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Forums > Prince: Music and More > GIVIN it UP for ALPHABET STREET! (the video)
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Reply #30 posted 12/14/09 5:28pm

aarontj

ernestsewell said:

aarontj said:

I think you miss the point, in 1987-1988 music video was becoming more stylish, with brilliant cinematography and perfect movie settings, thanks to newcomers like David Fincher, everybody was so aboard the trend (George Michael, Madonna, Aerosmith, Don Henley etc.), like always Prince went the opposite way, with a off beat, bizarre looking video, made on a old analog video system, with kitschy intentions and old school special effects.

I think the video works brilliantly back then, it was raw, surreal and sexy, really fresh for the MTV heavy rotation (Straight up, Faith, End of the innocence, etc.).

The video looks even cooler on todays indie video scene, so ironic that "the cheap local news station on the Weather set" is the avant garde today.

In fact I just bought a old VHS camera to get the authentic look of that magic era.

I didn't miss any point. I made mine.

Prince going the opposite way my ass. It was probably filmed in his garage on Kiowa Trail with a green screen and Matt Fink running the camera. Then he dropped it under his bik.....oh hell, you know the rest.


I forgot you are always right. Relax Kevin Smith.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kitsch



wink
"I have so much love for Prince. But why don't they look at me that way"- MJ
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Reply #31 posted 12/14/09 5:45pm

ernestsewell

aarontj said:

ernestsewell said:


I didn't miss any point. I made mine.

Prince going the opposite way my ass. It was probably filmed in his garage on Kiowa Trail with a green screen and Matt Fink running the camera. Then he dropped it under his bik.....oh hell, you know the rest.


I forgot you are always right.

Quite an interesting reflection when the opinion is fine and matches your own, but when it doesn't match, and steps on someone else's, then someone's a know it all. I'm firm in what I believe. Aren't you?
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Reply #32 posted 12/14/09 5:54pm

SupaFunkyOrgan
grinderSexy

avatar

How grotesque that we can't even post a Prince video discussing the amazingness of a song on a site dedicated to Prince disbelief
2010: Healing the Wounds of the Past.... http://prince.org/msg/8/325740
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Reply #33 posted 12/14/09 5:55pm

ernestsewell

SupaFunkyOrgangrinderSexy said:

How grotesque that we can't even post a Prince video discussing the amazingness of a song on a site dedicated to Prince

Wait.....I thought we were talking about the video? The song is great. The video is ....eh.
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Reply #34 posted 12/14/09 5:59pm

Paris9748430

SupaFunkyOrgangrinderSexy said:

How grotesque that we can't even post a Prince video discussing the amazingness of a song on a site dedicated to Prince disbelief


Go cry in a corner somewhere.

There are a billion places where one can go to see that video. This just happens to be one of the few places where they can.
[Edited 12/14/09 18:00pm]
JERKIN' EVERYTHING IN SIGHT!!!!!
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Reply #35 posted 12/14/09 6:00pm

SupaFunkyOrgan
grinderSexy

avatar

I could care less to the brilliance of the video. It looks like some ridiculous dream that makes zero sense but was hella fun to have lol

God, Prince stripped down used to be so absolutely brilliant clapping Love this song off my favorite Prince album ever! worship
2010: Healing the Wounds of the Past.... http://prince.org/msg/8/325740
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Reply #36 posted 12/14/09 6:02pm

SupaFunkyOrgan
grinderSexy

avatar

Paris9748430 said:

SupaFunkyOrgangrinderSexy said:

How grotesque that we can't even post a Prince video discussing the amazingness of a song on a site dedicated to Prince disbelief


Go cry in a corner somewhere.

There are a billion places where one can go to see that video. This just happens to be one of the few places where they can.
[Edited 12/14/09 18:00pm]

How about you [Flame snip - luv4u]

Yeah, I just hunted it down lol Still that you can't youtube a link is grotesque into infinty disbelief
2010: Healing the Wounds of the Past.... http://prince.org/msg/8/325740
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Reply #37 posted 12/14/09 6:07pm

Paris9748430

SupaFunkyOrgangrinderSexy said:

Paris9748430 said:



Go cry in a corner somewhere.

There are a billion places where one can go to see that video. This just happens to be one of the few places where they can.
[Edited 12/14/09 18:00pm]

How about you [Flame snip - luv4u]

Yeah, I just hunted it down lol Still that you can't youtube a link is grotesque into infinty disbelief


Again, go cry in a corner somewhere.
JERKIN' EVERYTHING IN SIGHT!!!!!
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Reply #38 posted 12/14/09 6:23pm

SupaFunkyOrgan
grinderSexy

avatar

Paris9748430 said:

SupaFunkyOrgangrinderSexy said:


How about you [Flame snip - luv4u]

Yeah, I just hunted it down lol Still that you can't youtube a link is grotesque into infinty disbelief


Again, go cry in a corner somewhere.

Again boff2
2010: Healing the Wounds of the Past.... http://prince.org/msg/8/325740
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Reply #39 posted 12/15/09 12:51am

aarontj

ernestsewell said:

aarontj said:



I forgot you are always right.

Quite an interesting reflection when the opinion is fine and matches your own, but when it doesn't match, and steps on someone else's, then someone's a know it all. I'm firm in what I believe. Aren't you?


Well, Prince was working with legendary music video director Jean- Baptiste Mondino in the 1987-1989 period, a master of cinematography and concept art, even the Lovesexy tour was pretty ambitious for it's time, I really doubt that he will set up a green screen in a garage just for the sake of it.

The Lovesexy videos (and the album cover) were a calculated concept even if you don't like it (or don't understand the imaginary), the "Alphabet St" video was on the french Mondino vibe, with the old analog look of Mondino other european videos like "C'est Comme Ca" by Les Rita Mitsouko (one of the best videos ever) and 1988 Neneh Cherry "Manchild", abstract funk.

Obviously people who only watch American TV din't get the message, like I said before, the music video trend in 1988 MTV was the over styled flashy Fincher stuff.

Some of Mondino/Prince related projects were "Mia Bocca" by Jill Jones,(an homage to "Los Olvidados" film by Luis Bunuel), "I wish you Heaven" and Ingrid Chavez song "Justify My Love" video by Madonna.
"I have so much love for Prince. But why don't they look at me that way"- MJ
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Reply #40 posted 12/15/09 1:01am

ufoclub

avatar

aarontj said:

ernestsewell said:


Quite an interesting reflection when the opinion is fine and matches your own, but when it doesn't match, and steps on someone else's, then someone's a know it all. I'm firm in what I believe. Aren't you?


Well, Prince was working with legendary music video director Jean- Baptiste Mondino in the 1987-1989 period, a master of cinematography and concept art, even the Lovesexy tour was pretty ambitious for it's time, I really doubt that he will set up a green screen in a garage just for the sake of it.

The Lovesexy videos (and the album cover) were a calculated concept even if you don't like it (or don't understand the imaginary), the "Alphabet St" video was on the french Mondino vibe, with the old analog look of Mondino other european videos like "C'est Comme Ca" by Les Rita Mitsouko (one of the best videos ever) and 1988 Neneh Cherry "Manchild", abstract funk.

Obviously people who only watch American TV din't get the message, like I said before, the music video trend in 1988 MTV was the over styled flashy Fincher stuff.

Some of Mondino/Prince related projects were "Mia Bocca" by Jill Jones,(an homage to "Los Olvidados" film by Luis Bunuel), "I wish you Heaven" and Ingrid Chavez song "Justify My Love" video by Madonna.
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Reply #41 posted 12/15/09 1:15pm

aarontj

ufoclub said:

aarontj said:



Well, Prince was working with legendary music video director Jean- Baptiste Mondino in the 1987-1989 period, a master of cinematography and concept art, even the Lovesexy tour was pretty ambitious for it's time, I really doubt that he will set up a green screen in a garage just for the sake of it.

The Lovesexy videos (and the album cover) were a calculated concept even if you don't like it (or don't understand the imaginary), the "Alphabet St" video was on the french Mondino vibe, with the old analog look of Mondino other european videos like "C'est Comme Ca" by Les Rita Mitsouko (one of the best videos ever) and 1988 Neneh Cherry "Manchild", abstract funk.

Obviously people who only watch American TV din't get the message, like I said before, the music video trend in 1988 MTV was the over styled flashy Fincher stuff.

Some of Mondino/Prince related projects were "Mia Bocca" by Jill Jones,(an homage to "Los Olvidados" film by Luis Bunuel), "I wish you Heaven" and Ingrid Chavez song "Justify My Love" video by Madonna.



Right!
"I have so much love for Prince. But why don't they look at me that way"- MJ
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Reply #42 posted 12/15/09 1:46pm

ufoclub

avatar

aarontj said:

ufoclub said:




Right!


you're right.
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Reply #43 posted 12/15/09 2:04pm

herrherr

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Well, eye wasn't quite around yet when this video was released--but it's one of the few Prince videos that I found entertaining when discovering his work.
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Reply #44 posted 12/15/09 4:50pm

PurpleJane

avatar

thedance said:

yes the Alphabet St. video deserves some appreciation:

The video is brilliant, I love it heart

Prince's split in the beginning, his dancing in the letters, playing the model C guitar on the car's roof....




Beatiful look as well, Prince's hair and clothes.

Brilliant. And sexxy too. biggrin

I remember seeing this video back in '88, on MTV and on a very small black & white tv set. I was amazed... and I still am amazed.

Alphabet St. love2

brilliant music video.... music worship


thankyou for putting the picture on! i love the song and the vid is old fashioned and cute like. prince is smiling a lot and the line about not being in the mood, can i watch?.. is fucking bold!
i love the way the alphabet trembles and throbs throughout, just like me!
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Reply #45 posted 12/15/09 5:46pm

nebkheperrure

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If my memory of what I've read about this video serves me right (in Alex Hahns' Possessed), Prince wasn't going 2 do any promo videos 4 Lovesexy but then changed his mind at the last minute. He wanted 2 shoot something 4 Alphabet St around Christmas & the weather in Minneapolis was particulary bad at the time. Most professional studios were closed & he ended up only being able 2 procure the services of a local film student who knocked the video up in a day or so. That is why it's shot on video & has all the 'amateurish' looking post-production.

Personally, I love it. I think it ended up being a 'happy accident' that Prince never envisaged producing at the outset. It does look hand made 4 sure & a complete contrast 2 the other high-end production promos he later ended up doing 4 the album (as noted within this thread). 4 me, the outcome just demonstrates his ability 2 try something different.

Favourite shots gotta b his crawling along the floor after the girl & the slow-mo close up of his face at the end. Nice.
"If u take this shit seriously, ur a bigger fool than I am"
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Reply #46 posted 12/15/09 5:53pm

Marrk

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Song = great.

Video = Load of rubbish.

But... i still like it for some reason. I think it being so basic gives it it's charm.
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Reply #47 posted 12/15/09 6:16pm

ernestsewell

Marrk said:

Song = great.

Video = Load of rubbish.


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Reply #48 posted 12/16/09 2:31am

thedance

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^ Nooo confused



Alphabet St.:



Song = Diamond

Video = Pearl


a pearl... before the swine, so it seems razz



If you can't appreciate the sexxy Alphabet St. video... shame on you razz


I rank Alphabet St. - Kiss - Raspberry Beret as Prince's best videos.

I Wish U Heaven is another Lovesexy pearl heart

Basically I really enjoy all Prince videos from 1981 (Controversy) to 1995 (Gold).

With every leading single release, I was so amazed everytime Prince was releasing another music video.

Too bad there were no (real) videos to Pop Life or If I Was Your Girlfriend,

the videos to I Wanna Be Your Lover, Uptown, Dirty Mind, Paisley Park were "a load of rubbish" that much I will give you negative guys. wink



But Alphabet St. = a classic video - a real pearl imo. love2
Prince 4Ever. heart
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Reply #49 posted 12/16/09 6:27am

victorludorum

this video looks ok to me, i think it was his best look at that time, nice shirt too.
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Reply #50 posted 12/16/09 6:50am

madison

i like where he put in ~~~

dont

buy

the

black

album

im

sorry
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Reply #51 posted 12/16/09 10:09am

thedance

avatar

Hidden message.... "Don't buy the Black Album, I'm sorry":









heart headbang music


credits: pics are from housequake.com.
[Edited 12/16/09 10:10am]
Prince 4Ever. heart
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Reply #52 posted 12/16/09 10:53am

kumala75

avatar

thedance said:

Hidden message.... "Don't buy the Black Album, I'm sorry":





Thanks for the pic, now I know where to find it! (after all these years... ) rolleyes


.
Lion -- Go Peter go!!
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Reply #53 posted 12/16/09 11:43am

ernestsewell

kumala75 said:

Thanks for the pic, now I know where to find it! (after all these years... ) rolleyes
.

One of many hidden messages.
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Reply #54 posted 12/16/09 1:25pm

madison

One of many hidden messages.???




is there more ??



eek
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Reply #55 posted 12/16/09 1:36pm

JesusFreak

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are you saying the song is cheap and amature-ish? wink
"Not to sound cosmic, but I've made plans for the next 3,000 years," he says. "Before, it was only three days at a time."
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Reply #56 posted 12/16/09 1:37pm

ernestsewell

madison said:

One of many hidden messages.???




is there more ??



eek

Yep, there's a flash right as it goes into the bridge I think, where he's on top of the car playing his guitar, and there's a couple of quick flashes. It says something like "God I Love U". I think it's a few seconds before he goes into "Excuuuuuse me baby, I don't mean to be rude...."
[Edited 12/16/09 13:38pm]
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Reply #57 posted 12/16/09 2:28pm

muirdo

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I quite like the video..its corny but enjoyable.
Has anyone ever noticed the part of the video where the lady in the car sexily crosses her legs and her foot hits the inside of the car door really hard?
The production was so cheap that I bet that that was the one and only take of her doing that and they just kept it lol.
Fuck the funk - it's time to ditch the worn-out Vegas horns fills, pick up the geee-tar and finally ROCK THE MUTHA-FUCKER!! He hinted at this on Chaos, now it's time to step up and fully DELIVER!!
woot!
KrystleEyes 22/03/05
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Reply #58 posted 12/16/09 11:19pm

DamonDicksonFa
nClub

Tame said:

thedance said:

yes the Alphabet St. video deserves some appreciation:

The video is brilliant, I love it heart

Prince's split in the beginning, his dancing in the letters, playing the model C guitar on the car's roof....




Beatiful look as well, Prince's hair and clothes.

Brilliant. And sexxy too. biggrin

I remember seeing this video back in '88, on MTV and on a very small black & white tv set. I was amazed... and I still am amazed.

Alphabet St. love2

brilliant music video.... music worship


I dig it. What kind of car is that? cool


His daddy's thunderbird obviously...
Damon Dickson: Is it hair, a hat, or a dead cat?
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Reply #59 posted 12/16/09 11:39pm

ernestsewell

DamonDicksonFanClub said:

Tame said:



I dig it. What kind of car is that? cool


His daddy's thunderbird obviously...

A 66 (67) white rad ride, so glam it's absurd.
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