Andre Cymone - 1983 - Survivin' in the 80s

 

This was my favorite album for about a year. Andre Cymone was Prince's friend from a young age. He was in Prince's band early on, before going solo. Prince was taken in by Andre's mom.

In 1982, Andre had a pretty-much-regional hit with "Kelly's Eyes". It is a great song.

This album, which any The Hold Steady fan is aware of, was not released to as much fanfare in 1983, but it is fucking great.

I love almost every song on it.

I honestly remember the moment in my room listening to it and realizing that I wanted to be black, but also, didn't need to be. That combination of loving black culture- music, my favorite basketball players, the memories of growing up in north Minneapolis as a child, and my parents being in prison - made me feel like being white (and Native American- my dad's side) was not as cool.

Prince, Andre Cymone, The Time, and frankly, even the rock bands - The Replacements and Husker Du and The Wallets and whatnot - made it feel cool to be whomever we were. The Twin Cities in the 1980s were a great place-- they probably still are, but I haven't lived there since March of 1990.

This album speaks to me. At the very least, listen to the final track. "Don't Let the Future (Come Down On You)".

I love Andre Cymone.

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