I find it interesting that here we are in 2009, and with great anticipation I await Lotusflow3r, the most interesting album to me by Prince in some time. An album that could have mass crossover appeal, potential Grammy nods etc. Yet the same year what else do we have as competition? U2 releasing No Line On the Horizon which already is gaining tremendous momentum with the critics.

Additionally, although to a lesser degree, another legend, Morrissey has just released a new album, Years of Refusal, which is arguably one of his best solo efforts in years and is also being mentioned as a Grammy contender.

On the one hand I am jazzed that three of my favorite artists are still churning out great product, however, as a Prince fan first and foremost, it seems a bad break that 22 years after Sign lost out to the Joshua Tree, and several years of very little competition from the heavy hitters, they all come out swinging again in the same year.

.
[Edited 1/1/10 17:50pm]

Prince is to music like Jordan was to basketball


only difference is he hasn't retired yet

PEJ said:

And you've been in his house.

All I know is that if Lotusflow3r is nominated and he loses the Grammy for best album to U2 he will be pi$$ed

2funkE said:

The look on his face in '88 was scary.

I'm not convinced Lotusflow3r will have the mass appeal of a U2 album. We just saw Coldplay win best Rock band at the Grammy's, and they're a complete borefest.

Prince easily outclasses these 'bands', but I don't think Lotusflow3r will win over audiences beyond his main fanbase. I would happily be wrong on this.

unkleg said:

I really dont see the appeal in the U2 album . Can anyone really name me a stand out track. Then again as proven in the past u don't need a stand out track 2 win a grammy.LOL.

2funkE said:

F*@k U2, they don't know how to write a melody and Bono can kiss my dirty feet

Spanky said:

Well! Tell us how you REALLY feel.

And, I agree.

"... you ain't gonna do Housequake"

NAAAAAHHHHH!!

Here is where the rubber meets the road folks: Target currently operates 1,699 stores in 49 states. Wal-Mart operates 7,800+ Wal-Mart stores and Sam’s Club locations in 16 markets worldwide. Think about it folks. Some exclusive at Target doesn't have a chance against another big selling artist with the new album in every store and Football Stadium tour on the way.

I like U2, Prince, Bowie..etc. Why?? they have stood the test of time. They have survived 25+ years. Obviously Prince was down with going with less sales cuz his album won't be everywhere! and P. doesn't mind so I don't know why we would care about the sales??

Spanky said:

That's funny, so is your avatar.

Okay, so here's a few U2 tracks to try. For me, they're most interesting from Achtung Baby, through Zooropa to Pop, with the first of those three albums being best, and the quality dropping off on successive albums. But those are three relatively experimental U2 albums, before they 'reapplied for the job as the world's biggest band' and became so polished at the expense of eccentricity.

Stand out U2 tracks:
* Numb
* Acrobat
* Some Days Are Better Than Others
* One
* Love is Blindness
* Mysterious Ways
* Ultraviolet
* The Wanderer (with Johnny Cash)

And from the earlier stuff, how about:
* Pride
* New Year's Day

If you really hate U2, you're not going to seek those out, but if you haven't heard much of their stuff, and specifically that stuff above, you might well be missing out. Achtung Baby is one of my favourite albums ever.

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[Edited 1/1/10 17:51pm]

PEJ said:

No. Jordan never put up a Newpowersoul. Jordan did put up a "1999: The New Master" when he came back from retirement though.

suomynona said:

New Power Soul isn't that bad of an album. It is Prince on cruise control but it does have a few stand out tracks that could hold their own on any other album in the early days.

thedawnofanewera said:

It's all about promotion .....if Prince get's on the talk shows as the musical guest ....sells will go through the roof....

U2 stood on top of the BBC building last friday and played a few tracks live..and free to people going home from work ...thats a boost to sales ...

If Prince contacted the BBC they would jump at the chance for him to do a promo for his new 3-Set CD....at a drop of the hat...

If you go see U2 live the new songs will not get the same reaction as the hits but they will continue to play them. Some of the new songs will get a positive reaction and survive in the next tours set! Years down the road they will still be playing the surviving songs along with a bunch of new songs that will get a mixed reaction.

I believe U2 places a lot of faith in the reaction to the songs live. P live equals to the 80s hits and a few new songs from the latest release and a huge gap of material that is never played from the early 90's until the latest release (unless its a smaller theater tour like ONA which I actually prefer to the arena hits tours from P).

At this rate U2 has survived 30+ years with the same band members and I don't think many bands can say that! Seven #1 albums. So you gotta give them credit. I do wish P would promote the newer stuff because it would be great to hear it more live but the smaller scale tours are for that. At this rate I actually do not care for Prince shooting for hits, I'd prefer P in the underground as possible.

sean2003 said:

That album kicks MAJOR ! Probably the only U2 album I've listened to straight through, let alone gave MULTIPLE listens to.

It will only be a repeat of 1987 if there is also al release of a new album by Pink Floyd.

sean2003 said:

AMEN.

Musze said:

It's possible that this project gets several nominations and even wins a few, but no way he can compete with the likes of U2. The Grammies are very predictable and they are giving out the awards to a commercially successful act (Coldplay, U2) or a legend that was snubbed in the past (Robert Plant). It's also not going to help Prince that it's not released via a major label.

I think Prince is more about the music, and getting the music out, than winning awards. U2 have always been popular (and rightfully so, they're a talented band), but if the new Prince albums are good, I have a feeling that he'll be talked about in the same breath as U2 and Morrissey for this year.

suomynona said:

he shoudl of retired after 1999:The New Master that album SUCKED grannies crusty fungus infected toenails

toots said:

oh God he came out with the Rainbow Children after that! that album was the bomb so need to have retired so put a sock in it toots

PEJ said:

No need to be rude. You voice ur opinion on what YOU think is worse and I will voice mine. Mmmmkay?

(the comment/poster never involved another album ONLY that one album)

IF you read it right the other poster commented on it as well so really ur rudeness was uncalled for.
[Edited 3/9/09 6:30am]

toots said:

oh I read it right and I read your post right too. you saying "SUCKED grannies crusty fungus infected toenails" sounded disgustingly gross and was a comment that to me was foul so when I say put a sock in it you orgnote me to tell me I was personally attacking you. So I'll keep it legal

PEJ said:

No I wont STFU ty and you bringing in PMs into the forums IS illegal maybe you should read the rules first

toots said:

I hate to burst your bubble but I never posted your orgnote I only wrote what you falsly accused me ofand I wouldn't have even done that if I wasn't blocked from writing you an orgnote back. sheesh get over it already.