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PrintableLleeLlee said: Imago said: TO some extent he really is regarded as a retro act. Many people are surprised that he has released anything at all in the last 15 years.
But I don't think at large, he is considered a retro act in the sense that James Brown is. I think he's seen like Springsteen, Mellencamp, or Tom Petty--great contemporary artists, but for a "mature" crowd much like Tina Turner was prior to releasing "Private Dancer". I don't think it has too much to do with his age either. Madonna isn't considered a retro act, though her act is extremely tired at this point, she still has the press thinking she's fresh. It's all about P&R, and Prince is dreadful at that. I agree about the retro act thing. Ask most people (non fans) to describe him and they will generally still describe his image from the movie Purple Rain. Maybe thats an enduring image but lots of people still see him as purple satin and big hair. Thank you that was a BIG part of my point. Christian Zombie Vampires | |
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superspaceboy said: murph said: But who is thinking that Prince is going to sell 16 million albums again, except for hardcore Prince who would take a bullet for the man...Sensible Prince fans understand that everyone has their time...The only thing that matters in the end is your legacy...And right now Prince's legacy is held in iconic regards, something that could not be said in the late '90s... maybe not 16 mil. But many on here think he can sell even D&P numbers again...if only he would follow the strategy they lay out. I am all good with Prince and his output and whatever he decides to do. I simply question what other fans thinkings are on this subject. Is anyone selling Diamonds and Pearls numbers these days? Compare the sales of the top 10 selling albums of 1991 to the top 10 of this year or 2006. "New Power slide...." |
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I agree about the retro act thing. Ask most people (non fans) to describe him and they will generally still describe his image from the movie Purple Rain. Maybe thats an enduring image but lots of people still see him as purple satin and big hair. Yeah, but the same could be said about how the masses "saw" or pictured Prince in any year after 1984. In 1986, when he changed his look, many still saw Prince as Mr. Purple Rain despite that he wasn't sportin' that style. The fact is that no matter what he achieves there will be a portion of people and the media who will forever think of Prince as he was in 1984. That's what happens when you have a break out cultural event launch you to superstardom. [Edited 4/18/07 16:59pm] "New Power slide...." |
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murph said: superspaceboy said: I come across many topics here regarding how Prince should do this or that in order to re-achieve the great status he once had...20 years ago. If only he would...WHat he should do is...
Does anyone think that this far in the game, he can get back to where he was? Considering the way he is and operates, is it really possible? Aside from the fams, I think most people view him as an icon and a great guitarist/performer but I also think they view him as a nostolgia act akin to James Brown. Sure they'll go and see him when he comes around, but they aren't interested in buying his records. Same with radio. He might get a hit song played, but it's a one off. The only people discovering him are kids who have come across their parents older records. He's not necessarily able to reach out to a new audience anymore. I suppose my questions are "how do you think Prince is regarded by the general public?" "do you think it is possible for him to achieve superstardom as he has in the past?" "Why is it important that he do so?" I think you were headed on the right path but you took a wrong turn... You are correct about Prince being a music icon...For many in the general public, beyond the hardcore fans, Prince is seen as a strange, talented, survivor of his past era...As for your comments about him being a nostalgia act, it's a little more complex than that...Yes, when fans pay their money to see Prince in concert they want to hear the hits..This goes into the "no-shit" file... The same could be said for other senior acts that still have the respect of their peers and music critics: Neil Young, Bob Dylan, Paul McCartney (his last album was actually received generally well by music critics; he hasn't had the best relationship with critics as a solo act) and the like....When people go to the above artists shows they want to hear the classics...That's part of the deal and there's nothing wrong with that...It doesn't make their latest music any less relevent...It is what it is.. The problem with placing Prince strictly into the nostalgic category is this: As iconic as James Brown was (JB is one of the most influental artists of all time in any musical genre...He towers over Prince and just about any other act...) in his late '40s, James, while still a strong performer, was not on the same level of his prime years (62-73)... In Prince's case, it could be argued that he has eclipsed his already standout skills as a live performer...In other words, in a live format, this guy has become better with age...His guitar playing has become more natural and heartfelt; his command of his band is as tight as ever; and his voice, which rarely gets talked about, is at a better command... Prince's performance at the Super Bowl cannot be overstated...It displayed why Prince goes beyond being a "nostalgia act" just like the aformentioned Bob Dylan has been able to do...He didn't coast on his hits like the Rolling Stones (I love the Stones, but they haven't showed anything new onstage since the early '80s Tattoo You tours...)...Yes, he's an elder statesman...But folks who are not even Prince fans noted that the man gave the best Half-Time show beyond whether or not he played "Purple Rain.." No need for another round of superstardom...The man cemented his legacy years ago... The question you need to ask yourself is what does Prince's hardcore fans think of the man nowadays?...I'm sure there is some conflict given his heavy handed policies towards the online fan sites...In this regard he is seen as a great, iconic, talented artist who also happens to be a controlling prick...But that's another thread... [Edited 4/18/07 11:19am] That right there is the real question that needs to be asked. At least with the non fans, you pretty much know what answer you're going to get. The typical he's weird/gay, I love Purple Rain or some reference to the song/album and anything else from the 80's, the name change thing and maybe something about him and his guitar if you are lucky. The issue I have is with the hardcore. I have no idea about where everyone here stands with the man. Between the org, HQ and I'm sure other Prince fansites, with a good portion of people, you'd swear Prince was a no good dirty felon who belongs in jail not on a stage the way some folks talk about him and they claim to be fans.   I know he doesn't help his cause with the suing of the sites and all the mess with Princefams and HQ but even without it, he'd still be treated like a criminal. I don't like everything he does either but fuck man, it's just bizarre the things I've read over the years. So when it's said and done, forget the non fans, what about us? Just my  I'm not a fan of "old Prince". I'm not a fan of "new Prince". I'm just a fan of Prince. Simple as that | |
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