DrD is struggling on the Prince and Prince Music Forum, and rightly so. We are seeing a new direction from Prince that many "fams" just aren’t getting.

I am no musician, I like Jazz and funk, the more fucked up the better. The latest Prince is really good stuff, for me and I couldn't be happier.

BUT

I don't know why! I cannot express myself about EAST like a musician could. Can we have some real musically objective reviews of the latest tracks (NORTH and EAST). Something that can shed a little more light on Princes work more than "I don't like it, it's all jumbly, it doesn't sound like a pop song"

Many thanks, eager to learn.

I'm not a member of the capitalist NPGMC. Once it's out for the regular consumers, I'll let you know.

From what I've read, folks are saying it's similar to Xenophobia, which was, (in my opinion) Madhouse-lite. Madhouse was great because it DID explore areas and take risks, but Xenophobia failed in that area, and from what I've read so far, NEWS does the same thing - it's safe "quiet storm" jazz.

But, since I haven't heard it, I'm just talking outta my ass.

I am a member and heard the 2 tracks North and East. The other 2 tracks are going to be online saturday and sunday. I ordered a copy of the CD. It's 10 dollars plus shipping.

North didn't do a lot for me. It sounds a lot like xpectation but with cool guitar work and some groovy horns from Eric Leeds. (Eric really enhances both tracks)

East however sounds supercool. It's a bit more crazy with several directions in 1 song. Again this features heavy guitar and horns.

It really does sound like Eric Leeds told us in the chat. Create a comfortable atmosphere,give a few good musicians a key and count it off.

After that Prince added some overdubs here and there to polish it up.

All in all i dig the music but for me it doesn't have the Prince trademark written all over it, except for the guitar work (but i myself play guitar so i always enjoy that)

NEWS definately has some jazz touches but really too few to even come close to let's say Bitches Brew from Miles Davis (a masterpiece IMO).

But then again, for me it doesn't have to be 'technically complex' to get into the atmosphere of the music.

The 2 songs i have heard pretty much stay in 1 key or has some sort of blues scaling with 'outside' notes.

To sum up, i really look forward to West and South!

I am a musician, but not a member, as I can't afford it right now (might not sound like much money, but it is to me).

What I can say is that many non-musicians have a great idea of what good music is and isn't, and many musicians have a terrible idea about what good music is. Hell, look at Kenny G. He records that shit, and he's a musician.

So, in other words, if you are a jazz and funk fan, and have a broad musical base of knowledge, and you feel that NEWS is good stuff, your opinion counts just as much, if not more, than any musician.

My brother-in-law has never picked up an instrument. But, that doesn't matter, because his collection is diverse, his knowledge well rounded, and he is a great source for discovering new music.

Not a members sorry