What were Prince's politics What did he believe about God And did he really forsake the subject-sex-that once made him the most subversive superstar of the Reagan era In this illuminating thematic biography,Joseph Vogel explores the issues that made Prince one of the late 20th century's most unique,controversial,and fascinating artists.Since his unexpected death in 2016,Prince has been recognized by peers,critics,and music fans alike. President Barack Obama described him as "one of the most gifted and prolific musicians of our time."Yet in spite of the influx of attention,much about Prince's creative life,work,and cultural impact remains thinly examined. This Thing Called Life fills this vacuum,delving deep into seven key topics-politics,sound,race,gender,sex,religion,and death-that allow us to see Prince in fresh,invigorating new ways. Accessible and timely,This Thing Called Life takes the reader on a journey through the catalog and creative revolution of one of America's most compelling and elusive icons.
MEDIA REVIEWS
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PlcISBN: 9781501333989Number of pages: 240Weight: 384 gDimensions: 229 x 152 mm
MEDIA REVIEWS
Vogel briskly collates his evidence (songs,interviews,other critics) meticulously tracing patterns in Prince's evolution...Illuminating though it is,his book can't quite crack Prince's mysterious code. That,for fans,might well be its greatest strength.Vogel lets Prince's legacy shine in all its vague and erratic splendor. 9/10 stars.A meticulously researched tribute to its subject,this incisive book will lull its readers into revisiting Prince's prolific catalogue with renewed eyes and ears.Tackling a notoriously private musician of hieroglyphic complexity,Vogel deconstructs Prince's astounding body of work with refreshing clarity and remarkable insight. Meticulous and thoughtful,Vogel brings a scholarly richness to the study of an icon who deserves the royal treatment.I wrote a book about Prince,so I know how hard it is. This Thing Called Life is a great one. Smart,thorough,and illuminating,Vogel's book is a must-have for fans of Prince.What a welcome and inspiring addition to the pages devoted to Prince's life! A rare and complex artist is better understood when viewed through his art,and not just his personal history. Vogel chooses this route to explore the extramusical dialectic that Prince helped to shape,including gender,race,sex,and religious views. This Thing Called Life is erudite,accurate,and,above all,entrancing.
Kommentar