If Prince doesn't like other artists to steal his songs, then how come he steals Joni Mitchell's song. He stated that "Alicia Keys stole How Come You Don't Call Me Anymore" at a recent soundcheck to the audience. But what I don't understand is, how come he stole Joni Mitchell's song which is "A Case Of You". I think that Prince should compliment Alicia for doing a good job at the song and the fact that she didn't mess the tune up either. I think Prince should practice what he preaches. I love Prince and everything, but he should not tell people not to do something then do the opposite of what he told them.

Yeah!!! And why is he still all pissed off about me stealing his virginity?!!? WHAT IS THAT ABOUT?!

The thing is, as in interviews and statements past made, he isn't upset about song covers, he's upset about song covers for the wrong reasons, covers for money, not inspiration, and covers which go against the artist's wishes. There's an article I recently read on npgmusicclub.com, and he also talks about this with Scary Spice on Beautiful Strange.

And PS. Alicia TOTALLY MESSED that tune up. It's so sad to me that such a pure song recorded on a slightly out of tune piano 20 years ago, was recorded again with Hip-Hop beats in the background, a keyboard from Wal-Mart, and stupid lines like, "it's just one lousy quarter, why don't you call me some Mo-ore". At least I think that's what she says. And to have the live performance of this song have phone booths on stage setup for some lame predictable hang-up gag I thought was just disgraceful.

I guess that's just me though. The original in one of my all-time favorite songs, and it just broke my heart to hear the slaughtering of this timeless classic.

Not that I'm against all covers for the sake of being against them. There are many covers of many artists done by many artists that I enjoy, because they have that certain quality.

Oh please,Alicia's version isn't THAT bad...lol...it's not as great as Stephanie Mill's 1983 rendition,but it's cool.Prince's own covers of other artist's songs (such as The Stylistics' "BBGW") leave much to be desired,too,imo.

Song covers are always a touchy subject. The ideal situation would be that any artist wanting to cover a song should have to get permission directly from the artist/writer.

The problem is that most writers don't own the rights to their songs, the Record Lable or Distribution Group does, so the writer/artist has now say. Another incledibly sore spot for Prince.The reality is that Prince probably had no say in her being able to do the song, that's why he says she "stole" it.

As for Alicia Key's cover of HCYDCMA:
Sans the horrendous drum track, it wasn't that bad. Stephanie's was definately better. It sure isn't the worse remake of a Prince song. Mariah Carey & Sisqo (Beautiful Ones), Latoya Jackson(Private Joy), Genuwine(When Doves Cry), take your pick, there're plenty more.

Prince also should be held to the same standard. I like Prince's covers for the most part, but none are better than the originals. Did he call up the Stylistics and ask them about doing their song? What do Bonnie Rhait, Joni Mitchell, and Sheryl Crow think about his cover's of their songs?

My take on covers is that they don't have to be better than, or even as good as the original. To expect a cover to outdo the original, in most cases, is unfair. You don't have to do it better, just do it right and respect it.

I do feal however that their are some songs that should just be left alone. Can you imagine someone trying to cover "Adore"? Leave that one alone!

ace316 said:

Oh ace316 if only your advice had been heeded. A UK artist did cover "Adore" in the early-to-mid 90s. I think his name was Joe(?) Roberts, might as well have been Eric Roberts! Actually it was not terrible but the part where he sang "this condition I GOT! Is crucial..." sounded like Lenny Henry (a UK comedian) doing his Delbert Wilkins persona.

KeithyT said:

Nnnnnnooooo!!!!!

Man I'm glad I've never heard it! I'd have to fly over to merry old England and give that Twit a kick in his bum!

Some songs should never ever be remade! Even if the artist doing the cover is an accomplished artist, some songs you just don't do!

Example: Luther Vandross is generaly considered one of the best male vocalist ever, but his cover of Heatwave's " Always and Forever, stunk! He had to change the key to fit his vocal range and it just didn't work.

Mariah Carey is considered by many to be the best female vocalist that pop music has ever seen. Whitney, Chaka, Aretha, Gladys, Patti, Celine and Reba would probably have something to say about that, but that's another thread.

Mariah's cover of The Beautiful Ones is, IMO, the worst Prince cover ever done. First of all, she brought in Sisqo to make it a duet. The songs is not a duet. Second, she sang it with no feeling, and in that soft, airy voice of hers. You can't do TBO "pretty". You've got to belt that thing out! Then, at the ending/climax of the song, she and Sisqo are adlibbing and what not. Ugh! Where's the screaming and begging? To do this song right, you've got to open your mouth and holler! Just pitiful!

savoirfaire said:

Have to agree with this. I really don't like Alicia Keys' version. In my opinion, Prince songs shouldn't be covered, as they always come out sounding inferior to the origionals.

misterman said:

If you've read the entire write up about it, it wasn't just about someone covering a song. It was about someone covering a song, for instance, and putting curse words into it where there were none on the original. Thereby creating a totally different spirit of the song.

That explanation from the NPGMC was posted on the org about 10 days ago, this issue is NOT as black and white as some here seem to think it is.

It's also been reported by people who were at the infamous soundcheck (or maybe it was one of those PP Celebration things) where Prince brought up Alicia's cover. Those who were there said he said he had no problem with Alicia, it was her record company he had a problem with.

ace316 said:

The person who owns the copyright (the songwriter{s}) doesn't have to give permission for covers. ANYONE can record a cover version provided that they buy the license to do so. That's why there are so many cover songs that exist, good and bad. The only time that the copyright holder has to give permission is when the performer covering the song is going to rearrange it to a certain extent.



He doesn't have to call them up.

But I've always noticed that Prince's best covers are his live covers. That junk he did on Emancipation and Rave is average to abysmal. Just plain lazy, considering Prince's reputation.
[This message was edited Mon Apr 15 8:17:58 PDT 2002 by Supernova]

I realize he doesn't have to ask permission from copywrit holders, just like no one else does. I'm also sure that he respects those artist and songs. I'm just curious as to what those artist think of his covers.

I definately agree with you about Prince's live covers versus his studio covers. It' not even close.

misterman said:

How do we know if Prince never asked Joni Mitchell if he could cover her song?

DavidEye said:

Sorry DavidEye! We must agree upon everything musically except this! Alicia Keys messed this song up royally!

Moonbeam said:

yeah it does suck the video she looks cute for once not so damn thugish like shes gonna go out and jack someone.