I have been hesotant to ask this question, because there is so much division as to what albums are worthwhile. Some of you think Prince peaked in the 80's others think that everything he does is priceless...

Anyway.. here is my collection so far

Dirty Mind, Controversy, Purple Rain, ATWIAD, SOTT, Parade, Lovesexy, Black album, graffiti bridge, girl six, the hits/b-sides, batman,m diamonds and pearls and rave (which I wish I hadn't bothered).

I am still considering purchasing
prince, come, emancipation, muscicology and 3121

the only reason i hadn't put 1999 on the list was because most of the tracks are found on some of thesze other albums.

As for the rest... there seems to be as many crappy reviews floating around as rave reviews, which makes it impossible for me to decide on any of it.

I like jazz, so does that mean that i will dig NEWS (or is it just bad elevator jazz that will drive me nuts)

Is the fact that I'm an atheist mean that I will find rainbow children too hard to take.

I've also considered crystall ball, because i don't have bootlegs and don't want them, but i've heard that is kind of stinks

i'm also tempted to buy the vault, because I like the little snippets I've heard....

I pretty much LOVE everything I have so far except Rave... and I have lukewarm feelings about Diamonds and Pearls

I heard that N.E.W.S was great,
Anji (I believe) wrote an excellent summary on this album.

Whaaaaat?! YOU don't have the 1999 album?! PLEASE get that next. If you have Controversy and Purple Rain....PLEASE get 1999.

Planet Earth
3121
Musicology
The Vault: Old Friends 4 Sale


I like all of these.

Twinkly1 said:

Can't give an opinion 'bout the last one though
as I don't have that album, but the others I like.

wildgoldenhoney said:

You heard what? I'm not saying it is bad, but if you still have some other (prince) albums you can buy, buy them first

remko said:

hmmm... guess it depends on taste, I've never heard it myself,
but the review made me want to buy this album and have a listen.

wildgoldenhoney said:

I think he should have used an other band name for this album. Madhouse 2 or something.

remko said:

I guess it's way different than from his other albums,
something people aren't used to coming from him.

1999 is the next one.....absolutly. Non-negotiable. Let N.E.W.S be the last.

I'd suggest getting everything before the name change FIRST. For You, Prince, and 1999 are essential - I don't understand the reasoning behind finding other 1999 album tracks elsewhere, you can't, and it is one of his very best.

Then get the rest of the Warners catalogue, and The Rainbow Children, then everything else. Don't worry about any silly religious lyrics, TRC is Prince's best album of the past 10 years. Everything else can come after.

If you're a fan, don't overlook the albums produced for the protege and satellite acts - the classic era acts like The Time, Vanity 6, Sheila E and the Family are as much Prince albums as those released under his own name(s) and just as important in the Prince canon, IMO.

Complete your 70s and 80s collection FIRST!



//
[Edited 7/8/08 1:50am]

NouveauDance said:

wildgoldenhoney said:

Yeah, but it has happened before that one album was completely different from the next. That's okay (that is what we are looking for nowadays). But maybe because it is all instrumental for some reason it just aint Prince. I can't really explain it, in the end it is all personal of course. Let's just say that of all the albums i have this is the one that i've listened to the least.

The only P album I'd ever need would be 1999.

diana7777 said:

Agreed. For You, Prince and 1999 should be your first purchases. The Gold Experience is also a an album that many regard as his last truly great piece of work. Personal fave of mine is The Rainbow Children. As mentioned above, don't get caught up in the lyrics just enjoy the music! The Crystal ball set is worth picking up for the acoustic album of The Truth if nothing else. If you can lay your hands on a copy of One Nite Alone (the piano album not the live one) then this is also an essential album.

Damn...I think I've listed every album!!!!

NouveauDance said:

Absolutely, then witness the slow and horrible death of your purple fox's ability to put out an album that pushes boundaries and breaks new ground.

Ahhh the 80's.

Marrk said:

That sounded a bit harsh, he's still capable of great things occasionally, and i love to watch him live, but i can't get that excited about his studio stuff these days.

I cannot tell you which ones to get because I believe all of his music has something great to offer. I've been a fan since the early 80's and still do not have them all, like boots and stuff that were avalable from NPGMC, good luck tho.
[Edited 7/8/08 4:34am]

1999, Come, One Night Alone (piano)
The Gold Experience.

Then

3121
Musicology
Planet Earth

Which I think can be listened to with 'a different ear' if you know what I mean.
Do Not Buy NEWPOWERSOUL, ever. No I mean it, never, ever. I will come to your house and smash it. ok?

Oh and also, I know they are not albums per say, but some of my favourite P stuff from 80's -90's has to be from his eps and maxi albums.

The Scandelous Sex Suite (SEX)
Partyman EP
BAtdance EP
The Future Remixes

NewPower Generation Mini Album
Gettoff EP (Violet The Organ Grinder)
Cream EP
I Wish U Heaven 1,2,3 (Scarlet Pussy Full Length)

Sorry there are lots more... But there was a real sense of creative freedom on some of his b-sides and extended versions, sometimes lacking on his albums.

...and again to mention..one night alone (piano) which I only found last year. I downloaded it first then I found the physical thing online, it's amazing.


R
[Edited 7/8/08 4:33am]

reviewing some of these listings is incredible - does any1 know where the best place in Chi-town would b 2 find a lot of these gems?

Marrk said:

Ich liebe dich, ich liebe dich!

blackguitaristz said:

Agreed...you can't get Automatic just anywhere! 1999 is crucial!

NouveauDance said:

Very well put. i agree.

blackguitaristz said:

A-U-T-OMATIC, Lady Cab Driver, Something In the Water
You be missin' out!
Go get it!

You need these ones:



oh, and this one:



Planet Earth wasn't out when I took the first picture

Seriously though, Prince, 1999 and the Gold Experience are all great albums but I do agree you should get them in order from oldest to newest.

Check out s4 on http://prince.org/msg/7/145050

Places to search:

ebay
wreka stow's
flea markets
garage sales

U neeeeed all of them.Good luck finding them all.

listen to nouveaudance
prince,1999,gold experience,all TIME cds,crystal ball,and all warner bros.releases
LISTEN TO NOUVEAUDANCE

For You and 1999.

djdaffy1227 said: