I reckon Prince shouldve released the heavy guitar version of this track, the way he originally intended to do
But the one that came out officially was just boring and I still cant get into it
Which is a pity because the lyrics were beginning to show more emotional maturity and it bears the hallmarks of a classic. But in its current official form the track just sounds bland and unexciting...

A lot of the Signt of the Times material sounds a bit bland when compared to live versions of the same songs or compared to alternate versions, IMO.
I could no longer enjoy the album version of " I could never take the place of your man" after hearing the more powerful version from the SOTT film, which was of course not a live concert but still more powerful than the album version.

I also enjoy the movie version of "If I was your Girlfriend " a bit more than any other version of that song.
Or "It" ...can´t stand the album version but love the movie version.

KoolEaze said:

I agree about ICNTTPOYM in the movie. I love how it slowly built from the drums, piano, then to the guitar.

I concur with the view that, in its heavy guitar incarnation, "Strange Relationship" sounded like a much stronger composition.

heavy guitar incarnation?

ufoclub said:

Remember the so-called "Billy" rehearsal? following that 45-minute guitar workout Prince then goes on to play an instrumental rendition of "Strange Relationship", using the occasion to teach the Revolution the chords to the song.

ufoclub said:

I know right??
Jibbersih. And Strange Relationship is freakin fantastic!!
But its okay, we're all music critics here.
[Edited 8/7/08 11:33am]

giotto said:

well that was never intended for release!

ufoclub said:

Which is precisely the point. A lot of material that is never intended for release succeeds in hitting the spot in ways that officially released versions often fail to do.

come to think of it, it is kinda "blah". i like the dream factory version a bit better musically. had he just added the camille effect to that track, it would've been great! everything sounds better live . the camden palace '88 version is my favorite!

Its the only track on SOTT thats a bit..

It's a very solid song!!! I think u and i gotta...YEA, YEA the only weak song on that album is U got the Look.

purplepolitician said:

No, politician, the dream factory version is not better because it's constipated, it has too many instruments and layers and too much unnecessary shit going on that the song ended up being suffocated... Less is more, remember?

U people are HIGH! ALL versions of this song rock. One of my faves since day one on SOTTs. Love the Dream Factory version too. My fave version tho? The live version from 4 Those of U on Valium! That one is funky as all hell.
[Edited 8/7/08 12:57pm]

rusty1 said:

I'm with u. If I Was Your Girlfriend and Strange Relationship are two of my favorites on that album along with SOTT, Slow Love, Dorothy Parker etc. etc.! Of course the live versions are going to better but still stands as one of my favorite P albums.

I love this song!

I love it too!

i guess u know me well, i don't like winter... but u seem u get a kick out of doing me cold! Oh, what the hell! U always surrender... what's this strange relationship we hold on 2? very solid musically and lyrically! whoever doesn't like this tune is on volium!

rusty1 said:

i love the lyrics & vibe! relationship,ship ship ship. lovely! genius!

Love the song...

I guess U know me well...I don't like winter...
I seem 2 get a kick out of doin' ya cold...What's this Strange Relationship.ship.ship.ship.?

Huh, I think it's one of the better songs he's done.

That's art for you.

Wonderwall said:

So true . How could I forget that version...that is by far the best I´ve heard.

Dayclear said:

yes!