did you also like the version that was released on "The Chocolate Invasion"?
see, I really loved the one on TCI, but the version on 3121 is one of the
rare instances where I truly dislike a Prince song from the start. This is a
rather strange phenomenon with me since I dislike oh, perhaps a dozen tunes
from all his music, official or bootlegged.

so if you prefer this version over the one on TCI, what makes you like this
version better?

Oh I MUCH prefer the 3121 version.

TCI seems like an uninspired demo and it's as if he thought... that could be a good song, I'll finish it.

By the way, the 3121 version really reminds me of Eye Hate U, in tone, theme and execution, not that the melodies are similar or anything.

JPW said:

I personally liked the TCI version, where the song seemed more original and not like it was borrowing from other songs.

HamsterHuey said:

i completely agree

At first I was like "Why Prince? Why?" when he redid the Dance on 3121 but now I have to admit it is better...the song's really depressing and sad though...I have to be in the right mood to listen to it. This song HAS to be about a real woman because the emotion he convays is just to honest to be faked.

Krystal666 said:

to me it seems contrived and forced. the original has a nice flow
and an effortless melody.

another thing that i hate to the utmost hights of my being is for
someone -any artist- to build up a track like that and then just
cut it off guillotine style. wtf happens there?

it's cool for songs like LifeCanBeSoNice but can you imagine he'd
cut off The Beautiful Ones like that?

Never heard the other version.

Don't care too much for the 3121 version.

But if you'd dance to it for me, I'm sure I could develope a better appreciation for it.

I have never heard the CI version of the The Dance.

The Dance on 3121 is pure perfection. It's my favorite cut on the cd. I can't even imagine the other version being able to top it.
[Edited 5/2/06 21:07pm]

Imago said:

what do you mean you never heard the other version? wasn't it on
that dvd i sent you?

oh wait, i think "the dance" was one of the 2 or 3 wav files on my
pc at the time and therefore might not have been included on that
dvd.

let me know.

~orgnote~

PurpleCharm said:

the other version sounds very much like something off Emancipation,
although in a good way. think of a mix between the songs "Goodbye"
and "Journey 2 The Center of Ur Heart". it's delicate and nice with
a breezy and very light air to it.

IstenSzek said:

I'll check tonight.

Oh, and....

Every time i tried to download tci it failed. My server would loose the connection before it completly downloads. Now if i try to add it to my cart it says that the cart is empty.

The Dance is so painful to hear knowing how Prince hurt. But it's also a beautiful love song that speaks volumes of his deep emotion. Sometimes i can hear a hint of hope in The Dance.

I liked the first version, hated the new version at first... fell in love w/ it after a few listens. Can't say which one is "better" (I'd have to dig up the old version & listen, it's been a while) they're just different. It's hard (as a listener) to go from something so pared down & simple to a grand, over the top "rings of fire" version But I dig both



.
[Edited 5/2/06 4:33am]

mzflash said:

Are you sure it isn't your pop up blocker? I have to turn off my pop ups whenever I download something from NPG store.

ok, just listened to it.

I like the vibe of the one on TCI a bit better, but I like the climax on the 3121 version.

Imago said:

Yep I started a thread when 3121 had just came out asking if I was the only one who prefers the original version of The Dance. It basically comes down to whether you are prejudiced against Emancipation-era production. To many elitists the live sounding bossanova production on 3121 is more "credible".

I love both versions but I think there is more life in the 3121 version. I listened to the TCI version last month and it was still great but I like the direction Prince took this song.

I prefer the 3121 version. TCI recording struck me as a pretty song, but nothing special. After hearing it on 3121, now it's something special.

I didn't know there was another version. I love 3121's is my favorite off that record. And I will surely give TCI's a listen.

THE DANCE 4 life

I never paid much attention to the CI version until it was announced it'd be in 3121. First time I listened to the new one I thought "what?!!!". Now I love it

the 3121 one.

It's a bit over the top...but it's all in the urgency.

superspaceboy said:

I really only dig the last 1:20.

I dig this one as I have never heard the TCI version

Never heard the one on TCI, but the 3121 version is not on my list of faves, by far.

Have not heard TCi, but the 3121 version is probably one of my favourite tunes on the album. Brooding and brilliant with an ending I am dying to hear live.

Universaluv said:

co-sign

Krystal666 said:

I have asked this more than once. (not you of course)
Who do you think the song was inspired about? I have heard it was written during the Emancipation sessions. Is that true?
I have always thought that any love song that talks about the woman of his desire dancing has to be about the dancer he married.

I guess I am joining the camp that wishes Mayte and Prince could find their way back together again. Their pics together seem so tender and loving, not formal and staged.

Absolutely love the 3121 version! Anyone think this song sounds similar, or has the same vibe, as "Cowboys & Angels" by George Michael? I love that song, maybe that's why I like "The Dance" off 3121 so much, they both have that same laid back jazzy feel going on.

Imago said:

Ditto.