TheFreakerFantastic said:

Finished Inside The Music and The Masks by Ronin Ro:

An easy, interesting read but a few irritating inaccuracies (listed on the thread about the book). I didn't feel I really learnt anything new from it. The part I was most interested in (1999-2010) wasn't covered in much depth, it seemed almost as if he rushed this part to meet a deadline and there isn't really any analysis or insight as to what happened between him and Mayte or him and Mani.

The main fault is that it used all third party sources, I don't think the author even interviewed any of the protagonists himself, this is a major flaw for a biography.

I think Per Nilsen should get some of the royalties as he is quoted almost 50% of the time!!

You don't really get a sense of who Prince is 'inside the music or the masks', but what surprises me is the amount of people he fired and burnt his bridges with!

It does however, give quite a good insight into his innovative business practises post 2004 with concerts etc, as well as the poor business he did prior to that.

Although nicely written and accessible, in all, I would suggest you buy Alex Hahn's Possessed instead, this was better researched and hs much more analysis (although this only covers until 2003).

DMSR by Per Nilsen is great and the most detailed biog probably on this planet, (a bit too detailed I felt at times), the big flaw for me is that it only covers 1978-1988.

[Edited 11/23/11 2:46am]

UGH!!! I just don't know which book to pick But that book does sound like a great read! How many Prince books do you have?

^I have the above plus The Vault (Per Nilsen, but more of a diary than a biog but up to 2004), Liz Jones's Slave 2 The Rhythm....which is bitchy but has some good interviews.

Don't agree with some of her analysis though....but focuses more on Prince as a person rather than his music.

I would say buy Possessed by Alex Hahn to start, if that's not detailed enough get DMSR by Per Nilsen (This is very detailed so more for the die hards).

I am now going to read Chaos, Disorder and Revolution, Jason Draper....just ordered it, will let u know.

[Edited 11/24/11 5:44am]

TheFreakerFantastic said:

^I have the above plus The Vault (Per Nilsen, but more of a diary than a biog but up to 2004), Liz Jones's Slave 2 The Rhythm....which is bitchy but has some good interviews.

Don't agree with some of her analysis though....but focuses more on Prince as a person rather than his music.

I would say buy Possessed by Alex Hahn to start, if that's not detailed enough get DMSR by Per Nilsen (This is very detailed so more for the die hards).

I am now going to read Chaos, Disorder and Revolution, Jason Draper....just ordered it, will let u know.

[Edited 11/24/11 5:44am]

Thanks sooo much I'd love to have a book that's mostly about his life and a book about his music! Anything that comes to mind? I need to brush up more on my Prince facts

O0o0o please let me know how it turns out! I'm looking foward to it

Jason Drapers Life and Times is a great coffee table book with a great history of Prince as well. A big purple furry book...It's great

RuthCass said:

TheFreakerFantastic said:

^I have the above plus The Vault (Per Nilsen, but more of a diary than a biog but up to 2004), Liz Jones's Slave 2 The Rhythm....which is bitchy but has some good interviews.

Don't agree with some of her analysis though....but focuses more on Prince as a person rather than his music.

I would say buy Possessed by Alex Hahn to start, if that's not detailed enough get DMSR by Per Nilsen (This is very detailed so more for the die hards).

I am now going to read Chaos, Disorder and Revolution, Jason Draper....just ordered it, will let u know.

[Edited 11/24/11 5:44am]

Thanks sooo much I'd love to have a book that's mostly about his life and a book about his music! Anything that comes to mind? I need to brush up more on my Prince facts

O0o0o please let me know how it turns out! I'm looking foward to it

Javi said:

The Lyrics of Prince, by C. Liegh McInnis, is very interesting in that it's a thorough and thought-provoking analysis of Prince's lyrics, something that is often omitted in other books. All those who think that Prince's lyrics are only about party and sex should read this book.

Not that I agree with everything he says. Specially, I think sometimes he read too much in the lyrics and he is also obsessed with the issue of race, discussing it even when, in my opinion, there's no room to it.

But I recommend this book. It's also a good complement of the fact-oriented works by Per Nilsen, since it discusses Prince's cultural significance and offers an interpretative look on the man.

I read that book and totally agree with you on all points !!! there is another one by Perowne can't remember his first name - red cover pix of P that is also about the lyrics and a good read. One of the best books I have read recently is the Prince the making of a phenomenon - really serious dissection great read.

TheFreakerFantastic said:

Behind The Music and The Masks by Ronin Ro, seems to be the most recent biog and it seems to have OK reviews. I just bought it so will let you know once i've read it.....the advantage is it seems to cover the 2000s which other books don't as they were published years ago...

For detail....DMSR by Per Nilsen...but only covers til 1988.

The Vault is more of a reference than a biog - ie. its like a date based enclopedia that you dip into, good detail there.

Possessed by Alex Hahn is an easy read, pretty good.

Slave to the rhythm or Purple Reign (in the US) by Liz Jones is pretty gossipy but she interviews some key players such as Tyka and John L.Nelson, so its very readable it can also be a bit bitchy at times...

Dez Dickerson 'My Time With Prince' is very good and is not bitter or negative..in fact pretty respectful...

Avoid 'A Thief in the Temple' by Brian Morton...very inaccurate and seems to have been rushed.

[Edited 11/19/11 5:00am]

Just read the Ronin Ro one - its ok only a few bits I didn't already know, but quotes a lot from other books already listed and seems to lose interest at the end Vegas and the O2 hardly get a mention, bit disappointing.

Also the book Prince in the Studio part One - from 1983 -1994 by Jake Brown - really good book but mostly for the musicians who like to know what he was like in the studio what equipment he used and set up etc with some anecdotes - Susan Rogers - studio tech quoted a lot - interesting though and can't wait for part II.

If you want to understand many of Prince's songs, I recommend the New Testament.

Seriously. There are Prince songs that contain almost entire passages. For instance, "7" is taken almost completely from Revelations.

SEXUALCHOCOLATE said:

Jason Drapers Life and Times is a great coffee table book with a great history of Prince as well. A big purple furry book...It's great

RuthCass said:

Thanks sooo much I'd love to have a book that's mostly about his life and a book about his music! Anything that comes to mind? I need to brush up more on my Prince facts

O0o0o please let me know how it turns out! I'm looking foward to it

What information is on that book?

Strange that nobody´s mentioned this classic book here from the late 80s...Prince-A Pop Life by British author Dave Hill. It is a very enjoyable read, a bit dated maybe but still a must-have, and as far as I recall even Prince liked it back then. There was this rumor that Mr. Hill received a Christmas card from Prince but I don´t know it that is true.

It reads more like a long, big essay on Prince rather than a facts based book like the Per Nielsen ones, and it lacks the critical (or gossipy) nature of Alex Hahn´s book but it is, after all these years, still one of my favorite Prince books. It´s out of print but you can still find a copy on Ebay.

[img:$uid]http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41pNKmV1RcL._SL500_AA300_.jpg[/img:$uid]

[img:$uid]http://www.faber.co.uk/site-media/onix-images/Hill_Prince.jpg[/img:$uid]

Jon Bream´s Inside The Purple Reign is another out of print must-have, Prince bought the rights to it and it is a bit hard to find but Bream, as a local insider who´s been there since day one, covers the early 80s pretty well.

KoolEaze said:

Strange that nobody´s mentioned this classic book here from the late 80s...Prince-A Pop Life by British author Dave Hill. It is a very enjoyable read, a bit dated maybe but still a must-have, and as far as I recall even Prince liked it back then. There was this rumor that Mr. Hill received a Christmas card from Prince but I don´t know it that is true.

It reads more like a long, big essay on Prince rather than a facts based book like the Per Nielsen ones, and it lacks the critical (or gossipy) nature of Alex Hahn´s book but it is, after all these years, still one of my favorite Prince books. It´s out of print but you can still find a copy on Ebay.

[img:$uid]http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41pNKmV1RcL._SL500_AA300_.jpg[/img:$uid]

[img:$uid]http://www.faber.co.uk/site-media/onix-images/Hill_Prince.jpg[/img:$uid]

Jon Bream´s Inside The Purple Reign is another out of print must-have, Prince bought the rights to it and it is a bit hard to find but Bream, as a local insider who´s been there since day one, covers the early 80s pretty well.

It was actually mentioned in post 27.

I'm currently reading this one myself.

robertgeorgeakabob said:

"a pop life" by dave hill was the first book about prince i read, still think it's one of the best. covers his chidhood to lovesexy.

Co-sign. I hadn´t seen your post.

Nasalhair said:

KoolEaze said:

Strange that nobody´s mentioned this classic book here

It was actually mentioned in post 27.

I'm currently reading this one myself.

Never heard of that one before....is it any good? Is there anything in it that hasn´t been covered by the more recent books, such as Possessed and the others?

I´ve read an Amazon review and someone says that it kind of continues from where Per Nielsen´s "Documentary" stopped but I find that a bit hard to believe. If it was THAT good it surely would be more wellknown around here, wouldn´t it?

So how do you like it so far?

[Edited 12/17/11 6:17am]

KoolEaze said:

Strange that nobody´s mentioned this classic book here from the late 80s...Prince-A Pop Life by British author Dave Hill. It is a very enjoyable read, a bit dated maybe but still a must-have, and as far as I recall even Prince liked it back then. There was this rumor that Mr. Hill received a Christmas card from Prince but I don´t know it that is true.

It reads more like a long, big essay on Prince rather than a facts based book like the Per Nielsen ones, and it lacks the critical (or gossipy) nature of Alex Hahn´s book but it is, after all these years, still one of my favorite Prince books. It´s out of print but you can still find a copy on Ebay.

[img:$uid]http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41pNKmV1RcL._SL500_AA300_.jpg[/img:$uid]

[img:$uid]http://www.faber.co.uk/site-media/onix-images/Hill_Prince.jpg[/img:$uid]

Jon Bream´s Inside The Purple Reign is another out of print must-have, Prince bought the rights to it and it is a bit hard to find but Bream, as a local insider who´s been there since day one, covers the early 80s pretty well.

0o0o0o0 you got my attention I wonder why Prince bought the rights to Inside The Purple Reign...

I liked Draper's book. No not groundbreaking, but not gossipy either. To give it credit, it tried to source every supposed factoid and allegation and event. (alot from the Vault, FYI) A decent 101 course on the subject. Its worth getting mostly for highlighting Prince's not-as-celebrated innovations in the 1990s/00s, and does cover him up to 20Ten.

I agree on The Vault as a must if you need a must-have book on the topic, but you can't go wrong with Draper's book.

LittleNicci said:

Javi said:

The Lyrics of Prince, by C. Liegh McInnis, is very interesting in that it's a thorough and thought-provoking analysis of Prince's lyrics, something that is often omitted in other books. All those who think that Prince's lyrics are only about party and sex should read this book.

Not that I agree with everything he says. Specially, I think sometimes he read too much in the lyrics and he is also obsessed with the issue of race, discussing it even when, in my opinion, there's no room to it.

But I recommend this book. It's also a good complement of the fact-oriented works by Per Nilsen, since it discusses Prince's cultural significance and offers an interpretative look on the man.

I read that book and totally agree with you on all points !!! there is another one by Perowne can't remember his first name - red cover pix of P that is also about the lyrics and a good read. One of the best books I have read recently is the Prince the making of a phenomenon - really serious dissection great read.

If you remember the title of the book by Perowne you mention, please tell me.

Prince: the making of a phenomenon seems to be a very interesting read, but for the moment I've stopped reading Prince books! When I read something about the Purple one again, that'll be my chosen one.

Slave To The Rhythm, is a good read. An English journalist, starting with meeting Prince in his Emacipation press conferance, release. Very diverse, and interesting

Sam 8)

sambluedolphin said:

Slave To The Rhythm, is a good read. An English journalist, starting with meeting Prince in his Emacipation press conferance, release. Very diverse, and interesting

Sam 8)

Liz Jones? Most of that book was stolen from other sources without giving proper credit.

KoolEaze said:

sambluedolphin said:

Slave To The Rhythm, is a good read. An English journalist, starting with meeting Prince in his Emacipation press conferance, release. Very diverse, and interesting

Sam 8)

Liz Jones? Most of that book was stolen from other sources without giving proper credit.

yes right, puity about that. But still sensational and good read. lol bibograpy!

Sam 8)

Cool Im going to see if any of these are in my university library. If not I'm gonna track all of them down on ebay. Or add them to my christmas list last minute

KoolEaze said:

Nasalhair said:

It was actually mentioned in post 27.

I'm currently reading this one myself.

Never heard of that one before....is it any good? Is there anything in it that hasn´t been covered by the more recent books, such as Possessed and the others?

I´ve read an Amazon review and someone says that it kind of continues from where Per Nielsen´s "Documentary" stopped but I find that a bit hard to believe. If it was THAT good it surely would be more wellknown around here, wouldn´t it?

So how do you like it so far?

[Edited 12/17/11 6:17am]

It's not bad. It pretty much speeds through everything up to 1990 or so as that part of his story has been told so many times, and so just over half of the book covers everything since then, up to "20Ten". There is also a timeline at the back - like a very truncated version of the timeline from the awesome "The Vault" book, and a few photos in the middle. In terms of balance it seems pretty much straight down the middle, calling the good good and the bad bad, and as always there will be things you'll disagree with - I personally disagreed with the author's opinions on some albums and songs (I won't repeat which ones as it will spark arguments, but I thought some of his comments about a few of the albums were downright bizarre and highly questionable). All in all it's a short book - 260 pages or so - and a fairly quick read, but unlike some of the other Prince biographies I've read this one has remained on my shelves, alongside the Per Nilsen, Dave Hill, and Alex Hahn books.

Just bought two books

I got the 21 Nights book and Jon Bream´s "Inside The Purple Reign", I'm pretty excitied

Is there any site that sells "The Vault"? I've been trying to find it in ebay and amazon to no vail, or there other sites I should be aware of?

What do you guys think of this one?

http://www.amazon.com/Lyr...amp;sr=1-6

The Lyrics Of Prince Rogers Nelson/: A Literary Look At A Creative, Musical Poet, Philosopher, And Storyteller (Volume 3)

The Lyrics of Prince is a thorough analysis as well as an enjoyable read. As a researcher, I know that the time and commitment dedicated to this work is phenomenal. The observations are thoughtful and highly enlightening. The political edge that permeated the entire work is subtle, but sharp! --Kevin E. Taylor, Researcher --Black Entertainment Television

A Literary Look is the most serious study of the Minneapolis artist's body of work since Dave Hill's Prince: A Pop Life. McInnis brings passion and insight to his writing that provides a new context to Prince's place in pop-music history, as well as African American history. A Literary Look is a refreshing reminder of Prince's genius, past and present. --Jim Walsh, Music Critic --St. Paul Pioneer Press

A very impressive book. Stimulating and enlightening! It's about time someone has taken the time and effort to study Prince's lyrics in depth. Full of research and insight, it is an important work, which deserves attention. --Per Nilsen, author --Prince: A Documentary

Harlepolis said:

Is there any site that sells "The Vault"? I've been trying to find it in ebay and amazon to no vail, or there other sites I should be aware of?

I searched, I couldn't find it either

RuthCass said:

Harlepolis said:

Is there any site that sells "The Vault"? I've been trying to find it in ebay and amazon to no vail, or there other sites I should be aware of?

I searched, I couldn't find it either

Just keep checking ebay, copies pop up every now and again. Remember to make your search international, don't just search ebay.com, and check all catagories.

TheDigitalGardener said:

RuthCass said:

I searched, I couldn't find it either

Just keep checking ebay, copies pop up every now and again. Remember to make your search international, don't just search ebay.com, and check all catagories.

Thanks

RuthCass said:

TheDigitalGardener said:

Just keep checking ebay, copies pop up every now and again. Remember to make your search international, don't just search ebay.com, and check all catagories.

Thanks

You could also try emailing these people.....

http://www.madhousemusic.co.uk/main.htm

and

http://users.skynet.be/yormeister/

Madhouse often have items not listed on their site, or both sites may be able to help you find what you require if you tell them what you are looking for. I have bought from both sites and they are trustworthy and friendly.

I'm sure both sites offer international shipping too.

TheDigitalGardener said:

RuthCass said:

Thanks

You could also try emailing these people.....

http://www.madhousemusic.co.uk/main.htm

and

http://users.skynet.be/yormeister/

Madhouse often have items not listed on their site, or both sites may be able to help you find what you require if you tell them what you are looking for. I have bought from both sites and they are trustworthy and friendly.

I'm sure both sites offer international shipping too.

00o0o0 thanks a lot!!!!! I'm gonna be looking into that

Valuable information.

Thank you.