Gold Experience: Following Prince in the' 90s

Mention the name Prince or, later, the Artist Formerly Known as Prince (TAFKAP), and even the most ardent fan will employ a number of descriptors synonymous with mysterious to describe him. The same enigmatic and wildly oscillating qualities (brazen sex symbol to demure spiritual musician) that endeared him to millions are also the same ones that have frustrated both die-hard and fair-weather fans. The 1990s, the birth and decade of TAFKAP or the Symbol, solidified Prince's legacy as an oxymoronic pop culture icon. This collection of articles and reviews of Prince's music and performances is a primer on the evolution of Prince to the Symbol/TAFKAP. Although music journalist Walsh (The Replacements: All Over but the Shouting; Bar Yarns and Manic-Depressive Mixtapes) served as something akin to Prince's personal journalist, readers are still left to rely on their own interpretations to get to the root of his decisions, aspects of his personal life, and, most importantly, the music. Walsh showcases Prince as a complex musician and individual, but readers looking for irrefutable evidence to prove or disprove theories about his artistry won't find it here. As with Prince's music, this title commands multiple readings and analysis.