I'm a big fan with only a little dough looking to purchase the old NPG cd "Exodus", but I've never heard it. I'm looking for a few words on what the recording is like. Is this a Prince record or an NPG record: any tracks with Prince singing on it? Is it along the lines of "GoldNigga", "NewPowerSoul", or . . . ?
Thanks for posting your opinions.

It's the best of the 3 NPG records. Count The Days, Get Wild, Return Of The Bumpsquad, The Good Life and Cherry Cherry are some of the great songs on it. Prince is musically all over it, and vocally on most of it.

emmanuel said:

I have a live bootleg in a english club called emporium from the same period. During the concert Prince just said:"This CD is not different, we put this one out, do you understand?".
So Basically, it s a Prince album even if he s no credited for everything he did. Appart from this exodus is one of my favorite. I consider it funkier than TGE and other album from that era.

Great!
Thanks for the feedback. I'm always interested in Prince product and it's nice to be able to get some reviews 'round here. Thanks so much!

emmanuel said:

I´m listening 2 it right now and it still sounds great..GET WILD!!!
It´s no SOTT,PR or whatever fav album but got some great songs & grooves..
better than NPS and Come.
(best segue EVER:track 14´masht potatos´-left speaker)

Paisley4u said:

It's a great album with some outstanding grooves. Not to forget the hilarious segues, especially Mash Potato Girl.

Although it's a thinly vieled homage to vaginas, it is by far the strongest of the NPG albums.

Worst Prince album ever. TOO MANY SEGUES.

For me it's on a par with New Power Soul and a billion times better than Gold Nigga.

Love a lot of the songs...such a tight band...though the segues do get a little out of hang with there omnipresence....but they're really funny, especially "Mashed Potato Girl".

...I do love "Count The Days" though.

squirrelgrease said:

You forgot one of the most pumpin' trax on that album... BIG FUN! Great track!

I puchased this at Paisley Park during one of the most AWESOME shows ever out there.... 8/5/95 The Gold Experience .....

It is worth having.

The title track, which closes the albumn 'EXodus' is, well by far the best and most stand out track on the albumn.

I can't belive no one has mentioned it. It is the shit.

You should get if fo rthis track only is an over used phrase on this site but it applies nevertheless, Big Fun, Cherry cherry, Get Wild and Count the Days are also worth having.

But the closing track?- whew! Imagine that live, it would rival Days of Wild, believe me.

Musics great but the segues I find boring. There's a lot of great outtakes from that period to be found on The Work vol 5 disc 2.

Get freaky...

Let your head bob...



Love this disc.

I just saw both EXODUS and GOLDNIGGA for sale on Ebay. They are both originals. I think I might bid on them. Some of my friends have them and rave about them. Say there are some real nice cuts on them. I was going to have them copy them for me but I want originals. Anyhow, off to Ebay to bid!

"Return of the bump squad"...wicked bizniss.

Thanks for all the great reviews.
I picked up the record on ebay this morning at 5 a.m. Once I read the feedback here, I felt confident I was bidding on a worthwhile product. Thanks so much everyone--now it's just a waiting game for the cd to arrive from the U.K.
Where does one find "The Work" cd? What's it all about?
(Up here in Canada we don't get all the domestic Amercian Prince releases--or a third of the tours.)

Definitely the best of the 3 NPG albums, though it does feature way too many segues
(13 mins of it's 66 min running time is taken up with segues!). But even when you remove all
the segues, you're still left with a good solid album of funky grooves...

Get Wild
New Power Soul
Count The Days
The Good Life
Cherry, Cherry
Return Of The Bump Squad
Big Fun
Hallucination Rain
The Exodus Has Begun

Most of the tracks feature Sonny and Prince singing lead vocals simultaneously, but with Sonny
slightly higher in the mix, and 'The Exodus Has Begun' features Prince singing lead in his
slowed down 'Tora Tora' or 'Bob George' voice.

Perhaps this will help. I dug up a fairly detailed review I wrote in 1996. I was getting into Uptown magazine at the time, so I intentionally wrote my review in that format. As you will quickly be able to tell, I liked the CD (still do - about as much as I did then).

There is some outdated info in the review, particularly the Goldnigga references -- obviously it was released; I even own that CD myself. Still, I have elected to print the review here in its entirety, as it was initially composed eight years ago.

I still feel that Exodus is by far the best of the NPG CDs. Check it out.


-----
'The exodus has begun!'
EXODUS -- the album by the New Power Generation
by Todd Franklin.

-----

has spent much of his media time in the past few years discussing his
frustrations with Warner Bros. regarding contracts and rights to material he
has written. Many have no doubt wondered how his musical direction would be
affected if he could obtain the freedoms which he sought. Exodus answers
that question, and perhaps many others. Simply put, there are some
incredible songs on this album. (referred to as 'Tora Tora' on this
album) and his band (bassist Sonny T., keyboardists Tommy Barbarella and Mr.
Hayes, drummer Michael Bland, and dancer Mayte) serve up some serious funk
and soul with this great offering. It is unfortunate that many fans of
'Tora Tora' will not get to hear this project -- it is easily one of the
best works to emerge from the camp.

That's Entertainment
This album was released in limited quantity overseas, and can be purchased
in some areas of the U.S. as an import. Unfortunately, 'Exodus' was never
released stateside (perhaps having done so would have violated their Warner
Bros. contract). It was released on his own label, N.P.G. Records (hence
the use of the term 'exodus'), which is now defunct.

This is also the only project by The New Power Generation which has seen
official release. The Goldnigga album (1993) was completed, but never
released. There are some songs from that ill-fated album which have since
appeared on other projects: '2gether' is on the 1-800-NEW-FUNK album, and
'Call The Law' is the B-side for the single 'Money Don't Matter 2 Night'.

Liberated Funk
's heart was definitely in this project. It does not bring about the
detached feelings conjured by listening to projects like 'Come' or 'The Gold
Experience'. Feelings of liberation must have been experiencing (given
this was not a Warner Bros. album) were most likely the catalyst for such an
inspired work. He must surely have felt as though he was finally free from
contractual prison, free to speak his mind. The result is a project on par
with the music he wrote and produced in the 80's. Not since 'The Black
Album' has dealt so frankly with emotions that many would call
'negative'. It seems that while such a label may in fact apply, he has
acknowledged that such emotions are a natural part of the human experience,
and therefore worth serious discussion. The album as a whole can still be
considered positive, as it details the band's deliverance from despair.

The EXODUS Album
The album, on the liner notes, is said to have been 'produced, arranged,
composed and performed by the N.P.G.'; no other information is given
regarding specific writer credits. There are many segues and vignettes on
the album, obviously designed to tell a story -- a story of betrayal,
despair, rage, frustration, and enlightenment. Inner peace is at last
achieved through an exodus, or movement to a new plane of existence (in this
case, a new label), free from the restraints and obstacles encountered in
the past. Lead vocals are performed by Sonny T., along with Tora Tora.
Levi Seacer Jr., the band's former guitarist, is credited with providing
additional voices and inspiration.

One criticism that Exodus could produce is that the statements are so
strong, and the N.P.G. is so resentful and enraged at a system that has
enslaved them and their music for so many years, that the album is at times
difficult to sit back and enjoy. In my opinion, this is in some ways the
best project of Prince/'s career, and should rank with timeless classics
such as 'Sign O The Times', '1999' and 'Purple Rain'.

Exodus is 'dedicated to the memory of His Royal Badness'. This is no doubt
a calculated attempt to make 's fans accept his new name, and realize
that his decision to change his name was not made out of spite or whimsy,
but out of conviction and purpose.

The album features 21 events -- nine songs and twelve segues (or vignettes).
Each song/segue will now be examined individually, and their strengths and
weaknesses will be assessed.

'N.P.G. Operator Intro'
A wonderful opening to the album, which makes reference to the band's prior
experiences at Warner Bros. Light digs at their former label are taken
throughout this segue, as the operator advises people to 'get free' (from
contractual obligations), and 'get smart' (handle your own business).

'Get Wild'
The third and final directive from the N.P.G. Operator takes us into the
first song on the album. The theme, reminiscent of the '1999' album, is
having fun, 'no matter what sex or race'.

It is worth mentioning that this song did receive an audience in the U.S.,
due to its presence on the soundtrack for the film 'Ready To Wear (Pret-A-
Porter)'.

'Segue/DJ Gets Jumped'
These two vignettes detail the band getting ready to go to a club to have
fun, and lamenting that live bands just don't play enough anymore. By the
time they have left, they have decided to bum rush the DJ and play the
music themselves. Humorous, not too serious.

'New Power Soul'
A very funky, jazzy instrumental which showcases the true power of the band.
The horn section (the N.P.G. Hornz, featured prominently throughout this
disc) adds a lot to this number, and there is a sax solo by Eric Leeds, who
can also be heard on a few other tracks on the project.

'DJ Seduces Sonny/Segue'
Two more vignettes which begin immediately after the N.P.G.'s number. The
DJ attempts to make peace with Sonny and the band by bringing some fine-
looking ladies to their table (these ladies will later help the DJ exact
revenge on Sonny using hallucination rain).

Later on, Sonny comes to grips with the negative emotions inside of him,
saying, 'I count the days'...

'Count The Days'
A 'gangsta ballad', this is a wonderful slow song, even though the lyrics
are somewhat alarming (even for ). The song is about counting the days
toward their independence from the bureaucracy that is the music business
(specifically, Warner Brothers). The music is somewhat reminiscent of 'Shy'
(from the Gold Experience).

'The Good Life'
More funk from the N.P.G. One of the lighter songs on the album. The band
again looks forward to the future: 'The good life, one day we'll know'.

'Cherry, Cherry'
Another beautiful slow song about a woman who deals with her problems by
taking her own life. Like 'Count The Days', the music contrasts sharply
with the bluntness of the lyric.

'Segue'
Very short. Simple dialogue between the N.P.G. and a police officer, in
which they are provoked both by the officer's attitude, and by the fact that
he called them 'broke'.

'Return Of The Bump Squad'
The funkiest jam on the album, the song is reminiscent of George Clinton's
P-Funk glory days in the '70s and '80s. The song is about making sure
your business is straight ('get your house in order') before partying.
Bible scriptures are even read during a breakdown. The message is very
similar to the one conveyed in 'Money Don't Matter 2 Night', except that in
this case, the band stresses the importance of handling your affairs
properly on both sacred and secular levels.

There is also a reference to contractual restrictions in this song. One
verse makes reference to Nona (Gaye), saying that she has a new project
ready to be heard, but the world will have to wait until she can get free
(from her current contract) and promote her new album.

'Mashed Potato Girl Intro'/'Segue'
A very entertaining segue in which a man details his experience with the
'mashed potato girl'. Sonny expresses the band's attitude toward the media
when he sits down to watch what he calls 'the hellavision'.

'Big Fun'
Another funky one from the N.P.G. brings us back to his most pervasive
message: 'You and me should get together/Doin' it on the one/We could have
big fun'. Basically about wild sex, but a welcome return to normalcy given
the serious tone of the ballads on the album.

'New Power Day'/'Segue'
Tora Tora tells the band about an altercation he had with one of his women -
a very funny segue. The band laughs throughout this entertaining tale.

Later, women are heard chanting, 'This is how we make the rain, make the
rain, make the rain'. Sonny T. asks for his soup, which is served by these
women. The soup is apparently drugged. This provides a perfect lead-in to
the next song.

'Hallucination Rain'
Funkadelic meets Pink Floyd -- the ultimate funk acid trip. Funkateers
should love this tune -- a hypnotic bass line with wild electric guitars in
the foreground. The imagery is completed with Sonny T. acting as though he
is under the influence of some external force.

'NPG Bum Rush The Ship'
Borrowing from the George Clinton mothership imagery, there is a spaceship
orbiting Earth, which is preparing to enslave the world with the ultimate
weapon -- The Endorphinmachine. The N.P.G. stop their plans by taking over
their spacecraft -- another entertaining segue.

'The Exodus Has Begun'
A 10-minute extended N.P.G. jam that is once again reminiscent of George
Clinton. The lyrics are basically chanted over a funky rhythm and horn
section. The Steeles provide background vocals as the band jams their way
to freedom.

'Outro'
Sonny is awakened by a fellow band member and informed that they are late
for rehearsal again -- as it turns out, the events of this album are all a
part of Sonny's dream.

-----

Sales should be impressive for this album overseas, and once people in the
states hear some of the songs on this project, stores should have no problem
selling any import copies they have. Feedback posted in various Internet
newsgroups regarding Exodus has been very positive, and many Prince/
fans regard the project as a return to classic form for this multitalented,
prolific artist.

It's far from a favorite, but I'm glad I have this album in my collection - it's frustrating to listen to (for me, anyway) because of all the segues (not a big segue fan...who is??), and even though I think the "Mashed Potato Girl" thing is cute, just gimme the music, thanks.

It's a good spin - if you can find it for a decent price, by all means get it.

the segues, mildly amusing on first listening, totally suck donkey dick beyond that - but song wise there's some cool shit on here, and one TOTAL classic in the seemingly disregarded Cherry Cherry

Beautiful song

As stated previously, I picked Exodus up on e-bay. There's still a few copies available (As I'm sure there always will be). Todd305, thanx for the article: a good read and very informative. Thanks to everyone else who wrote as well.
Unfortunately, on the Canadian west coast, there are simply not the same opportunities as in other places (Toronto, L.A., etc.) to pick up Prince materials. Bootlegs, rare records, and the like are virtually unheard of here. For example, only one store in town carried the "One Night Alone" box, and when that went--that's all folks!
So, I'm crossing my fingers for an upcoming record, cd convention in town to scope out some Prince stuff. If it's not a huge release, I'd love to here about whatever lesser known Prince materials are worth purchasing. I'll snap 'em up whenever I can. For now, I just call a pc owning friend for the downloads: saddled with a mac, it's a bit difficult to be sure you'll actually GET what you're paying for.
ciao all.

COMON said:

I whole-heartedly agree!! "The Exodus Has Begun" has been one of my favorite post-1989 Prince songs ever since I first heard it in 1998 or so. (I didn't even know this album had ever come out at the time, sadly.)



That song right there is proof that a song can contain a few dozen "Motherfuckas" and still be an immensely uplifting, spirutual work of art.