Prince - Live at the Aladdin Las Vegas
Given the sheer volume and varying quality of his recorded output, not to mention his weird behavior, it's easy to overlook the fact that Prince is one of the great talents of the last quarter century--a fact underlined in earnest by this galvanizing performance. The guy has always had a preternatural ability to channel R&B; and rock legends like Sly Stone, Jimi Hendrix, and James Brown (cf. this performance's amazing "Money Don't Matter 2 Night/The Work"); now he's added more sophisticated flavors to the mix as well, ranging from George Benson to Steely Dan and Weather Report, and all without sacrificing his own voice. Add to that covers of the Ohio Players' "Love Rollercoaster" and Led Zeppelin's "Whole Lotta Love" (really), all played by Prince and his smokin', skin tight band, and what you get is one of the best shows of 2002, or any other year.  Extraordinary.--Sam Graham