shipoffools said:

one of the baddest and nastiest jams hes done.

WetDream said:

I played that joint so loud in my car my ears nearly popped off! Man that thing is so funky. Although I will say he didn't translate it well last night on Leno.

Alexandernvrmind said:

You mean to tell me, with a straight face, that you think he's "hungry" these days? Musically speaking, of course. Get outta here with that boolsheeeyitt!! The only thing he's hungry for now is maybe some carrot soup. He doesn't have that same passion he had when first starting out because he felt he had something to prove. A legacy to create and cement. Nowadays, he's just trying to stay - at least what he thinks is - hip, but in an old-school type way, and it just ain't working. Nobody's passion level can sustain itself for over 30 years, so it was bound to happen. Everyone hailing him a "genius" and adoration from "Hollywood" and whatnot has made him way too comfortable and somewhat soft (yeah, I said it!!!! ).If you dig this shit, then so be it. I'm not knocking you for it, but I see it for what it is. And, it's obviously time for me to get off of the bus. Sad day, but I saw it coming damn near over 10 years ago.

I'll be very interested in hearing the new Time music (that'll probably never come out due to some alleged and rumored name battles between them and Prince) and seeing if they can capture some of that old magic again.

Alexandernvrmind said:

haha! i haven't done that yet but, im prepared for the carquake.

yeh i thought that but, he always sounds different live and the fact he cant have long on a tv slot like that may be the cause, this jam wants to be played no shorter than 8mins live, not 4mins!

Haven't got the music but it seems that there are many people that really don't like MPLSOUND. I think Disco Jellyfish is great and I have been missing the old Prince funk a lot! Cheesy or not! I think Gold is absolutely gold and I also love Lolita and Diamonds and Pearls. Do we get that kind of cheese on this new one?

ZiggmanZoo said:

i think the only things "cheesy" or "corny" here are Never B Another and maybe towards the end of Better With Time? thats about it imo
allthough some people may find the Chocolate Box hook lyrics corny too.
[Edited 3/26/09 10:43am]

Alexandernvrmind said:

As someone who still hasn't heard studio version, I was thinking it started sounding like Musicology. The ending started to get interesting and he started throwing some odd stuff in the mix then it was done. I'm guessing that's what you mean? The mix wasn't great either.

Bfunkthe1 said:

I haven't seen the live version yet of Ol' School Company, but the entire album MPLsound has many electronic effects. I was wondering how these songs would sound if Prince does them live.
[Edited 3/26/09 10:50am]

Shawnt26 said:

It's a new anthem live. The Leno performance was off the hook. The band was really tight.
There are a few deaf people on this board.

Putmarroussia said:

I enjoyed it. Though I watched it after I read what ppl here had to say. It was already one of my faves on the old ipod.
Always good to see him perform. Wish I was in the audience.

Alexandernvrmind said:

I already stated earlier in the post, and so have many others WHY this crumb-bum CD has none of the qualities of the minneapolis sound. It's not like I even want Prince to return to 1982, but he calls a CD MPLSound, and people, such as yourself, are saying it's Minneapolis Sound, well others think not.

Just like other tracks from recent years with Linn samples and auto-tuned vocals aren't Minneapolis sound, neither are they when used on MPLSound.

Like others have said already, and I agree, he's switched on MTV and seen Justin Timberlake and Black Eyed Peas and God knows what else and wants a piece of it because they're citing him as an influence - that's what I hear on this CD, and that's why I don't like it. He did the same kinda thing on Musicology and 3121 and that's why I didn't care for those either. I get it he wants to show them how it's done or still show he can do it or whatever, I just don't like the songs and I think there's a distinct lack of ideas on the whole CD.

What else can I say, it's

Putmarroussia said:

And here we go.
Never said I didn't like performance. I did.
I was responding to alexn saying the song didn't translate well live on Leno.
Prince prolly didn't get enough time for the song to show it's true self and I think the mix wasn't the greatest. But I did like the performance for sure.
Nobody "deaf" around here.

You make me sad Nouveau. After the review I had a glimmer of hope but based on the fact I trust your opinion and the performance last night it sounds like this is the album version of "Life of the Party".... Good Lord, dude just needs to just turn of the radio and MTV.

NouveauDance said:

[Edited 3/26/09 11:23am]

Alexandernvrmind said:

I'm not 35+ but in my 30's and I think the record is brilliant. Comparing it to teeny-bopper material is completely unfounded and general. Nobody can write any of these tracks but Prince. Neptunes, Timbaland, J Timberlake, D'Angelo, blah blah blah. If you don't get the chills listening to MPLS you may have lost ur soul. Better go look for it and then put the record back on.

Shawnt26 said:

a reply to both of you...

I don't know if it was the mix or not but the recorded version is fuller but still sounds live. Maybe he needs more time to rehearse it?

But the recorded version other than the Camille voice does not sound electronic... thats why the performance last night was kind of a let down for me.

The experimental part at the end last night is not on the recorded version by the way.

You both will need to hear to really understand what I'm talking about... having a hard time articulating it
[Edited 3/26/09 11:58am]

alexnvrmnd777 said:

Don't let the door hit ur ass on the way out

NouveauDance said:

If those sounds aren't minneapolis sounds then what are they? Oh they are MTV sounds because younger POP artist now use them? When Timberlake, the Neptunes, or Timberland does them what are they? What just because those artists are doing them they are no longer minneapolis sounds? Thats nuts. What cause Janet Jackson did that sound her 1st 2 or 3 albums under Jam and Lewis those keys, drums and synths no longer are minneapolis sound

dude face it your nuts ... in nice just disagreeing kind of way but yeah its pretty much nuts

As I said what exactly is the minneapolis sound as you clearly define it? One might think that Prince knows a little bit more about what that sound might be... but I will entertain your answer
[Edited 3/26/09 12:00pm]

Alexandernvrmind said:

I understand and thanks for the clarification. No experimental part on studio version huh? Oh well. So it's more 3121 less Musicology. I'll listen tonight.
Btw, your articulating just fine.

emesem said:[quote]You make me sad Nouveau. After the review I had a glimmer of hope but based on the fact I trust your opinion and the performance last night it sounds like this is the album version of "Life of the Party".... Good Lord, dude just needs to just turn of the radio and MTV.

and thats why you need to listen to the record and not listen to Nouveau or even base it on the performance last nigth (which I am on record as saying suprised me based on the recorded version)

Old School Company sounds nothing like Life of the Party... it absurd. Now go listen to it for yourself. Its not remotely similar

Bfunkthe1 said:

well more like the songs - 3121 meets Musicology with more bottom!

mplsound is weak but the leno performance I liked

i cant see how anything from this album would give anyone chills though

Alexandernvrmind said:

The Minneapolis sound is a hybrid mixture of funk, rock, pop, R&B & new wave that was masterminded by Prince in the late 1970s. Its popularity was given a boost throughout the 1980s, thanks to his musical adherents, including The Time, Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, Morris Day, Vanity 6, Apollonia 6, Ta Mara & the Seen, Sheila E., Jesse Johnson, Mazarati, & The Family. Prince's third album Dirty Mind from 1980 also earns credit. Some artists who came from Minnesota were influenced by his work and some came from other parts of the U.S. or world, such as Scottish star Sheena Easton, Flint, Michigan's Ready for the World, Augusta, Georgia's Le Klass and Los Angeles, California's Cherrelle. The music is also known as a form of funk-rock.

Identifying characteristics
While the "Minneapolis sound" was a form of funk, it had some distinguishing characteristics:

Synthesizers generally replaced horns, and were used more as accent than as fill or background.
The rhythm was often faster and less syncopated than traditional funk, and owed much to New Wave pop music.
Guitars, while usually (but not always) played "clean" for rhythm parts, were frequently much louder and more aggressively processed during solos than in most traditional funk.
The "bottom" of the sound was less bass-heavy than traditional funk; drums and keyboards filled more of the "bottom".
The drums were more highly processed than in traditional funk.


-wikipedia

I am pleasantly surprised with Lotusflow3r and Mplsound despite certain reviews. Here's my take on things.

01 (There'll Never B) Another Like Me

I dont understand all the negative comments made about this song, its not the best thing on this album but it sure is funky and opens the album nicely. (I wish he took out the cheesy 'whooooo' at the beginning though)

02 Chocolate Box

This is the biggest surprise for me. When i heard the preview i didnt think much of it. However it seems prince has done a bit of tweaking. Despite cheesy lyrics, the electro bass is funky as is a cool added synth and hihat combination. Also disco jellyfish is incorporated in the tune, which is far better than it would be as just disco jellyfish. There is also a great guitar bit towards the end.

03 Dance 4 Me

This is probably my favourite song on the album at the moment. The opening beat is so funky, kind of a mix of erotic city and bob george.. The lyrics on this are a little cheesy but for some reason they fit perfectly with the song. There is some lovely keyboard and guitar work in this. This song is pure prince funk and would be a perfect strip club song in the veign of 'nasty girl' etc. If you miss the old funky prince your going to be happy with this.

04 U're Gonna C Me

Uh oh, ballad time. Never enjoyed much of prince's recent ballads. This is one of the better ones though, I actually listened all the way through without skipping it which is saying something for me. Theres some nice linn drums on this one which for me keeps it listenable. Nothing amazing but not a bad job!!

05 Here

This song is a grower I think. Wasn't that impressed when i first heard it, was hankering for more of the funk that was served up on the first three songs. However after listening to it a few times I really like it. It's has a very 'bubble gum' opening synth line but then goes into some nice acoustic guitar and vocals. Some nice Linn programming as well.

06 Valentina

I criminally wasnt impressed with this song on first play, however listening to it a couple more times i love it. Really nice deep electro bass and another storming guitar solo towards the end.

07 Better With Time

Another ballad. And im amazed its another ballad im enjoying. I'm so happy princes ballads have stopped sounding like identi-kit motown wanna be stuff like 'satisfied'. Nothing amazing but very nice.

08 Ol' Skool Company

I'm in two minds about this one. I noticed alot of people love this. I think its a great funky tune but that cheesy synth sound he uses spoils it a bit. Getting used to it though. For me it's nothing amazing but it's still a great listen. (I dont understand why he's asking where the 'real drummer is' on current songs, when the whole of Mplsound is done with linn!)


09 No More Candy 4 U

I love this one. This song transported me straight back to the 'Controversy' sound. Only Prince would be able to make the odd notes on this song sound funky as hell. This is real old school Prince. A great finish to the album.

Overall I am really happy with this album. I think that many people with be pleasantly surprised after reading some of the negative reviews on this site. Although its still not up to the older stuff, i would say its a 00's shot of methadone to the 80's heroin. Not quite as good but satisfying enough. (I don't condone drug use or use illegal substances in anyway!!)

paisleypark4 said:

Key points in BOLD
[Edited 3/26/09 13:02pm]
[Edited 3/26/09 13:02pm]

Kristin Scott Thomas the actress.

Allright, no more fucking around, time for the true earhole funk report:

There Will Never B Another Like Me: What a lame ass piece of shit. Six minutes I will never get back. God forgive my bleeding ear holes.

Chocolate Box: Takes a while to get going, but really starts to sound pretty good. Not a great song, but a decent jam. Turn off your brain and shake that groove thang. The music gets better near the end. My main problem with this whole disk--where the fuck is the music? Sounds aint music kids.

Dance 4 Me: Very Nice. A really good track. Will not part the red sea, but it will get my dick boppin. Prince trying to sound 80s, but we have his number. But good attempt.

U're Gonna See Me: Not for long..lol This kind of soft wallpaper gets boring fast. Where are the classic ballads? Adore just committed suicide.

Here: A bit better, but still snooze time. Ballads should have balls or heart. This is for hip dentists.

Valentina: Wonderful track. Nice verse, chorus thingie. A playful little pop song.

Better With Time: Another lame ballad? My heart. Goes to Condition of the Heart before he gets into a sugar coma.

Ol' Skool Company: Really funky track. Like this jam lots. He disses Obama, but who isn't. This aint Housequake, but it sure aint the first song.

Overall about a 3 star album. The ballads bog it down.

Alexandernvrmind said:

Evidently not!

2freaky4church1 said:

Damn. I love this track but now I'm going to think of a hip dentist everytime I hear it.

yvanehtnioj1214 said:

oh god no, now i'm thinking of laird from "carpoolers"

he he all this different opinions. why can't u just give one and respect the other one? damn, just read it and think.
here's another one: MPLSOUND is a nice surpise with some good, some even better and some terrible stuff. I wasn't expecting this anyway. I thought it was the cheesy counterpart op Lotusflow3r. But it isn't, at least not at all completely.
He just did this because he wanted to do this. You think he want to proove something? This is just the music he wants to make. And sometimes that is terrible, yes. And sometimes it's great.
Old Skool Jam is tha bomb. It made me cry this morning. Cry of joy that is.
As an album it can't beat Lotus, but that is obvous...
Art.