”!
He had a strange fascination with them!
P’s fave - Joni sometimes too lived on “Clouds” - the title of her album in 69’.
“Both Sides Now” is a song about Clouds - see the lyrics below.
Joni sees a dark side & a light fluffy side to Clouds & is staggered by their simplicity & simultaneously by their complexity.
“Both Sides Now” is a song about Clouds - see the lyrics below.
Joni sees a dark side & a light fluffy side to Clouds & is staggered by their simplicity & simultaneously by their complexity.
Girl gave birth to many songs, Electric Intercourse, All My Dreams, Cosmic Day, Wish U Heaven, Space, Dolphin & Boom etc.
And that fantasy world begins on Cosmic Day with the ping pong sound of a table tennis ball mimicking a metronome - a unique opening never to be repeated.
And that fantasy world begins on Cosmic Day with the ping pong sound of a table tennis ball mimicking a metronome - a unique opening never to be repeated.
Then he straddles a thumping live rock drum beat that a band like the White Stripes have emulated for most of their career.
It’s not a common P drum beat & so it occupies a unique place here.
It’s not a common P drum beat & so it occupies a unique place here.
Similarly, I think this is one of the few times (on ‘Crucial’ too) that P has harmonised his guitar on the main riff to create a duelling guitar harmony which is yet again another unique aspect to this song.
The duelling guitar harmony harks back to the brilliant Thin Lizzy:
The duelling guitar harmony harks back to the brilliant Thin Lizzy:
Lyrically, it starts with P telling us this is a cosmic dream & he is looking outside his window
This creates a fantasy world from the off - full of mystical creatures in a mythical land of blue (sky) & whipped cream (clouds) having a Cosmic Day.
A kaleidoscopic adventure!
This creates a fantasy world from the off - full of mystical creatures in a mythical land of blue (sky) & whipped cream (clouds) having a Cosmic Day.
A kaleidoscopic adventure!
However, this is not the first time P has looked outside his window.
He did so on “Get On The Boat” & “Dance Electric” as brilliantly observed & mentioned by @EdgarKruize on his 3121 thread here:
https://twitter.com/EdgarKruize/status/1296133891485507590?s=20 https://twitter.com/edgarkruize/status/1296133891485507590
He did so on “Get On The Boat” & “Dance Electric” as brilliantly observed & mentioned by @EdgarKruize on his 3121 thread here:
https://twitter.com/EdgarKruize/status/1296133891485507590?s=20 https://twitter.com/edgarkruize/status/1296133891485507590
Then P mentions a Merman 
!
Was this song intended 4 a girl?
P has b4 spoken of mythical creatures like a Mermaid
.
‘Space’ from “Come” featured in his Glam Slam Ulysses stage show in a segment titled “Sirens” - which is about dangerous Mermaids: https://twitter.com/deejayumb/status/1273305189219545088?s=21
! Was this song intended 4 a girl?
P has b4 spoken of mythical creatures like a Mermaid
.‘Space’ from “Come” featured in his Glam Slam Ulysses stage show in a segment titled “Sirens” - which is about dangerous Mermaids: https://twitter.com/deejayumb/status/1273305189219545088?s=21
This brilliant Hendrix tune has parallels to Cosmic Day’s psychedelics & otherworldly imagery:
“1983...A Merman I should turn to be”
In general, it also has parallels to other P songs too.
Take a listen to the full 13 minute version
@JimiHendrix https://vimeo.com/390254124
“1983...A Merman I should turn to be”
In general, it also has parallels to other P songs too.
Take a listen to the full 13 minute version
@JimiHendrix https://vimeo.com/390254124
The parallels are as follows:
*Hendrix’s transformation into a Merman - (Cosmic Day is about transformation too)
*it’s set in the future - 1983 [wrote & recorded 15 years earlier in 1968] & is about a future apocalypse - (a subject close 2 P’s heART (1999, Purple Rain etc)
*Hendrix’s transformation into a Merman
- (Cosmic Day is about transformation too)*it’s set in the future - 1983 [wrote & recorded 15 years earlier in 1968] & is about a future apocalypse - (a subject close 2 P’s heART (1999, Purple Rain etc)
*4 Jimi - he is despairing of mankind & so he returns to the sea - the source of all life (P bathes in Purple Rain)
*4 Jimi - it was "something to keep your mind off what's happening” (4 P party like it’s 1999)
*4 Jimi - represents Power of positive thinking (P & Positivity)!
*4 Jimi - it was "something to keep your mind off what's happening” (4 P party like it’s 1999)
*4 Jimi - represents Power of positive thinking (P & Positivity)!
Jimi uses:
*washes of backwards tape (P used thru his career)
*jazzy timeshifts (Madhouse,
Children & N.E.W.S.)
*far out lyrics (which defined many P songs).
We all know P took many cues from Hendrix as did almost every other guitar wielding axeman after Hendrix!
*washes of backwards tape (P used thru his career)
*jazzy timeshifts (Madhouse,
Children & N.E.W.S.)*far out lyrics (which defined many P songs).
We all know P took many cues from Hendrix as did almost every other guitar wielding axeman after Hendrix!
Here’s some further examples:
LIVE - P covered these Hendrix tunes:
Villanova Junction
Who knows
Voodoo Chile
Spanish Castle Magic
Foxy Lady
Little Wing
Now listen to this Hendrix tune:
”....And The Gods Made Love” from Electric Ladyland
Do u hear Children & 3121?
LIVE - P covered these Hendrix tunes:
Villanova Junction
Who knows
Voodoo Chile
Spanish Castle Magic
Foxy Lady
Little Wing
Now listen to this Hendrix tune:
”....And The Gods Made Love” from Electric Ladyland
Do u hear
Children & 3121?
STUDIO: P recorded these Hendrix tunes:
(aka Red House)
Voodoo Who (Villanova Junction cover)
Fire (w/ Flash)
“Habibi” - is built around “Machine Gun”
“Rocknroll Loveaffair” contains parts of “3rd Stone from the Sun”
Bambi & Dreamer
NPG &3121 Radio played Hendrix!
(aka Red House)Voodoo Who (Villanova Junction cover)
Fire (w/ Flash)
“Habibi” - is built around “Machine Gun”
“Rocknroll Loveaffair” contains parts of “3rd Stone from the Sun”
Bambi & Dreamer
NPG &3121 Radio played Hendrix!
Next on Cosmic Day, you have a mesmerising P falsetto vocal which is pitched-up higher than usual making P sound like a woman.
P had never pitched up a vocal as high as here - before or since - so this is another unique aspect.
The @prince Estate have said it’s Camille!
P had never pitched up a vocal as high as here - before or since - so this is another unique aspect.
The @prince Estate have said it’s Camille!
Camille is P’s alter ego who represents his “Anima” (see my IIWYG thread -link below)
And the pitched up voice is often associated with Camille.
But is the pitched up voice always representative of Camille?
The @prince Estate seem to think so. https://twitter.com/deejayumb/status/1320396268066213889?s=21
And the pitched up voice is often associated with Camille.
But is the pitched up voice always representative of Camille?
The @prince Estate seem to think so. https://twitter.com/deejayumb/status/1320396268066213889?s=21
P used pitched up vox early on in his career on Automatic, Erotic City & on or $ - he wasn’t Camille back then - or was he? ..erm I don’t think so.
The @prince Estate have not explained why they say it’s Camille on Cosmic Day!
More on Camille here: https://twitter.com/deejayumb/status/1314223204043554820?s=21
or $ - he wasn’t Camille back then - or was he? ..erm I don’t think so.The @prince Estate have not explained why they say it’s Camille on Cosmic Day!
More on Camille here: https://twitter.com/deejayumb/status/1314223204043554820?s=21
P has used pitched down voices too on Bob George which I associate with Camille’s alter ego Spooky Electric & on The Children which has nothing to do with Spooky or Camille.
Cosmic Day is in the same time line as the Camille project.
So is it Camille on Cosmic Day?
Children which has nothing to do with Spooky or Camille.Cosmic Day is in the same time line as the Camille project.
So is it Camille on Cosmic Day?
In addition to these unique elements Cosmic Day leads us to an unique inspiration:
The Paisley Underground.
My feeling has always been that this track & Teacher Teacher 86’ were a homage to this short lived cult scene.
Recently, @Duane_Tudahl agreed:
The Paisley Underground.
My feeling has always been that this track & Teacher Teacher 86’ were a homage to this short lived cult scene.
Recently, @Duane_Tudahl agreed:
Perhaps P took a lot more from the Paisley Underground than has been publicly acknowledged.
I’ve known about the Paisley Underground since the mid 80’s.
But it always surprises me when I mention it & most don’t have any clue about it or its important Purple Relevance.
I’ve known about the Paisley Underground since the mid 80’s.
But it always surprises me when I mention it & most don’t have any clue about it or its important Purple Relevance.
This is a very important poster,
it’s for for the live introduction of the Paisley Underground - 4 October 1982.
It tells us so, so much!
It ought to be in a P museum.
I have posted it on my timeline many times but no one picks up on its relevance.
Do you notice anything?
it’s for for the live introduction of the Paisley Underground - 4 October 1982.
It tells us so, so much!
It ought to be in a P museum.
I have posted it on my timeline many times but no one picks up on its relevance.
Do you notice anything?
Take a look..
Look again..
Look harder..
There’s a band named “Rain Parade” & this is in 1982!
A band name that comprises the titles of 2 mega albums that P would later release:
Purple Rain & Parade!
Was the Paisley Underground a source of inspiration for the album titles?
Look again..
Look harder..
There’s a band named “Rain Parade” & this is in 1982!
A band name that comprises the titles of 2 mega albums that P would later release:
Purple Rain & Parade!
Was the Paisley Underground a source of inspiration for the album titles?
What else did you notice from the poster?
The Bangs .. yes, later renamed The Bangles.
4 gorgeous women to whom P gifted the Baroque Pop classic *Manic Monday* which helped to kick start their huge commercial success in the mid 80’s!
The Bangs .. yes, later renamed The Bangles.
4 gorgeous women to whom P gifted the Baroque Pop classic *Manic Monday* which helped to kick start their huge commercial success in the mid 80’s!
It was The Bangles who initiated P’s interest in this scene when he saw their video for “Hero Takes A Fall” & then he started turning up at their shows wanting to play with them.
@SusannaHoffs is sporting a Purple Rain-ish hairstyle in this video & that might’ve been a factor!
@SusannaHoffs is sporting a Purple Rain-ish hairstyle in this video & that might’ve been a factor!
There’s much more! Notice anything else?
Yep, The Three O’Clock!
The band P signed to Paisley Park in 1987 who recorded a version of the P penned “Neon Telephone” -under the Joey Coco pseudonym.
They were also offered but rejected Teacher Teacher.
@The3Oclock @MichaelQuercio
Yep, The Three O’Clock!
The band P signed to Paisley Park in 1987 who recorded a version of the P penned “Neon Telephone” -under the Joey Coco pseudonym.
They were also offered but rejected Teacher Teacher.
@The3Oclock @MichaelQuercio
If you recall Neon Telephone didn't appear on the Parade album.
However, an actual Neon Telephone did make a guest appearance in the Under The Cherry Moon movie.
You can see it here in Mary Sharon’s boudoir.
“When I lie awake in my boudoir I think of you dear .. do u lie ..”
However, an actual Neon Telephone did make a guest appearance in the Under The Cherry Moon movie.
You can see it here in Mary Sharon’s boudoir.
“When I lie awake in my boudoir I think of you dear .. do u lie ..”
P’s interest in The Three O’Clock occurred before he started recording ATWIAD in about 84’.
“He started listening to these bands, and took a bit of it.” - M Querico
The band were signed to Paisley Park in 87’ after P saw their video for “Her Heads Revolving” released in 85’.
“He started listening to these bands, and took a bit of it.” - M Querico
The band were signed to Paisley Park in 87’ after P saw their video for “Her Heads Revolving” released in 85’.
What else do you see..?
The Dream Syndicate playing at the Music Machine ..
Dream & Machine .....erm, maybe inspired the creation of the *Dream Factory* brand whatever it was meant to represent.
The live introduction of the Paisley Underground also occurred on a Manic Monday!
The Dream Syndicate playing at the Music Machine ..
Dream & Machine .....erm, maybe inspired the creation of the *Dream Factory* brand whatever it was meant to represent.
The live introduction of the Paisley Underground also occurred on a Manic Monday!
From this scene, P took the name Paisley Park for his song, label, studio & home & also used It to signify the spirituality of “profound inner peace”!
Querico said:
“naming Paisley Park (label) right at the same time … I can put two & two together! it really influenced him.”
Querico said:
“naming Paisley Park (label) right at the same time … I can put two & two together! it really influenced him.”
So, the Paisley Underground remains an unrecognised & deeply under-appreciated influence during one of P’s most commercially successful eras - Purple Rain thru to SOTT.
Not just in terms of sound (as on CD) but also in the usage of the names/slogans & concepts it put out there
Not just in terms of sound (as on CD) but also in the usage of the names/slogans & concepts it put out there
And from P history we know in one way or another P always gave back to those whom inspired him even if he never publicly acknowledged the inspiration.
P did acknowledge them in other ways by gifting them songs, signing bands to his label or even asking them to join his band.
P did acknowledge them in other ways by gifting them songs, signing bands to his label or even asking them to join his band.
Another instance of this relates to Sonny T who use to give P music lessons.
One of Sonny T’s early bands was:
*The Family*
Not “The (Screams of Passion) Family” whom we know & love but another band who had the name first.
P subsequently took that name in 84’ & used it.
One of Sonny T’s early bands was:
*The Family*
Not “The (Screams of Passion) Family” whom we know & love but another band who had the name first.
P subsequently took that name in 84’ & used it.
Sonny T didn’t get any credit & neither were the Sonny T *The Family* ever mentioned by P.
But P gave back to Sonny T in the 90’s & beyond when he employed him as an integral member of the NPG & so Sonny T was on P’s pay roll for many years - a kind of compensation?
But P gave back to Sonny T in the 90’s & beyond when he employed him as an integral member of the NPG & so Sonny T was on P’s pay roll for many years - a kind of compensation?
P was inspired by the Paisley Underground but it’s important to note that were it not for his interest in that scene, I & many others wouldn’t have known about it.
I may never have owned a Three O’Clock album were it not for P.
The fact that he signed them peaked my interest!
I may never have owned a Three O’Clock album were it not for P.
The fact that he signed them peaked my interest!
Not that these bands were not worthy of our appreciation without P, they definitely were, but none of them would have made it on “my”radar without P pointing me in their direction.
I mean don’t get it twisted, I know my jangly guitar music even without P’s direction.
I mean don’t get it twisted, I know my jangly guitar music even without P’s direction.
In the 80’s in the U.K. we had quite a healthy jangly guitar scene w/o needing to look stateside or to P.
I mean, hello.. The Smiths, The Bunnymen, Psychedelic Furs, Jesus & Mary Chain etc
Music that soundtracked the John Hughes movies that all of you would watch stateside.
I mean, hello.. The Smiths, The Bunnymen, Psychedelic Furs, Jesus & Mary Chain etc
Music that soundtracked the John Hughes movies that all of you would watch stateside.
But whenever people talk about the Paisley Underground, P is always mentioned as the “Patron” of that scene.
P’s interest definitely assisted some of the bands in that scene to achieve the wider recognition & reverence that they might not otherwise have had beyond a cult!
P’s interest definitely assisted some of the bands in that scene to achieve the wider recognition & reverence that they might not otherwise have had beyond a cult!
So P gave back just as much - & probably more - than he took!
So who/what was the Paisley Underground?
It consisted of a handful of West Hollywood bands combining the sound of 60’s psychedelia & Garage Rock.
A cult underground scene that attracted a Purple Superstar!
So who/what was the Paisley Underground?
It consisted of a handful of West Hollywood bands combining the sound of 60’s psychedelia & Garage Rock.
A cult underground scene that attracted a Purple Superstar!
The Paisley Underground formed as a reaction against what they considered a fascist Punk scene.
Some of the bands were:
The Dream Syndicate
Three O’Clock
The Bangles
Green On Red
The Long Ryders
The Rain Parade (featured guitarist Dave Roback who later formed Mazzy Star)
Some of the bands were:
The Dream Syndicate
Three O’Clock
The Bangles
Green On Red
The Long Ryders
The Rain Parade (featured guitarist Dave Roback who later formed Mazzy Star)
The name “Paisley Underground” as an umbrella term for this cult scene was actually coined by:
@MichaelQuercio of the @The3Oclock.
The name started its usage in or about 1982.
Here’s what Querico told the Guardian:
@MichaelQuercio of the @The3Oclock.
The name started its usage in or about 1982.
Here’s what Querico told the Guardian:
The thumbnail quote below has Querico recalling the one time he met P.
I can imagine him quietly sitting on that bus & just looking around like the new kid at school & thinking WTF am I doing here.. do I belong
@MichaelQuercio care to chime in?
[Querico on meeting P]
![The thumbnail quote below has Querico recalling the one time he met P.I can imagine him quietly sitting on that bus & just looking around like the new kid at school & thinking WTF am I doing here.. do I belong @MichaelQuercio care to chime in?[Querico on meeting P ]](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Et6Bt0YXUAE-kK4.jpg "The thumbnail quote below has Querico recalling the one time he met P.I can imagine him quietly sitting on that bus & just looking around like the new kid at school & thinking WTF am I doing here.. do I belong @MichaelQuercio care to chime in?[Querico on meeting P ]")
I can imagine him quietly sitting on that bus & just looking around like the new kid at school & thinking WTF am I doing here.. do I belong
@MichaelQuercio care to chime in?
[Querico on meeting P
]
The thumbnail quote below has @SusannaHoffs (The Bangles) recalling when she first heard about P’s interest.
Can you imagine being told that P liked your music at a time when “When Doves Cry” - the coolest MF’ song in the universe - is doing its rounds on MTV & on the radio
Can you imagine being told that P liked your music at a time when “When Doves Cry” - the coolest MF’ song in the universe - is doing its rounds on MTV & on the radio
And more from the still gorgeous @SusannaHoffs from last month’s #TimsTwitterListeningParty 
Btw the other song that was offered to The Bangles alongside Manic Monday was “Jealous Girl”.
Btw the other song that was offered to The Bangles alongside Manic Monday was “Jealous Girl”.
Here’s @SusannaHoffs recalling P ‘just’ dropping in to perform at one The Bangles shows at The Palace, Hollywood - 20.10.86.
Video footage of the gig is also included within Susannah’s tweet. https://twitter.com/susannahoffs/status/1349449711502049280?s=21
Video footage of the gig is also included within Susannah’s tweet. https://twitter.com/susannahoffs/status/1349449711502049280?s=21
The Paisley Underground scene eventually gave way in the late 80’s with only The Bangles receiving the greatest & widest commercial exposure.
The P penned Manic Monday & his association with The Bangles must’ve really helped them with this success & commercial exposure.
The P penned Manic Monday & his association with The Bangles must’ve really helped them with this success & commercial exposure.
There was a lasting legacy tho’ - P aside - The Paisley Underground scene influenced a myriad of other bands in the States & also in the U.K.:
Teardrop Explodes
Echo & The Bunnymen
R.E.M.
Granddaddy
Mercury Rev
Mazzy Star
Teardrop Explodes
Echo & The Bunnymen
R.E.M.
Granddaddy
Mercury Rev
Mazzy Star
However, 25 years after the scene ground to a halt, 4 of the Paisley Underground bands reformed & reunited in 2013 to play gigs together in San Francisco & LA.
In the same year @The3Oclock also played Coachella.
In the same year @The3Oclock also played Coachella.
Then in late 2018 the same 4 bands collaborated on a new album “3 x 4” where each of them recorded their version of a song originated by one of the other bands.
You can check out that album here: https://open.spotify.com/album/5jJW7Dyh2EnXSpysjPr67M?si=aAvzd2kUSI215hrQhbloFQ
You can check out that album here: https://open.spotify.com/album/5jJW7Dyh2EnXSpysjPr67M?si=aAvzd2kUSI215hrQhbloFQ
The Paisley Underground has been a constant influence thru-out P’s career as he lived in Paisley Park, hosted parties, played live, shot videos & recorded albums there until his final days.
We might not have know it as Paisley Park w/o the influence of The Paisley Underground.
We might not have know it as Paisley Park w/o the influence of The Paisley Underground.
But where did the Paisley Underground get their inspiration for the name.
“Paisley” - is named after a Scottish Town - the first Western place to ‘imitate’ a motif (below) that
has its origins in Iran & Kashmir & is most famously associated with luxurious Kashmiri shawls.
“Paisley” - is named after a Scottish Town - the first Western place to ‘imitate’ a motif (below) that
has its origins in Iran & Kashmir & is most famously associated with luxurious Kashmiri shawls.
In the 16th Century Persian Royalty gifted luxurious Kashmiri shawls as a kind of “robe of honor.”
Then - 19th C- Kashmiri Princes began gifting Paisley Kashmir shawls to Europeans & their popularity surged when Napoleon’s wife, Empress Josephine, took a massive shine to them.
Then - 19th C- Kashmiri Princes began gifting Paisley Kashmir shawls to Europeans & their popularity surged when Napoleon’s wife, Empress Josephine, took a massive shine to them.
Kashmir is a disputed state presently occupied by 3 different countries - China, Pakistan & the largest part is occupied by India.
Between the 1950’s & 1970’s it was a key part of the “Hippie Trail”.
Kashmir aka “Shangri-La” is a place often described as “Heaven on Earth”
Between the 1950’s & 1970’s it was a key part of the “Hippie Trail”.
Kashmir aka “Shangri-La” is a place often described as “Heaven on Earth”
The Beatles travelled to & had a love affair with the Indian region in the 60’s & that’s where their Paisley obsession began.
The Paisley Underground’s obvious reference point is The Beatles & the Psychedelic scene that adorned “Paisley” - a 60’s & 70’s hot fashion statement.
The Paisley Underground’s obvious reference point is The Beatles & the Psychedelic scene that adorned “Paisley” - a 60’s & 70’s hot fashion statement.
So the Kashmiri textile more famously known in the West as “Paisley” inspired The Beatles, The Paisley Underground & has had a lifelong association to P & his song, label, studio & home - Paisley Park!
P imbued it with some of the Eastern spirituality from where it originated.
P imbued it with some of the Eastern spirituality from where it originated.
So many parallels here:
The Paisley motif has a history with Royalty!
Kashmir = Heaven on Earth & Paisley Park = P’s Heaven on Earth
Kashmir use to be part of the ‘Hippie trail’ & Paisley Park is a place of profound inner peace.
The link between Kashmir & Paisley Park - Wow!
The Paisley motif has a history with Royalty!
Kashmir = Heaven on Earth & Paisley Park = P’s Heaven on Earth
Kashmir use to be part of the ‘Hippie trail’ & Paisley Park is a place of profound inner peace.
The link between Kashmir & Paisley Park - Wow!
Paisley Bonus - some iconic figures donning the Kashmiri Paisley!
@prince
@thebeatles
@DavidBowieReal
@MickJagger
@prince
@thebeatles
@DavidBowieReal
@MickJagger
So let’s get back to Cosmic Day, it’s quintessential Paisley Underground fodder & would have fitted in perfectly with that scene.
I mean the guitar parts & drums always remind me of The Bangles “Hazy Shade of Winter”:
Cosmic Day should have been another Bangles hit!
I mean the guitar parts & drums always remind me of The Bangles “Hazy Shade of Winter”:
Cosmic Day should have been another Bangles hit!
@Duane_Tudahl agreed stating that it could have been a Bangles demo.
Maybe it was intended as such.
@Duane_Tudahl also compared it to “Vanishing Girl” by an English band called The Dukes of Stratosphear which was an off-shoot of XTC - of “Senses Working Overtime” fame.
Maybe it was intended as such.
@Duane_Tudahl also compared it to “Vanishing Girl” by an English band called The Dukes of Stratosphear which was an off-shoot of XTC - of “Senses Working Overtime” fame.
Although not strictly a Paisley Underground band, The Dukes of Stratosphear were celebrated by the Paisley Underground & its fans who recognised the similarities that the band’s music had to this scene.
On Cosmic Day, the guitar parts are unbelievable, the tone is piercing & razor sharp with some of the most exquisite shredding going on through the different passages of the song.
Some have commented that Cosmic Day is a perfect fit for anime & I can definitely visualise it.
Some have commented that Cosmic Day is a perfect fit for anime & I can definitely visualise it.
Whilst others say it reminds them of Fraggle Rock! - I don’t think so!
Fraggle Rock was Pupeteer Jim Henson’s creation alongside The Dark Crystal & Labyrinth which I already spoke about above.
Of course he also created The Muppets which we know P had a mythical history with
- I don’t think so!Fraggle Rock was Pupeteer Jim Henson’s creation alongside The Dark Crystal & Labyrinth which I already spoke about above.
Of course he also created The Muppets which we know P had a mythical history with
Some commentators from @polishedsolid’s #SOTTDC After Salon even compared it to “Reading Rainbow” which I find hilarious.
But I do hear some similarities in its childlike innocence.
But I do hear some similarities in its childlike innocence.
Catch the After Salon show here which discusses most of the tracks from February’s Twitter Threads including Cosmic Day:
#SOTTDC
@polishedsolid
#SOTTDC
@polishedsolid
Cosmic Day’s compositional construction is wild - morphing into different parts with unexpected changes keeping you entertained throughout.
From the abstract intro to the verses & chorus to the psychedelic dream montage of the bridge thru to the rousing & duelling guitar finale
From the abstract intro to the verses & chorus to the psychedelic dream montage of the bridge thru to the rousing & duelling guitar finale
And not forgetting the Tra-la-la-la, tra-la-la-la, tra-la-la- a standout on this track.
It recalls the “Tra La La” song by The Banana Splits” (60’s - P as a kid) - 4 furry members of a fictional band who sang silly songs & took goofy trips to amusement “parks” (Paisley Park!)
It recalls the “Tra La La” song by The Banana Splits” (60’s - P as a kid) - 4 furry members of a fictional band who sang silly songs & took goofy trips to amusement “parks” (Paisley Park!)
P must have had greater plans for Cosmic Day as he also sent it to the brilliant @clare_fischer with a request that he add a string arrangement.
@clare_fischer added a string arrangement which was subsequently overdubbed on the track on 5 December 1986.
@clare_fischer added a string arrangement which was subsequently overdubbed on the track on 5 December 1986.
Subsequently P repurposed the string arrangement for use on “Intermission” which was music played over the P.A. on the Lovesexy tour.
Here’s footage of @Catglover dancing to it during Lovesexy:
9 Sept 1988, Westfallenhalle, Dortmund, West Germany (live broadcast):
Here’s footage of @Catglover dancing to it during Lovesexy:
9 Sept 1988, Westfallenhalle, Dortmund, West Germany (live broadcast):
Here’s the same piece from the studio recording which I have edited from the full 4 minute version showcasing only the Cosmic Day part.
It has Ingrid Chavez's poem “Cross The Line” over @clare_fischer’s arrangement for Cosmic Day:
It has Ingrid Chavez's poem “Cross The Line” over @clare_fischer’s arrangement for Cosmic Day:
Unfortunately, the version of “Cosmic Day” that’s been released is not the version with @clare_fischer’s orchestration.
When the @prince Estate initially released it on YT they had incorrectly credited the @clare_fischer version but it wasn’t that version!
When the @prince Estate initially released it on YT they had incorrectly credited the @clare_fischer version but it wasn’t that version!
So the real Cosmic Day is still beyond our grasp - perhaps somewhere up in the Clouds!
The hunt for the Holy Grail continues & so does our yearning for that Yellow Day!
@prince Estate - give us our P & @clare_fischer Yellow Day - So we can all have a Cosmic Day!
Tra La La...
The hunt for the Holy Grail continues & so does our yearning for that Yellow Day!
@prince Estate - give us our P & @clare_fischer Yellow Day - So we can all have a Cosmic Day!
Tra La La...
That’s it, I hope you enjoyed this & had a Cosmic Day with me.
Thanks again to all the Purple Avengers for their participation in this series
Special thanks 2 my co-host @EdgarKruize 4 the lyric & quote thumbnails.
Huge thanks to you for taking your time to read this
Thanks again to all the Purple Avengers for their participation in this series
Special thanks 2 my co-host @EdgarKruize 4 the lyric & quote thumbnails.
Huge thanks to you for taking your time to read this
One of the things I love MOST about #PrinceTwitterThread is that it helps to keep up our spirits during these dark & unpredictable times - especially for those involved in writing them.
I hope it does a little bit of the same for you too - our readers
I hope it does a little bit of the same for you too - our readers
Next up is my co-host @EdgarKruize who will come with the Purple Gospel to breakdown “Walking In Glory” next Tuesday night!
Here’s the timeline for the final week of the threads of this current series!
