Both album's material were originally intended for private use only but served their purpose as contractual filler.

I remember being surprised at both, but for different reasons. C&D still had that raw, rock, r'n'b vibe but sounded altogether much less classy than The Gold Experience. Whereas, The Vault seemed more refined, jazzy and refreshing, especially in the wake of NPG's Newpower Soul. I still like that both are short, and don't out stay their welcome.

Which collection of songs do you prefer, and how do you view these works in Prince's collection?

I probably prefer "Old Friends For Sale" as a whole. I can play that whole album to non-Prince fans and they really like it.

I also love Chaos and Disorder. HOWEVER this album is let down by two TERRIBLE tracks: "I Rock Therefore I am" and "Dig U Better Dead", both of which feature some ragga rapping guy and both of which have no place on that album of any worth. I have no problem with any other tracks on that album however. I even love "Right the Wrong" (a very unpopular song here on the org apparently).

Old Friends For Sale *** 1/2

Chaos and Disorder ***

Oldfriendsforsale,

ranks in my top 5 Prince albums.

Chaos is my least favourite in a lot of ways.

TheVault, definitely. There's nothing disappointing in it, and as mrdespues said, C&D is terrific until that awful ragga noise hits the ground.

"I'm badder than the wicked witch"

one is a mainly blues/jazz album,...
one is a mainly rock album...

they both kick ass 4 me in their own ways.

as a whole, the Vault is probably better. No really bad songs on The Vault. Whereas C&D inflicted "I Rock Therefore I Am" upon an unsuspecting world...

But "Same December" is the best track on either disc, IMHO.

I like the Vault much more. Although it isn't representative of Prince's vault material, it is a cohesive work and blends together very nicely.

Chaos and Disorder is...well...chaotic. It has some great tracks, but they don't come together as an album very well.

I still enjoy both.

depends on the mood...

if i'm feeling depressed or mellow, it's "old friends"...

if i'm feeling pissed or rowdy, it's "chaos"...

The Vault. Although both of them are near the bottom of the heap for me.

I will go for The Vault too. First three tracks of Chaos are great, if Prince could've sustained this for the entire album we could've had a rough diamond of an album. Vault overall though is more consistent. Even though it lacks anything as brilliant as Dinner With Dolores.

Moonbeam said:

I agree. But if "Chaos & Disorder" was a bit more cohesive
and didn't have "Right the Wrong" or "I Rock, There4 I Am"
on it and instead featured something like "The Ride" and
"Poor Goo" or such, I would like C&D best out of the two.

But as is, I'd pick "The Vault", simpy because I listen to
that more often and because I like the vibe.

IstenSzek said:

Yes! That's what I've always said. Chaos and Disorder should've been more like The Undertaker.

5 words: When the Lights Go Down

1 more: Extraordinary

last 3: There Is Lonely

C&D seems like a weak effort where as the Vault sounds fresh and alive. Too short though.