New topic
Printable| Author | Message |
CRYSTAL BALL * LOVE THREAD * 
Expert lover, my baby U ever had a Crystal Ball? Expert lover, my baby U ever had a Crystal Ball? Ooh, expert lover, my baby Ever had a Crystal Ball? Expert lover, my baby U ever had a Crystal Ball? As bombs explode around us and hate advances on the right The only thing that matters, baby, is the love that we make 2night As little babies in make-up terrorize the western world The only thing that matters, baby, is love between a boy and girl Oh, expert lover, my baby U ever had a Crystal Ball? Undercover, no maybe All 4 fun and fun 4 all I can't remember my baby's voice cuz she ain't talkin' no more Only the sound of love and prayer echo from the yellow floor, yellow floor Huh, she's sayin' - "Dear Jesus, save us from temptation Dear Jesus, save us from hell Save us from the madness that threatens us all Can U hear us? It's hard 2 tell In your name we pray" Expert lover, my baby Ever had a Crystal Ball? Undercover, no maybe All 4 fun, fun 4 all As soldiers draw swords of sorrow My baby draws pictures of sex (Yes, she does) All over the walls in graphic detail - sex! Everybody say it now Expert lover, huh, my baby Ever had a Crystal Ball? Under... undercover, ha, no maybe All 4 fun and fun 4 all Rip it, ouch! Uh Expert lover, my baby Ever had a Crystal Ball? Uh, expert lover, my baby (My baby) Ever had a Crystal Ball? Crystal Ball Expert My baby, my baby, my baby, my baby Kiss me, lick me, trick me, whoa! Oh yeah, yeah Come on, come on, come on, won't U come on? Expert lover, huh, my baby Have U ever had a Crystal Ball? Don't U wanna? What my drummer wanna say? [x2] Yeah! Drummer Tell me what the bass said Yeah Oh, ow! Listen 2 my, uh, listen 2 my bass man play (Alright) (Expert lover, my baby is alright) (Alright) (Undercover, my baby is alright) Listen 2 the guitar play Hey! Wait a minute now It's groovy Ouch! Guitar, guitar Come on now Oh yeah! My baby licked me fast Her mama watch her gas Come on, baby, do me fast Come on, come on Your mathematical gas Uh Ooh wee! Darlin, darlin, U know U want a Cry...Crystal Ball Crystal Ball I don't know, I have 2 ask my mommy first As bombs explode around U and hate advances on your right The only thing U can be sure of is the love we make 2night Expert lover, my baby Ever had a Crystal Ball? Take off your clothes, baby Come on, get the Crystal Ball Oh, expert lover, my baby U ever had a Crystal Ball? Come on, take off your clothes, baby Come on, get the Crystal Ball Come on! Expert lover, my baby Ever had a Crystal Ball? Oh, my baby, my baby, my baby Come on, get the, get the, get the Crystal Ball Oh, U ever had a Crystal Ball? "LOVE YOURSELF AS ALL PEOPLE" | |
- E-mail - orgNote -  Report post to moderator |
The song is very cool...It reminds me of a submarine recording...or an underwater view or something....
Yes...The Crystal Ball says "Love 4 Us All..." Most importantly, being with your true love in a marriage...getting rid of all of the saturated distorted versions of sex between two people...When privacy is respected. I know that not everyone will be in their perfect pairs immediately...however...education can help...and taking away excessive sexual options or alternatives to "finding that special someone," will eventually land everyone into the arms of someone. Oh, what's this...? The Crystal Ball says that an "Undercover Angel, will be Prince's Midnight fantasy.." "The Lion Sleeps Tonight... | |
| - E-mail - orgNote - Report post to moderator |
I don't understand the reference to Crystal Ball -- can someone explain?
 | |
| - E-mail - orgNote - Report post to moderator |
The song is very inconsistent for me...
It's very cool at certain points, and then transitions poorly to annoying stuff I wish wasn't in it. But I applaud his attempts at recording it and would overall give it a positive rating as it is quite unique. The Crystal Ball album (that is, the officially released one) as a whole, I really enjoy, I think there are some great cuts in there, but similar to the song, it's quite inconsistent. Still, a great set to have. "Knowledge is preferable to ignorance. Better by far to embrace the hard truth than a reassuring faith. If we crave some cosmic purpose, then let us find ourselves a worthy goal" - Carl Sagan | |
| - E-mail - orgNote - Report post to moderator |
Twinkly1 said: I don't understand the reference to Crystal Ball -- can someone explain?
frist of ahll u cant realy sen into a crystal ball ut it is about his gutar love ant he is ahlso talking about i sex toy then can get them both off i think but sence he whant her to see what he does but not though the ball but thoe his eyes as well cause it is realy in the heart thoe u will see then love and peace | |
| - E-mail - orgNote - Report post to moderator |
Prince' best song! Unique! Groundbraking! A trip in itself!
I love the way it builds up, especially when the snare drum enters (As little babies in make-up). Also the prayer and the way the song starts up again is brilliant (In your name we pray)! I am assuming it's Prince on all instruments. Even still, it's classic Prince, at the hight of his powers, effortlessly shifting through the song, changing melody, tempo and energy. But most of all it's his voice. And layers of it. I'm still not sure what the feeling is he's getting at in this song, but it's strong. My favorite vocal delivery right here: "I can't remember my baby's voice cuz she ain't talkin' no more Only the sound of love and prayer echo from the yellow floor, yellow floor " Also, bootleggers mistook the title as Crystal Ball. This song is called Expert Lover. Crystal Ball is Eye No with different lyrics... And last, but not least. I prefer the version without the Clare Fischer strings. Most of the times I prefer his additions, just not on this track and Old Friends For Sale. I'm sorry Clare, do love your work though!  | |
| - E-mail - orgNote - Report post to moderator |
Sander said: Prince' best song! Unique! Groundbraking! A trip in itself!
I love the way it builds up, especially when the snare drum enters (As little babies in make-up). Also the prayer and the way the song starts up again is brilliant (In your name we pray)! I am assuming it's Prince on all instruments. Even still, it's classic Prince, at the hight of his powers, effortlessly shifting through the song, changing melody, tempo and energy. But most of all it's his voice. And layers of it. I'm still not sure what the feeling is he's getting at in this song, but it's strong. My favorite vocal delivery right here: "I can't remember my baby's voice cuz she ain't talkin' no more Only the sound of love and prayer echo from the yellow floor, yellow floor " Also, bootleggers mistook the title as Crystal Ball. This song is called Expert Lover. Crystal Ball is Eye No with different lyrics... And last, but not least. I prefer the version without the Clare Fischer strings. Most of the times I prefer his additions, just not on this track and Old Friends For Sale. I'm sorry Clare, do love your work though! If the song is really called "Expert Lover", then why in the official release is it called "Crystal Ball"? I would assume Prince had the final say as to how it was titled in the official release. Isn't the "Eye No" track with different lyrics called "The Ball?" I agree that what you stated is probably true, I just wonder why the title "Expert Lover" wasn't used in it's release. | |
| - E-mail - orgNote - Report post to moderator |
bigben07 said: If the song is really called "Expert Lover", then why in the official release is it called "Crystal Ball"? I would assume Prince had the final say as to how it was titled in the official release. Isn't the "Eye No" track with different lyrics called "The Ball?" I agree that what you stated is probably true, I just wonder why the title "Expert Lover" wasn't used in it's release.
Whoops! No, you're right! I messed up, like the bootleggers once did! Bootleggers named this track 'Expert lover', because they called 'The Ball' 'Crystal Ball'. This track is definitely officially called 'Crystal ball'. My bad. | |
| - E-mail - orgNote - Report post to moderator |
Sorry to go against the grain, but I think this is one of Prince's most over-rated tracks.
The mystic around it can be accounted for because it was unreleased for 12 years, it was the title track to an unreleased album, has been circulating for almost as long as it has existed, it's lengthy and from the Revolution era. Not to say I don't like it, but I've come to like it less and less as time has gone by and find it rather overblown, meandering and pompus. It's really only the last third that does much, and I think with concerns to CB/SOTT, it's one of those occasions where Prince's self-editing was on good form, and cutting the title track from the set when it was shrunk to 2LPs was a smart move, I don't think this track would've been looked upon particularly favourably had the 3LP been released back when. My favourite word for this track has always been: masturbatory. Sorry. | |
| - E-mail - orgNote - Report post to moderator |
NouveauDance said: Not to say I don't like it, but I've come to like it less and less as time has gone by and find it rather overblown, meandering and pompus. It's really only the last third that does much, and I think with concerns to CB/SOTT, it's one of those occasions where Prince's self-editing was on good form, and cutting the title track from the set when it was shrunk to 2LPs was a smart move, I don't think this track would've been looked upon particularly favourably had the 3LP been released back when. Okay, now listen to the nine minute version without Clare. Still pompus? He did went a bit overboard with the tempochanges and solo's, therefor it probably wasn't suited for an album/the masses. Good move. It really isn't much of a song either, I'm not quite sure how to edit this mother to make it a single. Nor do I really care, since this thing is perfect Prince.
Crystal ball isn't really discussed much, so I'm guessing the org is kinda divided on this one? | |
| - E-mail - orgNote - Report post to moderator |
NouveauDance said: My favourite word for this track has always been: masturbatory. Isn't masturbation sex with someone you love? Don't knock it | |
| - E-mail - orgNote - Report post to moderator |
Handel said: Isn't masturbation sex with someone you love?
Only at the height of narcissism. | |
| - E-mail - orgNote - Report post to moderator |
NouveauDance said: Only at the height of narcissism. Don't knock narcissism... oh well | |
| - E-mail - orgNote - Report post to moderator |
Crystal Ball is one of the gems. MyeternalgrattitudetoPhil&Val.Herman said "We want sweaty truckers at the truck stop! We want cigar puffing men that look like they wanna beat the living daylights out of us" Val"sporking is spooning with benefits" | |
| - E-mail - orgNote - Report post to moderator |
It's an ambitious and dareIsay epic experient that really comes off well. That's not to say it should've been on any album.. it is, after all, as far away from being commercial as possible. It got slated when it was eventually released as part of the NPG Crystal Ball set after all.
But that doesn't mean it ain't a classic. It is as phenomenal and ambitious in scope as, say, "The End" by The Doors or "The Width of A Circle" by David Bowie. Love it | |
| - E-mail - orgNote - Report post to moderator |
It's such an original take on depression.... the futility of having to wish to look into a crystal ball for hope...
and the sound design and pacing and transitions from quiet to loud are just like the thoughts of someone lost in depression. My art book: http://www.lulu.com/spotl...ecomicskid
VIDEO WORK: http://sharadkantpatel.com MUSIC: https://soundcloud.com/ufoclub1977 | |
| - E-mail - orgNote - Report post to moderator |
ufoclub said: It's such an original take on depression.... the futility of having to wish to look into a crystal ball for hope...
and the sound design and pacing and transitions from quiet to loud are just like the thoughts of someone lost in depression. A reference to the "deepbluefunk" mood Prince referred to in the liner notes, no doubt. To my knowledge, the track's creation was inspired by the bombing of Lybia by the Reagan administration, when they were hoping to get Gadaffi. The line "little babies in make-up terrorise the Western World" could be a direct reference to that episode. "You don't frighten us, English pig dogs. Go and boil your bottoms, sons of a silly person." | |
| - E-mail - orgNote - Report post to moderator |
truleyloved said: Twinkly1 said: I don't understand the reference to Crystal Ball -- can someone explain?
frist of ahll u cant realy sen into a crystal ball ut it is about his gutar love ant he is ahlso talking about i sex toy then can get them both off i think but sence he whant her to see what he does but not though the ball but thoe his eyes as well cause it is realy in the heart thoe u will see then love and peace  um yeah!Christian Zombie Vampires | |
| - E-mail - orgNote - Report post to moderator |
Twinkly1 said: I don't understand the reference to Crystal Ball -- can someone explain?
I believe it means the best/last sex you'll ever have before the world ends. Ball = Sex Christian Zombie Vampires | |
| - E-mail - orgNote - Report post to moderator |
NouveauDance said: Sorry to go against the grain, but I think this is one of Prince's most over-rated tracks.
The mystic around it can be accounted for because it was unreleased for 12 years, it was the title track to an unreleased album, has been circulating for almost as long as it has existed, it's lengthy and from the Revolution era. Not to say I don't like it, but I've come to like it less and less as time has gone by and find it rather overblown, meandering and pompus. It's really only the last third that does much, and I think with concerns to CB/SOTT, it's one of those occasions where Prince's self-editing was on good form, and cutting the title track from the set when it was shrunk to 2LPs was a smart move, I don't think this track would've been looked upon particularly favourably had the 3LP been released back when. My favourite word for this track has always been: masturbatory. Sorry. I think it's Epic in scope. Similar to All My Dreams. Overblown, pompous, complex, and really all over the place. I don't think it would hhave worked on SOTT, but it would have on Dream Factory, which I find more of the songs a lot more whimsical than the pared down SOTT. Christian Zombie Vampires | |
| - E-mail - orgNote - Report post to moderator |
Sander said: NouveauDance said: Not to say I don't like it, but I've come to like it less and less as time has gone by and find it rather overblown, meandering and pompus. It's really only the last third that does much, and I think with concerns to CB/SOTT, it's one of those occasions where Prince's self-editing was on good form, and cutting the title track from the set when it was shrunk to 2LPs was a smart move, I don't think this track would've been looked upon particularly favourably had the 3LP been released back when. Okay, now listen to the nine minute version without Clare. Still pompus? He did went a bit overboard with the tempochanges and solo's, therefor it probably wasn't suited for an album/the masses. Good move. It really isn't much of a song either, I'm not quite sure how to edit this mother to make it a single. Nor do I really care, since this thing is perfect Prince.
Crystal ball isn't really discussed much, so I'm guessing the org is kinda divided on this one? Still pompous w/out the strings. Though I think I like sans strings better...with the purple underground part. Christian Zombie Vampires | |
| - E-mail - orgNote - Report post to moderator |
superspaceboy said: but it would have on Dream Factory, which I find more of the songs a lot more whimsical than the pared down SOTT.
Mmmm, definately.  | |
| - E-mail - orgNote - Report post to moderator |
giotto said: ufoclub said: It's such an original take on depression.... the futility of having to wish to look into a crystal ball for hope...
and the sound design and pacing and transitions from quiet to loud are just like the thoughts of someone lost in depression. A reference to the "deepbluefunk" mood Prince referred to in the liner notes, no doubt. To my knowledge, the track's creation was inspired by the bombing of Lybia by the Reagan administration, when they were hoping to get Gadaffi. The line "little babies in make-up terrorise the Western World" could be a direct reference to that episode. I always thought it was a song to express epic depression (or maybe dread?) when I first heard it on a vinyl bootleg. That scream, and just the concept of a mantra about a crystal ball to see the future. The way I interpreted it, even his girl is a depressing thing, and even the sex is desperate. I think its the tone of the music and sound effects as well that leads me to that. My art book: http://www.lulu.com/spotl...ecomicskid
VIDEO WORK: http://sharadkantpatel.com MUSIC: https://soundcloud.com/ufoclub1977 | |
| - E-mail - orgNote - Report post to moderator |
Best part of the song 4 me is "i don't know i have 2 ask my mommy 1st"  man, he has such an amazing body of music that it's sad to see him constrict it down to the basics. he's too talented for the lineup he's doing. estelle 81 | |
| - E-mail - orgNote - Report post to moderator |
I enjoy this song a great deal..it's probably in my top 10 of favorites. Proud Memaw to Seyhan Olivia Christine ,Zoey Cirilo Jaylee & Ellie Abigail Lillian  | |
| - E-mail - orgNote - Report post to moderator |
L4OATheOriginal said: Best part of the song 4 me is "i don't know i have 2 ask my mommy 1st"
Oh yes. So tongue in cheek, so incredibly sexy. Lip biting, finger pulling. | |
| - E-mail - orgNote - Report post to moderator |
I like it a lot, the truth is my favorite. | |
| - E-mail - orgNote - Report post to moderator |
One of my all time favorite P songs, esp. the pared down version without the strings. I wrote a really long thread on it a while back... | |
| - E-mail - orgNote - Report post to moderator |
Great Song Crystal Ball | |
| - E-mail - orgNote - Report post to moderator |
it´s too long. some parts are brilliant, others just a mess. it summarizes
Prince´s career quite well, come to think of it | |
| - E-mail - orgNote - Report post to moderator |
