That album is one of my favourites. It could have easily been the 3rd madhouse album, and is just as great as anythin P has ever done. Altho he did co write most of the songs:-P. My favourites are...Lines, Night Owl, Overnight/Every Night, The Dopamine Rush and Times Squared. If you like this album tell us about it in here!

I agree 100%. Great songs, great production, great album. I play "Times Squared" every now and then and still I notice how rich and detailed it sounds. It's timeless or somewhat "sublime". You could also say "Real music for real music lovers."

And it is especially suitable for testing audio systems because of its use of acoustic instruments. Out of all Paisley Park albums, "Times Squared" surely is one of my favorites. You can hear that it was recorded with much attention to an elaborate, broad sound - similar to "The most beautiful girl in the world". I also like the way it mixes a south american touch with typical Minneapolis-sounding elements.

And, oh yeah, "The Dopamine Rush" is a true masterpiece. One of the top 10 instrumentals Prince has ever done/co-written.

I wish i could find a copy of this thing. i've been wanting it for some time and missed it the first time around. I only like half of "Things Left Unsaid", but i figured one CD is one CD, the other is the other, if you dig what i'm sayin'. I hate that WB (or Prince or whoever) is letting these things just languish. If they knew how to promote them properly, they could have perpetual sellers on their hands.

I rememebr buying the cassette about 12 years ago for $1.99 at Rhino Records in Wets L.A. Can't find the cassestte now, hopefully it's packed up somewhere.

As a great appreciator of the Eric Leeds' playing and the first Madhouse album in particular, I find the 'Times Squared' album a little flat-sounding. There is just not enough dynamics in the overall sound. Some tracks are overproduced, repeating a simple musical theme over and over. Other tracks sound like some sort of pseudo-latin jazz, missing the energy compared to the real thing. I always thought of the tracks as a collection of outtakes from the Madhouse albums.
This does not mean that I totally dislike the album. It is an enjoyable collection of music, showing Prince's ability on the different musical instruments. My favourite track is the last one, "Once Upon A Time", an excellent example on how to work out a simple musical theme to maximum effect!

jazzz
[Edited 10/5/05 9:24am]

jazzz said:

i have to agree...i think his "Things Left Unsaid" is a much better album.

I really like it, Prince was getting a more sophisticated sound than on the 2 (great) Madhouse albums. Funny nobody ever mentions this album on the org.

Eric's last album is probably the best. I have all 3 on CD. They arent hard to find if you assert yourself.