Bandwidth: Celebrating the 25th anniversary of Prince's "Emancipation"
by Reed Fischer
November 19, 2021
Welcome to Bandwidth, The Current digital team’s weekly roundup of news, music we like, and upcoming concerts. (Got a local topic you think we should include? Hit up localshow@mpr.org.)
Emancipation at 25
Prince’s divorce/marriage (from Warner Bros./to Mayte Garcia) album Emancipation was released November 19, 1996. It arrived not long after the tragic passing of their newborn son. The album was underpromoted in its time and remains an underrated classic that shows off Prince’s amazing range, virtuosity, and sense of humor.
The album consists of three 60-minute-long discs, each with 12 songs, inspired by his studies of Egypt. It was discussed in great detail by Billboard when it hit the 20-year mark, and got a big reissue in 2019.
The very fun “My Computer” features Kate Bush and the voice of AOL, Elwood Edwards (“you’ve got mail”) on backing vocals.
It’s Prince’s first album to include covers, including the single “Betcha By Golly Wow” (popularized by the Stylistics). “La, La, La Means I Love You” is a dynamite remake of the Delfonics’ hit. He adapted the chorus to sing “Just a slave like one of us,” on his version of Joan Osborne’s signature hit “One of Us.” And, he injected even more soul into “I Can’t Make U Love Me,” which was a massive single for Bonnie Raitt (more on her below).
RIP, Mick
Legendary music photographer Mick Rock — behind the camera for iconic shots of David Bowie, Lou Reed, Iggy Pop, Queen, the Sex Pistols, The Ramones, Blondie, Joan Jett, and many more — “has made the Jungian journey to the other side,” according to an Instagram post. The Current Morning Show paid tribute by dedicating Friday’s Coffee Break to him. Back in 2018, Mary Lucia conducted this enjoyable interview with him.
Farewell, St. Paul Schoolhouse Rock-er
The New York Times has an extensive obituary for songwriter, jazz pianist, and singer Dave Frishberg, who grew up in St. Paul. After completing his studies at Central High School and the University of Minnesota, Frishberg launched a lengthy career that included composing songs like “I’m Just a Bill” that appeared on the TV show Schoolhouse Rock. He died Wednesday in Portland, Oregon. More from MPR on Frishberg here.
New Local Label
Mill City Sound record store owner Rob Sheeley has launched the boutique label Backgroove Records. Check out Luke Taylor’s story with more details on the label and its first release, a reissue of Material Issue’s 1991 album, International Pop Overthrow.
Read on
Durry detail their creative emergence from their parents’ basement to a sold-out 7th St Entry show in the Star Tribune.
In Racket: On Humbird’s latest album taking flight. At Music in Minnesota: Inside Humbird’s Icehouse residency.
Also, behold the return of ‘90s alt-rockers Muskellunge (Racket).
The Bob Dylan Center in Oklahoma has acquired more archival recordings and early artifacts ahead of its May 2022 opening.
More from The Current
Courtney Barnett spoke to Jill Riley and performed a virtual session with songs from her new album, Things Take Time, Take Time — The Current’s Album of the Week.
Cecilia Johnson dug track-by-track into Bonnie Raitt’s Minnesota-made debut album, which was released 50 years ago this month.
Jay Gabler reviewed the new film Ghostbusters: Afterlife, and covered Woody Guthrie: Songs and Art * Words and Wisdom for Rock & Roll Book Club. Plus, you can finally legally dance in Duluth.
If you’ve never driven a tractor, Erik Koskinen’s new music video gets you inside the cab.
The latest Music You Should Know: M.I.A., COIN, Hyooman, Foo Fighters, Mattiel, and Yaya Bey.
Local Show host Diane spoke to Mason Jennings about his upcoming 2022 record,, Real Heart, and new side project Painted Shield.
Julian profiled Ben Farmer, a producer and musician who has worked with Huhroon, Essjay The Afrocentric Ratchet, and Papa Mbye.
If you’re looking for The Current swag for others (or, no shame, yourself) let the holiday shopping begin at our very own Public Media Market.