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Thread started 06/19/08 6:09pm

bluefish

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Moonbeam Levels...I don't get it.

Don't stab me y'all, but I am probably the only Prince fan who doesn't care for "Moonbeam Levels." I'd wanted to hear it for years since all the orgers had been calling it his best unreleased track.

I downloaded it a while back and was vastly underwhelmed. It's not that it's a bad track, but to my ears it sounded inferior to even the b-sides, not nearly on par with the likes of 17 Days, She's Always In My Hair or Another Lonely Christmas. I could not (and still can't) understand all the fuss over it. It certainly didn't blow me away and I'm so glad he chose to replace it with LRC on the 1999 album. To me, it would've killed the momentum coming out of 1999 (the song).

What's so special about it? shrug Why do the majority of fans consider it his "best outtake ever?" I just don't see it...oh, well. Let the backlash begin! boxed
[Edited 6/19/08 18:10pm]
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Reply #1 posted 06/19/08 6:13pm

Anxiety

i'm right there with ya.

i think it's fine as outtakes go, but i don't understand what the big hubbub is about, bub. shrug
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Reply #2 posted 06/19/08 6:19pm

bluefish

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Anxiety said:

i'm right there with ya.

i think it's fine as outtakes go, but i don't understand what the big hubbub is about, bub. shrug


Thanks for your support, Anx! thumbs up! I think we may be in the vast minority, though, which is why right this second I'm mentally preparing myself for the ensuing brutal onslaught! lol
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Reply #3 posted 06/19/08 6:20pm

violetblues

Absolutely horrid
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Reply #4 posted 06/19/08 6:21pm

nurseV

Never heard it eek Don't any of you fans try to send it to me either hmph! lol
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Reply #5 posted 06/19/08 6:42pm

Lammastide

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If I'm not mistaken, "Little Red Corvette" didn't serve as replacement for "Moonbeam Levels" on 1999; "Free" did. If that's true, I don't think the energy of the sequencing would be much different. The songs have a similar uplifting quality.

As it were, I'm not sure why so many people feel Moonbeam Levels is among Prince's best unreleased tracks, but I will say I like it very much. Its lyrics are evocative, it is uplifting and it's got a quintessential Revolution-era orchestration and harmonies. I believe Free, with a more gospel feel, was perhaps the more appropriate choice for 1999's heavy R&B vibe. (Moonbeam Level's quirkier lyrics seem more akin to Prince's later forays into psychedelica.) But I do personally prefer Moonbeam Levels.
[Edited 6/19/08 18:44pm]
Ὅσον ζῇς φαίνου
μηδὲν ὅλως σὺ λυποῦ
πρὸς ὀλίγον ἐστὶ τὸ ζῆν
τὸ τέλος ὁ χρόνος ἀπαιτεῖ.”
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Reply #6 posted 06/19/08 6:47pm

Anxiety

Lammastide said:

If I'm not mistaken, "Little Red Corvette" didn't serve as replacement for "Moonbeam Levels" on 1999; "Free" did. If that's true, I don't think the energy of the sequencing would be much different. The songs have a similar uplifting quality.

As it were, I'm not sure why so many people feel Moonbeam Levels is among Prince's best unreleased tracks, but I will say I like it very much. Its lyrics are evocative, it is uplifting and it's got a quintessential Revolution-era orchestration and harmonies. I believe Free, with a more gospel feel, was perhaps the more appropriate choice for 1999's heavy R&B vibe. (Moonbeam Level's quirkier lyrics seem more akin to Prince's later forays into psychedelica.) But I do personally prefer Moonbeam Levels.
[Edited 6/19/08 18:44pm]


if i had to choose, i'd put moonbeam levels on 1999 in place of free. but i absolutely loathe free and i think it compromises the flow of the album (yeah, i know, i'm not in the majority, leave me alone lol ) - but that's not to say i'd feel much better about moonbeam levels being in its place. it's just a more tolerable song than free, to my ears anyway.
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Reply #7 posted 06/19/08 6:47pm

Lammastide

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I'd also offer that perhaps Moonbeam Levels has a special place in many fans' hearts because it's a fairly easy outtake to come by. Remember that energy you felt when you came across your first Prince bootlegs?! Well, for many Moonbeam Levels was that first encounter, I'd reckon.
Ὅσον ζῇς φαίνου
μηδὲν ὅλως σὺ λυποῦ
πρὸς ὀλίγον ἐστὶ τὸ ζῆν
τὸ τέλος ὁ χρόνος ἀπαιτεῖ.”
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Reply #8 posted 06/19/08 6:48pm

SUPRMAN

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Lammastide said:

If I'm not mistaken, "Little Red Corvette" didn't serve as replacement for "Moonbeam Levels" on 1999; "Free" did. If that's true, I don't think the energy of the sequencing would be much different. The songs have a similar uplifting quality.

As it were, I'm not sure why so many people feel Moonbeam Levels is among Prince's best unreleased tracks, but I will say I like it very much. Its lyrics are evocative, it is uplifting and it's got a quintessential Revolution-era orchestration and harmonies. I believe Free, with a more gospel feel, was perhaps the more appropriate choice for 1999's heavy R&B vibe. (Moonbeam Level's quirkier lyrics seem more akin to Prince's later forays into psychedelica.) But I do personally prefer Moonbeam Levels.
[Edited 6/19/08 18:44pm]


Moonbeam Levels is a better song than free. I don't think it's his best unreleased track. That would be 'Open Book'.
Moonbeam Levels would work on 1999, in fact I'll just list it as an album track.
I don't want you to think like me. I just want you to think.
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Reply #9 posted 06/19/08 6:52pm

Lammastide

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Anxiety said:

Lammastide said:

If I'm not mistaken, "Little Red Corvette" didn't serve as replacement for "Moonbeam Levels" on 1999; "Free" did. If that's true, I don't think the energy of the sequencing would be much different. The songs have a similar uplifting quality.

As it were, I'm not sure why so many people feel Moonbeam Levels is among Prince's best unreleased tracks, but I will say I like it very much. Its lyrics are evocative, it is uplifting and it's got a quintessential Revolution-era orchestration and harmonies. I believe Free, with a more gospel feel, was perhaps the more appropriate choice for 1999's heavy R&B vibe. (Moonbeam Level's quirkier lyrics seem more akin to Prince's later forays into psychedelica.) But I do personally prefer Moonbeam Levels.
[Edited 6/19/08 18:44pm]


if i had to choose, i'd put moonbeam levels on 1999 in place of free. but i absolutely loathe free and i think it compromises the flow of the album (yeah, i know, i'm not in the majority, leave me alone lol ) - but that's not to say i'd feel much better about moonbeam levels being in its place. it's just a more tolerable song than free, to my ears anyway.

I understand. Free is probably the only song on 1999 I don't know by heart... and if I've heard it in its entirety more than, say, 5 times in my life, I'd be surprised. But then I'm not a fan of gospel-sounding stuff. feeling ill
Ὅσον ζῇς φαίνου
μηδὲν ὅλως σὺ λυποῦ
πρὸς ὀλίγον ἐστὶ τὸ ζῆν
τὸ τέλος ὁ χρόνος ἀπαιτεῖ.”
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Reply #10 posted 06/19/08 6:52pm

Anxiety

Lammastide said:

I'd also offer that perhaps Moonbeam Levels has a special place in many fans' hearts because it's a fairly easy outtake to come by. Remember that energy you felt when you came across your first Prince bootlegs?! Well, for many Moonbeam Levels was that first encounter, I'd reckon.


the first bootleg i heard (black album doesn't count) was a live boot of prince, ron wood and (if i'm not mistaken) sting doing a cover of "miss you".

i guess i was lucky! biggrin
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Reply #11 posted 06/19/08 7:01pm

SUPRMAN

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Lammastide said:

I'd also offer that perhaps Moonbeam Levels has a special place in many fans' hearts because it's a fairly easy outtake to come by. Remember that energy you felt when you came across your first Prince bootlegs?! Well, for many Moonbeam Levels was that first encounter, I'd reckon.

I don't remember. I used to get all kinds of unofficial mixes and stuff from DJ's and guys who worked in record stores with me.
I don't want you to think like me. I just want you to think.
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Reply #12 posted 06/19/08 7:05pm

Lammastide

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SUPRMAN said:

Lammastide said:

I'd also offer that perhaps Moonbeam Levels has a special place in many fans' hearts because it's a fairly easy outtake to come by. Remember that energy you felt when you came across your first Prince bootlegs?! Well, for many Moonbeam Levels was that first encounter, I'd reckon.

I don't remember. I used to get all kinds of unofficial mixes and stuff from DJ's and guys who worked in record stores with me.

Just a theory. But it might make an interesting thread to find out what was everyone's first bootleg encounter. hmmm
Ὅσον ζῇς φαίνου
μηδὲν ὅλως σὺ λυποῦ
πρὸς ὀλίγον ἐστὶ τὸ ζῆν
τὸ τέλος ὁ χρόνος ἀπαιτεῖ.”
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Reply #13 posted 06/19/08 7:07pm

Lammastide

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Anxiety said:

Lammastide said:

I'd also offer that perhaps Moonbeam Levels has a special place in many fans' hearts because it's a fairly easy outtake to come by. Remember that energy you felt when you came across your first Prince bootlegs?! Well, for many Moonbeam Levels was that first encounter, I'd reckon.


the first bootleg i heard (black album doesn't count) was a live boot of prince, ron wood and (if i'm not mistaken) sting doing a cover of "miss you".

i guess i was lucky! biggrin

Providence, I think. smile I'm reeeeally unmoved by most live recordings (I know that makes me a Commie boxed). I didn't know the Prince/Ron Wood performance even existed until only maybe 2 or 3 years ago! Oddball studio outtakes have been my bread and butter since high school, though.
[Edited 6/19/08 19:08pm]
Ὅσον ζῇς φαίνου
μηδὲν ὅλως σὺ λυποῦ
πρὸς ὀλίγον ἐστὶ τὸ ζῆν
τὸ τέλος ὁ χρόνος ἀπαιτεῖ.”
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Reply #14 posted 06/19/08 8:19pm

purplepolitici
an

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nurseV said:

Never heard it eek Don't any of you fans try to send it to me either hmph! lol

you and your reverse psychology lol. also, i'm with you guys in not being nutty about it. it's okay, but not as awesome as it's often made out to be. especially versus free, which it often is disbelief hmph!
For all time I am with you, you are with me.
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Reply #15 posted 06/19/08 8:21pm

Rinluv

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I highly anticipated the hearing of Moonbeam Levels also. I just knew it was gonna kick ass. But when I finally heard it, I just thought it was alright, ok.. Great song, I love it, but it's not all that. I surely don't think it's his best unreleased song.
Some people think I'm kinda cute
But that don't compute when it comes 2 Y-O-U.
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Reply #16 posted 06/19/08 8:31pm

cassingle

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Rinluv said:

I highly anticipated the hearing of Moonbeam Levels also. I just knew it was gonna kick ass. But when I finally heard it, I just thought it was alright, ok.. Great song, I love it, but it's not all that. I surely don't think it's his best unreleased song.



I feel the same way. It was really built up for me, and then I heard it and well, it was ok. I don't think it's a bad song by any means, but there are far better outtakes, especially ones from that era. Extra Loveable, etc!

P.S. I'm with you guys on not digging Free. When I first got 1999 I listened to the album straight through. I believe that's the last time I listened to Free in its entirety
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Reply #17 posted 06/19/08 11:22pm

KidaDynamite

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I feel the absolute same way about 'Wonderful Ass'! I'm just not feeling it the way other people do. I do love Moonbeam Levels though. lol
surviving on the thought of loving you, it's just like the water
I ain't felt this way in years...
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Reply #18 posted 06/19/08 11:26pm

SUPRMAN

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KidaDynamite said:

I feel the absolute same way about 'Wonderful Ass'! I'm just not feeling it the way other people do. I do love Moonbeam Levels though. lol

Wonderful Ass isn't that much to me either. He's just playing around.
I don't want you to think like me. I just want you to think.
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Reply #19 posted 06/19/08 11:29pm

purplepolitici
an

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SUPRMAN said:

KidaDynamite said:

I feel the absolute same way about 'Wonderful Ass'! I'm just not feeling it the way other people do. I do love Moonbeam Levels though. lol

Wonderful Ass isn't that much to me either. He's just playing around.

i heart wonderful ass! lol the song is good too... lol
For all time I am with you, you are with me.
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Reply #20 posted 06/19/08 11:35pm

KidaDynamite

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purplepolitician said:

SUPRMAN said:


Wonderful Ass isn't that much to me either. He's just playing around.

i heart wonderful ass! lol the song is good too... lol


brick lol
surviving on the thought of loving you, it's just like the water
I ain't felt this way in years...
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Reply #21 posted 06/19/08 11:37pm

purplepolitici
an

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KidaDynamite said:

purplepolitician said:


i heart wonderful ass! lol the song is good too... lol


brick lol

lol i had that one comin' giggle
For all time I am with you, you are with me.
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Reply #22 posted 06/19/08 11:38pm

GiggityGoo

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I'm with you. This song never grabbed me at all.

The best unreleased tune? "In A Large Room With No Light". I'd pay full CD price for a crystal clear version of this song. I love love LOVE it. The coda at the end gives me goosebumps.
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Reply #23 posted 06/19/08 11:40pm

purplepolitici
an

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GiggityGoo said:

I'm with you. This song never grabbed me at all.

The best unreleased tune? "In A Large Room With No Light". I'd pay full CD price for a crystal clear version of this song. I love love LOVE it. The coda at the end gives me goosebumps.

falloff @ your avatar and screenname. family guy headbang! lol i'm with you on in a large room with no light too. love it!
For all time I am with you, you are with me.
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Reply #24 posted 06/19/08 11:53pm

KidaDynamite

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purplepolitician said:

KidaDynamite said:



brick lol

lol i had that one comin' giggle


nod lol
surviving on the thought of loving you, it's just like the water
I ain't felt this way in years...
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Reply #25 posted 06/19/08 11:54pm

purplepolitici
an

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KidaDynamite said:

purplepolitician said:


lol i had that one comin' giggle


nod lol

nothing wrong with a wonderful ass talk to the hand lol
For all time I am with you, you are with me.
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Reply #26 posted 06/20/08 12:02am

KidaDynamite

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purplepolitician said:

KidaDynamite said:



nod lol

nothing wrong with a wonderful ass talk to the hand lol


I agree but still brick lol
surviving on the thought of loving you, it's just like the water
I ain't felt this way in years...
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Reply #27 posted 06/20/08 6:40am

ThomasBjj

I like Moonbeam Levels, but for the life of me I cannot figure what the hell he's talking about. Specifically "please bring all your moonbeam levels to me" ???? What? No comprende!

Someone, help me out here.
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Reply #28 posted 06/20/08 6:49am

WellInever

Isn't it about getting your heart broken and getting all sappy about it? Wring poems or even trying to write a book. And to him to the boy the world might was well have ended in "nuclear World War III." His world has ended all he has is the hurt and death seems like the only way to stop the hurt.

Now moonbeam levels? Maybe it is like looking up at the moon on some lonely night and wondering if 'she' is looking at the moon too? (similar theme as in "Arms of Orion."
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Reply #29 posted 06/20/08 7:06am

Genesia

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WellInever said:

Isn't it about getting your heart broken and getting all sappy about it? Wring poems or even trying to write a book. And to him to the boy the world might was well have ended in "nuclear World War III." His world has ended all he has is the hurt and death seems like the only way to stop the hurt.

Now moonbeam levels? Maybe it is like looking up at the moon on some lonely night and wondering if 'she' is looking at the moon too? (similar theme as in "Arms of Orion."


Here's the way I interpret it:

You know how on a sort of partly cloudy night with a big, bright moon, the moonbeams filter through the clouds in a way that makes them look like they reach all the way to Earth? Depending on the clouds, it can sort of look like they're on different levels, too.

When I was a kid, I always imagined that it might be possible to actually walk to the moon on the moonbeams. So, to me, Prince is saying (in the song) the same sort of thing - he wants the moonbeams so he can walk to heaven.
We don’t mourn artists because we knew them. We mourn them because they helped us know ourselves.
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