18
PRINCE
Musicology

After (not) dropping his own Black Album, America's sexiest five-foot-two Jehovah's Witness could have retired as Lord Mayor of Erotic City-and some of his recent, herniated jazz-funkathons made us almost wish he had. But this shockingly concise single disc album shows there's still plenty of (pop) life left in him. He burns through the uptempo numbers-particularly the 2-good-2-B-true war-jam "Cinnamon Girl" -like he's got a crankcase full of Crunk juice. And the do-it-all-night ballads are both introspective and unfailingly elegant. Mr. Kiss-his-ass-crack remains a class act.

A.P.

see.. this is what im talking about.. #18?

glad the man made the list.. but this album isnt even worth mentioning in the top 25... this is proof that there was a lack of good cd's to come out this year. horrible year for music..

how is cinnamon girl in any way related to crunk??

Also, I am pretty certain Spin gave Musicology a weak review when it came out. What gives?

HardcoreJollies said:

I don't remember them giving it any review.

two things:
1) does every critic have to mention his height (sexiest five-foot-two)
, religion,sexuality in every piece that they write about him?

2) even though musicology was not the best thing that he has done..it was a good piece of work...the musicianship on that album alone placed it among my favs..definitely not album of the year..but a good piece of work

Well, no matter what you think of Musicology or Spin's placement of it at #18 for the year, you have to agree with their description of it being "shockingly consice." Shortest album since Chaos and Disorder, no?

I actually agree with all of you. (wiping off nose) but seriously...the album is pretty good. IMO it shouldn't be a top 20 album but the mainstream music coming out today just craps on the sidewalk, I'm happy to see him on the list but i really don't listen to Musicology that much. In fact, -dare i say- I listen to The Vault and ONA much more often, there's some real gems on both.
On the other hand, if you add 'VAVOOM' as the 3rd song on Musicology--and i do--it fits perfectly with the concept and really lifts the feel and tempo of the entire album. Also, Prince's acoustic duet with Wendy, IMO, fits better with the album too. Just a thought. seeya.

Kohl said:[quote]18
PRINCE
Musicology

After (not) dropping his own Black Album, America's sexiest five-foot-two Jehovah's Witness could have retired as Lord Mayor of Erotic City-and some of his recent, herniated jazz-funkathons made us almost wish he had. But this shockingly concise single disc album shows there's still plenty of (pop) life left in him. He burns through the uptempo numbers-particularly the 2-good-2-B-true war-jam "Cinnamon Girl" -like he's got a crankcase full of Crunk juice. And the do-it-all-night ballads are both introspective and unfailingly elegant. Mr. Kiss-his-ass-crack remains a class act.

GOOD GOD! Who wrote this review? ICK!

Doozer said:

Actually, One Nite Alone and The Truth were about as short. Each of these albums clocks in at around 45 minutes.

Sdldawn said:

Please- it was a great year for music. You need to venture out and get some shit that doesn't get much radio play. Some of the hottest shit dropped this year

Bjork-medulla
MF Doom- MMM Food
De La Soul- The grind date
Mos Def-The new Danger


Just to name a few!!!
[Edited 12/29/04 3:40am]

Kohl said:

- Well, I agree that albums like Xpectations were too weak in terms of his jazzy music. But I still think TRC is musically one of his best albums ever.

At least, this reviewer seems to know Come's lyrics.

larksanders said:

revolution75 said:

Yes.


It's middling, at best.

GustavoRibas said:

Hmm...can someone explain to me how one can like TRC musically and not like Xpectation? Very, very much the same sound if you ask me.

Everyone should just be happy for the man! In my opinion Musicology is a great album! personally am very happy and proud that he made the list. Rock on Prince with your bad self! have nothing but love for U!!!!

*** STOP WITH THE NEGATIVITY ALREADY, DAMM!***

Crankcase full of Crunk Juice??? Could someone translate this to English. Can't find this in my Ghetto dictionary...

Doozer said:

- Just because they both have jazz elements?
Well, let me start
1) TRC doesnt have the boring violin of Vanessa Mae (ok, it has Najee, but he doesn´t bother me)
2) There is nothing close to the guitar work of TRC on Xpectations
3) Despite the storyline, TRC has some good songs.
4) TRC has more rock/funk elements than Xpectations. As Prince himself said, Xpectations was intended to be dinner party music. TRC has harder moments.
Well, it´s a matter of taste...I didnt like Xpectations compositions and concept much.
[Edited 12/29/04 15:43pm]

nah, none of that music makes me consider this a great year for music..

GustavoRibas said:

You're right...it's a matter of opinion. But, here's how I see it, and I still say they're similar sounding albums in terms of music alone.

1) The violin portions of XPectation are actually pretty cool, and it's an element you don't often find in Prince's music
2) Lots of good guitar work on XPectation, particularly Xogenous (2'32" through 3'30") and XPedition (7'03" mark).
3) Xemplify virtually *is* The Rainbow Children (title track)...check out the bass line.

And, respectfully...please note that the album is XPectation, not Xpectations.
[Edited 12/30/04 8:41am]
[Edited 12/30/04 9:31am]

poetbear68 said:

Good point. Musicology is Prince's shortest "commercial" album since C&D, then...few people who aren't die-hards have ever heard of ONA or The Truth.

Doozer said:

- I got to agree with you...but as we agreed...it´s a matter of taste...I still think TRC is more interesting as a whole. I love the hardest parts such as the funky songs (Everlasting Now, Family Name, The Work), the 80s retro atmosphere (Everywhere and 1+1+1=3), the cool guitar of TRC, the hard rock part and intro of ´Family Name´ etc...

GustavoRibas said:

Cool...and while I enjoy Musicology, I do think TRC required much more of an effort on P's part. I bet we'll agree on that, too.

Doozer said:

- Yes....for me, ´Musicology´ is a plain an simple pop album, with accessible songs. It is ´Rave´ with less ´fat´.....and I enjoy it a lot.

Spin has been full of shit for years..lol

Before I forget...
HAPPY 2005 TO EVERYBODY!!!

[Edited 12/31/04 12:59pm]

revolution75 said:

While it is all a matter of opinion but I just cant see formula albums like those from Usher and Jill Scott being better than anything that Prince has ever done. But thats just me, I guess.

don't forget Spin listed P as the greatest rock frontman ever earlier this year. I'm sure the musicology tour reminded them of that, and thus put the CD on the best of list too.

You think a live hits album will spin off from this tour?


I think some type of recording will come from this tour