The Alan Leeds interview on the Org got me thinking about a quote he had in the liner notoes to the HITS/B-Sides.

In the notes, he mentioned about Prince's ability/music that he (leeds) "...couldn't conjure up what a collection (P's body of work up to 1993)like this might contain in another 15 years."

Fast forward to 2006 and although the 15 year window has not closed, how would you rate the last 13 or so years of Prince's music? The highlights? The lowlights? ANy "what if?" scenarios?

What do you all think?

COMPUTERBLUE1984 said:

I'd say they were even better than the first 15 years. Less rough, experimental or innovative in a way, but more sophisticated & mature music of a man who knew better where he was going.
I'd say there was a big misunderstanding between the artist & the world between 93 & 2001 because of 2 irrelevant things that had nothing 2 do with music: the name change, & the fact that Prince was not a top-selling star anymore, but that we'll come 2 rediscover these years'albums as being musically challenging & quiete extraordinary.
I'd say that Prince eventually came 2 accept himself fully as part of a R&B tradition, instead as only the "musical leader" of his time as he used 2 b.
I'd say that it began with Prince trying 2 reinvent himself & 2 regain a rough, innovative sound (1994-95). Then followed a more delicate, soul influenced era (1996-2001). Then came the era whe're in, more jazzy, more jamesbrownesque.
I'd say that Prince never stopped 2 renew himself & his music, & that the 60+ albums he recorded in a 30 years time is one of the most incredible musical testimony of history.
I'd remember "Come", "The Gold Experience" & "Exodus" as pure musical fun.
I'd remember "Emancipation" as Prince's masterpiece, a perfect synthesis of all his talent, inspired by grace.
I'd remember "Newpower Soul", "Come 2 My House", "GCS 2000" & "Beautiful Strange" as a great funk party where Prince played with 2 of his greatest pairs (Larry & Chaka, the bass & the voice).
I'd remember "The Undertaker" & "The War" as 2 unexpected post-Funkadelic experiments, in which Prince challenged himself & created mystical, dark atmospheres as he had never done before.
I'd remember "Rave Un2 The Year 2000" as the ultimate live jam, a 2 hour concert with the greatest funk artists alive, covering the whole r&b genre.
I'd remember "The Chocolate Invasion" & "The Slaughterhouse" as the proof that the electrofunk, sparse & agressive sound from the 80's is still alive & kicking in Prince.
I'd remember the 1st year of the NPGMC as a fan's dream come true, with around 10 new tracks every damn month! & "Crystal Ball" as another fan's dream come true, of course...
I'd remember "Xpectation" & "N.E.W.S." as Prince trying, maybe 4 the 1st time in his carreer, not 2 sound like Prince, & therefore exploring new experimental dimentions in jazz. & i'd add that this might b the direction that Prince will take in his elder years: mature, challenging music, that has nothing 2 do with commercial pop-songs, & that it would b 4 the best since these 2 albums were just wonderful.
I'd remember "The Vault... Old Friends 4 Sale" & the whole "One Night Alone Tour" collection as some of the most delicate jazz/pop/funk albums ever recorded.
I'd say that i can't wait 2 discover what the next 15 years'material will b, cuz i trust Prince anyway, since any album which disappointed me has always been followed by 5 extraordinary masterpieces... So i'd bet that the best is still 2 come!
[Edited 1/3/06 17:35pm]

Well, in terms of innovation, the last decade wasn´t as good as the 80s. But Prince improved as a musician. Unfortunately he became a trend follower for most part of his 90s output, but I would say that he played some real great hard funk in the mid-90s (Days of Wild is just a good example).

Some things I liked a lot: he is focusing more on the music than stage gimmicks live, he is incorporating some complex arrangements derived from jazz, he is playing some kick ass guitar and giving more freedom to band members.

I am still curious for the next 15 years.