KCOOLMUZIQ said:

JoeTyler said:

Let's face it; Prince's first album after the farewell of The Revolution, SOTT, was not a big hit; Lovesexy was a failure; Batman was a huge hit because of the movie (like it or not), GB was , if I'm not mistaken, not very successful and D&P was a hit because of the singles (nobody truly cared about the NPG anyway). Love Symbol's sales were a "disappointment", and ughh, everything after that sucked in terms of sales (Emancipation being the exception, mainly because of the "false" platinum disc affair)

Musicology and 3121 were successful, but could have been bigger (despite 3121 being a Nº1 album) and PE and LF/MPLS have both flopped.

So, let's face it folks: Prince needs the Revolution if he wants to be as successful as he was during the mid-80s.

It seems that Prince, like some other solo artists that started or achieved fame with a band (Sting, Springsteen, etc.) is still remembered, by the mainstream masses, as that guy of the Purple Rain movie who had that cool band called The Revolution.

In my case, I don't give a damn if Prince resurrects the Revolution (it won't happen, anyway), but I'm sure that the comeback would be HUGE.

Thoughts?

Seems like U don't know what a successful album is. SOTT had three top ten hits.Prince has released over 30 albums in his long career. U expect each one of them to sell over 6 million. U got to be kidding me. No artist can release that many albums in that short period and each one is a mega seller.

I am so sick of people saying The Revolution needs to be back for Prince to sell or be relevant again. Prince wrote and produced all his songs. Revolution or not. Times change. No artist sells like they use to.

No artist sells like they use to - Madonna does. She is consisten, relevant and sells millions on each release.

Spinzilla said:

I think an anniversary tour of Purple Rain with the Revolution would make shit loads of money. But I don't think he needs them to be star again, but it would probably help.

I actually believe for him to be huge again the Revolution could cause him to shine large then he is.

2010 how much more new things can most artists do, for Prince to grab that group, talk with the Time, gather Sheila Jill JOnes & the Family, could just really stir things up again

I mean it's his image he created sound etc etc recycle it reinvent it,

cinnamongal said:

JoeTyler said:

Let's face it; Prince's first album after the farewell of The Revolution, SOTT, was not a big hit; Lovesexy was a failure; Batman was a huge hit because of the movie (like it or not), GB was , if I'm not mistaken, not very successful and D&P was a hit because of the singles (nobody truly cared about the NPG anyway). Love Symbol's sales were a "disappointment", and ughh, everything after that sucked in terms of sales (Emancipation being the exception, mainly because of the "false" platinum disc affair)

Musicology and 3121 were successful, but could have been bigger (despite 3121 being a Nº1 album) and PE and LF/MPLS have both flopped.

So, let's face it folks: Prince needs the Revolution if he wants to be as successful as he was during the mid-80s.

It seems that Prince, like some other solo artists that started or achieved fame with a band (Sting, Springsteen, etc.) is still remembered, by the mainstream masses, as that guy of the Purple Rain movie who had that cool band called The Revolution.

In my case, I don't give a damn if Prince resurrects the Revolution (it won't happen, anyway), but I'm sure that the comeback would be HUGE.

Thoughts?

I'm a bit 2-sided with regards to the aove. 50% of me thinks "yes he needs The Revolution", 50% of me thinks that we wouldn't have known them if it wasn't for prince. so in a way i think they all need each other... i don't know, i really don't know.

your right, it's both ways

Bobby said when he started drumming with Prince that this was someone he would dedicate his career 2, Wendy said when asked about being a lead, she said 'this is my place'

This band knew that they belonged to Prince, they were moons that reflected his shine

babynoz said:

2elijah said:

OldFriends4Sale said:

2elijah said:

TheScouser said:

I don't think prince can ever reach the status he was at in the mid 80s, no matter what he does. The fact of the matter is, the younger generation dictates who is cool & who isn't... & a 51 year old simply can't be cool. He's of their parents generation & everyone knows that it's pretty uncool to like what your parents like no matter how good their taste might be! Very few people have ever maintained their peak level of popularity over the years & for most it's simply unachievable. It's a miricle 3121 was a number 1 album! People like Hendrix, John Lennon etc only remain as popular as they are because they died before their time & will always have that "what if" aspect to them that keep people interested. Then there's people like MJ who went from that cute child star who young kids could relate to & the older generations found adorable, then to the trendy edgy guy who the teenagers could relate to & then to the "king of pop, those where the days" who the older generations could relate to. Then there's madonna... god knows how she's still as popular as she is despite the fact that most people I know can't stand the woman! Besides, even though I'd love for Prince to do a new album with the revolution, I think it might have that cheesy comeback approach that would look desperate and insincere to most people & would ultimatley do more harm than good when it comes to his public image... I think Prince's recent music is great, I listen to it just as much as the old stuff, he's still selling out arenas, still getting spots on popular talk shows, still getting on the high end of the charts & selling a suprising amount of records considering he's doing everything pretty much independantley... overall I think he's doing pretty damn good, revolution or not!

I agree with the first line, in your post, but I also think some people have it all backwards; the thing is, all the Revolution members are still alive, and if they are so missed and so great as a band that used to perform with Prince, then why don't they get together under another name, without Prince, and let's see how greatly missed they really were and fantastic as a band, without Prince. There's nothing stopping them from performing together as a newly-formed group. Thing is, the Revolution will never be the same "without Prince" so really, I think some fans need to remember that Prince survived without them, and continues to be respected by many artists from his generation and the younger ones. He's already got together with Wendy and Lisa in the past. He doesn't have to make hit records anymore, he's done that already and achieved success. Now it seems he just enjoys playing and performing when he chooses, with various musicians. He has nothing to prove anymore, because he's already prove he's good at what he does. Nothing stopping the former Revolution band members from getting together and playing music they like, but they can't sit around waiting for Prince to bring back the "80s fame" they once had with him., and I doubt they're sitting around waiting for him.. Some fans just want a void filled they'll never get back. Even if he did an so-called anniversay with the former revolution band members, it will just be for the moment, and then what? Prince fans will continue begging down the road for the 80s Prince to fill a void in their lives, which they need to find a way to fill themselves. Life goes on and changes, so do artists and their music.

[Edited 5/31/10 17:25pm]

Well even various member of the Revolution said without Prince it would be/wouldn't work.

the Revolution the noituloveR and the SOTT band were the only true bands that 'reflected Prince' his vision and image and were sold out 4 Prince, the Revolution more that the SOTT band because Levi was a last min add on when BrownMark decided to leave, Boni always had intentions of doing her own thing. I believe she was signed on with Sheila 4 1 album. Mico is my boy and definately a Purple soldier since 1983 but never had the presence Wendy or Dez had much less the connection and influence.

Even if they were to do a "together one more time" performance/tour,, it is only natural that it would make money, because fans from the 80s, would come out of the woodwork to see them together one last time, to relive their memories. It still will not bring back what was. You will also get new fans who will listen to the 80s material (songs/vids), to get to know more about the Prince of the 80s, and start requesting, just like you see here on this forum from time to time from younger/new fans, wishing they could get a chance to see the Prince of the 2010, be the Prince of the 80s. Then you have fans who wishes he stops playing 80s material, and play new music, vs some older/seasoned fans requesting he perform/sing like he did in the 80s. It's a cycle that will never quit among Prince fans.

It was because of the movie "Purple Rain" that people will always associate Prince with those particular Revolution band members, and that is why they are remembered more than the other band members. Of course the band members that were in the "Sign of the Times" movie may not be remembered/associated with Prince, by younger/new fans, because SOTT was not released internationally like PR was. (Please feel free to correct me on the latter if I'm wrong)..

It was a different era then, with a different feel. Memories will always live on, but you can't keep trying to make the past come back to fill a void that can only be filled with "memories". You're not going to get Prince doing splits, and making sexual moves across the stage like he did back then. In previous performances, he always mix some songs of the 80s/90s, and he changes the way some were sung back then, but that will never be enough for Prince fans. Lets's face it, many Prince fans will always ask for more, and more will never be enough for them.

The problem is not Prince, it's many of his fans who can't seem to move on and embrace the Prince of today, while appreciating what he did during the 80s/90s were for those eras. Life changes and moves on just like music. Fans can always go back in their catalogue of music, play the songs and videos of the 80s and relive and fill that void they're so badly missing. Just my two cents.

I have to agree with 2elijah's sentiments on this for the most part.

I absolutely do not believe that the Revolution/ SOTT band were the only true reflection of Prince's vision/image.

Prince always has been and always will be multi-faceted and his vision and image will evolve accordingly. The fact that an individual may identify more with one era over another is purely subjective IMO.

I've been around since '82 and while I appreciate what the Revolution brought to the table as a band and as individuals, I never became attached to any of them as personalities, so when Prince was ready to move on from that particular shade of purple, I was ready too.

Prince's versatility and his ability to change direction is one of the things I like most about him because I like variety. For me there was some material from the so- called "golden era of the 80s" that I thought was whack and by the same token there is more recent material that I love to death.

Furthermore, to address the original question, Prince being an established star transcends any of his various bands. His mainstream exposure or lack thereof has more to do with his unwillingness to play nice with the suits than the quality of his work.

A lot of people get attached to one or two eras, which is fine, but by now it should be evident that Prince's art and mode of expression is in constant flux and won't be bound by our individual tastes or expectations.

In other words, I do not miss the Revolution or any other former associates for that matter.

the problem is that after Lovesexy his 'vision' became blurry, most people didn't know what he was about anymore including fans, so yeah some bands may have reflected that 'blurry' vision, but it didn't cause Prince to shine.

skywalker said:

The question being asked in this thread is based on the incorrect assumption is that Purple Rain was successful because of The Revolution.

Fact is, Purple Rain was pretty much just a Prince album and it wasn't until Around The World in a Day and Parade that The Revolution (mostly Wendy and Lisa) really added anything to the mix. Those albums saw a dip in Prince's popularity/sales when compared with Purple Rain.

The Revolution is probably Prince's most famous backing band, but they are still just that...his backing band. They were there at the absolute stratosphere of Prince's fame, but they were not the cause. It is erroneous to compare The Revolution to The Police or The E Street Band because they never were to Prince (or the general public) what The Police is to Sting or The E Street Band is to Bruce. Read the linear notes. Purple Rain is popular because of Prince. It was his moment and he shared it with his friends.

Lastly, Prince is still a superstar recognized worldwide and has been since 1984. Can you say the same of any member of The Revolution? I love me some Girl Bros, but you don't see them in the Rock N Roll hall of fame...

That's not true Skywalker, 1st off the fact that most of the album is live means it's a Prince & the Revolution album.

a lot of that music was mostly created with Wendy & Lisa, but in an radio interview Lisa talked about the process of creating the album, how they would lock up in a studio or warehouse and write and contribute and bounce ideas off each other. S

Purple Rain was a success because Prince had the right people in his camp at the time to make it happen. and the quadruple threat of the album, the protege music, the movie and the tour

It could have been bigger if V6 was in place, because he would have put more into the album, the Time album/the Time would have been bigger, if he would have let Morris have some say, and not fire JJ & Terry Lewis.

Bobby Z

BrownMark

Wendy Melvoin

Dr Matt Fink

Lisa Coleman

OldFriends4Sale said:

which albums went platinum beyond SOTT?

Yeah there was no way SOTT was a failure, the only failure is that it could have been bigger if Prince listened 2 WB and promoted it more

FUCK if I can't type on this new version of the site without it deleting.

Lovesexy, D&P, , Batman, Emancipation, Musicology, The Very Best of Prince, The Hits 1, The Hits 2, The Hits/The B-Sides. Parade was platinum as well.

sugartuff said:

I think Prince needs Wendy (with or without Lisa).

Yeah, call me crazy but I just feel he needs to be around Wendy.

I always felt like a 'hidden' chemistry between them both?!

Yeah, for some strange reason I just feel that he needs Wendy.

I can't explain why.

Don't even know if it's an idea worth talking bout, but.. I just feel it

I hear you, it's because out of all of them even over Sheila, Prince's endearment 4 Wendy allowed her to be able to say and do this with Prince that others didn't

Prince said in his ATWIAD interview that "Wendy just make him all right in everyones eyes" something to that affect.

He refered to her as his best friend at the 2007 Target Center show and I think 4 Prince that means a lot. I also think it's his JW connection that is not allowing him to continue to work with her & Lisa, that is the only thing to can be the cause,

He was communicating and 'hanging out' with them more and more starting in 2004 there were more performances with him that the Tavis Smily Brit Awards and Minneapolis shows, A friend of mine during those 2004-2006 was at a show were Wendy & Susannah were on stage with him during A Love Bizarre and a few more shows

That's not true Skywalker, 1st off the fact that most of the album is live means it's a Prince & the Revolution album.

Most of the album is live? The last 3 songs are culled from live performances...however...there is MUCH overdubbing done by Prince afterwards...to the point where none of the songs can be called "live".

Furthermore, NONE of the members in the band got songwriting credit except for on Computer Blue.

All I am saying is this: The Revolution's contribution to Purple Rain has been heavily overstated for a long time. If not for their prominence in the film Purple Rain, there would not be this illusion that they did more for the album than they did.

Again, it wasn't until afterwards that Wendy and Lisa really added to the mix in a impactful way.

The Revolution didn't contribute to the success/popularity of Purple Rain much more than they did the previous albums.

Bottom line: The original post wants to credit The Revolution soley for Prince's most popular/commercially successful year. In reality, it was a mix of right time and right place. People like Albert Magnoli, Morris Day, and Apollonia are just as (if not more) responsible for adding to the Purple Rain era.

The original post makes it seems like the Revolution is to Prince what The Rolling Stones are to Mick Jagger, or U2 is to Bono, or The Police are to Sting.

In reality, Prince utilizes his bands much more in the style/manner that James Brown utilized his bands. In fact, with Prince it is even less so, because he doesn't use them in the studio all of the time. The Revolution just happens to be Prince's most famous backing band...because of the movie's success.

skywalker said:

That's not true Skywalker, 1st off the fact that most of the album is live means it's a Prince & the Revolution album.

Most of the album is live? The last 3 songs are culled from live performances...however...there is MUCH overdubbing done by Prince afterwards...to the point where none of the songs can be called "live".

Furthermore, NONE of the members in the band got songwriting credit except for on Computer Blue.

All I am saying is this: The Revolution's contribution to Purple Rain has been heavily overstated for a long time. If not for their prominence in the film Purple Rain, there would not be this illusion that they did more for the album than they did.

Again, it wasn't until afterwards that Wendy and Lisa really added to the mix in a impactful way.

The Revolution didn't contribute to the success/popularity of Purple Rain much more than they did the previous albums.

Bottom line: The original post wants to credit The Revolution soley for Prince's most popular/commercially successful year. In reality, it was a mix of right time and right place. People like Albert Magnoli, Morris Day, and Apollonia are just as (if not more) responsible for adding to the Purple Rain era.

The original post makes it seems like the Revolution is to Prince what The Rolling Stones are to Mick Jagger, or U2 is to Bono, or The Police are to Sting.

In reality, Prince utilizes his bands much more in the style/manner that James Brown utilized his bands. In fact, with Prince it is even less so, because he doesn't use them in the studio all of the time. The Revolution just happens to be Prince's most famous backing band...because of the movie's success.

Exactly.

Although, I have to admit that I would like to see Prince do another album/songs with the Revolution, the time for that has passed... As pointed out on this org, he has worked again on projects with past collaborators, including Wendy and Lisa. The wishing for a full album and tour is just a wistful yearning for the past...and that's exactly where it should stay--in the past. Prince has moved on and created some great music after this... Whether anyone considers more modern material good or bad is up to them...I just want to see him in live concert one more time...with whatever band he chooses to play with.

No. It would just be weird... the time has passed... 25+ years...

A bunch of 50+ year olds trying to relive their youth is just a sad sight...

They've moved on...

Simple answer: NO.

Why? No one else from the Revolution has had commercial success, and not even as close to Prince's solo success.

It would be great if him, W&L got together because they made great music and they STILL would, but commercial? No....ppl grow up, that's not important.

I think a reunion show is always possible while they are healthy and able, but more importantly, while the possibility of a huge stack of money placed on a table for the taking exists.

Plenty of major bands, even one's with major ego clashes, grudges and disagreements have come back and reunited for a tour. Its just a matter of how hungry Prince gets, figuratively and literally.

I have read former members are up for the idea and would love to participate someday. They were part of that purple heyday too, and it seems they would get a kick out of performing together sometime. They all seem pretty cool, and it doesn't seem to be just about the money, but about a love for the work they did together an performing together.

Its no doubt Prince gets caught up in himself so much he forgets there were others along for that ride, and are also proud of their moment in the band. As musicians, that's what they all lived for, not just Prince.

Might be a little off-topic, but I don't wanna open a new topic for this one question only:

Is there any video from the "A Celebration" thing from 2000? U know, where Brownmark,

Fink and Bobby came on stage to play the America jam? I read much bout it but never

saw any clip of that or sumthin'.

[Edited 6/2/10 3:14am]

OldFriends4Sale said:

babynoz said:

2elijah said:

OldFriends4Sale said:

2elijah said:

TheScouser said:

I don't think prince can ever reach the status he was at in the mid 80s, no matter what he does. The fact of the matter is, the younger generation dictates who is cool & who isn't... & a 51 year old simply can't be cool. He's of their parents generation & everyone knows that it's pretty uncool to like what your parents like no matter how good their taste might be! Very few people have ever maintained their peak level of popularity over the years & for most it's simply unachievable. It's a miricle 3121 was a number 1 album! People like Hendrix, John Lennon etc only remain as popular as they are because they died before their time & will always have that "what if" aspect to them that keep people interested. Then there's people like MJ who went from that cute child star who young kids could relate to & the older generations found adorable, then to the trendy edgy guy who the teenagers could relate to & then to the "king of pop, those where the days" who the older generations could relate to. Then there's madonna... god knows how she's still as popular as she is despite the fact that most people I know can't stand the woman! Besides, even though I'd love for Prince to do a new album with the revolution, I think it might have that cheesy comeback approach that would look desperate and insincere to most people & would ultimatley do more harm than good when it comes to his public image... I think Prince's recent music is great, I listen to it just as much as the old stuff, he's still selling out arenas, still getting spots on popular talk shows, still getting on the high end of the charts & selling a suprising amount of records considering he's doing everything pretty much independantley... overall I think he's doing pretty damn good, revolution or not!

I agree with the first line, in your post, but I also think some people have it all backwards; the thing is, all the Revolution members are still alive, and if they are so missed and so great as a band that used to perform with Prince, then why don't they get together under another name, without Prince, and let's see how greatly missed they really were and fantastic as a band, without Prince. There's nothing stopping them from performing together as a newly-formed group. Thing is, the Revolution will never be the same "without Prince" so really, I think some fans need to remember that Prince survived without them, and continues to be respected by many artists from his generation and the younger ones. He's already got together with Wendy and Lisa in the past. He doesn't have to make hit records anymore, he's done that already and achieved success. Now it seems he just enjoys playing and performing when he chooses, with various musicians. He has nothing to prove anymore, because he's already prove he's good at what he does. Nothing stopping the former Revolution band members from getting together and playing music they like, but they can't sit around waiting for Prince to bring back the "80s fame" they once had with him., and I doubt they're sitting around waiting for him.. Some fans just want a void filled they'll never get back. Even if he did an so-called anniversay with the former revolution band members, it will just be for the moment, and then what? Prince fans will continue begging down the road for the 80s Prince to fill a void in their lives, which they need to find a way to fill themselves. Life goes on and changes, so do artists and their music.

[Edited 5/31/10 17:25pm]

Well even various member of the Revolution said without Prince it would be/wouldn't work.

the Revolution the noituloveR and the SOTT band were the only true bands that 'reflected Prince' his vision and image and were sold out 4 Prince, the Revolution more that the SOTT band because Levi was a last min add on when BrownMark decided to leave, Boni always had intentions of doing her own thing. I believe she was signed on with Sheila 4 1 album. Mico is my boy and definately a Purple soldier since 1983 but never had the presence Wendy or Dez had much less the connection and influence.

Even if they were to do a "together one more time" performance/tour,, it is only natural that it would make money, because fans from the 80s, would come out of the woodwork to see them together one last time, to relive their memories. It still will not bring back what was. You will also get new fans who will listen to the 80s material (songs/vids), to get to know more about the Prince of the 80s, and start requesting, just like you see here on this forum from time to time from younger/new fans, wishing they could get a chance to see the Prince of the 2010, be the Prince of the 80s. Then you have fans who wishes he stops playing 80s material, and play new music, vs some older/seasoned fans requesting he perform/sing like he did in the 80s. It's a cycle that will never quit among Prince fans.

It was because of the movie "Purple Rain" that people will always associate Prince with those particular Revolution band members, and that is why they are remembered more than the other band members. Of course the band members that were in the "Sign of the Times" movie may not be remembered/associated with Prince, by younger/new fans, because SOTT was not released internationally like PR was. (Please feel free to correct me on the latter if I'm wrong)..

It was a different era then, with a different feel. Memories will always live on, but you can't keep trying to make the past come back to fill a void that can only be filled with "memories". You're not going to get Prince doing splits, and making sexual moves across the stage like he did back then. In previous performances, he always mix some songs of the 80s/90s, and he changes the way some were sung back then, but that will never be enough for Prince fans. Lets's face it, many Prince fans will always ask for more, and more will never be enough for them.

The problem is not Prince, it's many of his fans who can't seem to move on and embrace the Prince of today, while appreciating what he did during the 80s/90s were for those eras. Life changes and moves on just like music. Fans can always go back in their catalogue of music, play the songs and videos of the 80s and relive and fill that void they're so badly missing. Just my two cents.

I have to agree with 2elijah's sentiments on this for the most part.

I absolutely do not believe that the Revolution/ SOTT band were the only true reflection of Prince's vision/image.

Prince always has been and always will be multi-faceted and his vision and image will evolve accordingly. The fact that an individual may identify more with one era over another is purely subjective IMO.

I've been around since '82 and while I appreciate what the Revolution brought to the table as a band and as individuals, I never became attached to any of them as personalities, so when Prince was ready to move on from that particular shade of purple, I was ready too.

Prince's versatility and his ability to change direction is one of the things I like most about him because I like variety. For me there was some material from the so- called "golden era of the 80s" that I thought was whack and by the same token there is more recent material that I love to death.

Furthermore, to address the original question, Prince being an established star transcends any of his various bands. His mainstream exposure or lack thereof has more to do with his unwillingness to play nice with the suits than the quality of his work.

A lot of people get attached to one or two eras, which is fine, but by now it should be evident that Prince's art and mode of expression is in constant flux and won't be bound by our individual tastes or expectations.

In other words, I do not miss the Revolution or any other former associates for that matter.

the problem is that after Lovesexy his 'vision' became blurry, most people didn't know what he was about anymore including fans, so yeah some bands may have reflected that 'blurry' vision, but it didn't cause Prince to shine.

Damn, I wish we could still quote just one post in the tree,

Again, there are several ways one could see his change in direction/focus according to one's preference. A lot of Prince's unfocused wandering is very interesting and entertaining to me from an artistic perspective. By the same token, in any given era there is material that I'm not fond of...including some Revolution era stuff.

Some people relate moreso to a specific period and others like myself prefer a smogasbord. I'm totally okay with that. Where it gets blurry is when we try to express our simple preferences as indisputable facts, as the OP has attempted to do in this thread.

Another factor that cannot be discounted is that the Revolution era is a time when P had the full force of the industry machine behind his endeavors. That hasn't been the case for a very long time and it makes a huge difference regarding the amount of shine an artist recieves.

In addition, I tend to agree with Skywalker that people place way more emphasis on Prince's backing bands than is warranted. Remember that discussions like this one take place mostly amongst the dedicated fanbase, who takes the time to analyze the particulars in detail, while the average casual fan or member of the general public couldn't name any individual member of any of Prince's bands if their lives depended on it. And yet they still pack arenas to see Prince much the same way that I will always go to see Sade even though I couldn't name one of her band members off the top of my head.

In order for Prince to have that megastar shine as defined by the OP again, he'd have to do a few other things such as...

A) be about 20 years younger,

B) have a major label behind him,

C) be willing to put up the payola to corporate radio

D) be over-exposed in the print, tv and internet media

That is the formula in today's market regardless of artistic content...just ask Britney or Beyonce.

babynoz said:

In order for Prince to have that megastar shine as defined by the OP again, he'd have to do a few other things such as...

A) be about 20 years younger,

B) have a major label behind him,

C) be willing to put up the payola to corporate radio

D) be over-exposed in the print, tv and internet media

That was basically his 1991's D&P commercial strategy , minus the Internet of course

JoeTyler said:

KCOOLMUZIQ said:

I am so sick of people saying The Revolution needs to be back for Prince to sell or be relevant again. Prince wrote and produced all his songs. Revolution or not. Times change. No artist sells like they use to.

Just one word: MADONNA

Exactly - one word

When it comes to selling herself - there is really no one better - that's her genius.

In marketing terms Prince has commited Hari Kari so many times, the amazing thing is that he has any career at all - that's his genius.

JBK said:

He just need a record deal and be back on Radio again.

No record deal can put a 52 year old guy who started out 32 years ago back on radio. I never get why some people still expect Prince to be a STAR again, and why would it be better? He still performs live and keeps releasing albums like every other year, he's not Christina Aguilera whose career depends on being a STAR.

Oh and people have absolutely no clue about the Revolution these days. Madonna namechecks Wendy in "She's Not Me" but not even some interviewers got what was that about, let alone listeners.

Madonna does not sell either like she used to, neither U2, nobody does. They are indeed the oldest acts who sell at least somewhat, but they are snubbed from radio too and their CD sales don't even reach 90s "flops" like Erotica or Pop.

LiveToTell86 said:

JBK said:

He just need a record deal and be back on Radio again.

No record deal can put a 52 year old guy who started out 32 years ago back on radio. I never get why some people still expect Prince to be a STAR again, and why would it be better? He still performs live and keeps releasing albums like every other year, he's not Christina Aguilera whose career depends on being a STAR.

Oh and people have absolutely no clue about the Revolution these days. Madonna namechecks Wendy in "She's Not Me" but not even some interviewers got what was that about, let alone listeners.

Madonna does not sell either like she used to, neither U2, nobody does. They are indeed the oldest acts who sell at least somewhat, but they are snubbed from radio too and their CD sales don't even reach 90s "flops" like Erotica or Pop.

Madonna she doesn't sell no one does because you can get all of their music free online ..

2elijah said:

The problem is not Prince, it's many of his fans who can't seem to move on and embrace the Prince of today, while appreciating what he did during the 80s/90s were for those eras. Life changes and moves on just like music. Fans can always go back in their catalogue of music, play the songs and videos of the 80s and relive and fill that void they're so badly missing. Just my two cents.

That's because the Prince of today is garbage.

Does he need the Revolution? No. But he needs Wendy, Lisa and Sheila.

The way I look at it, SOTT was great because it was leftover stuff from the Revolution period. He recorded the Black Album which was awesome, but then did Lovesexy which was also awesome, but no one can honestly say that when they first heard the Lovesexy album they didnt go "Huh?" It grew on us and rightfully so. Batman? It didnt suck (well, Batdance was embarassing), but again...it had to grow on us. Then came Graffiti Bridge which in my opinion sucked other than, once again, the leftover Revolution era stuff (Joy in Repetition, Can't Stop This Feelin..., We Can Funk).

Those of you who praise the 90s Prince really confuse me. To each his own I guess, but when hip hop entered Prince's world, it was an absolute catastrophe. How you all praise the Gold Experience as one of his best albums is beyond me. GARBAGE! Dont get me wrong, there were still a few tracks here and there that were good throughout the 90s, but as I've said before, Prince went from having an album with say 10 tracks...8 would be killer and 2 so-so, to having those 10 track albums have maybe two good songs and 8 that were so so or crap. Something was missing, and I always thought it was Wendy and Lisa. They just fit him perfectly and took him to a different place. They may not have written every track and yeah, Prince was the star, but he seemed so much happier and it showed in the music. NO ONE was even close to Prince during this Revolution era. Ever since, he's been somewhat of a joke. And while I do admit that I dig the live band with Michael B, Sonny T, the original NPG, there was still something missing.

The 21st century Prince is better than the 90s Prince, but barely. 3121 was the best he had done in ages, and it was still lacking. A long time ago someone posted about Prince's lyrics being "cheesier than the Jonas Brothers" and they were right on. Using ProTools to make hip hop beats combined with the so called hip lingo of today dont work either. Prince doesnt want to be a star anymore? BULLSHIT. Why else would he be going so far out of his way to make music that sounds like the crap on the radio today? He was at his best when he had HIS OWN SOUND, often imitated but never duplicated. And that sound was at its best when he had Wendy and Lisa to bounce off of.

I know there are a lot of generalizations here and there are orgers who will dispute my every word, but you all must be honest with yourselves...the Prince of today is a shell of his former self. I guarantee you that 90% of Prince fans, if they are honest, pine for the old days. Record sales dont matter, but quality does.

Also...anyone hear Katy Perry's new track with Snoop? Sounds just like the old Prince...and its on the radio NON STOP. Hmm....

Christopher said:

mmm yes the revolution's is so good

[img:$uid]http://www.gifsoup.com/view/342314/reeses-o.gif[/img:$uid]

Also, this thread sucks.

If Prince joined back up with the Revolution, I would be so sad! Why should anyone wish to move backward.... nothing is gained from sucking the tit of a comfort zone.

It would be a media sensation..... that would fizzle out quickly.

hollywooddove said:

If Prince joined back up with the Revolution, I would be so sad! Why should anyone wish to move backward.... nothing is gained from sucking the tit of a comfort zone.

It would be a media sensation..... that would fizzle out quickly.

Well, band members have returned before, for one off performances, studio sessions, live band residencies etc, a whole line-up doesn't seem that much of a stretch.

As for comfort zone, what do you call doing hits shows?

The Twinz were just a re-run of of the D&P act, or having Sheila and Cat, or W&L at each side. Prince is mid-50s, and personally I think having 20 year old bits of fluff hanging off him looks worse than say, Lisa, Eric, Mark or Dez being on stage again. These people play and create music, and still do.

Honestly, I really don't think it would be that big of a deal. It would get some press buzz for sure, but it wouldn't rock the music world, and most people would just say "Who?!", people know who calls, and always has called, the shots: Prince.

NouveauDance said:

hollywooddove said:

If Prince joined back up with the Revolution, I would be so sad! Why should anyone wish to move backward.... nothing is gained from sucking the tit of a comfort zone.

It would be a media sensation..... that would fizzle out quickly.

Well, band members have returned before, for one off performances, studio sessions, live band residencies etc, a whole line-up doesn't seem that much of a stretch.

As for comfort zone, what do you call doing hits shows?

The Twinz were just a re-run of of the D&P act, or having Sheila and Cat, or W&L at each side. Prince is mid-50s, and personally I think having 20 year old bits of fluff hanging off him looks worse than say, Lisa, Eric, Mark or Dez being on stage again. These people play and create music, and still do.

Honestly, I really don't think it would be that big of a deal. It would get some press buzz for sure, but it wouldn't rock the music world, and most people would just say "Who?!", people know who calls, and always has called, the shots: Prince.

Well, when I speak of a sensation, I am speaking not of the world, but only to those who are listening to Prince now, because I think that would be the nucleus of any impact on bringing back the Rev.

I never really saw or paid attention to the D&P act, I never really liked that song or that album, so I have to plead ignorant on that one.

As far as the hits shows.... those make me sad as well. I do not like the idea of it. I would be completely pissed to go to a Prince show and have a line up from 82-86 with only one new song.

I believe the Rev has done all they can do with Prince, that sound is over. I also say the same of the NPG. Prince needs to push forward, and that is some of the problems I had with Lotus, it seemed to reach back into a comfort zone that has long been beat to death.

If Prince wanted to make a commercial album he would. He could do all those things he needs to do...talk shows, radio appearances, interviews, etc. He has chosen to allow his music to speak for itself. HE doesn't need to be a star, he just wants to make music.

That's because the Prince of today is garbage.

Does he need the Revolution? No. But he needs Wendy, Lisa and Sheila.

Odd. Since 2004, Prince has (at various times) used/played with Sheila, Wendy and Lisa. Garbage?

skywalker said:

Odd. Since 2004, Prince has (at various times) used/played with Sheila, Wendy and Lisa. Garbage?

Well aware...it's his studio output that's been garbage for the most part.

StonedImmaculate said:

skywalker said:

Well aware...it's his studio output that's been garbage for the most part.

Since he split with Wendy and Lisa?

Personally..I don't think Prince needs the Revolution. That's like saying Michael Jackson needs the Jackson Five or Paul McCartney needs the Beatles. Not true..

How to settle this tho? I think a Prince and the Revolution reunion concert is in order. Then let the people decide if Prince really needs the Revolution....

[Edited 6/2/10 10:18am]