New Power Soul experimental era 1997-1998

weird time period, lots of Internet releases

I want 2 include New Power Soul (Crystal Ball) the Truth & Kamasutra since these all were released with the same time period, proceeded by the Love 4 One Another charities & the Jam of the Year tour



and era of Prince stepping into new territory, so it's expected that some things can go really wrong. Some good music

Crystal Ball [compilation]

Released January 29, 1998 [pre-orders]
March 3, 1998 [retail]



The Truth
The Truth was included with the Crystal Ball 3-CD set, consisting of songs with minimal production, giving them a demo-like quality. A CD single was released prior to the album consisting of the album's first 2 tracks. It contains mainly acoustic music.



New Power Soul
Released June 30, 1998

1. Newpower Soul
2. Mad Sex
3. Until U're In My Arms Again
4. When U Love Somebody
5. Shoo-Bed-Ooh
6. Push It Up
7. Freaks on This Side
8. Come On
"The One" (Remix) only available on 1-800-NEW-FUNK maxi-single
9. The One
10. (I Like) Funky Music
11-48 [silent tracks]

49. Wasted Kisses (hidden track)

Newpower Soul is a 1998 album by The New Power Generation, but is de facto a Prince album (his stage name at that time being an unpronounceable symbol).

The album sold relatively poorly despite promotional efforts and many of the reviews for the album were poor as well.[citation needed] The title track reuses the music from "Big Fun", from the album Exodus. The album is currently the last from the New Power Generation, as their own entity.

Despite the negative reviews,[citation needed] the album is noted by fans for a few key tracks such as "The One", "Come On" (featuring vocals by soul legend Chaka Khan) and the bonus hidden track "Wasted Kisses".



Kamasutra
Released January 29, 1998

Kamasutra is an instrumental album by Prince, using the pseudonym of 'The NPG Orchestra', released in 1998. The album was written to be played during Prince's wedding to Mayte in 1996. All the tracks are instrumentals, ranging from classical music, jazz and experimentations with various sounds. For example, the track "Cutz" uses the sound of scissors snipping as its basis. One of the tracks, "The Plan" was previewed in an excerpt on the 1996 3-CD set Emancipation.
[Edited 3/9/10 11:46am]

Newpower Soul
2 the darkness — let there be light
2 the soundman — turn up my voice real tight
2 the N.P.G. — if U in this mother, scream
Show me how U all get down — 1 2 3, come on

Get freaky, let the head bob {x2}
We should all come 2gether 2 the Newpower Soul
Get freaky, let the head bob {x2} (Come on, come on)
It'll make U feel much better — come on, baby, let's go!

Every while in a great once there comes 2 town a show
That lives up 2 all your funkspectation no matter how high or low
A reason 2 get your freak on in a way U never freaked before
Newpower Soul lay claim 2 the booty — come on, let's go

(Lemme see U get down)
Let the head bob
Get freaky, let the head bob (Come on, come on)
We should all come 2gether 2 the Newpower Soul
(Lemme see U get down)
Let the head bob
Get freaky, let the head bob {x2} (Come on, come on)
It'll make U feel much better — come on, baby, let's go!

Every while in a day twice funky matters in our ear
As long as we keep our love strong, we'll never shed no tears
The brothas be threatenin' 2 jump off buildings, Newpower's what they fear
Love 4 one another risin', Newpower Soul is here

(Lemme see U get down)
Let the head bob
Get freaky, let the head bob (Come on)
We should all come 2gether 2 the Newpower Soul (Come 2gether)
(Lemme see U get down)
Let the head bob
Get freaky, let the head bob (Come on, come on)
It'll make U feel much better (feel better) — come on, baby, let's go!
Newpower Soul

(We should all) {repeat sample}
Gemini rising on the 7th day
Makin' MAD SEX, UNTIL U'RE IN MY ARMS, OK?
Cuz WHEN U LOVE SOMEBODY like that, it's cool
U gots no need 4 the SHOO-BED-OOH-bed-ooh
THE GOOD LIFE, yeah, we'll be livin'
PUSHIN' UP on every FREAK THIS SIDE of heaven
COME ON, come on, shake it, come on
U know I be's THE ONE with the FUNKY MUSIC, hon'
And I'm layin' phat claims 2 the booty
Phat claims 2 the Newpower booty
Keepin' the crowd movin', y'all, is my one and only duty, ooh wee!
With the NEWPOWER SOUL
Right on

We should all
We, we should all

Every while in the day 3 times my brother hit me on the one (Get freaky)
Abuse like that'll either make U funky or make U wanna buy a gun (We, we should all)
I'd much rather get my freak on and make U if I can
Newpower Soul lay claim 2 the booty — come on girl, let's jam!

Get freaky, let your head bob (Get freaky, let your head bob)
We should all come 2gether 2 the Newpower Soul (Come 2gether)
Come on, get your freak on
It'll make U feel much better — come on, baby, let's go!
(Lemme see U get down)
Oh!
Yeah, yeah, yeah
Come on horns, freak on
Yeah (We should all come 2gether)
Right on

Everybody's coming 2 the Newpower Soul
Let the head bob
Get freaky, let the head bob (Yeah)
(Lemme see U get down)
We should all come 2gether 2 the Newpower Soul (Come on)
(2 the Newpower Soul)
Let the head bob
Get freaky, let the head bob (Yeah, well come on)
(Lemme see U get down)
We should all come 2gether 2 the Newpower Soul (Come 2gether)
Right on

Lemme see U get down
Newpower Soul

© 1998 NPG Music Publishing — ASCAP



[Edited 3/9/10 16:02pm]

Tracks 1-4 of NPS were the s**t when I first heard it! This album inspired my own musical creativity back in the day! Still love it! Srew the critics, with the exception of "The Truth", it was the best album he put out that year.

This was the period where he released the many albums/types of projects he wanted to with WB a few years earlier.

"Prince/" - Crystal Ball
- The Truth
New Power Generation - New Power Soul
NPG Orchestra - Kamasutra

Side projects:
Chaka Khan - Come 2 My House
Graham Central Station - GCS 2000

That's quite a bit of music for 1997/98. I say 97 because CB started taking pre-orders around October 97.
[Edited 3/9/10 9:46am]

Idk why NEWPOWERSOUL is disliked so much. All the tracks are awesome except the title track. "Get freaky let ur head bop" is a little corny

dance4me3121 said:

That "Get freaky...let ur head bob" is from "Big Fun" on Exodus.

To me, NPS was a weak album compared to Exodus. Yeah, people say it's a P record, but technically it's a NPG album. The NPG albums were always more funky than a standard P album.
[Edited 3/9/10 9:55am]

The War.

experimental?

NouveauDance said:

I 4got about that being in this "era".

Track listing
"The Truth" – 3:34
"Don't Play Me" – 2:48
"Circle of Amour" – 4:43
"3rd Eye" – 4:53
"Dionne" – 3:13
"Man In a Uniform" – 3:07
"Animal Kingdom" – 4:01
"The Other Side of the Pillow" – 3:21
"Fascination" – 4:55
"One of Your Tears" – 3:27
"Comeback" – 1:59
"Welcome 2 the Dawn" (acoustic version) – 3:17




[Edited 3/12/10 10:21am]

errant said:

yeah, because this is really when he got into the online stuff, and releasing music outside of the conventional way

Released January 29, 1998

"The Plan" – 2:02
"Kamasutra" – 11:49
"At Last... The Lost Is Found" – 3:38
"The Ever Changing Light" – 3:00
"Cutz" – 3:03
"Serotonin" – 0:46
"Promise/Broken" – 3:45
"Barcelona" – 2:17
"Kamasutra/Overture #8" – 3:13
"Coincidence or Fate?" – 3:22
"Kamasutra/Eternal Embrace" – 4:02


[Edited 3/15/10 7:36am]

I always wonder about this song, when was it actually written. That's a very Purple Rainish or mid 80's era term.
the writting for the Truth is very good remin of certain 80's work


Welcome 2 The Dawn

When the things U know are right are far from what they seem
When the past becomes future and time becomes a dream
When the light of God is the only thing in life that will redeem

Welcome, welcome 2 the dawn
Welcome 2 the dawn
Well, yeah… ha!

When the voice U hear commands U 2 entertain the absurd
And when U do the action unlocks the apocalypse, oh, that U've heard of
When the day lies before U seems the darkest in a word

Welcome, welcome 2 the dawn (Oh yes)
Welcome 2 the dawn

Every piece a puzzle and every name a clue (K A R M A {x4})
Every choice U make is karma so be careful what U do

(Welcome)
Welcome, welcome 2 the dawn
Welcome 2 the dawn

Thank U


[Edited 3/9/10 11:27am]

OldFriends4Sale said:

well that was the intention. didn't really work out that way, though. all that stuff, barring Kamasutra, ended up being released in pretty conventional ways for the time. major-label distribution, retail chain availability, etc.

citypages.com
WEB: love4oneanother.com

James Cook
Published on August 06, 1997
http://www.love4oneanother.com

Love4oneanother.com represents another of The Artist's efforts to transcend stardom in favor of becoming a movement. The intent of the site is to promote Love 4 One Another, a charity established by The Artist to advance "the beginning of a webwide effort 2 change the vibration of the world..." Changing the vibration of the world includes founding a hospital and a school with proceeds from sales of Emancipation and concerts that took place between late 1996 and early 1997. It also seems 2 involve nothing less than an open rebellion against standard lettering and spelling.

In the spirit of emancipation and independence, a free copy of the acoustic album The Truth "will b given 2 all who help conduct the New Power Generation's 'Xperiment in Truth.'" Visitors can also sample tracks from the forthcoming Crystal Ball CD. I was particularly impressed by the track titled "Calhoun Square," a funk tune that rivals the old-school days of the Revolution and creations like "She's Always In My Hair."

Ultimately, love4oneanother.com sheds dim light on the mysterious nature of an artist--make that The Artist--who here has transmuted the art of groove into the art of giving. While the motive behind Love 4 One Another is ostensibly altruistic, the complete rationale remains unclear. Then again, spreading random acts of kindness makes about as much sense as changing one's name to a symbol. (James Cook)
[Edited 3/9/10 11:41am]

OldFriends4Sale said:

bullshit.

"Collective," anyone? "Cease & Desist," anyone?

errant said:

yep experimental
those who were members of the site got them thru mail, it seemed to have been hell, just 2 find out it was going 2 be released in stores.

But he tried.

So Love4oneanother is the site he had before NPGMUSICCLUB,were songs were available to download on the love4oneanother site? or were there none ?

dance4me3121 said:

There were snippets. Plus, "One Song" was posted there. His site before that, TheDawn.com, had some full songs (in full Real-Audio glory!)

billymeade said:

Don't forget about npgonlineltd.com

billymeade said:

which songs and snippets?

dance4me3121 said:

"Still The One" was one of them (remake of Shania Twain song with Marva King). I don't remember the others. You might want to search on wiki.

One song was posted as the site went down. It wasn't really a snippet.

April 24, 1998 . Aragon Ballroom, Chicago











[Edited 3/9/10 18:14pm]

dance4me3121 said:

That I can remember it was

Samples:
Car Wash (live with Rosie Gaines)
Larry's Solo (live)
I Could Never Take The Place Of Your Man (Live)
Sadomasochistic Groove (Demo)
Funk Radio
Jam Of The Year Remix

Full Songs:
One Song (video)
Still The One (Live Shania Twain cover with Marva King)
The War

This was all on the Love4oneanother site

September 6 ,1998
Marbella, Spain
Press Conference

U like that?
We can do this all night

I know U got a young man
U don't care about me
He's darker than quicksand
He's taller than a tree
What U need is some real lovin'
Instead of these young-ass fools
I got the butter 4 your muffin
Just need the keys 2 the room

CHORUS:
Come on, baby (Shake it now)
Come on shake it now (Come on, baby)
Come on, baby (Shake it now)
Come on shake it now (Come on, baby)
Come on, baby (Shake it now)
Come on shake it now (Come on, baby)
Come on, baby (Shake it now)
Come on shake it now

We could freeze in London
U could hear me sing (Hear me sing)
And if U wanna make love then (Come on)
U got 2 wear my ring (Put it on, put it on)
Cuz I don't want no mistress (Talk 2 her)
I'd much rather be bound (Totally open)
Let's find a preacher
So we can get down, down, down

CHORUS

Come on
Ha, ha — U and your girlfriend
Y'all 2 of a kind
Just runnin' these knuckleheads
3 and 4 at a time
Both of U's want babies
But U still actin' wild
The first rule in makin' one
U can't be no child

Instead of hittin' that remy (Hittin' that remy)
Why don't y'all hit the door? (Hit the door)
I'll book us on the red eye
And we'll be good 2 go (Good 2 go)
And if every life has got a reason
U can be mine
Perfume in the bath, darlin'
Champagne while we dine

Come on, baby (Shake it now)
Come on shake it now (Come on, baby)
Come on, baby (Shake it now)
Come on shake it now (Come on, baby)
Come on, baby (Shake it now)
Come on shake it now (Come on)
Come on, baby (Shake it, shake it, baby)
Come on shake it now

Come on (Come on, baby)
Yeah (Come on, baby)

20 days in London
And U ain't gimme no love
Could it be another brotha man
That U're thinking of?
Or could it be your girlfriend
Who never ever been straight
When I ask U — "Are U hungry?" (Hungry)
U say U already ate (Ooh)

U can play me if U wanna
But U better let me know (Let me know, baby)
I don't need 2 play the good licks
If there ain't gonna be no show
I'm better off sleepin' with my guitar
If U ain't gonna sing
Strapped 2 the body
Makin' love 2 the strings

(Yeah, baby)
Come on, baby — come on shake it now {x4}

(Gimme, gimme good love)
Instead of talkin' about babies (Come on)
If we ain't gonna make love
U can't do nothing 4 me, 4 me
(Come on, gimme, gimme good love)
Can't do nothing 4 me, baby (Come on)

Come on, baby — come on shake it now {x3}
Come on, baby
I got the butter 4 your muffin

© 1998 NPG Music Publishing — ASCAP


[Edited 3/13/10 16:20pm]

OldFriends4Sale said:

I love these lyrics.....love the CD...love the Video....missed out on seeing him do it live by seconds....man i was pissed i didn't get tickets for the london shows...

chopingard said: