Purple haze

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Prince is back in fine form with "Musicology," but it's really nothing new


PRINCE

"Musicology"

** ½(NPG Records/Columbia)

Though Prince has been releasing new music at a steady pace for years, he's done so in relative obscurity -- at least for someone who used to be a multiplatinum superstar. By eschewing major record labels to dole out his music his way on his terms, he's fallen out of the pop spotlight -- a spotlight he's now trying to reclaim.

The normally reclusive singer has embarked on a media blitz that's included a nationwide tour, television appearances and an album release on Columbia Records. But he won't call it a comeback attempt. Instead, the newest member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame sees his latest CD, "Musicology," as his opportunity to school the kids on true music in an era of sampling, lip-synching and nebulous talent.

Problem is, there isn't much new -- or inspiring -- in his teachings. Instead, it seems as if he's dusted off his old lesson plans to try to reach out to a new generation.

Of course, given that Prince basically rewrote the textbook for funk, rock and soul over his 25-years-and-counting career, any lesson he gives is worthy and relevant. But it's not terribly exciting.

The title track, while engaging, is a retread of those same James Brown-inspired funk grooves he's done in the past; "Life of the Party," "Illusion, Coma, Pimp and Circumstance," about an ugly, rich woman and the man teaching her to groove, sounds disjointed and silly, and lacks the lyrical wit we've come to expect from the Purple One. And despite the thumping groove of "Life of the Party," it's not something you'd really want to party to.

Certainly, there are some gems here. "Call My Name" is yet another luscious ballad that shows Prince is still the master of intoxicating pillow talk, even as the Jehovah's Witness has cleaned up his previously naughty act.

"What Do You Want Me 2 Do?" lures you with its mellow, jazzy sound, while "Dear Mr. Man" is a searing, sobering indictment of today's society that certainly rivals anything he's done in the past.

But rarely does his new work reach the artistic peaks of his previous material -- and that's his conundrum. Those old hits, and even misses, are still dynamic and innovative for today's musical landscape, and you can't get them out of your mind.

After the first track, he makes the mistake of interloping snippets of his past hits as a testament to his musical greatness. But it just makes you want to pull out those old tunes and listen to them instead.

It may not be fair to expect Prince, after years and years of being a musical innovator, to keep topping himself. But he spoiled us with his musical genius. So we do expect him to teach us something new.

-- Nekesa Mumbi Moody, Associated Press

MICHAEL BUBLE

Aight.

"After the first track, he makes the mistake of interloping snippets of his past hits as a testament to his musical greatness. But it just makes you want to pull out those old tunes and listen to them instead"

exactly what i did.

THAT'S RIGHT. NOTHINGS NEW IN MUSICOLOGY. One of his worse album!!!

ANGORIS said:

Musicology is a quality cd and he does'nt have 2 do anything so called new, he's done it all. Only thing left is a country album. All of u haters and critics say it's nothing new but give no example of the brand new that u want him 2 do, or artists from his era and genre that is doing this new thing u speak of. When he adds hiphop u complain,when it's jazz ucomplain when it's acoustic u complain,when it's a simple pop record u complain. Quite crying beeaatch's and put Purple Rain on replay and shut the "f"up or enjoy this magical ride. This ain't no comeback schools' been in SUCKA. Thought u knew!!!!!

I've also heard critics and fans alike say that Prince's music was ahead of it's time,therefore if he sounds like his old self then in all actuality he is doing something new. He's Prince and he's still funky. Now go drink some haterade beeaatches!!!!!

ELBOOGY said:

For all of the albums and endless songs that Prince has created, youu would think that people would give him some goddam credit-i mean its like you said...a quality cd...and if you dont like it stop obsessing over it when there are plenty of people @ prince.org who like it

rockstarqt1234 said:

I think that this is an honest review, and a respectful one too. The reviewer is obviously atune to the fact that Prince has always made great music. So many people today do not consider any of his 90's stuff to be great music. So that tells me that this guy just expects more from Prince. If he had said that Prince hasn't made a good album since 1991...then I would understand that this guy is an idiot. But he did not say that and he even gave props to the purple ones recent stuff. So I have to listen to what he says and not bash him for it....I might not agree, but I will not bash. Good honest review

djcreep said:

My name is Nep....and I am funky...when it comes to Nep...you are a JUNKIE! Hurt me!

I havent heard one note of Musicology yet, and I won't until I receive my copy from amazon. Cant wait.[/quote]

A suggestion: Listen to Musicology a couple times through before forming any opinion. It takes more than one listen to get into it, and I think that's where people have mitakenly gone with this album. It doesn't seem to make sense upon just one listen, and it seems like it's just another album. You'll see what i mean at about listen 3.

Amen!

This reviewer hasn't listened properly.

Its all in the eyes of the beholder and ears of the listner and the tastebuds of the taster.....wether you like Musicology or not it made recognition throughout airwaves and e-zines all over the world and you can not take that from the Purple One .....he is amongst the musical geniuses i would easily put along side Bach , Miles Davis , Stevie Wonder and David Bowie.....

MAN PEOPLE JUST NEED 2 LISTEN AND ENJOY THE MUSIC. HE DIDNT SAY THIS IS TE GREATEST ALBUM EVER ALL HE WANTS US IS TO HEAR THE MUSIC AND SHUT THE FUC K UP.

I AGREE AFTER A BOUT THE 2ND LISTEN U WILL START LOVING THE NEWNESS OF PRINCE AND HIS EVOLUTION.
PEACE AND B WILD
LIFE IS DEATH WITHOUT ADVENTURE

I feel that even thought this article isnt praising Prince the way others Ive read have been...it's about time soemone wrote like this. Although I dont agree entirely, I will respect the fact that the article does have a ring of truth to it.