UltraLash said:

Assuming the residency is over (are we ready to admit this?), I think it's time for some stats, rankings and wrap-up.

How about starting with a list of the 5 best shows in the residency. And, sorry... San Jose, Fresno and Oakland don't count as part of the LA area. From what I've read online and experienced in person, I think it might look like this:

1. TROUBADOUR on 5/11 (Second Show - with Mike Phillips and Andy Allo)

2. FORUM on 4/14 (Opening Night)

3. HOUSE OF BLUES on 5/25 (Second Show, "Jazz Cafe" - with Mike Phillips)

4. FORUM on 4/23 (with Chaka Khan, Larry Graham and Sheila E.)

5. FORUM on 5/13 (with Janelle Monae, Stevie Wonder, Mike Phillips and Sheila E.)

Thoughts?

[Edited 5/30/11 11:30am]

just curious as 2 why u list in ur top 3, two club dates. was it because of the intimacy or the music that was played?

L4OATheOriginal said:

UltraLash said:

Assuming the residency is over (are we ready to admit this?), I think it's time for some stats, rankings and wrap-up.

How about starting with a list of the 5 best shows in the residency. And, sorry... San Jose, Fresno and Oakland don't count as part of the LA area. From what I've read online and experienced in person, I think it might look like this:

1. TROUBADOUR on 5/11 (Second Show - with Mike Phillips and Andy Allo)

2. FORUM on 4/14 (Opening Night)

3. HOUSE OF BLUES on 5/25 (Second Show, "Jazz Cafe" - with Mike Phillips)

4. FORUM on 4/23 (with Chaka Khan, Larry Graham and Sheila E.)

5. FORUM on 5/13 (with Janelle Monae, Stevie Wonder, Mike Phillips and Sheila E.)

Thoughts?

[Edited 5/30/11 11:30am]

just curious as 2 why u list in ur top 3, two club dates. was it because of the intimacy or the music that was played?

Both. It's not always about the setlist for me, though. I could hear "Little Red Corvette" and "Shhh..." at every show as long as Prince was really FEELING it. A great set with shitty energy is a waste of time. A decent set with killer falsetto, badass guitar and a little shirt-popping swagger is BOSS.

From everything I've read about the second Troubadour show, it was a small (300 people?) rock show that lasted for an intense 2 1/2 hours (which is rare and wonderful for a secret club performance). I attended the HOB show, and even though it was 1 1/2 hours, it was more intimate (150 people?), loose and raw. Not to mention he performed rarely-played guitar tracks like Colonized Mind, Bambi and Villanova Junction.

If Prince showed up to one of these clubs and noodled on the piano for 45 minutes, I probably wouldn't be so quick to put it on this list. But these shows had great energy and fun sets.

UltraLash said:

L4OATheOriginal said:

just curious as 2 why u list in ur top 3, two club dates. was it because of the intimacy or the music that was played?

Both. It's not always about the setlist for me, though. I could hear "Little Red Corvette" and "Shhh..." at every show as long as Prince was really FEELING it. A great set with shitty energy is a waste of time. A decent set with killer falsetto, badass guitar and a little shirt-popping swagger is BOSS.

From everything I've read about the second Troubadour show, it was a small (300 people?) rock show that lasted for an intense 2 1/2 hours (which is rare and wonderful for a secret club performance). I attended the HOB show, and even though it was 1 1/2 hours, it was more intimate (150 people?), loose and raw. Not to mention he performed rarely-played guitar tracks like Colonized Mind, Bambi and Villanova Junction.

If Prince showed up to one of these clubs and noodled on the piano for 45 minutes, I probably wouldn't be so quick to put it on this list. But these shows had great energy and fun sets.

haha sounds like ur more of a rocker than the sound of a piano it's cool and thank u 4 responding honestly

L4OATheOriginal said:

UltraLash said:

Both. It's not always about the setlist for me, though. I could hear "Little Red Corvette" and "Shhh..." at every show as long as Prince was really FEELING it. A great set with shitty energy is a waste of time. A decent set with killer falsetto, badass guitar and a little shirt-popping swagger is BOSS.

From everything I've read about the second Troubadour show, it was a small (300 people?) rock show that lasted for an intense 2 1/2 hours (which is rare and wonderful for a secret club performance). I attended the HOB show, and even though it was 1 1/2 hours, it was more intimate (150 people?), loose and raw. Not to mention he performed rarely-played guitar tracks like Colonized Mind, Bambi and Villanova Junction.

If Prince showed up to one of these clubs and noodled on the piano for 45 minutes, I probably wouldn't be so quick to put it on this list. But these shows had great energy and fun sets.

haha sounds like ur more of a rocker than the sound of a piano it's cool and thank u 4 responding honestly

Actually, I love piano. (I've been to 5 Tori Amos concerts..."shhhh.."). But you can tell when Prince is really digging a groove or just trying to pass the time. From what I've heard about his low-key "lounge" shows, he tends to let the band work while he fingers the keys sleepily. I'd actually welcome a true, jazz piano set from Prince if he brings some energy, whips out the falsetto and re-interprets stuff like "Dorothy Parker," "Dark" and "Morning Papers." Imagine that stuff with some bass and horns backing in a jazz club. THAT would be great.

UltraLash said:

L4OATheOriginal said:

haha sounds like ur more of a rocker than the sound of a piano it's cool and thank u 4 responding honestly

Actually, I love piano. (I've been to 5 Tori Amos concerts..."shhhh.."). But you can tell when Prince is really digging a groove or just trying to pass the time. From what I've heard about his low-key "lounge" shows, he tends to let the band work while he fingers the keys sleepily. I'd actually welcome a true, jazz piano set from Prince if he brings some energy, whips out the falsetto and re-interprets stuff like "Dorothy Parker," "Dark" and "Morning Papers." Imagine that stuff with some bass and horns backing in a jazz club. THAT would be great.

kind of like how he rearranged gotta broken heart again? the thing with dorothy parker is that he has incorporated madhouse's four in the middle of the song making it the jazz element but also with jazz, there are different types of styles in that as well, is it be bop, classical, so forth. but the songs u mentioned are great and rare.

trendski said:

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Amazing Photos!

L4OATheOriginal said:

UltraLash said:

Actually, I love piano. (I've been to 5 Tori Amos concerts..."shhhh.."). But you can tell when Prince is really digging a groove or just trying to pass the time. From what I've heard about his low-key "lounge" shows, he tends to let the band work while he fingers the keys sleepily. I'd actually welcome a true, jazz piano set from Prince if he brings some energy, whips out the falsetto and re-interprets stuff like "Dorothy Parker," "Dark" and "Morning Papers." Imagine that stuff with some bass and horns backing in a jazz club. THAT would be great.

kind of like how he rearranged gotta broken heart again? the thing with dorothy parker is that he has incorporated madhouse's four in the middle of the song making it the jazz element but also with jazz, there are different types of styles in that as well, is it be bop, classical, so forth. but the songs u mentioned are great and rare.

Maybe "re-interpret" isn't the best word for "Dorothy Parker." I guess I mean he should drop the synth and bring in some piano and horns... and scat a little. lol.

UltraLash said:

L4OATheOriginal said:

kind of like how he rearranged gotta broken heart again? the thing with dorothy parker is that he has incorporated madhouse's four in the middle of the song making it the jazz element but also with jazz, there are different types of styles in that as well, is it be bop, classical, so forth. but the songs u mentioned are great and rare.

Maybe "re-interpret" isn't the best word for "Dorothy Parker." I guess I mean he should drop the synth and bring in some piano and horns... and scat a little. lol.

instead of taking the bridge and using madhouse. i see what ur saying ..just going off musically and bringing more life into it and stretching it out

how do u see the other songs u mentioned like dark?

the morning papers i can just see lush with piano and just accents on the piano a soft synth line in the background ..drums not heavy but plush kind of a in the dark but one spotlight very intimate vibe

L4OATheOriginal said:

UltraLash said:

Maybe "re-interpret" isn't the best word for "Dorothy Parker." I guess I mean he should drop the synth and bring in some piano and horns... and scat a little. lol.

instead of taking the bridge and using madhouse. i see what ur saying ..just going off musically and bringing more life into it and stretching it out

how do u see the other songs u mentioned like dark?

the morning papers i can just see lush with piano and just accents on the piano a soft synth line in the background ..drums not heavy but plush kind of a in the dark but one spotlight very intimate vibe

The original recording of Dark plays the "dark" lyrics against the colorful horns. I'd like to hear him bring the accompaniment down, maybe replacing the horns with a lone sax, but upping the vocal hysterics (like in "I Hate U").

I'm no musician, but I can paint a pretty picture

UltraLash said:

L4OATheOriginal said:

instead of taking the bridge and using madhouse. i see what ur saying ..just going off musically and bringing more life into it and stretching it out

how do u see the other songs u mentioned like dark?

the morning papers i can just see lush with piano and just accents on the piano a soft synth line in the background ..drums not heavy but plush kind of a in the dark but one spotlight very intimate vibe

The original recording of Dark plays the "dark" lyrics against the colorful horns. I'd like to hear him bring the accompaniment down, maybe replacing the horns with a lone sax, but upping the vocal hysterics (like in "I Hate U").

I'm no musician, but I can paint a pretty picture

a picture that is ultralash

bwdinhb said:

TheResistor said:

and don't forget all those gays running around too...

That's who the "Rainbow Party People" are!

I thought you were talking about the 'rainbow children,' in that post. If I had read it correctly the "party people," would've ruled the rainbow children out.

[Edited 6/2/11 11:22am]

I think he played the right combo of songs, hits, etc. In the show I saw (5/13), he did a few high profile covers (Superstition, Hollywood Swinging, Play that Funky Music, etc.) as well as some classics. He added one or two new songs, which to many slowed the show down a little bit because they sat down during them.

Most people (not orgers of course!) don't go to 10 shows on a tour and don't listen to CDs of multiple shows. Prince mixes it up better than most artists who play a very regimented set. I think most people would feel ripped off if they went to see Prince and didn't hear Purple Rain, etc. so he has to play those songs even if some people are sick of them. I imagine he is even more sick of it because he plays it every night, but he does it with passion and emotion and it comes through.

I saw Fleetwood Mac a few years ago and they only played old obscure songs from their first few albums. It was one of the most boring shows I've ever seen and we left there feeling really ripped off. I don't know many people who felt ripped off with these LA shows. In fact, except for some of the mega fans (mega-fams?) complaining, the reviews were almost universally positive.

Prince rocked it. Would I like to hear a few songs that he didn't play like Gold, Dorothy Parker and a few others.. sure but I'm very glad he relied on his classic stuff including several excellent b-sides (17 Days, She's Always in My Hair, etc.). I'd much rather hear the mix he did than to throw in some of the lame stuff he's done over the last 15 years.

He can only fit so much into the 2-3 hours he has to play. Let him take you on a journey!

Only went 4/21. So, don't have much to compare, except just reading through other night's set lists. I'm EXTREMELY happy with the show I saw. Being a guitar player myself, I was blown away by his performance of "Guitar", a song new to me since I hadn't been following Prince since the "Diamonds & Pearls" album (the LotusFlow3r album got me back into listening to him again).

Since seeing him, I've proceeded to go on a Prince album buying spree. My collection, no doubt, pales in comparison of most here, but I'm pretty darn proud of it! Thanks to seeing him that one night, he introduced me to a number of tunes I would probably still be ignorant of had I NOT gone.

That entire 4/21 show was amazing. I just wish I had the funds to go more times, but sadly, no.

chiliD322 said:

Only went 4/21. So, don't have much to compare, except just reading through other night's set lists. I'm EXTREMELY happy with the show I saw. Being a guitar player myself, I was blown away by his performance of "Guitar", a song new to me since I hadn't been following Prince since the "Diamonds & Pearls" album (the LotusFlow3r album got me back into listening to him again).

Since seeing him, I've proceeded to go on a Prince album buying spree. My collection, no doubt, pales in comparison of most here, but I'm pretty darn proud of it! Thanks to seeing him that one night, he introduced me to a number of tunes I would probably still be ignorant of had I NOT gone.

That entire 4/21 show was amazing. I just wish I had the funds to go more times, but sadly, no.

"Guitar" doesn't get much love from fans. Sure, it's a by-the-numbers, throwback rocker, but it DOES rock. The man loves guitar and it shows. You don't really hear much of that these days

chiliD322 said:

Only went 4/21. So, don't have much to compare, except just reading through other night's set lists. I'm EXTREMELY happy with the show I saw. Being a guitar player myself, I was blown away by his performance of "Guitar", a song new to me since I hadn't been following Prince since the "Diamonds & Pearls" album (the LotusFlow3r album got me back into listening to him again).

Since seeing him, I've proceeded to go on a Prince album buying spree. My collection, no doubt, pales in comparison of most here, but I'm pretty darn proud of it! Thanks to seeing him that one night, he introduced me to a number of tunes I would probably still be ignorant of had I NOT gone.

That entire 4/21 show was amazing. I just wish I had the funds to go more times, but sadly, no.

u are a prime xample of why he should play more of his current material. the fact that u went and sought out his other albums u missed pays off

UltraLash said:

chiliD322 said:

Only went 4/21. So, don't have much to compare, except just reading through other night's set lists. I'm EXTREMELY happy with the show I saw. Being a guitar player myself, I was blown away by his performance of "Guitar", a song new to me since I hadn't been following Prince since the "Diamonds & Pearls" album (the LotusFlow3r album got me back into listening to him again).

Since seeing him, I've proceeded to go on a Prince album buying spree. My collection, no doubt, pales in comparison of most here, but I'm pretty darn proud of it! Thanks to seeing him that one night, he introduced me to a number of tunes I would probably still be ignorant of had I NOT gone.

That entire 4/21 show was amazing. I just wish I had the funds to go more times, but sadly, no.

"Guitar" doesn't get much love from fans. Sure, it's a by-the-numbers, throwback rocker, but it DOES rock. The man loves guitar and it shows. You don't really hear much of that these days

I've noticed this in other posts... what is people's beef with 'Guitar'? I totally dig it.

micv said:

UltraLash said:

"Guitar" doesn't get much love from fans. Sure, it's a by-the-numbers, throwback rocker, but it DOES rock. The man loves guitar and it shows. You don't really hear much of that these days

I've noticed this in other posts... what is people's beef with 'Guitar'? I totally dig it.

I guess fans are used to Prince setting the standard. And while he's been putting out some solid tunes, he hasn't been shattering expectations. I think people need to chill a little. The Beatles had a mind-blowing 10-year run, but it was just 10 years! Paul, George and John put out some solid cuts in the ten years after that, but how many music masters are at their creative peaks after 35 years in the business?

There are only so many Bob Dylans.

TheResistor said:

legna said:

I learned to pay attention to him when he wasn't playing lead on his guitar. I'm not a musician, but I could tell he was playing different chords and "subtle" leads which were not turned up in the mix.

For me, I cracked the small venue mystery after going to the Troubadour. The small venue playing was always in front of me. I've heard it for years, but it was masked by the groove and made the song sound different. The shows on 14th, 28th and the 29th were totally new experiences. For example, on the 29th, he was playing his guitar like a bass... "slapping" it like he did earlier on "Let's Work." The song are just his canvas. He was always challenging me to recognize the creativity. It does not lessen any of the other shows because it was on me and not him.

For 6 weeks, I lived the life of a Purple Zombie.

It was a life of a time.

Thank, but now I'm officially pissed.

I've crunched the numbers... I went Newton, Einstein and even Hawkings and it doesn't total 21.

My wife and I had a few more dates set up ... talk about "purple explosion"

legna said:

TheResistor said:

Thank, but now I'm officially pissed.

I've crunched the numbers... I went Newton, Einstein and even Hawkings and it doesn't total 21.

My wife and I had a few more dates set up ... talk about "purple explosion"

It's 21 if you count the 5 club shows and 1 George Lopez appearance -- all performed in the LA area. Sketchy, yes, but it adds up.

I'm incredibly happy about the 2 shows I went to (though I think 4/14 was better than 5/29), had I known they'd end in such a kind of sudden manner (I really expected the last weeked to be hyped as such WHEN tickets went on sale) I probably would've tried to go a couple more times in May. Had tentative plans set up for 6/11 (when I thought that'd be the last weekend of shows, oh well).

I have to say, it was a fantastic thing to have going on. It had everyone in LA talking, even people who I know never follow concerts knew about it and were talking about going; some went, some didn't. It reintroduced a lot of people to the Forum, which I know was one of the big goals. Except for the botched bathroom situation the last weekend I really thoroughly enjoyed being back there.

Sure, I have nitpicks here and there (and my big one was how promotion was all over for the first few shows and then NOTHING-- I know there was the mess with Live Nation but geez) but overall it was a great show. I've really enjoyed reading everyone's reports, comparing the shows, hearing the wacky encore stories, etc.

I know I've driven everyone I know crazy talking about Prince for the last 6-7 weeks... I'm sure they appreciate the residency is over.

i guess i should have known by the way he parked the tour bus sideways that it wouldnt last.

lapazapa said:

p can easily continue this tour i the u.s. in august when he finishes the europea tour

chiliD322 said:

Only went 4/21. So, don't have much to compare, except just reading through other night's set lists. I'm EXTREMELY happy with the show I saw. Being a guitar player myself, I was blown away by his performance of "Guitar", a song new to me since I hadn't been following Prince since the "Diamonds & Pearls" album (the LotusFlow3r album got me back into listening to him again).

Since seeing him, I've proceeded to go on a Prince album buying spree. My collection, no doubt, pales in comparison of most here, but I'm pretty darn proud of it! Thanks to seeing him that one night, he introduced me to a number of tunes I would probably still be ignorant of had I NOT gone.

That entire 4/21 show was amazing. I just wish I had the funds to go more times, but sadly, no.

That was my experience after seeing him in March. I always liked Prince--an icon of my youth in the 80's and some classic tunes of my childhood. Whenever he would perform at an award show or show up at the Super Bowl, I'd make it a point to tune in...but, I was a casual fan at best and didn't own any of his records except Musicology and the Alladin DVD...but, I knew all his major hits from MTV and radio.

After seeing him live for the first time, I've been on a Prince discovery/buying spree ever since. I've bought the studio albums, downloaded the out of print concert videos and unreleased shows..etc. I've learned more about and listened to more Prince in the last 3 months than I did in the last 25 years.

gemari77 said:

chiliD322 said:

Only went 4/21. So, don't have much to compare, except just reading through other night's set lists. I'm EXTREMELY happy with the show I saw. Being a guitar player myself, I was blown away by his performance of "Guitar", a song new to me since I hadn't been following Prince since the "Diamonds & Pearls" album (the LotusFlow3r album got me back into listening to him again).

Since seeing him, I've proceeded to go on a Prince album buying spree. My collection, no doubt, pales in comparison of most here, but I'm pretty darn proud of it! Thanks to seeing him that one night, he introduced me to a number of tunes I would probably still be ignorant of had I NOT gone.

That entire 4/21 show was amazing. I just wish I had the funds to go more times, but sadly, no.

That was my experience after seeing him in March. I always liked Prince--an icon of my youth in the 80's and some classic tunes of my childhood. Whenever he would perform at an award show or show up at the Super Bowl, I'd make it a point to tune in...but, I was a casual fan at best and didn't own any of his records except Musicology and the Alladin DVD...but, I knew all his major hits from MTV and radio.

After seeing him live for the first time, I've been on a Prince discovery/buying spree ever since. I've bought the studio albums, downloaded the out of print concert videos and unreleased shows..etc. I've learned more about and listened to more Prince in the last 3 months than I did in the last 25 years.

ladies and gents we have another one another one that proves that there is more 2 prince than what the causual fan is aware of

Guess the L.A. series is over. Will have to wait until he comes here.

He will be back n the late end, seriously. Start saving funds now!!!

Just say readie

LOVEVERY1 said:

He will be back n the late end, seriously. Start saving funds now!!!

Just say readie

What is the 'late end'?

micv said:

LOVEVERY1 said:

He will be back n the late end, seriously. Start saving funds now!!!

Just say readie

What is the 'late end'?

Just guessing... maybe end of June? A quick tune up before he heads off to wow Europe with his vast musical talent?

I sure hope so! I'm going through some serious Purple withdrawal... hope there's "More Than This" headed our way!

alfbo said:

micv said:

What is the 'late end'?

Just guessing... maybe end of June? A quick tune up before he heads off to wow Europe with his vast musical talent?

I sure hope so! I'm going through some serious Purple withdrawal... hope there's "More Than This" headed our way!

i think he will be back in the u.s.a at the end of august and starting again in october or so with his 2nd leg of welcome 2 america....with shows in chicago, boston, vegas and ending in minneapolis in wintertime...