The Purple One--he who is prolific and genius and introduced us to "Darling Nikki"--is getting ready to anoint us with three albums this year through his new website, lotusflow3r.com. Over the weekend Prince hosted the type of launch party/live performance mash up that sounds like it was lifted from a super-fan's fantasy.

He and his band played everything from his own hits like "Controversy" to Mary J. Blige's "Be Happy" and had the likes of Debbie Allen and Anita Baker electric sliding while DJ Rashida spun in another room at his mansion, where the event was held. Prince mingled and served his fifty or so guests in the kitchen clad in platform shoes with heels that flashed with red lights as he walked. And then he played another set. Until three in the morning. To further question how one receives an invite to a private party at Prince's mansion and learn exactly what it sounds like when doves cry, read the entire account over at the LA Times Music Blog.

Live at Prince's Mansion: Everything But the Pancakes [LAT]