Bart is still "butt hurt" from Prince in the mid 90's when he forced all the fan sites to close down, so his posts and opinions on Prince's new music are predictable. But I still like reading posts from Bart and Wall. Two brainless idiots. <3

NeoGeo24bit said:

jtfolden said:

1999 has several stinkers? Really?

Although, I agree with you in general... Controversy, LoveSexy, Batman are generally on the same level as his work of the last decade or so. If Dirty Mind were released today most people would slag it off.

I always thought International Lover was really weak. And FREE is one of the worst Prince songs ever. Why he put that song on the album instead of Moonbeam Levels, I'll never know. The first half of 1999 is ace, but the second half (to me) is poor. It's amazing what revisionist history will do to make an album greater than it is... and don't get me started on Controversy. The second half of that album falls apart completely. Ronnie Talk To Russia and Annie Christian? Stinkers!

I love all of Controversy, it's my favorite Prince album. I think Ronnie Talk To Russia and Annie Christian were prophetic even- they both hint to events that took place after the songs were recorded.

JDODSON said:

NeoGeo24bit said:

I always thought International Lover was really weak. And FREE is one of the worst Prince songs ever. Why he put that song on the album instead of Moonbeam Levels, I'll never know. The first half of 1999 is ace, but the second half (to me) is poor. It's amazing what revisionist history will do to make an album greater than it is... and don't get me started on Controversy. The second half of that album falls apart completely. Ronnie Talk To Russia and Annie Christian? Stinkers!

I love all of Controversy, it's my favorite Prince album. I think Ronnie Talk To Russia and Annie Christian were prophetic even- they both hint to events that took place after the songs were recorded.

Just goes to show you no one can agree on a great Prince song.

However... I think it was common sense that Ronald Reagan would talk to Russia. Did you even live through the 1980's?

NeoGeo24bit said:

I always thought International Lover was really weak. And FREE is one of the worst Prince songs ever. Why he put that song on the album instead of Moonbeam Levels, I'll never know. The first half of 1999 is ace, but the second half (to me) is poor. It's amazing what revisionist history will do to make an album greater than it is... and don't get me started on Controversy. The second half of that album falls apart completely. Ronnie Talk To Russia and Annie Christian? Stinkers!

International Lover is actually one of my favorites from that album. Leaving Moonbeam Levels off was a real boneheaded move, though. The fact it still hasn't turned up on anything all these years later is a head scratcher. However, for me, 1999 has always been one of the few rare Prince albums that I can enjoy listening to from beginning to end.

I completely agree on Controversy, though. It might as well have its picture in an encyclopedia next to the phrase "mixed bag." Every time a new Prince album comes out someone is always proclaiming a new track to be the "worst Prince song ever" and I'm thinking - have you heard "Ronnie, Talk To Russia?" Stylistically, though, Controversy feels like a dry run for 1999. They share the same kinds of music and the subject matter.

JDODSON said:

fabriziovenerandi said:

yes, like wagner. If you don't like it the first time is rubbish.

Are you talking about Giorgio Moroder? Because Moroder=Genius. He is one of the fathers of New Wave, and truly a pioneer of disco.

No, I'm referring 2 Georgio:

http://www.youtube.com/wa...8I58EtRMNk

I bet Bart is listening now the "Georgio Cool Collection Remaster"

For me it's a weak, weak album. It's too samey, every song having the same drum machine and synth sound (what happened to the "Musicology" mantra of "real music, real musicians"?) and the ballads are just by the numbers Prince. It sounds like he's trying to sound like Prince rather than just being Prince. As soon as it starts it sounds like "old" Prince, circa "Delirious" or "Let's Pretend We're Married", but unlike most of his other albums there are no changes in style, and no innovation. I always loved his records for the bits that just defied explanation, where a certain sound or tonal change would just pop out of the speakers and make you think "what was that?" (see "Lovesexy" and "Sign O The Times" for albums full of examples of this) but this album has no such moments.

Of the tracks I'd say "Act Of God" was probably the one I enjoyed more than any other, and the worst was either "Sticky Like Glue" or, most likely, "Everybody Loves Me", which sounded like it could have come from something like "High School Musical". Not a single track leapt out at me and had me reaching for the "back" button on the player, unlike most of his others, and in fact the majority had me wanting to hit the "next" button instead, but I resisted the urge.

"His best in 23 years"? No - that's an absolute lie. His worst in 23 years? No - for me "Emancipation" takes that prize (and I know that bizarrely there seems to be a lot of love for that album here, but personally I only like two tracks on it - "Slave" and "The Holy River" - the rest is utter dross), but this is definitely its closest rival.

He's still an amazing live performer, but as for recorded material, well, I really wish he'd retire from the studio now. On this evidence he's a shadow of his former self, and it really pains me to say it.

Nasalhair said:

For me it's a weak, weak album. It's too samey, every song having the same drum machine and synth sound (what happened to the "Musicology" mantra of "real music, real musicians"?) and the ballads are just by the numbers Prince. It sounds like he's trying to sound like Prince rather than just being Prince.

He used that mantra on D&P, too, so it's fairly an empty proclamation in regard to quality. However, are you actually suggesting that Musicology is *NOT* the quintessential example of Prince "trying to sound like Prince rather than just being Prince?"

Musicology sounded like a collection of "greatest hits that never were" as Prince tried aping his old self, repeatedly.

For better or worse, 20Ten sounds exactly like a simple, back to basics Prince album. Prince being himself and not really attempting anything.

jtfolden said:

Nasalhair said:

For me it's a weak, weak album. It's too samey, every song having the same drum machine and synth sound (what happened to the "Musicology" mantra of "real music, real musicians"?) and the ballads are just by the numbers Prince. It sounds like he's trying to sound like Prince rather than just being Prince.

He used that mantra on D&P, too, so it's fairly an empty proclamation in regard to quality. However, are you actually suggesting that Musicology is *NOT* the quintessential example of Prince "trying to sound like Prince rather than just being Prince?"

Musicology sounded like a collection of "greatest hits that never were" as Prince tried aping his old self, repeatedly.

For better or worse, 20Ten sounds exactly like a simple, back to basics Prince album. Prince being himself and not really attempting anything.

I'm saying that on "Musicology" (and on the "21 Nights" residency at the O2) he kept banging on about "real music by real musicians" and yet now it seems that he's doing all he can to keep it synthetic - see most of "Lotusflower" / "MPLSound" and all of "20Ten" for examples. At least, for all of its flaws, "Planet Earth" had some real instrumentation clearly audible, some variety, and a few flashes of his old, true self.

For the record I think the "Musicology" album is, at best, very, very average.

Nasalhair said:

I'm saying that on "Musicology" (and on the "21 Nights" residency at the O2) he kept banging on about "real music by real musicians" and yet now it seems that he's doing all he can to keep it synthetic - see most of "Lotusflower" / "MPLSound" and all of "20Ten" for examples. At least, for all of its flaws, "Planet Earth" had some real instrumentation clearly audible, some variety, and a few flashes of his old, true self.

For the record I think the "Musicology" album is, at best, very, very average.

Well, the "problem" (if you consider it one) with that idea is that the biggest majority of "old, true" Prince's music has been a one-man-band collection of electronic / synthetic / plastic sounding tracks. The "real music by real musicians" thing comes off as marketing to me, when he's referencing his recorded work.

murph said:

Um...this is a good album guys....

People who say that Musicology is a better album have no credibility..

People who say Loutus is better just want to hear dude rock on guitars...

People who say that he's aping his own sound are the same folks who poseted 1300 word post about how Prince was running away from his '80s sound much to his detriment...

We can ALL agree all day that the tracks he released previously (...Cause & Effect and the like) were lackluster, sterile cuts...We can agree that his last attempt to utilize the Linn drum was uneven and seemingly rushed ("Valentina" "Here" and "Dance 4 Me" were the only true winners from that album...)

But 20Ten is easily the best album the man has released since the '90s....Why? Because it seems like Prince made it in two days with no pretense....It has the innocence and forthright feel of For You with the production style of his early '80s stuff...

If the album is not for you because you like P's more rock oriented shit, that's cool...And I respect that...

But if you are on the Bart tip, you are def. showing yourself to be a Prince fan too preoccupied with being the bad guy...And ther's nothing genuine about that...

In fact, it's quite weak...

I like Musicology more than 20Ten, so therefore I have no credibility?

Or maybe I'm just someone who likes soul, jazz and funk music and who tends to prefer a live band sound over programmed beats and something more synthetic sounding (not that I don't like that too sometimes). That's why to me it goes TRC > Musicology > 20Ten... but I guess that's irrelevant. I just have no credibility! Prick.

jtfolden said:

Nasalhair said:

I'm saying that on "Musicology" (and on the "21 Nights" residency at the O2) he kept banging on about "real music by real musicians" and yet now it seems that he's doing all he can to keep it synthetic - see most of "Lotusflower" / "MPLSound" and all of "20Ten" for examples. At least, for all of its flaws, "Planet Earth" had some real instrumentation clearly audible, some variety, and a few flashes of his old, true self.

For the record I think the "Musicology" album is, at best, very, very average.

Well, the "problem" (if you consider it one) with that idea is that the biggest majority of "old, true" Prince's music has been a one-man-band collection of electronic / synthetic / plastic sounding tracks. The "real music by real musicians" thing comes off as marketing to me, when he's referencing his recorded work.

Hey - just saying that he's been championing real instrumentation over the last few years, yet these days on record he seems to be moving in the opposite direction. As I originally said, this album (and "MPLSound") sound like he's trying to sound like what people think Prince sounds like, rather than just being himself.

Whatever, I think it's a dreadful album, often a hugely embarassing listen.

Nasalhair said:

Hey - just saying that he's been championing real instrumentation over the last few years, yet these days on record he seems to be moving in the opposite direction.

It's a repeating pattern for Prince; SOTT coming after more band oriented albums... Emancipation coming after the earlier referenced NPG era... It's par for the course with him.

Loving it, obviously not as good as his '80's stuff but he'll never reach them heights again. But the album is great and makes my toes tap as I listen to it, the only track i'm not impressed with so far is 'Walk in sand' but that might change after a few listens,

My 1 year old grandson seemed to like 'Compassion' and 'Sticky like glue', I 've been babysitting tonight and they were the tracks he pricked up his ears and danced the most to.

On another note i've got 2 copies of this CD so if any of our American friends would like me to send them my spare copy then please pm me, the first one with the best manners gets it.

Ok, I'm giving this one more complete listen (this will be the 3rd or 4th) and then I'll see if there are any keepers to keep saved on my computer in my 'Prince - Various' folder.

HonestMan13 said:

HatrinaHaterwitz said:

Note From The Org

Sometimes a fan community site is simply best when it's enjoyed and not told what to do every ten seconds. Stop trying so hard 2 please Prince because he's not here! Be grateful that you have a place where you can at least, discuss Prince because he doesn't give a damn enough to have a full functioning website, for you to go to.

Shut up and drink your haterade! For someone who constantly claims to not be buying any Prince or getting any new stuff from him your always here speaking on forum you yourself claim to not know anything about. If you didn't get the new music why are you on a forum discussing it. Here's an idea don't buy the next CD from Bilal and go stalk him for awhile. See you next Tuesday!

The forum is Prince: Music and More! I've been studying that subject for over 30 years. I've got a PhD in it. And I do mean an Ass Piled High and Deep, you see!

This is a place of discussion on that subject! So I have every right to be here, discussing whatever it is...that I feel like discussing, on that subject. Whether you like it or not!

As long as Ben (The Founder, Chief, Cook and Bottle Washer...of ALL that The Org is!) doesn't give in...I am not going any motherfucking where!

You and anyone that feels like you do...are MORE than welcome...to head on over to Prince's website!

I can promise you...that I...will not be there!

I'll be hanging with "Hova"!

And Bone Thugs N' Harmony!

.

If that's TOO much for Y'ALL...Jill Scott said it BEST! Even the Prince I remember and love...SHOULD be able to relate!

.

[Edited 7/10/10 18:45pm]

Genesia said:

On first listen - I like it. For once, it doesn't sound like he's trying too hard. Nothing feels forced - which is a good thing after stuff like Feel Better and Chocolate Box (not to be confused with Disco Jellyfish).

Compassion - Same sort of flavor as No More Candy 4 U, but without the "fuck all y'all" attitude. It's a odd combo of hippy happy lyrics and driving, punky, Linn-ish melody. Not necessarily a bad thing.

Beginning Endlessly - Basic trying to bag a babe lyrics, backed by dirty-sounding keys. Catchy.

Future Soul Song - Nice, mellow groove. Dreaming about flying...singing a song of the soul. Female voices on the backing tracks. Gets his religion in there..."In the absence of fear and control...is the sound of the surrendering soul." Not in an overbearing way, though. Nice.

Sticky Like Glue - I have no idea why we're together, but we're sticky like glue. Fizzy...the bubbles tickle my nose.

Act of God - Music, okay. Lyrics, bleh. My least favorite on the disc.

Lavaux - Y'know...somebody referenced The Pointer Sisters "Automatic" - and I hate to say it, but I do hear that. I ain't hatin', because it goes somewhere better from there. Has the most Minneapolis sounding keys I've heard in a long time.

Walk In Sand - Light, breathy falsetto. Nothing too serious here. He's just walkin' on the beach - and it sounds exactly like that. Like you could see two people running in slow mo with their hair flying, falling down laughing in the sand.

Sea of Everything - What can I say? It's a baby-makin' track. Has a Future Baby Mama vibe - both melodically and lyrically. "Will you wander the wilderness searching for a king? Will you settle for a Prince...and a sea of everything?"

Everybody Loves Me - Wow - I want to like it, but I definitely don't, at this point. He didn't try on this one, at all. A throwaway. Maybe it'll grow on me. I hope it does.

Laydown - Oh, man - vainandy is gonna hate this one. I like it, though - think it's kinda catchy. Ends way too abruptly.

I think SquirrelMeat is right - this thing's gonna sink like Planet Earth. But it's nice to have something light and new to blast for the summer.

Really like your review & general attitude towards the album.I agree for the most part with you.I think the best way to listen to it is from a chilled out,laid back point of view.I really like the album.Didn't know about until about a week ago & it's been a nice treat.Lol at Prince fans critiquing every little thing Prince does looking for deeper meaning & things that aren't there.Loving Future Soul Song,Lavaux & Laydown (although it does end too abruptly).Good little album.Short & light.

[Edited 7/10/10 17:09pm]

[Edited 7/10/10 17:10pm]

My favorites thus far are Beginning Endlessly, Future Soul Song, Sea Of Everything & Laydown. I'm feeling the Cd as a whole though. It flows very well and it's just the right length. I'll probably make a playlist including Hot Summer & Cause And Effect but i'm glad he didn't put them on the CD. They don't seem to fit in anywhere.

HonestMan13 said:

I'll probably make a playlist including Hot Summer & Cause And Effect but i'm glad he didn't put them on the CD. They don't seem to fit in anywhere.

Makes perfect sense.

The best album of late was 3121, it was his closest return to form. Black Sweat, Fury and TAC were his best songs in ages.

Fauxie said:

HonestMan13 said:

I'll probably make a playlist including Hot Summer & Cause And Effect but i'm glad he didn't put them on the CD. They don't seem to fit in anywhere.

Makes perfect sense.

I like these radio releases he's been doing and hope he does more soon. The songs never seem to fit with the current projects but they're good songs. I don't count Purple & Gold since it wasn't meant for radioplay and was really intended to be heard at the game and probably never heard again. I'm really hoping the song he played for the Ebony interviewer surfaces(I can't remember the name right now).

Hear free samples (legally) here:

http://www.mirror.co.uk/celebs/news/2010/07/08/prince-20ten-hear-three-tracks-from-the-new-prince-album-in-new-radio-commercial-115875-22385428/

Here again just wanted to say:

Nothing in "1999" is garbage. Later.

NeoGeo24bit said:

Genesia said:

Amazing how a new album brings 'em out, isn't it?

Brings who out? The haters? The 80's fans? The lovers of anything Prince releases? Be more specific.

The people who think their opinion is fact.

Prince's forumla for songwriting seems to be to take a platitude and repeat it ad nauseum. Just keep hammering those few lyrics--usually the title--until the ears bleed. It's either a generic boasting--such as the number which kicked off MplsSound or, just when you thought that was bad--here comes Everybody Loves Me (possibly the worst song he's ever recorded, which is saying a lot) or a everybody should love everyone, we're all happy, such as the chugging wreck which opens this latest collection of songs. Then when you take into account the lyrical mastery in Hot Summer, it becomes pretty evident this guy is simply out of things to talk about. It's to be expected when you think you've got the universe figured out courtesy of your latest cult, but my god, talk about running on fumes. I know he had to take out the dirty words from his lexicon, but did he have to restrict himself from the rest of the dictionary while he was at it? We get it. This is where the party be. We up in this thing. Yeah, we gonna bounce and feel good cos we all get it on, feel good, party right on, hot summer, y'all. Yes, such good stuff there.

And it's like the last half of the album Prince just couldn't decide, Which would be the worst song I could end this on? Well, here's a drawn out boredom suite, no wait--I've got a jingle readymade for the 3-5 year old crowd--I'll beat them over the head with that for about 4 minutes and they'll eat it up. But, wait, what am I saying? Scratch that, here's my latest club number, where this 53 year old JW is gonna do his darndest to mime some southern sounds that were dated in 2005. The Purple Yoda line is fine, the rest of the song, like 80% of this album, is embarrassing.

Wall said:

Prince's forumla for songwriting seems to be to take a platitude and repeat it ad nauseum. Just keep hammering those few lyrics--usually the title--until the ears bleed. It's either a generic boasting--such as the number which kicked off MplsSound or, just when you thought that was bad--here comes Everybody Loves Me (possibly the worst song he's ever recorded, which is saying a lot) or a everybody should love everyone, we're all happy, such as the chugging wreck which opens this latest collection of songs. Then when you take into account the lyrical mastery in Hot Summer, it becomes pretty evident this guy is simply out of things to talk about. It's to be expected when you think you've got the universe figured out courtesy of your latest cult, but my god, talk about running on fumes. I know he had to take out the dirty words from his lexicon, but did he have to restrict himself from the rest of the dictionary while he was at it? We get it. This is where the party be. We up in this thing. Yeah, we gonna bounce and feel good cos we all get it on, feel good, party right on, hot summer, y'all. Yes, such good stuff there.

And it's like the last half of the album Prince just couldn't decide, Which would be the worst song I could end this on? Well, here's a drawn out boredom suite, no wait--I've got a jingle readymade for the 3-5 year old crowd--I'll beat them over the head with that for about 4 minutes and they'll eat it up. But, wait, what am I saying? Scratch that, here's my latest club number, where this 53 year old JW is gonna do his darndest to mime some southern sounds that were dated in 2005. The Purple Yoda line is fine, the rest of the song, like 80% of this album, is embarrassing.

I just love you.

Vendetta1 said:

Wall said:

Prince's forumla for songwriting seems to be to take a platitude and repeat it ad nauseum. Just keep hammering those few lyrics--usually the title--until the ears bleed. It's either a generic boasting--such as the number which kicked off MplsSound or, just when you thought that was bad--here comes Everybody Loves Me (possibly the worst song he's ever recorded, which is saying a lot) or a everybody should love everyone, we're all happy, such as the chugging wreck which opens this latest collection of songs. Then when you take into account the lyrical mastery in Hot Summer, it becomes pretty evident this guy is simply out of things to talk about. It's to be expected when you think you've got the universe figured out courtesy of your latest cult, but my god, talk about running on fumes. I know he had to take out the dirty words from his lexicon, but did he have to restrict himself from the rest of the dictionary while he was at it? We get it. This is where the party be. We up in this thing. Yeah, we gonna bounce and feel good cos we all get it on, feel good, party right on, hot summer, y'all. Yes, such good stuff there.

And it's like the last half of the album Prince just couldn't decide, Which would be the worst song I could end this on? Well, here's a drawn out boredom suite, no wait--I've got a jingle readymade for the 3-5 year old crowd--I'll beat them over the head with that for about 4 minutes and they'll eat it up. But, wait, what am I saying? Scratch that, here's my latest club number, where this 53 year old JW is gonna do his darndest to mime some southern sounds that were dated in 2005. The Purple Yoda line is fine, the rest of the song, like 80% of this album, is embarrassing.

I just love you.

Move over!

Well this isn't floating the boat for me so far, I don't think its bad but I don't think its great either. Its somewhere along the lines of Planet Earth to me.

I just really don't find anything stand out on it so far and i've heard all but 2 tracks. On some it sounds like the music is interesting but the vocal is weak, on others it sounds like the vocal is strong but the lyrics don't flow that well and on others the music sounds sorta super laid back enough to put you to sleep if the vocal is decent.

Its like it never matches up and i'm not a out the box Prince hater...I wanna love all his albums especially his new stuff but so far for me this ain't hitting.

I like "Here" and "4ever" off the last package better than anything i've heard on hear so far.

Time to put on my flame suit but thats just how I feel but hey its only after listening to all but 2 tracks once so maybe things could change.

Some thoughts after a few listens...

Compassion.....Nice lyrics but the music doesn't grab me...I'm not one who is especially interested in hearing P revisit old sounds.

Beginning Endlessly.....Began nicely, but did not hold my attention endlessly,

Future Soul Song.....Nice lyrics again but the arrangement is way too sappy for my taste. Bland backing vocals.

Sticky Like Glue.....Unbelievably corny,

Act Of God.....Pretty cool with timely lyrics, nice chorus and good vocals from Prince. Catchy.

Lavaux.....Utterly forgettable.

Walk In The Sand.....Very pretty music and words. Puts you in a pleasant mood.

Sea Of Everything.....Absolutely beautiful vocal performance. Soulful and mellow song. I really liked this one.

Everybody Loves Me.....I didn't care for it at all. Too insipid and cheesy.

Laydown.....Amusing chorus and peculiar arrangement. Kind of engaging in a odd way.

I give it 4/10 because there isn't enough there to hold my interest for long. With a couple of exceptions, the overall feel musically is cold and barren and the vocals are not very interesting. The backup singers sound pretty tired too.

I take each release for what it is without a lot of comparisons and over analysis to other songs or eras but I couldn't help thinking that I would've given this away for free too.

Oh well...maybe next time.

[Edited 7/10/10 21:21pm]

NeoGeo24bit said:

JDODSON said:

I love all of Controversy, it's my favorite Prince album. I think Ronnie Talk To Russia and Annie Christian were prophetic even- they both hint to events that took place after the songs were recorded.

Just goes to show you no one can agree on a great Prince song.

However... I think it was common sense that Ronald Reagan would talk to Russia. Did you even live through the 1980's?

I wasn't talking about the titles of the songs. I was talking about the lyrics and the sounds. And yes, I was born in 1976, and I'm highly involved in politics, I know all about it. But you are right, it seems like everyone has their own likes and dislikes when it comes to Prince music. For instance, I don't dig "Tick Tick Bang" from Graffiti Bridge at all, but I love his original unreleased new wave version of the song.

jtfolden said:

NeoGeo24bit said:

I always thought International Lover was really weak. And FREE is one of the worst Prince songs ever. Why he put that song on the album instead of Moonbeam Levels, I'll never know. The first half of 1999 is ace, but the second half (to me) is poor. It's amazing what revisionist history will do to make an album greater than it is... and don't get me started on Controversy. The second half of that album falls apart completely. Ronnie Talk To Russia and Annie Christian? Stinkers!

International Lover is actually one of my favorites from that album. Leaving Moonbeam Levels off was a real boneheaded move, though. The fact it still hasn't turned up on anything all these years later is a head scratcher. However, for me, 1999 has always been one of the few rare Prince albums that I can enjoy listening to from beginning to end.

I completely agree on Controversy, though. It might as well have its picture in an encyclopedia next to the phrase "mixed bag." Every time a new Prince album comes out someone is always proclaiming a new track to be the "worst Prince song ever" and I'm thinking - have you heard "Ronnie, Talk To Russia?" Stylistically, though, Controversy feels like a dry run for 1999. They share the same kinds of music and the subject matter.

Prince had a lot of good material for Controversy. Turn It Up, Tick Tick Bang and Hard 2 Get (Controversy sounding version) would have elevated the second half of that album to pure greatness... unless those songs were made after Controversy came out... have to look at the dates again.