http://blogs.laweekly.com...-new-albu/

By Lina Lecaro in CD Reviews, Main, Upcoming

Prince fans rejoiced when it was announced that his royal highness would be putting out a budget-minded musical trifecta at Target -- three brand new CDs packaged together for only $11.98 -- but after hearing each album in its entirety last night at an exclusive press listening event, we're thinking the artist came a bit short of a bull's eye. There are some exhilarating exceptions, particularly off the funk-laced "old skool" style bumper called MPLSoUND, but those expecting to boogie or get revved for romance (two areas where Prince reigns) might be disappointed with the other two albums, LOtUSFLOW3r and Elixer (featuring his new protégé Bria Valente), both of which are more appropriate for smooth jazz stations like 94.7 The Wave (and elevators) than the fervor of the dance floor or bedroom.

LOtUSFLOW3r, which is also the name of Prince's trippy, new intergalactic-themed Web site, sees the artist immersing himself in gentle grooves, slinky-slick vox and psychedelic riffs. Cuts like "Boom," "Colonized Mind" and "Dreamer" have moments of otherworldly, instrumental genius that beg for headphones and a good buzz, but even after two glasses of wine (the gathering was at The Crown Bar) and fully preparing to take a journey, we felt like aliens in a strange land listening to his soundscapes. It's telling that the most beguiling cut on LOtUSFLOW3r is a cover: Prince's frothy-sweet take on "Crimson and Clover," which trades Joan Jett's edgy come-hither cover with a more tender seduction, infused by Hendrix's version of "Wild Thing" in the chorus. Jimi comes to mind a few times while listening to the new album, but this purple haze is too new-agey and esoteric. We wanted fire.

Elixer, featuring Valente, had a couple hot spots, but for the most part, it's also more about chilled tempos and languid rhythms. That can be a good thing when the vocals are emotive or distinct (think Sade), but Valente's smooth, airy -- admittedly pretty -- croons are more on the generic Janet Jackson tip. Unfortunately the material lacks the hooks or sexual tension of either of the above's hits. Which is surprising, especially if rumors about a relationship between Valente and Prince are true. Now that Prince is more religious, we're obviously not gonna get "Sex Shooter" or "Sugar Walls," but a couple of cuts here veer way too close to Disney animated soundtrack balladry. There is one very big hum(p)dinger, though, the infectious, techno-driven "2 Nite," a jam that recalls Vanity 6's freaky-femme anthem, "Nasty Girl" and Miss Jackson's sassiest. This one smolders and we can't wait to see what the remixers/DJs do with it on club decks.

Prince definitely saved the best for last, and the exuberant tunes on MPLSoUND (an acronym for "Minneapolis Sound") are absolutely worth the price of the entire CD trio. "There'll Never B Another Like Me," boasts the beats and bravado fans know and love, while "Chocolate Box" has a flirty fun "Controversy" feel with buoyant keyboards and soulful chants. "Valentina" and "Dance 4 Me" have a subtle sauciness and synth-driven stomp (plus more giddy guitar work) and "Ol' Skool Company" closes out the collection with a bang, channeling a P-Funk zest and party vibe that shows our Prince hasn't lost his bodaciousness. The only thing missing from MPLS (and all three discs), is the enticing falsetto that gave his early material, and a few later hits, so much mojo.

All three releases will be represented on the new website as different "worlds," where music can be downloaded from each (the recordings are only available at Target and via the site). A virtual playground and 3D visual feast, the site was developed with web gurus Scott Adison Clay and Anthony Malzone, and it seems very video game influenced. Clay was on hand for a preview surf-through last night, and while there were some glitches and some of the ways to acquire content were convoluted, it should appeal to tech-heads and Prince die-hards with exclusives including lyrics (not the on Target package), never before seen photos and even video footage dating back to the '70's. Members pay $77 for access, and the biggest perk is definitely advance info and preferred seats for Prince's live shows.

As was announced a few weeks ago, Prince will be playing three consecutive nights on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno (March 25-27) and again on May 28, Leno's second to last show in the 11:30 time slot. Though Prince alluded to L.A. gigs in a mysterious message to fans earlier this month, info on the shows was just announced this morning. He'll be doing three sets in three different venues all in one night (!) on March 28, taking place at downtown's L.A. LIVE spots -- the Nokia Theatre, the Conga Room and Club Nokia -- all with different bands (which will surely save a lot on set-up time). Let's hope he mixes in material from the new recordings with old stuff and unexpected covers, like he did at his amazing post-Oscars bash.

Details on the multiple Saturday, March 28th concerts are as follows:

*Nokia Theatre L.A. LIVE - Doors open at 5:30 p.m.
*Conga Room - Doors open at 8:00 p.m
*Club Nokia - Doors open at 11:30 p.m.

Tickets for each of the three performances are $77.00 plus applicable fees and service charges. Separate tickets for each venue are required for admittance. Prince will perform a full length concert at each venue. A two ticket limit per purchase will apply for the Conga Room and Club Nokia shows; a four ticket limit per purchase will apply for the Nokia Theatre L.A. LIVE show. Tickets go on-sale this Sunday, March 22nd at 12:00 p.m. (noon). Tickets are available online at www.ticketmaster.com, via Ticketmaster charge-by-phone lines at (213) 480-3232 or (714) 740-2000. Members of LotusFlow3r.com will also be able to get select premium seats beginning Tuesday, March 24th.

The Target 3-disc package will be in stores and available through Target.com, on March 29.

LotusFlow3r.com launches March 24.

Saw the ad on those electronic advertising billboards about this, this morning here in LA

SupaFunkyOrgangrinderSexy said:

second...

"Prince fans rejoiced..."


He must not have checked out the .org.

JUST KIDDING YA'LL!!!

SupaFunkyOrgangrinderSexy said:

Is it pretty???

It sounds like the CDs must have been playing while these reviewers walked around the bar, drinking their cocktails and chatting. This description of Lotusflow3r is nothing like how I would describe the thing just from the four and 1/3 cuts I've heard from it. Plus, it's funny that she says it's telling that the best track is "Crimson & Clover" because the AP writer just called it a needless cover in his write-up. I'm gonna love Lotusflow3r. No doubt about it! It'll be interesting to see how/if opinions change when some of these folks have time to live with the albums.

Video footage back to the 70s?

Can't wait!

There you go. It has started already.

So basically Lotusflow3r is too smooth. Elixir a bit boring at times and Mplsound would be the best of the 3 cds.

Well I don't give one ounce of credibility to this reviewer who seems to enjoy There'll be another one like me!

livewire said:

I agree with you. To me this reviewer did not pay attention to LotusFlow3r. For Christ sake Wall of Berlin (for instance) is so good but you really need to listen to this tune several times to get into it.

Sounds good.....

more than enough hits ....billboard charts are calling..


[Edited 3/20/09 13:21pm]

Nothinbutjoy said:

I almost fell off my chair at work!

Nothinbutjoy said:

It was beautiful and I did a head turn. Didn't expect to see it

thanks for another, not so positive, review

and Ol’ Skool Company closes out the album with a bang? i thought no more candy 4 u was the last song of the mplsound album..

I guess this reviewer didn't get the memo that "There Never Be... " is the worst of the pre-releases.

LOL

This review goes a long way to the term

To each his own.

since when is "ol' skool company" the album closer for MplsounD?

i thought "no more candy for u" was the last song on that album?

i hate how not a single reviewer/critic or even a press release
can get something as simple as a tracklist right. jeez.

Papaj said:

I have no words, just emoticons.
[Edited 3/20/09 13:59pm]

SupaFunkyOrgangrinderSexy said:

So this reviewer thinks MPLSound will be the creme of the crop? I'l just have to see on the 24th!
[Edited 3/20/09 14:12pm]

FIRST!!!

Putmarroussia said:

yes definately a red flag there.... There'll be another one like me is just embarassing and awful IMO

So the rock record so desired by so many here seems to be the weaker of the two records anyone here really cares about according to the two reviews I've read so far

Again I will form my own opinion.... I just hope Lotusflower is not another Planet Earth as a collection..... because that would be very disapointing. The writers comments that she wanted something harder has Planet Earth written all over it. Hope I'm wrong

One interesting comment is that the falsetto is missing from the entire collection. I for one have no problem with that but definately find that interesting indeed
[Edited 3/20/09 14:21pm]

i'm interested in two of the three...not excited, but interested. i listened to planet earth once at a former friend's place and didn't care for anything on it. its the first prince release i never bought. i'm hoping this one is better. i figure for 12 bucks at target, if there are even 5 decent tracks i'll be satisfied.

what i'm most interested in his live show...curious to see if he'll liven it up a bit this time around...

dartluv5 said:

I believe that too! Many casual listeners expect and want that sound from Prince! The tracks are catchy, not deep...Personally,I like what I've heard so far.

sassybritches said:

I won't (5 decent tracks i'll be satisfied) I'm tired of that crap. I want a record that I can enjoy and listen to all the way through

I'll get over it... I've been dealing with that since Batman to the present.... but it bothers me that dude can't put a great album together anymore

Overall a better review than AP, but still not worthy... Dissapointing, but not supprised. LA WEEKLY? C'mon man Lina Lecaro ? Guess she didn't get the invite very much looking fwd 2 all 3 CD's and the website

Alexandernvrmind said:

i'm fine with it at this point because i put what i like on my jPod and never have to hear what i don't like again. hence why i can't name one song from planet earth, lol.

I'm just glad it's only $11.98

Putmarroussia said:

EXACTLY

salaciousV said:

Dont like Bria Valente, we get it.