The best for me is controversy, even though I can't see why they decided to make the single fade, since it would ended at the same time if they had used the album version ending.

The worst for me is uptown. I hate the shorten repeat of the synth intro, after the first chorus and the shorten piano break right after that. The worst thing is the edit right after the last chorus, where it skips the bass drum break, That was worse than the edits I use to make by using the pause button on a cassette recorder.

What do you guys think are the best and worst single edits by Prince.

In my opinion, there is no such thing as a good single edit when it comes to Prince´s songs. There´s always this feeling of listening to a butchered version of a song, knowing there´s an "original" or "real" version either on the album or on 12".

Worst is the original 7" edit of "Let's go crazy" where at one point in the beginning he is actually talking over himself. Absolutely horrible edit.

go listen to the Space maxi

or yes I will agree with the 7 maxi-sigle

I don't know whether it's best or worst but I think it's interesting that the single for the b-side "Hello" has the "extra" chorus with Wendy and Lisa toward the end (2:26-fadeout) and a particular double rhythm with the guitar during the fadeout while the 12" version has Prince sing "everybody" ..then the extended instrumental begins (3:47-end). I always thought it was cool that the single version had that little part not found on the 12". Or anywhere else until it was released on CD.
[Edited 2/20/10 1:01am]

I actually like the start of the My Name Is Prince edit. It's by no means better than the original but as edits go it's a good one. Just think there's two less versus of Tony M's rap

djdaffy1227 said:

I agree. I understand why it was done, though. It was done for radio.

As for the best, I would have to say "Kiss" and "The One" are among my favorites.

The best is definately "Controversy". The worst is anything that is exactly the same as the album version.

I used to make edits with my cassette recorder too. I remember I did a great one of "Lady Cab Driver".

djdaffy1227 said:

And let's not forget the equally horrible edit of When Doves Cry - fades out when the song really starts to cook. Same for Purple Rain - same thing, "let's just kill the phenomenal guitar solo here"

djdaffy1227 said:

Yes! Hands down the worst 7" edit... and it was the version they used for the music video too!

djdaffy1227 said:

Oh, man, I'd put that edit in the best category. The way the "Dearly beloved" speech got mixed up together was really cool. It added to the mystery of what he was saying; you had to get the album or see the movie to figure it out. I'd say it was a nice addition to the Prince "mystique" back then.