First of all, this whole album is one of Prince's best "Side projects," but also I think "Noon Rendezvous" is an extremely underrated ballad. Sheila sings this song perfectly. Any of you orgers dig this song?

[b][i]Luv.....it!!

I DO! I love 'Noon Rendezvous'. It's one of my favorite songs on the album.

I agree with you that it's underrated/underappreciated.

The Whole album is great. from start to finish.

During the PR tour, Sheila would call up a guy (usually a plant) form the audience, tie him to a chair, and sing it to him while "fondling" him.

Destiny's Child ripped it off with their "Cater To You' award show crap.

Great song.

I love Sheila´s version albeit it´s a bit too short, but Prince´s own interpretation ( 14 minutes long) off of the Neon Rendezvous bootleg rehearsal is one of my all time favorite songs...I almost listen to it at least 5 times a week. It´s great breakfast music.

your words they intoxicate me
I shiver each time that you speak
how much more can I endure my love?
the sound of your voice makes me weak




Sheila's albums always have at least one killer slow jam....

"Noon Rendezvous" on 'The Glamorous Life'
"Bedtime Story" on 'Romance 1600'
"Hold Me" on 'Sheila E'
"Cry Baby" on 'Sex Cymbal'

KoolEaze said:

I love the rehearsal...very intense playing.


love Sheila's too...
[Edited 3/22/06 14:09pm]

yeah the version on sheila's album is Ok, but that long guitar version that Prince plays is incredibile

alright, what is the drum machine on this song?

I've always loved the Prince freaky-sounding programs from back then. Is it a Linn?

Which, on the album version?

It's either a Linn LM-1 (the one Prince is famous for) or a LinnDrum (LM-2). I think he's running the sounds through effects or probaby backwards.

GaryMF said:

The album version. I didn't know there was more than one! If there are more (and apparently there are) I must find them. The sounds are so typical of Prince of that time - just his own universe of that New Romantic-New Wave psychedelic kinda thing. Nothing like it before or since.

The first 2 Sheila E records just blow me away - imo she was the only "tag-along" artist really worthy of what Prince was doing then

Rudy said:

As mentioned further above , there´s a beautiful, very fascinating 14 minute version of Noon Rendezvous sung by Prince who also plays guitar on it...it´s on a classic boot called Neon Rendezvous ( note: it´s NEON, not Noon, even though the song´s name is of course NOON Rendezvous...hope this helps....get it if you like that certain New Romantic sound ...).

GaryMF said:

[img]



like this?

KoolEaze said:

very cool - I'm anxious to hear it. thnx!

My favorite part of Prince's rehearsal version is that beautiful refrain with Wendy & Lisa:

"Sittin in this cafe, waitin on my baby..."

I like Sheila's version but just wish it had included that as well.

Rudy said:

Yeah Sheila was/is hte most talented. I don't really consider her a "protege" since she had her own career before and after.

If you are into the Linn, I actually have a LinnDrum (LM-2) wih original box and manual which I might sell.

I didn't know she did much before Prince. Her dad toured with Santana, right?

Oh man, I would love to get a Linn. But honestly I need a bass DI box much more. And a kick mic. And a new ride cymbal. And damn I want a fishing boat

Rudy said:

That's correct.Her father Pete Escovedo was a member of the Santana Band in the mid-70s.Sheila was extremely busy in those days too,touring with folks like George Duke and Marvin Gaye.In 1983,she was in Lionel Richie's band.She even has a prominent role in his "Running With The Night" video.

GaryMF said:

Sheila is a great MUSICIAN, I don't know if she be considered the greatest when her song writing skills aren't as strong. Love that girl though.

She's a hell of a musician, no doubt. Dumb question, but did Prince pretty much write the first 2 records then? I'm guessing, because they're so damn good!

Sheila must've started writing on that Koo Koo thing. Because eh, it kinda sucked, right?

Rudy said:

Prince did a big chunk of wrting on the 3rd album too, including the "sucky" Koo Koo (which I love by the way)

alright, I sorta liked Koo Koo too.

But it was no Belle of St Mark
or Shortberry Strawcake
or Love Bizarre


Q: is the VHS of Sheila live worth getting?

Rudy said:

Yes just for the Prince and the Revolution appearence alone it's worth buying. Most of Sheila's show is awesome but there is some corny shit in it, you'll know what I mean when you see it.

KoolEaze said:

Noon Rendezvous IS a great ballad sung by both Sheila on her album and by P. on the Neon Rendezvous cd. However, you have not really heard Noon Rendezvous until you have heard it performed in a slowed down version by P. on his piano; no one else, just solo P. and piano, as he did during a special birthday performance for Sheila E.'s birthday party at a private, impromptu concert in a hotel lounge that I believe, if memory serves correctly, was in Chicago on 12.12.84...

ShellAnswerMan and I were at our security posts on the floor at either end of the stage. P. began playing this very slow ballad on his piano and singing in his famous falsetto voice. It was the most beautiful song I think I have ever heard P. perform. So beautiful, in fact, that it literally brought tears to this bodyguard's eyes... I, honestly, didn't even recognize the song at first. I had to get ShellAnswerMan's attention from across the stage and I mouthed the words, "What song is this?" When Shell mouthed back, "Noon Rendezvous", I was awestruck!

I have always wished I had a recording of that performance. Thank God for a memory that allows me to play it back whenever I please... Thank U, 2, P!

ShellAnswerMan said:

Tom, Tom... Bring me my mink!!! No, not the black one, the white one...!!

Love the song, love the album.

ShellAnswerMan said:

What's going on there?

EverlastingNow said:

I totally agree with you. As a singer/performer, she was definitely in the protege camp. That said, in the ensuing years, she has grown into the role and now stands tall as a comsummate performer.