I find this song abit of an oddity, apart from the studio version I have a live version he did for some TV, which was very amusing, P taking the piss as usual. When he sings the Face down bit, there is a sample in the background which say´s if I am not mistaken "just like Elvis"

what are your thoughts on this track?

Whitnail said:

i really dig it

apart from the CD version i really like the "x-tended rap" ersion too...

not sure where that mix is from, but its pretty good. Its sans-swears too if that rocks ur boat!

Whitnail said:

"just like Elvis" = dead like Elvis

pplrain said:

Exactly, which induces a certain element to the track, like a hidden message, hidden but at the same time clear to hear.


it begs the question, why Elvis, he could have picked a variety of dead musicians.....

????

is it referring to maybe Elvis' supposed career death b4 his comeback special?

Whitnail said:

I think he said "Dead like Elvis" for shock value. People still think Elvis is alive. Also if you listen to the lyrics he is saying something about people saying he is washed up and then goes on to rant about his record label and what they want him to write about (at least that is what I got from the song). Anyway don't listen to the lyrics of the song just dance to it.

I always liked this song. It's just so raw and unabashedly Prince/The Artist at the height of his angst.

I love it.

Funky song! Love it!

i like this song! lotsa attitude. i saw a clip - chris rock introduces the performance. prince looks very comfortable & is enjoying his badself!
he's looking good 2

i like the song. not crazy about the album version. i like the X-tended Money Mix or whatever it's called alright, that incorporates 18 & Over.

but i cream my jeans for the live version on the "Live in NYC" tape.

The bassline really gets me riled up and.....well, "HORNY!!!" That's only because Rhonda does that to me.

Some day a boxer with the mega confidence of Muhammad Ali is going to use this as his entry music to the ring.

I'm not sure...Makes me wonder if Prince believes that Elvis is still alive and breathing, beyond living on immortally through his music. I believe to have seen Elvis a few years ago, in the back of an ambulance on duty. disguised as an EMT. I wonder to this day.....

Ah man I adore this track, the money mix, and the video. And the live in NYC cassette version. And the version on Chris Rock's show.

FACE DOWN.....don't play with my money!

Whitnail said:

He did it live on the Chris Rock Show back in the 90's and the sample did say "Just Like Elvis". However my thought on the song is....in the words of Damon Wayans....."Hated It".

Prince was really angry when he made this song, I think it's hilarious!


[Edited 12/10/07 4:56am]

Great funky tune. I also love the NYC live tape version, especially when he keeps interrupting the tune to break out those bass chops. Too funky.

Can anyone give me abit more info on the NYC live tape, when was it recorded, was it a tv recording or boot?

The version I have on vid is the Chris Rock one, I think, where he wears a light brown coat.

And where did the remixes appear from, as I dont seem to have them either, all info greatly appreciated

I LOVE this song! Loved it the first time I heard it, and always listen to it right through when listening to Emancipation Disc 3.

Great song! Not hugely crazy about the sans-cussing version, but it's still good.

What I find really interesting is that in the vid for this song he's playing his own grieving widow.

I also think he's talking shit about Michael Jackson in it. The lyric, "you gotta be a Prince before you're King anyway" as well as some other references makes me think he's slammin' MJ in some way (wasn't Mike married to Lisa Marie - Elvis' daughter - during this time frame???)...

I forget the other lyrics that make me think that, and I think I got the one I quoted correct... but, take a listen and see what you think....

Anyone?

June7 said:

that lyric you quoted is from "my name is prince" not face down, if Im not mistaken. And it is a pop at MJ who thinks he is king of pop

.
[Edited 4/28/11 14:53pm]

NO. There's a very old saying that goes " when I die, bury me Face Down, so the whole word can "Kiss my ass". That's what Prince meant!!
[Edited 12/11/07 6:47am]

Raze said:

i was there at roseland and have it unedited as well

Militant said:

the version on the chris rock show is the same as the nyc cassette version just edited 4 length..yeah there was lip synching going on 2 the max

I LOVE this song. I love how angry Prince is with it. It's the only Prince song that makes me want to whup somebody's ass. The beat, the bass and the music get me all wound up. Fucking love it!!!!

I find nothing wrong with it. Love it!