God vs. Panic in Detroit (Live Nassau Coliseum '76)

Song:  God
Album:  The Hits / The B-Sides
Year:  1984

I remember the disappointment my younger Purple Rain crazed self felt upon first hearing this B-Side to my very chic purple vinyl 12" single of Purple Rain.  I expected the energy of Let's Go Crazy or When Doves Cry and instead got a slow instrumental.  Still, I listened to it because, you know, Prince!  Only after a few listens did I discover that I had my turntable set to 33 1/3 rather than 45, which actually didn't sound all that bad.  Years later, my older and hopefully more musically refined self enjoys the extended version of the instrumental from time to time.  I still don't actively put on the vocal version though I don't necessarily change it either if it finds it's way into my mix.  The lyrics are simple and Prince's vocals are perfect . . . it's just not that go-to when you're in the mood for Prince.

Verdict:  3/5 stars

Would I sing it at karaoke?  The mere suggestion is blasphemous!

Song:  Panic in Detroit
Album:  Live Nassau Coliseum '76
Year:  This field seems unnecessary

I'm not normally a fan of live recordings though when they offer something that expands on the recorded version and are done right there is a certain magic.  Journey Captured and Frampton Comes Alive are excellent examples this.  I've found the Bowie releases to be inconsistent in this sense, though this recording of Panic in Detroit certainly falls into the category of a recording done right.  Bowie transforms this Aladdin Sane cut into his Thin White Duke persona by structuring the song like a jazz number; not that it's as abstract as jazz but rather in the sense that vocals are merely a vehicle to get to the more interesting solos that make up over half of this cut.  It should be noted that this is a 6:00 minute song on the album.  There's also a 13:00 version that includes a muuuuuuuch longer drum solo.  I like this energetic abbreviated version quite a bit and will surely seek out more cuts from this performance.

Verdict:  4/5 stars

Would I sing it at karaoke?  Only to an appreciative Detroit audience

Winner:  Panic in Detroit

Running Score:  Bowie 3, Prince 0