Analysing Prince's Original 24 Track Desk Recording of Let's Go Crazy from the Purple Rain Sessions.
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Published 2021-04-20
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One of my viewers kindly sent me a digitised version of Prince's original desk tape for Let's Go Crazy. After wetting through multiple pairs of trousers, I was finally able to contain myself long enough to put this clip together.
There is honestly SOOO MUCH I could talk about here - the Linn Drum tracks, the cool synth parts, that great intro - but I've tried to keep the focus on his insane guitar sounds, parts and composition.
I remember trying to learn this song as a teen, to play with my first band. If only I could've played my hands on this back then.
Please note, I've tried to present the recordings exactly as they exist - no EQing or adding FX. Just Prince in all his raw and unhinged glory!
My demonstrations of his parts were played on an actual Hohner MadCat, loaned to me last year when I was producing my other Prince vid - "Funk Minimalist".
I am yet to return it.
Because of Covid.
'n' that.
;)
Enjoy!
All Comments (21)
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I finally got around to that Outro Solo - https://youtu.be/LHAOgfMjVNI
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You know the man's a true virtuoso when you can do a 20+ minute in-depth breakdown on just one song
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Always will be a huge prince fan. I love how you honor him. Great job.
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Please do read "Purple Rain Era Studio Sessions" by Duane Thudal if you enjoy dissecting Prince's studio work! A captivating read, not just a list of studio dates. From what I gather, the band played the track live and Prince overdubbed his guitar right after. The first live take that's on the raw tracks was not used on the final mix. Also Dr. Fink came up with and played the deranged saloon piano part on the recording, but Prince mimes to it in the Purple Rain movie (with his feet!). Also I believe Wendy played the clean(ish) funk guitar parts. BrownMark and the girls always had to emulate Prince's playing style to a degree, so that's why it kinda sounds like Prince.
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love prince...have since I was 7 in 82...this song is still my favorite prince song no matter how many times I've heard it...I used to keep a little mini boom box under the covers in the early 80s so I could listen to the new songs after my parents thought I was sleeping. ..I remember the first time I heard this song. it was one of those nights listening on that radio...I had already seen and heard his 1999 era stuff as well as when the doves cry so I knew who he was...but the song was released just as prince was really blowing up. this was like a combo of classic rock , glam rock , funk , gospel etc etc ...just blew my mind as a little kid. still my favorite prince song and one of the greatest opening album tracks of all time
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Prince was largely a self-taught musician, do you think it gives them a certain creativity (a breaking of the rules per se)? A highly trained musician that spent many years in a conservatory or other musical institution would internalize rules and not think to do some of the stuff Prince did naturally. The edges would be smoothed out. A conservatory would never turn out a Frank Zappa. I think both kinds of musicians are necessary personally. Thanks for the interesting video. I love your enthusiasm and breakdown of this classic Prince song, I've not seen anything like this on other channels.
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I NEED THESE TRACKS
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...and it was recorded in a warehouse! Genius stuff. Great video.
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You did an outstanding job on this video, Danny. We really appreciate you and your hard work.
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This is the greatest thing ever on YouTube!! Love it!! Please keep the Prince material coming!
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Awesome man. Perfect video and wonderful insight. So good to hear the track pulled apart and hear how different it sounds in sections. Just shows you how complex a classic track is that ends up sounding very simple. Crazy.
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Fantastic video. I was a HUGE Prince fan. I saw him four times: Flipper’s in L.A. in 1981, Controversy tour at Santa Monica Civic and twice for the 1999 tour, once in L.A. and then at Long Beach. The 1999 concert was the best concert ever. And I my parents took us to see the Beatles at Dodger Stadium in 1965!
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Thanks m8. Your enthusiasm for prince is almost hilarious. I love it! And I learned a lot. Keep em coming!
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Great breakdown. LGC is the song that really opened my eyes to Prince when I saw him open his Syracuse show with it and he blew me away! The long version is just awesome too - so sinister. Thanks for this. 👍
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Suoerb video. Every time I have tried to figure out this song I have felt there was something missing, and this explains it all. One of the most useful videos I have ever watched, really.
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You Legend this was fascinating what an absolute musical Genius… Love the edits you put in and the background information as well as your playing and research too… masterpiece video brother 💎
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This is an incredible study of the song. Thank you so much for posting it.
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Great analysis, Prince is a genius, and thanks to you we’re reminded of that, so thanks!
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Thanks Danny for this beautiful tribune you give here! I dont know how you got the different tracks of the song but.....it’s amazing. I’m a huge fan since the very first time of Prince (l’m 60 🥴) and the last 5 yrs were.......sad. God bless you, bro.
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Great video, thanks Danny. Eagerly awaiting the outro solo deep dive.
