databank said:

Agree with you, I think he mixed what was called the english cold wave (aka new wave with more synth) with the 70's funk that's been mentionned here. (we know he was looking at GB by his ska button on the Controversy cover).

BlackAdder7 said:

Prince did play synth on that song.

... listening to it now: Extra-lovable

The Prince era of 1978-1984. The falsetto could possibly be influenced by folks that were out during his teen years such as Philip Bailey from Earth, Wind, and Fire and The Stylistics. The Prince music of the 1978-1984 era sounds like the current funk by other funk artists during that era but what separates it is the influence of the current pop/rock new wave type groups of that era such as Gary Numan, Devo, The Cars, etc. mixed into the funk which gave it a futuristic feel that separated it from the other funk groups of the era.

Even though Prince had his own sound during that era, he still sounded current like he fit in with the other artists of that era. It wasn't until 1985 that he started going backwards and started sounding retro.

I want to say lots of synth in the rhythm and bass sections, a funky rhythm guitar, a mix of dance, rock, and funk elements. Essentially, what would new wave sound like if it had funk and soul thrown in the mix.


However, if that were all that was needed Billy Ocean's Caribbean Queen would qualify as an example of the Minneapolis Sound.


So I guess you need to throw in delicate backing vocals by lesbians?

Militant said:

yes that's a great answer...I'd say synth for horns is the biggest one, but the others you mention are all a big part of the equation too...well said.