Is because the "leaked" download had only mp3 quality.

This CD sounds tight though!

I'm definitely eating crow now that I have it in great quality.

I suppose most of you will agree it definitely is worth buying on CD for the full experience of 3121.

I really "get" the album now, especially with the packaging and also, did you notice there are some extra little details that weren't on the leaked version like sound effects on "Incense and Candles"?

Really great album that takes a while to get used to, but is very rewarding!

The album is still kinda "meh" to me... even after I purchased and listened to the "official" copy. It's cool to have another piece of the puzzle. But I was much more impressed by Musicology

BSK3601 said:

really?

interesting...

BSK3601 said:

much more impressed with musicology?
that is freaking crazy!

thepope2the9s said:

different strokes... To me, 3121 truly sounds like New Power Soul's first (and much more hip) cousin. The only real difference between the two is that 3121 doesn't suck. But barely manages to get by without sucking. It just sounds like a compilation of tracks that he threw together a la Chocolate Invasion. Musicology at least had a cohesive theme. It wasn't the greatest, but it was a good little album to remind folks, "Hey remember me?" The only real stinker on Musicology was Life of The Party. Unfortunately, I'm getting that cheesy ass Life of the Party vibe all over this album. Usually when Prince takes an entire year off between albums, the results are pretty great. 3121 left me... unsatisfied.

BSK3601 said:

the musical taste on the board never seems to amaze me. IMO 3121 mops the floor with Musicology. Its a progression much more even, stronger more accessible record. Songs 1-8 on 3121 are fantastic songs. To me the end of the album wains but only a bit and in truth those last 4 songs on 3121 are better than all but 4 songs on Musicology.

I am really enjoying this record...the first Prince records since Lovesexy that I don't skip and Prince's best and most complete POP record since Diamonds & Pearls which it is better than
[Edited 3/26/06 19:39pm]

I'm definitely happy for those who dig it so much. That's one of the great things about Prince as an artist. He may not reach everybody with the same material, but he's definitely got something for everybody.

But one of the things that amazes me is how many folks where literally shitting all over Te Amo Corazon (a track that I instantly loved) 4 months ago. And now it miraculously fits so well within the context of the album. Folks who were so sick of Prince pushing his religious beliefs onto the listener and he's doing it at least 4 songs on this album. Prince fans are as fickle as general pop audiences are. I'm guessing that it'll take about 6 months before honest opinions about this album appear. I think the novelty of 3121 needs some time to wear off.
[Edited 3/26/06 19:47pm]

BSK3601 said:

By Puzzle you mean?

BSK3601 said:

aw, spoken like a woman. Prince's latest disc failed to penetrate you deep enough, eh? Was he too quick? Did he not call your name? Did he just come and go without waiting for you? Maybe you're just like your mother, she's never satisfied.

Personally 3121 serviced me just fine. Didn't blow my mind like that hot piece of ass Purple Rain, but she was fit, eager to please, a little bit of a smartass, but sweet. I like that combination.

padawan said:

lol awesome reply! Same here tho, m enjoying 3121 a lot!

padawan said:

you're weird!

JPW said:

Hey, your avatar is weird.
[Edited 3/26/06 22:56pm]

padawan said:

hey no offense, but your post was a bit chauvinist

JPW said:

What are you, the politically correct police?

You're confusing my charming wit with chauvinism. Stop being jealous now.

You must have some really poor speakers on your PC because I can hear barely any difference at all between the CDs and the variable bit-rate mp3s I downloaded before the album was released.

NouveauDance said:

I'm not even sure I can hear any difference.

TheEnglishGent said:

well you guys are probably not audio-philes in the way i am.

JPW said:

Who needs good songs when you can have pretty pictures and sound effects, right? Pur-lease. Nevermind that Prince's best songs/albums were recorded in home studios or unfinished recording studios or even live with tape leaks all over the place and still managed to instantly capture your hearts. SOTT is a disaster judging by the standards you set, BTW.
[Edited 3/27/06 4:04am]

BartVanHemelen said:

i think that is a harsh comment, bart. i rate SOTT as Prince's best work, along with Purple Rain and Parade.

BSK3601 said:

I love the 3121 album, but I can still relate to your Newpowersoul comparison ( even though I REALLY like Newpowersoul as well ...and I´m not ashamed to admit it ).
I DOES remind me a bit of NPS because of its sound but I like it nevertheless...the only track I can´t stand is Lolita, WTF was he thinking,,,and I know a lot of folks here LOVE that song and hate Incense and Candles , well...I like Incense and Candles.

Bart is , as usual, very much on point, and your (BSK ´s ) points about four religious lyrics are accurate as well, I for instance love The Word, but somehow the chorus ain´t my cup of tea, but , that being said, IMHO, it´s a good album for what it is...seems like the main argument with a lot of Prince listeners and bitter fans is NOT that Prince is aging or losing his craft or becoming bland but the thought or feeling that we all know very well what he could come up with, what kind of potential is still there, and yet we get the stuff we get.Hope it doesn´t sound too confused.

JPW said:

I simply applied YOUR standards. If you need to talk about the artwork and the sound effects in an attempt to praise an album, might I suggest to you that you're clutching at straws just to avoid admitting that 3121 isn't that great?

JPW said:

We bow to your super-human, animal-like hearing.

NouveauDance said:

padawan said:

*removes pin from post*

All of that bullshit you're stressing makes it sound like Prince music is as close to sex as you can get. It's just music, don't take it personal... especially if it isn't yours. And that, Poindexter, is spoken like somebody with common sense...

speaking of Common Sense...

If I don't like it, I don't like it... that don't mean that I'm hatin'- © Lonnie Lynn
[Edited 3/27/06 15:27pm]

BartVanHemelen said:

I actually agree with Bart here... people on the org making comments like "did you hear that drum roll at 2:13 into song "X"" or that brilliant beeping noise in the background of song "Y" seem to be grasping. I like 3121 but no more than that. I'm disappointed to say that it doesn't "touch" me at all... no goosebumps, no teary eyes, no urge to shout along, nuthin' and P's music used to be able to do those things to me like no other...

Although this album has particular tracks that are his best in years, it still has particular tracks that are shitty. The "old Prince" had albums that were perfection from start to finish. Those days are over and will never be back because he didn't have nearly as diverse a fan base to please as he has now. However, this album seems to be his best attempt to give every type of his fans at least a track or two that they really like.

NouveauDance said:

well cool then. sorry you can't tell the difference between an mp3 bitrate and smooth CD quality.

who cares though? I hear it you don't, no big deal.

A copy of 3121 in stores is like a nice tie around a pile of feces.

JPW said:

They were high quality vbr's... it was the same thing as what is in stores.. only a minimal quality difference..by what most (and the people that do bithc about it) can't really tell the difference.. other than a little reduced bass. its not different in ANY other way than that...
[Edited 3/27/06 15:58pm]

BSK3601 said:

'Twasn't bullshit. It was a metaphor. An allegory. Which you initiated in heavy doses when you explained how Musicology "sucked" and 3121 "gets by without sucking" and you being "unsatisfied." Just using the language you're using, guy.

Surely you can appreciate some ribaldry and friendly jesting. I mean, you're not a sensitive little girl, right?