Paisley Party review...

I arrived at the Park about 7:45p. To my surprise, there were not that many people there yet. There was even still room in the parking lot! I had thought there may be a lot of people due to the advanced post on NPGMC and all the press here on the ORG, AND, it got some coverage on local Mpls radio as well. The line did become substantial after I got there.

To my pleasant surprise, the doors opened very shortly after 8:00p after being briefed that security would be EXCEPTIONALLY tight. There were some VIPs let in first…they appeared to get booklets and miscellaneous information about TRC that the rest of us did not. It did take a little longer to get in because of the extra security measures -- they were checking everything -- they were looking in people's wallets, hats, purses, pockets. To be very honest, this extra security didn't bother me one bit, and I think most people agreed. Compliments to Paisley staff for keeping close to schedule and doing their job in a professional manner.

Inside, both the soundstage and the NPGMC room (old L4OA) were open. The DJ was playing some older Motown stuff, not a lot of dancing going on, just chillin. They were playing old Prince videos on the screens, some Sign O the Times stuff, and some old music videos. The soundstage had ~5 computers connected to the NPGMC for people to check out, that was kinda cool. But it was a little hard to hear the tunz over the DJ sound system. Both rooms had large TRC banners hanging. The NPGMC room is now carpeted with black carpet and orange NPGMC logo (I think this was done at the Celebration?). It also looks like they have added black padding/material to most of the walls in the room. There was a camera set-up in front of the stage as well. The stage was set-up, for a possible performance.

About 9:20p the DJ quit and TRC began, with no introduction of any kind. I won't give a review of the album as it appears elsewhere, but briefly I agree with most, musically it is very refreshing. I have not heard the album before, nor read the lyrics. It was difficult to pick out many of the lyrics over the sound system, so I can't comment on any JW overtures. I didn't notice any. 1+1+1=3 and the last 2 tunes are wonderful.

After the album played, the DJ picked it up a bit and got people dancing. The screens returned to Sign O the Times. Morris was seen many times wandering the party. The DJ announced they would play the album again at midnight.

Most of the people started filtering out. I did not see Prince there, but others have reported seeing him….I assume he peeked in for a minute or two. There were also 2 women sitting on chairs right by the small door to the soundstage. I think they sat there all night. One of them was wearing a large white hat that was pulled down over her head and face, U could not see her eyes or face -- anyone know who this was or what was up with that?

It seems many people are mad because there wasn't a performance; there never was any mention that there would be! it distinctly said "listening session." And that's exactly what happened. Of course there is always a hope and a potential for a performance, but it should not have been expected Friday night. Besides, you should all know that it's way too early for Prince to be performing!! There's a rule at the Park I think; no jams til after 2a!

I give the album and the staff at Paisley my compliments; they gave us what they said they would give us, and the album is quite good. Nice job. Now, we can hope for more parties in the next couple weeks and maybe THEN I'll have a jam to report on!

Till then, .peace.