zaza said:

I have a soft spot for Planet Earth, I don't really know why. Its like that bad friend you stayed with for years as a teenager. You know its wrong but u can't help liking it. Maybe because of association with the O2 Gigs..

Lotusflower I associate with Lotuswank.con so that has ruined quite a bit of it, for me at least.

ernestsewell said:

The problem with this sentiment is that great people are then criticized from being good, or just better than average though I think that Ernestsewell's notion is that Lotusflow3r/MPLS is less than average. But, just to address the above sentiment, Prince seems to be at a point where what he is doing is more pleasing to me than what is on the radio, so I'll called that "good." And, I'll take a good or solid Prince record, which is how I rate Lotusflow3r/MPLS, over the bad, or what's not pleasing to me, which is what’s currently being played on the radio.

So, if Jordan averages 35 points one year, and then averages 25 points the next year. I may not enjoy the second year as much as the first, but watching his good year is still entertaining. Of course, if the "fails to meet it..." is implying that Lotusflow3r/MPLS is subpar, then I'd just have to disagree and keep enjoying it while its still in heavy rotation in my car and crib. I’m not looking for Prince to blow my mind or change the way I think about life. He did that years ago for me. At this point, I just want music that makes me move and lyrics that make me say "That was funny or interesting or moving." And Lotusflow3r/MPLS does that for me.

Rorywan said:

To the first part of this statement, I ask, "Is it that Prince doesn't care about anything anymore or is it that it seems that you no longer care about the things that seem to be of interest to him?" And this is quite fair and normal, but the statement seems not to acknowledge that it is normal for a fan or listener to grow and no longer be interested in an artist’s work. That doesn't make the artist fake in his beliefs or less inspired. It just means that you are looking for something else, but that is not the artist’s fault or yours. That is just a fact of life, and to use your lack of interest in his topics as evidence that the artist is no longer inspired or not producing quality work seems myopic.

Additionally, when you assert that you are turned off from his music because he has released "diamond encrusted croc covered books," then that seems to show that you just have different interests than Prince. But, I'm not sure how that makes him less intellectual or musical. Again, it seems that his subject matter more than his lyrical mastery is what is turning you off. For me, songs like "Dreamer" and "Colonized Mind" rank with songs like "Sign 'O' the Times" or "Paisley Park" for Prince being able to find interesting ways to address a multitude of topics. I don't really agree with teaching creationism rather than evolution in public schools (private schools can teach whatever they desire.), but I like Prince's creative way of having the conversation. And more than anything, the guitar work in "Colonized Mind" moves me as much as any other guitar work, and I’ve been a fan since 1980. Not that longevity means anything; being an old fool is worse than being a young fool. But, just as a counter, to me he still seems like an artist that is passionate even if that about which he is passionate now is different than that for which he had passion twenty years ago. Not only is Lotusflow3r/MPLS in heavy rotation, "Colonized Mind," "Dreamer," "Dance 4 Me," and "Old Skool Company" almost always get a second or third play when I’m in the car.

1725topp said:

Great post and completely agree.

Ive STILL got LF/MPLS in heavy rotation. The songs are incredible, many tracks speak to me in many different ways.

Ahh! What do the French know about music anyway?

People don't hate Prince. I don't hate Prince. But when an artist sets a standard for themselves, then fails to meet it....therein lies the problem.

ernestsewell said:

The problem with this sentiment is that great people are then criticized from being good, or just better than average though I think that Ernestsewell's notion is that Lotusflow3r/MPLS is less than average. But, just to address the above sentiment, Prince seems to be at a point where what he is doing is more pleasing to me than what is on the radio, so I'll called that "good." And, I'll take a good or solid Prince record, which is how I rate Lotusflow3r/MPLS, over the bad, or what's not pleasing to me, which is what’s currently being played on the radio.

So, if Jordan averages 35 points one year, and then averages 25 points the next year. I may not enjoy the second year as much as the first, but watching his good year is still entertaining. Of course, if the "fails to meet it..." is implying that Lotusflow3r/MPLS is subpar, then I'd just have to disagree and keep enjoying it while its still in heavy rotation in my car and crib. I’m not looking for Prince to blow my mind or change the way I think about life. He did that years ago for me. At this point, I just want music that makes me move and lyrics that make me say "That was funny or interesting or moving." And Lotusflow3r/MPLS does that for me.

Rorywan said:

To the first part of this statement, I ask, "Is it that Prince doesn't care about anything anymore or is it that it seems that you no longer care about the things that seem to be of interest to him?" And this is quite fair and normal, but the statement seems not to acknowledge that it is normal for a fan or listener to grow and no longer be interested in an artist’s work. That doesn't make the artist fake in his beliefs or less inspired. It just means that you are looking for something else, but that is not the artist’s fault or yours. That is just a fact of life, and to use your lack of interest in his topics as evidence that the artist is no longer inspired or not producing quality work seems myopic.

Additionally, when you assert that you are turned off from his music because he has released "diamond encrusted croc covered books," then that seems to show that you just have different interests than Prince. But, I'm not sure how that makes him less intellectual or musical. Again, it seems that his subject matter more than his lyrical mastery is what is turning you off. For me, songs like "Dreamer" and "Colonized Mind" rank with songs like "Sign 'O' the Times" or "Paisley Park" for Prince being able to find interesting ways to address a multitude of topics. I don't really agree with teaching creationism rather than evolution in public schools (private schools can teach whatever they desire.), but I like Prince's creative way of having the conversation. And more than anything, the guitar work in "Colonized Mind" moves me as much as any other guitar work, and I’ve been a fan since 1980. Not that longevity means anything; being an old fool is worse than being a young fool. But, just as a counter, to me he still seems like an artist that is passionate even if that about which he is passionate now is different than that for which he had passion twenty years ago. Not only is Lotusflow3r/MPLS in heavy rotation, "Colonized Mind," "Dreamer," "Dance 4 Me," and "Old Skool Company" almost always get a second or third play when I’m in the car.

In today's Journal du Dimanche newspaper, the accompanying magazine Femina has a go at Prince.

In their Tops/Flops section Prince is criticised for repeating himself.

A rough translation summary:

"Prince has aged well but his music hasn't. On the triple album, at best he repeats himself (badly).Prince is no longer charming".


It's hardly high-brow stuff but I just thought I'd let you know.

People don't hate Prince. I don't hate Prince. But when an artist sets a standard for themselves, then fails to meet it....therein lies the problem.

ernestsewell said:

The problem lies with your expectations

whodknee said:

all this from a nation who eat snails and frogs legs

But, just as a counter, to me he still seems like an artist that is passionate even if that about which he is passionate now is different than that for which he had passion twenty years ago. Not only is Lotusflow3r/MPLS in heavy rotation, "Colonized Mind," "Dreamer," "Dance 4 Me," and "Old Skool Company" almost always get a second or third play when I’m in the car.

You can say the same thing about Stevie Wonder or the Rolling Stones. They have done nothing new in decades either. But somehow they get the respect that Prince doesn't get.

People don't hate Prince. I don't hate Prince. But when an artist sets a standard for themselves, then fails to meet it....therein lies the problem.

mushmackalenta said:

HAHAHAHA Ridiculous on two counts. 1) the whole pity/feel sorry defensive "I'm butt hurt cuz someone doesn't like the Prince album I like" demeanor. Totally ridiculous attitude for you to cop, but understandable when dealing with ass kissers.

2) You blindly letting someone spoon feed you a less-than flavorful meal of mediocre music for the past few years. Tsk tsk. Has your musical taste buds really diminished that much?

1725topp said:

Yeah, and that's why Prince is currently touring these inspiring new albums and playing these songs non-stop... Oh wait, he isn't. He's not bothered to promote that "great" record, just like he failed to do so for most of his releases in the past decade and a half. Hell, most of those "great" album for the past 15 years aren't even in print anymore.

Apparently, these albums are so great Prince can't play them live, can't promote them properly, and can't keep them available. I guess they're just too good to be recognized.

Or maybe they suck donkey balls and even Prince knows this.

BartVanHemelen said:

The "in print" thing probably has much more to do with the kind of 1-album deals he likes to make nowadays than with his own opinion about his music.

Promotion? The problem is that we can't really tell how much promotion Prince would have done for his classic albums without the pressure from WB...

Now for the tour-following-album-release issue in the past 15 years:

- TGE had a tour
- Emancipation was not heavily toured, but one should keep in mind his personal situation short after release of the album
- NPS had a tour, right?
- Rave was not toured IIRC, but there was the Rave In2 the Year 2000 thing
- TRC was heavily toured worldwide
- News didn't have a tour, but I guess this wasn't really expected, was it?
- Musicology had the biggest US tour of the year 2004
- 3121 only had some random shows plus the Vegas thing
- Planet Earth didn't have a usual tour, but the rather spectacular 21 nights at the O2 in London
- No tour so far for the Lotusflow3r project, but it is unsure what we can expect

That looks like a so-so record for me. However, one should keep in mind that we are talking about a person in his 50s now, and I personally can somehow understand that the travelling becomes stressful to him - though I would like to see him playing live more often. Whatever way you choose to draw your conclusions - reason apparently is none of them.

If he would record new Purple Rain - he would repeat himself.
If he would record different album - oh, come on, it's not like Purple Rain..

People just hate Prince

eireboy34 said:

You can say the same thing about Stevie Wonder or the Rolling Stones. They have done nothing new in decades either. But somehow they get the respect that Prince doesn't get.

BartVanHemelen said:

The "in print" thing probably has much more to do with the kind of 1-album deals he likes to make nowadays than with his own opinion about his music.

Promotion? The problem is that we can't really tell how much promotion Prince would have done for his classic albums without the pressure from WB...

Now for the tour-following-album-release issue in the past 15 years:

- TGE had a tour
- Emancipation was not heavily toured, but one should keep in mind his personal situation short after release of the album
- NPS had a tour, right?
- Rave was not toured IIRC, but there was the Rave In2 the Year 2000 thing
- TRC was heavily toured worldwide
- News didn't have a tour, but I guess this wasn't really expected, was it?
- Musicology had the biggest US tour of the year 2004
- 3121 only had some random shows plus the Vegas thing
- Planet Earth didn't have a usual tour, but the rather spectacular 21 nights at the O2 in London
- No tour so far for the Lotusflow3r project, but it is unsure what we can expect

That looks like a so-so record for me. However, one should keep in mind that we are talking about a person in his 50s now, and I personally can somehow understand that the travelling becomes stressful to him - though I would like to see him playing live more often. Whatever way you choose to draw your conclusions - reason apparently is none of them.

Imago said:

EmancipationLover said:

Why should each new CD mean organizing semi's full of stage equipment, booking arenas, hotels; rehearsing, hiring roadies, etc? I don't blame a man in his 50's, 3 decades in, just playing when and as much as he feels. This is not reflective of his interest in the content of a new cd! Health plays a role at this point too!

The music industry has changed so much since 1985; we may not see Prince 12"'s for sale or music videos on tv, but that does not equal failure. Times have changed.In this new era "3121" debuted at #1. "Lotusflower/MPLSound/Elixer" debuted at #2. We may want him to do things differently, but he's doing something right obiviously.

U ppl do realise that this will be debated till the end of time cause not everyone has the same tastes?
I'm not a fan of heavy rock so there are some songs on Lotusflow3r that I don't like, but there are some I like too.
That's just how it is...different strokes for different folk.

Let's see if this thread comes to a unanimous decision

warning2all said:

Oh yes and the CD's still doing decent on the French charts as well. Which means some folks in France like it. Otherwise, why bother 2 do a Paris show?

ernestsewell said:

what a fucking joke coming from someone who's a Madonna fan
dude , you are hilarious
[Edited 10/5/09 4:45am]

ernestsewell said:

The problem with this sentiment is that great people are then criticized from being good, or just better than average though I think that Ernestsewell's notion is that Lotusflow3r/MPLS is less than average. But, just to address the above sentiment, Prince seems to be at a point where what he is doing is more pleasing to me than what is on the radio, so I'll called that "good." And, I'll take a good or solid Prince record, which is how I rate Lotusflow3r/MPLS, over the bad, or what's not pleasing to me, which is what’s currently being played on the radio.

So, if Jordan averages 35 points one year, and then averages 25 points the next year. I may not enjoy the second year as much as the first, but watching his good year is still entertaining. Of course, if the "fails to meet it..." is implying that Lotusflow3r/MPLS is subpar, then I'd just have to disagree and keep enjoying it while its still in heavy rotation in my car and crib. I’m not looking for Prince to blow my mind or change the way I think about life. He did that years ago for me. At this point, I just want music that makes me move and lyrics that make me say "That was funny or interesting or moving." And Lotusflow3r/MPLS does that for me.

Rorywan said:

To the first part of this statement, I ask, "Is it that Prince doesn't care about anything anymore or is it that it seems that you no longer care about the things that seem to be of interest to him?" And this is quite fair and normal, but the statement seems not to acknowledge that it is normal for a fan or listener to grow and no longer be interested in an artist’s work. That doesn't make the artist fake in his beliefs or less inspired. It just means that you are looking for something else, but that is not the artist’s fault or yours. That is just a fact of life, and to use your lack of interest in his topics as evidence that the artist is no longer inspired or not producing quality work seems myopic.

Additionally, when you assert that you are turned off from his music because he has released "diamond encrusted croc covered books," then that seems to show that you just have different interests than Prince. But, I'm not sure how that makes him less intellectual or musical. Again, it seems that his subject matter more than his lyrical mastery is what is turning you off. For me, songs like "Dreamer" and "Colonized Mind" rank with songs like "Sign 'O' the Times" or "Paisley Park" for Prince being able to find interesting ways to address a multitude of topics. I don't really agree with teaching creationism rather than evolution in public schools (private schools can teach whatever they desire.), but I like Prince's creative way of having the conversation. And more than anything, the guitar work in "Colonized Mind" moves me as much as any other guitar work, and I’ve been a fan since 1980. Not that longevity means anything; being an old fool is worse than being a young fool. But, just as a counter, to me he still seems like an artist that is passionate even if that about which he is passionate now is different than that for which he had passion twenty years ago. Not only is Lotusflow3r/MPLS in heavy rotation, "Colonized Mind," "Dreamer," "Dance 4 Me," and "Old Skool Company" almost always get a second or third play when I’m in the car.