Fuck. I remember the first time I bought the cd and listened to it. I had previously got Lovesexy, Purple Rain and ATWIAD and the brother didn't mind them being on. Then he heard Dirty Mind and he was WTF????

I knew then that I would love Prince forever.

oh motherfucks just a motherfuck

now can't you understand?

How I laughed and then hit play again.

To the max

JoeTyler said:

One thing is for sure: this kind of controversial, nasty, sexual records are only successful when the artist is still more or less unknown by the mainstream audience. Lady GaGa is another recent example.

On the other hand, these "X" albums are usually disasters when they are released by established/famous artists (Madonna's Erotica Rihanna's Rated R, etc...) Hell, I'm sure that many people, back in 1988, seeing the Lovesexy front cover, thought: "Ugh, another dirty album? Not again little boy..." result? A BOMB...

Was loveSexy a bomb? Even with that kick-ass world tour?

Spinlight said:

BartVanHemelen said:

The OP claimed "Year was 1980 and not too many artist had a chance to release album with themes such as incest,oral sex,sex in daddy's car,threesome..." which is bullshit. If the OP knew about music history, then he wouldn't state such nonsense as fact.

No shit, sherlock, but he clearly isn't a music history scholar. So why the bitter betty bitchery? Chill the fuck out, Poindexter, and actually be helpful for once in your 10 year career of trolling the Prince community.

Remember that old meme on AMP when the people would ask haters "Why are you here?" repeatedly? You might not, but I do. There is a stark fucking difference between being critical of a musician's output over the years and being a dickhead behind a computer screen.

Well said!

Spinlight said:

BartVanHemelen said:

The OP claimed "Year was 1980 and not too many artist had a chance to release album with themes such as incest,oral sex,sex in daddy's car,threesome..." which is bullshit. If the OP knew about music history, then he wouldn't state such nonsense as fact.

No shit, sherlock, but he clearly isn't a music history scholar. So why the bitter betty bitchery? Chill the fuck out, Poindexter, and actually be helpful for once in your 10 year career of trolling the Prince community.

Remember that old meme on AMP when the people would ask haters "Why are you here?" repeatedly? You might not, but I do. There is a stark fucking difference between being critical of a musician's output over the years and being a dickhead behind a computer screen.

It's been a lot longer than 10 years. He's been doing this for well over 15 years. Back to the days when the alt.music.prince newsgroup was the place to talk about prince.

thebanishedone said:

How did that album wasn't censored.

Dude! Where's your grammar?

sexyAuntyFuka said:

JoeTyler said:

One thing is for sure: this kind of controversial, nasty, sexual records are only successful when the artist is still more or less unknown by the mainstream audience. Lady GaGa is another recent example.

On the other hand, these "X" albums are usually disasters when they are released by established/famous artists (Madonna's Erotica Rihanna's Rated R, etc...) Hell, I'm sure that many people, back in 1988, seeing the Lovesexy front cover, thought: "Ugh, another dirty album? Not again little boy..." result? A BOMB...

Was loveSexy a bomb? Even with that kick-ass world tour?

Yep. People wouldn't sell the album in the stores because of the nude cover.

Also I think when Prince released this, WB wasn't under no pressure then to follow any major success. For You was a flop initially and Prince did some decent sales. With Dirty Mind, it was like "well we gave this guy control to do what he wanted" so they were willing to get through any controversy the album cover and songs would get. I think it was more of the public that had a problem with the record. Prince was respected in the industry but success was still slow to come by when he put this out.

Timmy84 said:

Also I think when Prince released this, WB wasn't under no pressure then to follow any major success. For You was a flop initially and Prince did some decent sales. With Dirty Mind, it was like "well we gave this guy control to do what he wanted" so they were willing to get through any controversy the album cover and songs would get. I think it was more of the public that had a problem with the record. Prince was respected in the industry but success was still slow to come by when he put this out.

Exactly; perhaps Warner executives finally lost their patience with Prince during those 93-94 sad years, but back in the 77-86 years they KNEW that P was an extremely rare talent which had to be supported, protected and nurtured...

I guess that liberty "ended" after the bomb of UTCM and the madness of the Crystal Ball project, so they "forced" him to release the 2 CD version of it (SOTT); but even after that first symptom of "tyranny" they agreed to cancel the perfectly fine Black Album for the definitely uneasy Lovesexy, they agreed to release that dud called Graffiti Bridge and they allow him to release two albums in less than 12 months (D&P and Love Symbol)...

I think Warners was not as "evil/greedy/stupid" as many of you believe...

ernestsewell said:

Mindflux said:

I think you need to do some music history research and then come back!

And a right bit of English, too.

any need for that really?

Efan said:

Mindflux said:

If, like the OP, you think that Prince was the first, or even only one of a few, who sang about those sort of sexual subjects, then perhaps you also need an education?

Its nothing to do with being a "Prince scholar" and more to do with having a general awareness of music history. If a question is asked that is based on falsehoods, is that a "legitimate question"?

No, I don't think that. I just think that the final question in his post--Did Prince and Warner Bros. [have] problems...releasing [Dirty Mind]?--is a good (albeit grammatically challenged) one. Or at least one that could lead to an interesting discussion. Of course there were a lot of sexually themed albums already by then, but it's not like Dirty Mind didn't cause any waves (even Rolling Stone's review commented on being surprised by the album). I think the thread is a good opportunity to talk about some musical history as well as a brilliant Prince album; that's all.

No, I know you don't think that and that final question is fine. But when its preceeded by, effectively, "Prince was the first one to release a sexual record" then it kinda invalidates the question. I have no problem with people asking questions to enrich their knowledge, but why not ask the question about which you want the answer to and not load it with assumptions? The OP could have asked "Were there many artists who released such graphic, sexual content on their albums? Because, if there were not, how did Prince and WB manage to get this album released?"

And there we have it. No assumption about things you don't know about and no bias to the question.

As it happens, no, WB or Prince didn't have a problem releasing it - just like many of Prince's predecessors.

thebanishedone said:

Imagine in today climate some male pop star like Justin or Chris Brown release album with lyrics such as "blowjob doesn't mean blow" or something like that first they would not pass censorship,second they would not be given a chance to release something like that. Logic tells me that Prince had problems about that album and if anybody know the details please share Fellow orger stated some retails refused to sell album in the stores because of the cover

Modern day artists can release music with profanity, vulgarity and plain vernacular if they so wish! Have you not listened to Eminem? Or a thousand others that do?

There is no logic that tells you that Prince had problems releasing Dirty Mind. He didn't, plain and simple. And he could release Dirty Mind 2 right now, with even more perverseness and nobody would stop him.

Just because some retailers refuse to stock certain product is not a problem. That's their choice - doesn't mean the work hasn't been published or isn't available, does it?

Timmy84 said:

thebanishedone said:

Imagine in today climate some male pop star like Justin or Chris Brown release album with lyrics such as "blowjob doesn't mean blow" or something like that first they would not pass censorship,second they would not be given a chance to release something like that. Logic tells me that Prince had problems about that album and if anybody know the details please share Fellow orger stated some retails refused to sell album in the stores because of the cover

MAN they wouldn't even get AWAY with it much less sing about it.

Of course Prince would have problems...with the material NOW lol

Sorry you got bitched about what you posted by the way lol

Nope, that's just wrong! How many hiphop artists have problems releasing music? How many arists from ANY genre have problems releasing their work because of its content. Go on, name some!

thebanishedone said:

I never said that Prince was the first artist in popular

music to introduce subjects such as incest,oral sex,threesome.

Dirty Mind is conceptual album.

It's about sex and sexual perversion.Whole album is about that

Dirty Mind-Prince wanna fuck his girl in his daddy's car

When U Were Mine -Prince never cared when he was sleeping with HIM and his girl

Do It All Night -

Head-oral sex and cumming on her wedding gum

Uptown-Prince have a sex with stranger

Sister-Prince fucking his sister

Party Up-sex

So every song without exception is about sex

with lot of graphic lyrics.That was raunchy for 1980

Artist before Prince used to sing about these subjects

in more refined way,lika a metaphore

Prince on the other hand is more In your face with tthese subjects.

Prince had hits in rnb world but he still didn't crossover

and realising Dirty Mind was a very risque move,it could have been the

end of Prince's career ,but it worked for him big time

[Edited 7/31/10 17:14pm]

That's not right either!!!

Look, this is not a personal attack on you, but stop posting ASSUMPTIONS! Artists before Prince didn't shroud everything in metaphor - go and listen to some Frank Zappa and hear how coarse, upfront and blatant he was about sex! Seriously, you keep making out like Prince was the first to do this, when there have been multiple posts in this thread advising you to check out your facts first. MANY artists were straight-up vulgar way before Dirty Mind.

Mindflux said:

Timmy84 said:

MAN they wouldn't even get AWAY with it much less sing about it.

Of course Prince would have problems...with the material NOW lol

Sorry you got bitched about what you posted by the way lol

Nope, that's just wrong! How many hiphop artists have problems releasing music? How many arists from ANY genre have problems releasing their work because of its content. Go on, name some!

Blame that comment on sarcasm.

OF COURSE they'll get away with it, DUH lol

[Edited 8/2/10 13:07pm]

HonestMan13 said:

Mindflux said:

If, like the OP, you think that Prince was the first, or even only one of a few, who sang about those sort of sexual subjects, then perhaps you also need an education?

Its nothing to do with being a "Prince scholar" and more to do with having a general awareness of music history. If a question is asked that is based on falsehoods, is that a "legitimate question"?

You could have said that in the first place.

Any question asked implies the person asking is not aware of the correct answer in the first place. So yeah it was a legitimate question.

Why is the onus on me? I didn't ask the question! A quick bit of research on google, or even just asking an un-biased question, would have avoided much of what has been said.

I've posted above what the question could have been. But, you may also note that, even though people, including myself and others, have pointed out the errors of the OPs ways, he STILL refuses to listen and says things like "but other artists before spoke in metaphors" which, again, is utter rubbish. How does one educate someone who won't listen to the answer?

thebanishedone said:

Head-oral sex and cumming on her wedding gum

Cumming on her wedding gum?!?!

Okay, that shit is funny.

Efan said:

thebanishedone said:

Head-oral sex and cumming on her wedding gum

Cumming on her wedding gum?!?!

Okay, that shit is funny.

MAN WHY DID I NOT READ THAT?!

WEDDING GUM?!

jcurley said:

Efan said:

Yeah, whatever you do, you shouldn't ask a legitimate question about Prince's musical history here. How dare someone who isn't a Prince scholar post on the org? People might get into a discussion or something.

Bang on. There are some right some right snotty gits on here. It's not like you can google that question? Go on Ernest etc prove me wrong

I'm surprised at you! Did you even try it for yourself? Of course you can google it! I just googled "sex music history" and got a load of results, including a link to a wikibooks article that listed plenty of artists, both modern and not-so, who sang songs of a sexual nature and even broke them down in to genres and then elucidated on what the effects are on younger audiences!

What is wrong with people here?! And, first and foremost, what is wrong with someone doing a little bit of research themselves before they ask a question?!

sexyAuntyFuka said:

Efan said:

Yeah, whatever you do, you shouldn't ask a legitimate question about Prince's musical history here. How dare someone who isn't a Prince scholar post on the org? People might get into a discussion or something.

Well said! I 2 am sick of the 'Prince snobs' on this here org.

As I've already pointed out, I wasn't being a "Prince snob"! Is snobbery somehow related to knowledge? Please explain......

FFS - all this over-reaction for simply suggesting that someone might want to do a bit of research before posting incorrect assumptions! How terrible

JoeTyler said:

Timmy84 said:

Also I think when Prince released this, WB wasn't under no pressure then to follow any major success. For You was a flop initially and Prince did some decent sales. With Dirty Mind, it was like "well we gave this guy control to do what he wanted" so they were willing to get through any controversy the album cover and songs would get. I think it was more of the public that had a problem with the record. Prince was respected in the industry but success was still slow to come by when he put this out.

Exactly; perhaps Warner executives finally lost their patience with Prince during those 93-94 sad years, but back in the 77-86 years they KNEW that P was an extremely rare talent which had to be supported, protected and nurtured...

I guess that liberty "ended" after the bomb of UTCM and the madness of the Crystal Ball project, so they "forced" him to release the 2 CD version of it (SOTT); but even after that first symptom of "tyranny" they agreed to cancel the perfectly fine Black Album for the definitely uneasy Lovesexy, they agreed to release that dud called Graffiti Bridge and they allow him to release two albums in less than 12 months (D&P and Love Symbol)...

I think Warners was not as "evil/greedy/stupid" as many of you believe...

Warner Brothers was often considered one of the only labels that actually helped mature an artist rather than throw them against the wall, see if they stick, and drop 'em if they didn't. See Madonna's career as well (because her first album was a flop, too).

MikeyB71 said:

Dirty Mind was seen as a bold move by not only Prince but Warners too.

When it was first released on 8th Oct 1980, the album was said to have surprised and confused Prince's audience with it's use of sexually explicit lyrics and themes, and the blend of funk and rock music.

[Edited 7/30/10 18:04pm]

Lol........say what?

Spinlight said:

JoeTyler said:

Exactly; perhaps Warner executives finally lost their patience with Prince during those 93-94 sad years, but back in the 77-86 years they KNEW that P was an extremely rare talent which had to be supported, protected and nurtured...

I guess that liberty "ended" after the bomb of UTCM and the madness of the Crystal Ball project, so they "forced" him to release the 2 CD version of it (SOTT); but even after that first symptom of "tyranny" they agreed to cancel the perfectly fine Black Album for the definitely uneasy Lovesexy, they agreed to release that dud called Graffiti Bridge and they allow him to release two albums in less than 12 months (D&P and Love Symbol)...

I think Warners was not as "evil/greedy/stupid" as many of you believe...

Warner Brothers was often considered one of the only labels that actually helped mature an artist rather than throw them against the wall, see if they stick, and drop 'em if they didn't. See Madonna's career as well (because her first album was a flop, too).

Yeah it took a year or two for the debut album to sell as it did. It wasn't a huge success when it came out initially in 1983.

if i ever have a question about GRAMMAR i will be sure to post in this forum .. ahem this is rediculous just answer the question or shut up seriously

as for the record .. i am pretty sure controversy (not the record) tends to sell the record .. its a good way to get a little cult following ... i would be surprised if WB simply gave DM the green light with out a few raised eyebrows and i would love to hear more on that if one of these know it alls cares to enlighten the rest of us .. but they are too busy demonizing the question .. which really seems like they are just having a bad day and need a hug er sumthin

i think dirty mind (the song) and when u were mine were and even uptown were strong enough to let WB see the rest as just filler that no one will care about ... and coming off of a previous record with 3 decent singles maybe WB wasnt really looking beyond the singles

sure there was a lot of sex related media back then .. maybe a little more subtle than sister or head .. or a little more underground so it didnt matter like say richard pryor or funkadelic whose audience know what there getting and who would not expect to crossover to more mainstream success

prince kinda went backwards .. had a little mainstream success then dropped the mother load .. he never quite got that extreme since ... its a good question if you read the question, sentiment and dont focus on grammar and historical accuracy of the question.

looking back however prince pulled it off was quite a feat that he didnt kill his career right then and there

it was his 3rd record in his contract and WB didnt have to sign him again if this record flopped .. there are certainly enuf people that got turned off by the record INCLUDING HIS OWN FAN BASE yup i said it .. because it sold less than the previous record at the time

its amazing that he made it thru all of that but the non controversial songs or more subtle controversy songs pulled him thru .. i think thats why WB stuck behind him

but i didnt google it so im just speculatin

Timmy84 said:

Spinlight said:

Warner Brothers was often considered one of the only labels that actually helped mature an artist rather than throw them against the wall, see if they stick, and drop 'em if they didn't. See Madonna's career as well (because her first album was a flop, too).

Yeah it took a year or two for the debut album to sell as it did. It wasn't a huge success when it came out initially in 1983.