Extensive <I>Possessed</I> review in <I>San Francisco Chronicle</I>

This review is an interesting antidote to Jon Bream's caustic review of the book. Where Bream found it tabloid-ish, this reviewer found it "painstakingly detailed" and far less "salacious" than other "Behind-the-Music"-worthy pop narratives." Go figure. Here's the link: http://www.sfgate.com/cgi...304395.DTL
Also, visit http://www.princepossessed.com for an update on the book, including a retort by the author to Mr. Bream.

[Don't miss the LIVE, excusive interactive interview with the author, THIS FRIDAY, 4/25 in the 'org chatroom! -Ben]

Please add any questions for the chat you'd like to see answered, below...

Hi!

I have 2 questions for the author:

1. Did you ever consider getting an exclusive Prince interview for your book?

2. What is YOUR view on the Prince bootleg policy?


Petter Aagaard

Oh... 1 more question:

* Did you (at any time) feel that you were maybe gonna loose the law-suit against Prince? If so, why?


Petter Aagaard

Actually, this review is barely more positive than Bream's review...

In his review, Bream came across as someone who's followed Prince's career rather closely, even during those periods where he's been distantly out of the spotlight...it was as if he wanted/hoped for something far deeper than gossip and speculation...

In contrast, the SF Chronicle's reviewer(James Sullivan) comes across as someone who hasn't followed Prince's career and music too much once he fell from the Billboard charts...he somewhat lazily claims (or summizes from the book...I can't say since I haven't read it yet) that Prince's "hit-making skills" have diminished due to "box-office failures" and "other disappointments", as if the ability to write a hit records hinges on how well your movies do in theatres...if that were the case, Madonna's "hit-making skills" would have evaporated after "Shanghai Surprise"...

1. What exactly marks his fall? (rise also) That is, in your eyes.
[This message was edited Mon Apr 21 16:24:28 PDT 2003 by PURPLEJACKSON9]

Hi Mr. Alex Hahn --

I read some of your book Possessed: The Rise and Fall of Prince. I think that a lot of the artists that were big in the 80's are going through the same thing as Prince. What to do after the high point of their career has passed.
I think it's cool that you are coming to chat at prince.org. Do you think Prince knows about us?

Sir, your book is no where to be found in Orange County California.

-------------------------------------------------





MENACE TO SOBRIETY

Do you have a deeper or lesser respect for the man (and his music) after researching your book?

ben said:

Pozitivity said:

Pozitivity said:

Legally...the had a very strong case, and Prince was known to hate going into court to testify.

Which is why a taped deposition was requested, he'd never want this for fear it might be made public.

IMO


p.s. i'm speaking for myself here, i'm not Alex Hahn or anything...just adding my own comments to questions posed.

AlexHahn said:

wellbeyond said:

I have yet to read your book, but I have heard you detail Prince's episode at Fairview Southdale Hospital. Who/what were your sources for this paticular bit of information?

1. What other artists have you studied besides Prince?

2. Where do you place Prince in Africo-american musical history?

3. If you'd write another book on a musician, who would it be?

4. Given that you've defended Uptown pro bono against Prince, what precautions did you take to ensure a certain measure of objectivity?

5. What credentials make you a good choice to write a book on the personal and musical aspects of Prince's life?

6. What do you make of the generally excellent critical reception of The Rainbow Children, the One Nite Alone tour and its subsequent boxset?

I'm really enjoying this book and learning more about Prince than I thought I would.
Its good 2 understand why and 4 who he wrote songs but am rather suprised at the degree of arogance & ill treatment of his women & bands.
Still,a fasanating read,thanks Alex.

It has been reported by some music sources that Prince made more money on "Emancipation" and his other NPG releases than he ever made at Warner Bros.

Is this true?

Being that he owns the masters to the lyrics and music, the publishing, the label, etc... I can see where this might make sense. Your thoughts?

PS: Sadly, I'll not be able to participate in this chat (other duties call) I hope you find the time to answer my question. Thank you.

Hy Alex. Im looking 4ward to reading your book and the interview, which im unfortunately going 2 be unable 2 attend because I will be more than likely extremely drunk as Im celebrating my birthday Friday night.
Shame eh?

Anyhowz...

1) Why the smeg did U write the book?

2) Are U in anyway trying 2 change the perception some ppl have on Prince by having the book published?

3) Even though Uptown survived the mass internet lawsuiting, thanx to you of course, how many of the Uptown team including yrself are still a fan of Prince?

4) On the assumption that you didnt manage to get an interview with Prince (for which im sorry for in advance) what kind of questions were you hoping to ask Prince for the publication of Possessed?

Well? Huh?? Hmmm???



Thanx a bucket 'o' chicken if U answer my questions!!

Take Care of Dat Ass Dude!

[This message was edited Mon Apr 21 18:27:41 PDT 2003 by SexLovely]

Mr. Hahn. How much of your life was sacrificed by the time spent researching this book? Are you a Prince fan? Is that the reason you wrote this book? Also, do you not feel that personal interviews with the musicians who have played with Prince throughout the years could shed the most insight into his music making? They seem to be quoted secondhand.

Thanks for the book nonetheless. It has been a while since I was able to sit down and read a book about Prince ... one of my musical hero’s!

1.What do you think Prince down fall is?

2.Did you have the chance to see Prince new website, and what do you think about it?

3.What do you think about Larry Graham influence on Prince?

4.Do you know how Mani and Prince met each others and why was it secretly?

5.Why does Prince date women that work for him? And why is he choosing to dating women that is from another country?

Alex - if you could ask Prince 3 questions, what would they be and why?

wellbeyond said:

Hello Mr.Hahn,

I just want to ask, how creditable was your source who stated that Prince used cocaine and visited a rehab for a drug addiction? Many fans think that this is unlikely because it not only goes against Prince's core beliefs, but because drugs would require Prince to give up control over his own self. Where do you stand on this debate, do you after your extensive study into this man's control issues, believe that Prince was in fact a drug user?

Hi,
Thanks for putting the book together. Where can I order?

I worked in the Boston Area press in my hometown for a few years before moving overseas. Was Diana Dawkins or Eileen Murton used as sources in this book? They were the best outside of uptown for news and info on the Paisley Music World. Have you worked with them before?

Question:

Did you ever consider another title than "Possessed" for the book?


Petter Aagaard

hope you can answer these (being in the UK, I have not yet got the book, so apologies should these be answered in the book)...i also cannot make the Friday chat - so can someone post the transcript afterwards!!???

1. How did publishers react when you approached them with the idea for the book? Is Prince's star in the descendency so much they were hesitant over such a publication?

2. Have you had any feedback from the Prince camp to the book, or do you expect to receive any?

3. With all people who are 'control freaks' there is a tendancy to assume they are naturally extremely insecure - is that the impression you got of Prince?

4. While constantly trying to develop closer relations with his fans, he also has a habit of alienating them with moves such as suing Uptown, ruining the Controversy relationship and demanding fan-run websites are closed down...why, in your opinion, does he do this and, perhaps more importantly, does he realise the damage it does to his image in the eyes of his core fanbase?

looking forward greatly to reading the book...

Aerogram said:

Question:

Is there an appropriate market for a book like this about Prince in light of his drastically reduced presence on the charts and mainstream media?