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Printablepurplecam said: vainandy said: This album was made to play both ends of the stick. The title of the album and the hype of it being a return to Classic Prince is to draw folks in like me and also a lot of folks around my age that listened to him back in the early 1980s. The shit hop attitude all over the place is to draw the youngsters in. I guess the Linn drum machine all over the place was supposed to make us blissfully happy but look what's placed on top of it....shit hop rapping and attitude. And the Minneapolis Sound I remember had some strong ass synths in it. Not some squealing Mickey Mouse type synths that sound like Snoop Doggy Dog. He would have done better leaving all that mess on the shit hop tracks like "Valentina" and "Ol' Skool Company" and placing some singing and melody over the fast tracks. That way, we could just skip over them and get to the good tracks. Instead, he carried the foolishness over to the fast tracks also so now the whole album is damn near unlistenable. You hear hip hop in Ol Skool Company and Valentina? Wow, I never heard it like that.  Heck I keep waiting for a Go Go beat to break out while listening to Ol' Skool... thats how much the beat/drum machine is in the pocket Dance... Let me see you dance | |
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Alexandernvrmind said: purplecam said: You hear hip hop in Ol Skool Company and Valentina? Wow, I never heard it like that. Heck I keep waiting for a Go Go beat to break out while listening to Ol' Skool... thats how much the beat/drum machine is in the pocket do you like wale? have you heard 'the mixtape about nothing'? [Edited 4/1/09 7:35am] it's time for a new direction / it's time for jazz to die | |
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stanleylieber said: Alexandernvrmind said: Heck I keep waiting for a Go Go beat to break out while listening to Ol' Skool... thats how much the beat/drum machine is in the pocket do you like wale? have you heard 'the mixtape about nothing'? [Edited 4/1/09 7:35am] nope.. should I google? Dance... Let me see you dance | |
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Alexandernvrmind said: stanleylieber said: do you like wale? have you heard 'the mixtape about nothing'? [Edited 4/1/09 7:35am] nope.. should I google? it's funky http://en.wikipedia.org/w...ut_Nothing it's time for a new direction / it's time for jazz to die | |
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Well, I finally listened to MPLsound yesterday, and I wasn't too impressed. If I were to rate this album, I'd have to give it 2 1/2 stars out of 5, tops.
Let me start with the positives - "Ol Skool Company" is one of the best joints this man has done in a LONG time. I could loop that song all day and not get tired of it. As much as I enjoyed "Chelsea Rodgers" from the last album, this one blows it away. Awesome. "Dance 4 Me" is great, mindless Prince dance music that I liked from back in the day. "No More Candy 4 U" is quite weird, but it works somehow. I get a "Gotta Stop Messing Around" vibe from it. And that's really it for the positives. "Another Like Me" is just horrible. Way too many of these kinds of throwaway R&B attempts from Prince in the last decade. It started with "Acknowledge Me", and I just can't stand his attempts at this style. "Chocolate Box" would be tolerable if not for the "She wants a B-O-X of chocolates every day" line. Ugh. Not really digging any of the ballads at all either. "Better With Time" is the best of the ones on this record. Fortunately for me, "Lotusflow3r" completely blows this record away. I haven't enjoyed a Prince album as much as that one in quite a while. | |
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I know it's lame to say "you have to listen to it in the headphones!" but I really think that's part of my appreciation of this one.
I haven't listened to Prince in headphones for years now. My Legacy
http://prince.org/msg/8/192731 | |
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NDRU said: I know it's lame to say "you have to listen to it in the headphones!" but I really think that's part of my appreciation of this one.
I haven't listened to Prince in headphones for years now. I'm planning on doing this soon for all 3 albums. It makes such a difference when trying to hear some of the nuances he layers in. I wonder how many people are making negative judgments after listening only on their computer or only to the first 30 seconds of a song, neither of which give you the chance to really appreciate the music. | |
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Riverpoet31 said: The more i listen to this album, the more i feel Prince is totally out of touch: both with himself, and people around him.
Using that linn drummachine and that 'cheap' sounding synths, as a trick, a gimmick, for....what....to feel relevant again? He fails on so many levels: the music on MPLsound lacks any soul and urgency, it goes on on autopilot. Any gifted musician with selfrespect, should be critical about him or himself. MPLsound is an awfully bad album, it should be a wake up-call for Prince that he is producing 'nonsense'.... or are you that stupid you simply don't get it? Sad to see that MPLSound is such a mess to u. I think it´s from which point of view u look at this album. I am a Prince music admirer for nearly 20 years now, we have gone through ups and downs and i have a CD compilation that i woulnd´t call small. But i didn´t see such a great,fresh,organic,funky,sexy,club-style like, disco-dance-around and get your booty shaking album like this one yet. For me MPLSound got a 9/10 after i listened to it for the very first time and after listening to it like 5 times now it´s a 10/10 for me. I am soo happy Prince gave such a great gift to those fans that can feel this kind of groove that he gave to this album. I dunno if it´s just me but what i already read in here there are some more ppl that fell like me. I respect your critics and i just hope that Lotusflow3r gives u more what u was searching for and what u like. | |
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Philly76 said: Riverpoet31 said: The more i listen to this album, the more i feel Prince is totally out of touch: both with himself, and people around him.
Using that linn drummachine and that 'cheap' sounding synths, as a trick, a gimmick, for....what....to feel relevant again? He fails on so many levels: the music on MPLsound lacks any soul and urgency, it goes on on autopilot. Any gifted musician with selfrespect, should be critical about him or himself. MPLsound is an awfully bad album, it should be a wake up-call for Prince that he is producing 'nonsense'.... or are you that stupid you simply don't get it? Sad to see that MPLSound is such a mess to u. I think it´s from which point of view u look at this album. I am a Prince music admirer for nearly 20 years now, we have gone through ups and downs and i have a CD compilation that i woulnd´t call small. But i didn´t see such a great,fresh,organic,funky,sexy,club-style like, disco-dance-around and get your booty shaking album like this one yet. For me MPLSound got a 9/10 after i listened to it for the very first time and after listening to it like 5 times now it´s a 10/10 for me. I am soo happy Prince gave such a great gift to those fans that can feel this kind of groove that he gave to this album. I dunno if it´s just me but what i already read in here there are some more ppl that fell like me. I respect your critics and i just hope that Lotusflow3r gives u more what u was searching for and what u like. Well I co-sign with you 100% This CD is a true winner in my book! It's a CD that gets better and better with each listen. I love that Prince sounds like he's having fun throughout the whole CD and even though I love 3121, the sense of fun and his sense of humor hasn't been like this in a long time. I said this for Lotusflow3r and I'll say this for MPLSound, the man really sounds free on these CD's. [Edited 4/1/09 11:26am] I'm not a fan of "old Prince". I'm not a fan of "new Prince". I'm just a fan of Prince. Simple as that | |
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Serena said: NDRU said: I know it's lame to say "you have to listen to it in the headphones!" but I really think that's part of my appreciation of this one.
I haven't listened to Prince in headphones for years now. I'm planning on doing this soon for all 3 albums. It makes such a difference when trying to hear some of the nuances he layers in. I wonder how many people are making negative judgments after listening only on their computer or only to the first 30 seconds of a song, neither of which give you the chance to really appreciate the music. yeah, they're listening on the surface, and I understand that it might be a tacky surface,  but the details underneath are as well thought out & artful as any music he's ever done.
That's not to say that the surface (ie melody/lyrics) isn't really important to a song or that they couldn't be improved upon here. But there's a lot to these songs beyond "b.o.x. of choc-o-late" My Legacy
http://prince.org/msg/8/192731 | |
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I really like the album, even that time ballad!
favourite song: valentina small circles, big wheels!
I've got a pretty firm grip on the obvious! | |
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I was listening to No More Candy.. in my car a few minutes ago and this song to me sounds the most like his old stuff. It sounds like a Controversy or 1999 B-side. This is the one that I kinda hated at first but I'm starting to like it.  Check out my tribute to Prince
http://www.soundclick.com...47524&q=hi | |
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Better With Time is a effin beaut!! im sat in a darkened room with nothing but the light coming from my computer and this song on with a gentle volume level...absolutely beautiful. the harmonizing is angelic. [Edited 4/1/09 13:11pm] This Post is produced, arranged, composed and performed by WetDream | |
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I listened to this for the first time today. I love the first track and Valentina. And I would absolutely put Old Skool Company on instant auto-repeat if it didn't have that silly "Camille" sped up vocal on it! Otherwise it would be one of my all time favorite Prince jams.
I like it so much, I hope he comes out with an alternate version with a more "manly" vocal on it. Oh, by the way, I forget which song it was, but it had Prince rapping in his "manly" speaking voice and I just melted. Hard to believe he can sound so macho one minute and then sing in that devasting falsetto the next. | |
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HMMM,
My immed reaction is I like music, the lyrics are kind of hokey. Funny a few have said valentina is the bomb, I don't like it. U're gonna C me I think is the best on the album, and there are a few cool musical breaks, If I approach this like the Black Album as a party fun record then its about a B- rating. Don't get me wrong I agree partly with VainAndy in using the title and the return to LINN to bring back old school fans, but I do admit the groove and the guitar are pretty damn good on most tracks. I think if Prince took both albums, Lotus and Mpls, and had a producer like Rick Rubin, he could come away with a brillaint 8-10 song album. It's small details that change the song from cool to cringe. Still better than 3121 and Planet for me. Music is the best... | |
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I liked both albums, but MPLSound was immediately likable.
This thing popped out at me much the same way the Gold Experience did, though Gold was better for the most part. The first 3 songs sound like stuff he could have easily placed in any of his first 4 albums, with a few 'updates'. Valentina sounds like it could have been "The Word"'s twin sister, and minus the slightly Chester Molester vibe, I really dig the song. I liked the second half of Chocolate box, and love the slightly new wave retro synth parts throughout the song. Old Skool and No More Candy 4 U did absolutely nothing for me, honestly, but they were at least not terrible. Overall, MPLSound didn't have anything on it that made me say "wow", but it didn't have anything on it that made me cringe either. And there were moments that made me tap my foot (Dance 4 me). His use of the Camille voice was nice and less awkward than on 3121. To me MPLSound is the "gotcha" party record, and Lotusflow3r is the slow burn that builds with each listening. I enjoy both. Great albums, great effort. | |
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Imago said: Valentina sounds like it could have been "The Word"'s twin sister,  My Legacy
http://prince.org/msg/8/192731 | |
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NDRU said: I know it's lame to say "you have to listen to it in the headphones!" but I really think that's part of my appreciation of this one.
That has always helped with prince records, especially the more synthetic/electronic ones. "1999" comes to mind in this regard. Also, mix in a joint if you're so inclined. | |
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aalloca said:
My immed reaction is I like music, the lyrics are kind of hokey. Funny a few have said valentina is the bomb, I don't like it. That's the one I can't stand the most. It sounds 100% straight up shit hop sounding. When I hear it, is sounds like a 50 year old sissy trying to pass for a trashy thugged out 20 year old shit hopper. U're gonna C me I think is the best on the album, and there are a few cool musical breaks
I agree. For once, my favorite track on a Prince album is a slow jam. Hell, it's one of the only ones that was actually sung and had a melody. It was an actual "song" not a bunch of shit hop rapping jibber jabber. Don't get me wrong I agree partly with VainAndy in using the title and the return to LINN to bring back old school fans, but I do admit the groove and the guitar are pretty damn good on most tracks.
I love the music on the first three tracks. Throw it over some real drums and bass to give it some more power, add some synths and maybe some loud handclaps and those three could have been jams. But I can't tolerate that shit hop nonsense on top of the music. It turns me off so much that it spoils the sound of the music behind it. Andy is a four letter word. | |
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vainandy said: I love the music on the first three tracks. Throw it over some real drums and bass to give it some more power, add some synths and maybe some loud handclaps and those three could have been jams. But I can't tolerate that shit hop nonsense on top of the music. It turns me off so much that it spoils the sound of the music behind it. What do you think about songs like "Love", "Strange but True", "18 & Over", and "The Funky Design" just out of curiosity? Because I know a lot people who hate those songs and I like them all. Seems like there's a theme developing here between the rock vs. funk crowd, the rifts that seem to divide them and the songs they enjoy. There's always been precious little consensus amongst fans between what constitutes a "good" Prince song from a terrible one. | |
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stanleylieber said: Alexandernvrmind said: Heck I keep waiting for a Go Go beat to break out while listening to Ol' Skool... thats how much the beat/drum machine is in the pocket do you like wale? have you heard 'the mixtape about nothing'? [Edited 4/1/09 7:35am] Wale is niiiiice. DC in da house!
But...Ol Skool Company? It's a funk track with no funk. It's just empty to me.  | |
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digitalpharaoh said: stanleylieber said: do you like wale? have you heard 'the mixtape about nothing'? [Edited 4/1/09 7:35am] Wale is niiiiice. DC in da house!
But...Ol Skool Company? It's a funk track with no funk. It's just empty to me. are you sure it's not because you prefer rock?  it's time for a new direction / it's time for jazz to die | |
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herb4 said: NDRU said: I know it's lame to say "you have to listen to it in the headphones!" but I really think that's part of my appreciation of this one.
That has always helped with prince records, especially the more synthetic/electronic ones. "1999" comes to mind in this regard. Also, mix in a joint if you're so inclined. I don't think I listened to them on headphones since Musicology. But I remember I was going through an anti-Prince phase around 1992, and I listened to Condition of the Heart on the headphones, fat bowl in the mix (as was my style) and the sounds i heard convinced me that you don't just lose that level of skill. It helped me to listen to My Name is Prince and other stuff that sounded really lame to me with fresh ears. In the headphones you can hear what has made a musician of his caliber interested in the song. A song like Ur Gonna C Me is really dull to me on the surface, but the subtle arrangement of half a million elements is just masterful. That's one thing that is no different now than 25 years ago. [Edited 4/1/09 15:29pm] My Legacy
http://prince.org/msg/8/192731 | |
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It gets on my fucking nerves when i see someone saying Prince should save the best of the 2 albums so he could do a classic album. Fck off with classic albums, times changed. you still got the great songs! Why the hell edit out more than half of the songs? I would prefer Prince to release all his throw away songs, i am sure we still would find lots of great riffs solos and melodies. | |
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Yeah the more music the better . Those who want to compile thier own classics can do so from a few tracks , the rest of us can just rock to the "excess"  Check out Chocadelica , updated with Lotusflow3r and MPLSound album lyrics April 2nd 2009 :
http://homepage.ntlworld....home2.html | |
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7salles said: It gets on my fucking nerves when i see someone saying Prince should save the best of the 2 albums so he could do a classic album. Fck off with classic albums, times changed. you still got the great songs! Why the hell edit out more than half of the songs? I would prefer Prince to release all his throw away songs, i am sure we still would find lots of great riffs solos and melodies.
^^^gets it | |
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7salles said: It gets on my fucking nerves when i see someone saying Prince should save the best of the 2 albums so he could do a classic album. Fck off with classic albums, times changed. you still got the great songs! Why the hell edit out more than half of the songs? I would prefer Prince to release all his throw away songs, i am sure we still would find lots of great riffs solos and melodies.
I think the point is that while we'd still like to have all the tracks, there are avenues for him to release any and every track he wants to (you know, like that $77 website he just opened), while putting together a classic, timeless album of the BEST of the current batch of songs, because it's ALBUMS that are remembered. On the other hand, Prince doesn't always pick the his best material to put on his albums. And we ALL have different opinions of what those would be. So at this point, I think I'm happy for him to just release it all in bunches like this, especially when so much of what we're getting is so good. There really is more quality material here than would fit on a single disc. And it's been a long time since that's been true. So while I too prefer what could have been a single album release that would have potentially been a classic or a masterpiece, I'm just as happy (this time) with getting it all in album form. | |
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7salles said: It gets on my fucking nerves when i see someone saying Prince should save the best of the 2 albums so he could do a classic album. Fck off with classic albums, times changed. you still got the great songs! Why the hell edit out more than half of the songs? I would prefer Prince to release all his throw away songs, i am sure we still would find lots of great riffs solos and melodies.
Not to mention the fact that a lot of the time they're talking about dropping some of the better cuts as the "throwaways." Isn't it obvious just by reading this site that *every* song is someone's favorite. Why does another fan have to lose out because they don't have the patience to appreciate anything but "tha hot trax! OMFG!!!" | |
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LOTUSFLOW3R and MPLSoUND are the first Prince albums in I don't know how long where I'm not pressing the skip button. At all.
After many listens, I am convinced that any Prince fan not digging these discs may as well call it a day and just stick to live performances from now on, because I doubt you'll ever be happy again with his studio work. | |
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Zannaloaf said: So - now that I've listened twice. I make my plea for a producer again..the drums KILL anything even good on it. They are SO in the front - the stuff used to lay below the tracks which made them work. The first 4 tracks are totally forgettable in my opinion. "Here" would be great imo with just the guitar and his vocals. All that other stuff just clutters it. "Valentina" is kinda funny, but that synth line kills me after a short time. The guitar part makes it interesting again for a minute. "Better With time"...done better many times by him. "Ol Skool" is funky, but that linn drum is killing me (as in annoying) here too. That is what I'm hearing right? Is his high range shot? Can he not hear how loud it is? Wicked rhythm and lead guitars, mostly an extended jam- but I'll take it. ALso- that synth sound - same as Valentina? I remember when he made sounds rather than taking them out of the box. No More Candy just sounds cheesy. It's something in the production. I don't mind the parts art all. Just the combination.Like some of the parts well enough. Wow. Huge not playing anytime soon. I must be a hater on the internet now. I honestly believe from this disk that he misses what it is that made the sound and feel (HIS sound and feel) from back in the day work, as it is an homage to his own sound that he created. I tell you- if someone else did this record- EXACTLY like this people would call it a pale impersonation of the early work of Prince. Please let me like Lotusflow3r. I am purposely avoiding commentary on his lyrics overall because I had almost no expectations in that department. oh yeah - all IMO.
Unfortunately I have 2 agree with u on the Linn-drum tip. I know Prince could do this in his sleep. I've read a few comments on this thread and I see all these folks lovin the MPLsound cds so-called funky tracks and I'm thinking WHAT??? Is it just me or what??? Prince is sooo much better than this...I made a CD-R with some of these tracks and put a few Musicology joints on it and thought...how did P go from a funk ass tracks like 'llusion, Coma, Pimp & Circumstance' to the sounds on MPLsound??? I mean listen 2 the Linn beats on '1999' and then listen 2 these songs....no comparison. The only ones I do like are 'Here', 'Better With Time' and 'U're Gonna C Me'. On the other hand I love about every track on the LotusFlow3r cd. Don't u want to come , 3121. It's gonna be so much fun, 3121. That's where the party be, 3121. Y'all can come if u want to, but u can never leave! |
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