When 20TEN first came out, I said it was forgettable. I'm not sure what happened, but I can say this:

"Lavaux" and "Sticky Like Glue" are the songs we've wanted Prince to do. They sound like Prince of 1982-83. Now, I think these two songs may some of the best material he's released in decades.

"Compassion" and "Beginning Endlessly" sound like b-sides from the same 1983-84 period, good but not great. But I like them.

"Act of God" and "Laydown" are good songs, but sound like they are from a different album than "Lavaux" and "Sticky Like Glue".

I'll still say that the slow songs are completely forgettable. In fact, they just are not very good.

And let me say that "Everybody Loves Me" is just god-aweful. This song is flat out some of the shittiest shit he's ever shit.

But I was wrong. "Lavaux" and "Sticky Like Glue" are incredible.

[Edited 8/6/10 6:50am]

[Edited 8/6/10 9:11am]

Finally some excitment on the Org!

If you could just get rid of the synth line underneath the vocal melody, "ELM" would kick it pretty good.

During the World Cup, someone figured out how to adjust the equalizer on your TV set to eliminate the frequency that vuvuzuelas play at. Presto! They were gone!

Maybe someone can figure out how to eliminate the offending frequency on "ELM".

chookalana said:

When 20TEN first came out, I said it was forgettable. I'm not sure what happened, but I can say this:

"Lavaux" and "Sticky Like Glue" are the songs we've wanted Prince to do. They sound like Prince of 1982-83. Now, I think these two songs may some of the best material he's released in decades.

"Compassion" and "Begging Endlessly" sound like b-sides from the same 1983-84 period, good but not great. But I like them.

"Act of God" and "Laydown" are good songs, but sound like they are from a different album than "Lavaux" and "Sticky Like Glue".

I'll still say that the slow songs are completely forgettable. In fact, they just are not very good.

And let me say that "Everybody Loves Me" is just god-aweful. This song is flat out some of the shittiest shit he's ever shit.

But I was wrong. "Lavaux" and "Sticky Like Glue" are incredible.

chookalana said:

When 20TEN first came out, I said it was forgettable. I'm not sure what happened, but I can say this:

"Lavaux" and "Sticky Like Glue" are the songs we've wanted Prince to do. They sound like Prince of 1982-83. Now, I think these two songs may some of the best material he's released in decades.

"Compassion" and "Begging Endlessly" sound like b-sides from the same 1983-84 period, good but not great. But I like them.

"Act of God" and "Laydown" are good songs, but sound like they are from a different album than "Lavaux" and "Sticky Like Glue".

I'll still say that the slow songs are completely forgettable. In fact, they just are not very good.

And let me say that "Everybody Loves Me" is just god-aweful. This song is flat out some of the shittiest shit he's ever shit.

But I was wrong. "Lavaux" and "Sticky Like Glue" are incredible.

[Edited 8/6/10 6:50am]

chookalana said:

And let me say that "Everybody Loves Me" is just god-aweful. This song is flat out some of the shittiest shit he's ever shit.

But I was wrong. "Lavaux" and "Sticky Like Glue" are incredible.

[Edited 8/6/10 6:50am]

I liken ELM to being a 1982 era b-side. It has a synth line very similar to Let's pretend We're Married, but the cheesiness of Ronnie Talk To Russia or Horny Toad. I came around to liking it. At first i thought "Oh great.. another "never be another like me" or "I rock therefore I am"... it's kinda goofy. I lightened up and I kinda like it now

chookalana said:

When 20TEN first came out, I said it was forgettable. I'm not sure what happened, but I can say this:

"Lavaux" and "Sticky Like Glue" are the songs we've wanted Prince to do. They sound like Prince of 1982-83. Now, I think these two songs may some of the best material he's released in decades.

"Compassion" and "Begging Endlessly" sound like b-sides from the same 1983-84 period, good but not great. But I like them.

"Act of God" and "Laydown" are good songs, but sound like they are from a different album than "Lavaux" and "Sticky Like Glue".

I'll still say that the slow songs are completely forgettable. In fact, they just are not very good.

And let me say that "Everybody Loves Me" is just god-aweful. This song is flat out some of the shittiest shit he's ever shit.

But I was wrong. "Lavaux" and "Sticky Like Glue" are incredible.

[Edited 8/6/10 6:50am]

Most people "hear" a recording the first few times. Then sometimes, they "Listen." Two entirely different things. My theory is that our ability to learn and listen goes down with age. That is why you will find so many people ignoring any artist's later work. Now some artists go downhill, and release crap after crap. Some like Billy Joel just stop. Some like Sting just release songs of 10th century bottle tapping, instead of admiting that they have writer's block. Prince has been pretty damn good from start to finish. His fans who haven't grown or matured stop listening, and just hear the music, and can't tell a good song from a bad one anymore. I like your post, but I like the slow songs. Future Soul Song has so much going on in it, so many subtle sounds you can't listen to on a crappy MP3 file, or on You Haul Tube. Walk in Sand is really good, and Sea of Everything starts a bit corny, but to pun...gets better with time. If you LISTEN to the cd on a great stereo system, you should at least like most of 20Ten. It is not his best work by far, but it is a very, very, good album, and I am borderline upgrading it to great. Those wondering about "Everybody Loves Me." reminds me of "Turn It Up" from the 1999/Controversy era, until it goes "Barney" on us. It is a fun song, not meant to be taken seriously like it was Anna Stesia's cousin. Take out your unrealistic expectations, and it is not all that bad.

[Edited 8/6/10 9:02am]

chookalana said:

When 20TEN first came out, I said it was forgettable. I'm not sure what happened, but I can say this:

"Lavaux" and "Sticky Like Glue" are the songs we've wanted Prince to do. They sound like Prince of 1982-83. Now, I think these two songs may some of the best material he's released in decades.

"Compassion" and "Begging Endlessly" sound like b-sides from the same 1983-84 period, good but not great. But I like them.

"Act of God" and "Laydown" are good songs, but sound like they are from a different album than "Lavaux" and "Sticky Like Glue".

I'll still say that the slow songs are completely forgettable. In fact, they just are not very good.

And let me say that "Everybody Loves Me" is just god-aweful. This song is flat out some of the shittiest shit he's ever shit.

But I was wrong. "Lavaux" and "Sticky Like Glue" are incredible.

[Edited 8/6/10 6:50am]

I thought the songs went well together as one album. I don't see all these 80's comparisons. The cruder synths are similar, the energy's there, but it's unique unto itself just like all the other albums. A 20Ten song is a 20Ten song. Enough with this "Purple Rain with Sign o the Times synths with a pinch of Parade drums but Emancipation every twelve minutes on Wednesday.

stillwaiting said:

Most people "hear" a recording the first few times. Then sometimes, they "Listen." Two entirely different things. My theory is that our ability to learn and listen goes down with age. That is why you will find so many people ignoring any artist's later work. Now some artists go downhill, and release crap after crap. Some like Billy Joel just stop. Some like Sting just release songs of 10th century bottle tapping, instead of admiting that they have writer's block. Prince has been pretty damn good from start to finish. His fans who haven't grown or matured stop listening, and just hear the music, and can't tell a good song from a bad one anymore. I like your post, but I like the slow songs. Future Soul Song has so much going on in it, so many subtle sounds you can't listen to on a crappy MP3 file, or on You Haul Tube. Walk in Sand is really good, and Sea of Everything starts a bit corny, but to pun...gets better with time. If you LISTEN to the cd on a great stereo system, you should at least like most of 20Ten. It is not his best work by far, but it is a very, very, good album, and I am borderline upgrading it to great. Those wondering about "Everybody Loves Me." reminds me of "Turn It Up" from the 1999/Controversy era, until it goes "Barney" on us. It is a fun song, not meant to be taken seriously like it was Anna Stesia's cousin. Take out your unrealistic expectations, and it is not all that bad.

"So many subtle sounds" do not a good song make.

Alguy said:

chookalana said:

When 20TEN first came out, I said it was forgettable. I'm not sure what happened, but I can say this:

"Lavaux" and "Sticky Like Glue" are the songs we've wanted Prince to do. They sound like Prince of 1982-83. Now, I think these two songs may some of the best material he's released in decades.

"Compassion" and "Begging Endlessly" sound like b-sides from the same 1983-84 period, good but not great. But I like them.

"Act of God" and "Laydown" are good songs, but sound like they are from a different album than "Lavaux" and "Sticky Like Glue".

I'll still say that the slow songs are completely forgettable. In fact, they just are not very good.

And let me say that "Everybody Loves Me" is just god-aweful. This song is flat out some of the shittiest shit he's ever shit.

But I was wrong. "Lavaux" and "Sticky Like Glue" are incredible.

[Edited 8/6/10 6:50am]

I thought the songs went well together as one album. I don't see all these 80's comparisons. The cruder synths are similar, the energy's there, but it's unique unto itself just like all the other albums. A 20Ten song is a 20Ten song. Enough with this "Purple Rain with Sign o the Times synths with a pinch of Parade drums but Emancipation every twelve minutes on Wednesday.

Many of the comparisons are valid. Listen to the linn drum, and synth in "Let's Pretend We're Married," and then listen to "Compassion." You have a major issue if you can't notice the similarity. The issue I have with others is they think he is copying himself. What he has actually done is create somewhat fresh sounding songs with old friends from the past. An artist can only use so many colors of paints to paint something. It is really not that much different in music, unless some new instruments are created soon. Even with new instruments, the notes are gonna be the same. Ain't nobody inventing any new notes.

I think you pretty much nailed it. I'd add Future Soul Song in the "songs we've wanted Prince to do" camp and think BE sounds more like a 90/'00 song than 80s. I think you need to give Everybody loves me a bit more time. I love the "There aint nothing to it but to do it" part.

chookalana said:

When 20TEN first came out, I said it was forgettable. I'm not sure what happened, but I can say this:

"Lavaux" and "Sticky Like Glue" are the songs we've wanted Prince to do. They sound like Prince of 1982-83. Now, I think these two songs may some of the best material he's released in decades.

"Compassion" and "Beginning Endlessly" sound like b-sides from the same 1983-84 period, good but not great. But I like them.

"Act of God" and "Laydown" are good songs, but sound like they are from a different album than "Lavaux" and "Sticky Like Glue".

I'll still say that the slow songs are completely forgettable. In fact, they just are not very good.

And let me say that "Everybody Loves Me" is just god-aweful. This song is flat out some of the shittiest shit he's ever shit.

But I was wrong. "Lavaux" and "Sticky Like Glue" are incredible.

[Edited 8/6/10 6:50am]

[Edited 8/6/10 9:11am]

[Edited 8/6/10 9:37am]

love 20ten prince on form

I feel it's not that it is good (which I do feel), it is more that it flows together. I absolutely love this album-it lacks attitude and just has cohesion. Also it has fun

20ten sucks

WetDream said:

Are the songs YOU wanted him to do. Me personally, i dislike him going backwards, i want the new sound ala Laydown, Beginning Endlessly. Despite this, i still adore the retro tracks on 20ten.

I should reiterate. I mean TONS of Prince fans wanted him to go back to the 80's simplicity, not ALL.

I for the longest time didn't want him to go "back", but I'm not liking a lot of the material he been putting out the last TEN years.

Please just go back to what you're good at. Yes, we all know you can play the shit out of the guitar, but it should be about the quality of the song, not the complexity of it. This album may be a first step to that.

chookalana said:

WetDream said:

Are the songs YOU wanted him to do. Me personally, i dislike him going backwards, i want the new sound ala Laydown, Beginning Endlessly. Despite this, i still adore the retro tracks on 20ten.

I should reiterate. I mean TONS of Prince fans wanted him to go back to the 80's simplicity, not ALL.

I for the longest time didn't want him to go "back", but I'm not liking a lot of the material he been putting out the last TEN years.

Please just go back to what you're good at. Yes, we all know you can play the shit out of the guitar, but it should be about the quality of the song, not the complexity of it. This album may be a first step to that.

Ah ... Okay, now I'm gettin' what you were sayin' ... Cool ...

RodeoSchro said:

someone figured out how to adjust the equalizer on your TV set to eliminate the frequency that vuvuzuelas play at.

I didn't know that particular lady part made noise.

squirrelgrease said:

RodeoSchro said:

someone figured out how to adjust the equalizer on your TV set to eliminate the frequency that vuvuzuelas play at.

I didn't know that particular lady part made noise.

Reminds me of a certain Richard Pryor joke.

BTW, i love 20Ten alot. One duff track (ELM) can't really spoil it for me.

squirrelgrease said:

RodeoSchro said:

someone figured out how to adjust the equalizer on your TV set to eliminate the frequency that vuvuzuelas play at.

I didn't know that particular lady part made noise.

Uh it's "Beginning Endlessly" not "Begging Endlessly" but I would like to think you was typing fast when you posted this. Not trying to say some b.s. but, you know...

Lauvaux is my favorite on the album. Sticky Like Glue has the potential of being really good but I don't care for the interruptions in the verses and the beat.

Beginning Endlessly is my second favorite from the album. I agree that Compassion is good but not great.

As for Act Of God and Laydown, I think the first one is really good and the second one is by far the weakest track on the album, even if the Purple Yoda line is cool.

The ballads are good but only Walk In Sand is above average.

And Everybody Loves Me is fun! 1:31-1:56 and 2:22-3:00 - those are the coolest parts.

squirrelgrease said:

RodeoSchro said:

someone figured out how to adjust the equalizer on your TV set to eliminate the frequency that vuvuzuelas play at.

I didn't know that particular lady part made noise.

If your lady has a vuvuzela-like thing coming out of her, I think you might-should reevaluate whether she's a lady or not.

peter430044 said:

Lauvaux is my favorite on the album.

Same. Love the synth line. Very strong. Lyrically a bit laid back, but it grooves.

chookalana said:

When 20TEN first came out, I said it was forgettable. I'm not sure what happened, but I can say this:

"Lavaux" and "Sticky Like Glue" are the songs we've wanted Prince to do.

Speak for yourself. Unless you've got a poll that can back up your claims, don't use the word "we".

I for one have NEVER wanted Prince to make pale imitations of previous successes.

But plenty of you lot seem to be content just to hear something that sounds like the goold old times, and then pretend the songs are just as good as those classics.

stillwaiting said:

Prince has been pretty damn good from start to finish.

Bullcrap.

His fans who haven't grown or matured stop listening,

There's a gazillion musicians out there, yet none of them seem to be interested in covering any of these oh so great songs. How come?

Oh, and how come PRINCE HIMSELF can't be arsed to play them live? Can't be arsed to promote the album they're on?

Future Soul Song has so much going on in it, so many subtle sounds you can't listen to on a crappy MP3 file, or on You Haul Tube.

Yeah, we've never had that before. Oh wait, YES WE HAVE.

That shit is the garnish. Still doesn't mean the dish is any good.

If you LISTEN to the cd on a great stereo system, you should at least like most of 20Ten.

Hilarious: "you think it's shit because your stereo isn't expensive enough!" Yeah, that's what got me into Prince, not the great tunes, no, the fact that they sounded waaaay better on an expensive stereo.

Take out your unrealistic expectations, and it is not all that bad.

Yes, how dare I demand that Prince lives up to his talent. That must make me a real hater.

(It's not like that's something that's written in that bible he looooooves to talk about. Oh wait, IT IS.)

stillwaiting said:

Alguy said:

I thought the songs went well together as one album. I don't see all these 80's comparisons. The cruder synths are similar, the energy's there, but it's unique unto itself just like all the other albums. A 20Ten song is a 20Ten song. Enough with this "Purple Rain with Sign o the Times synths with a pinch of Parade drums but Emancipation every twelve minutes on Wednesday.

Many of the comparisons are valid. Listen to the linn drum, and synth in "Let's Pretend We're Married," and then listen to "Compassion." You have a major issue if you can't notice the similarity.

So? Does this suddenly turn shitty songs into masterpieces? NOPE.

BartVanHemelen said:

chookalana said:

When 20TEN first came out, I said it was forgettable. I'm not sure what happened, but I can say this:

"Lavaux" and "Sticky Like Glue" are the songs we've wanted Prince to do.

Speak for yourself. Unless you've got a poll that can back up your claims, don't use the word "we".

I for one have NEVER wanted Prince to make pale imitations of previous successes.

But plenty of you lot seem to be content just to hear something that sounds like the goold old times, and then pretend the songs are just as good as those classics.

You seem to want it all Bart. Realistically, it's hard to see where he can go where it won't get compared to what has come before. Where exactly would you like him to go musically now that would satisfy you?

BartVanHemelen said:

chookalana said:

When 20TEN first came out, I said it was forgettable. I'm not sure what happened, but I can say this:

"Lavaux" and "Sticky Like Glue" are the songs we've wanted Prince to do.

Speak for yourself. Unless you've got a poll that can back up your claims, don't use the word "we".

I for one have NEVER wanted Prince to make pale imitations of previous successes.

But plenty of you lot seem to be content just to hear something that sounds like the goold old times, and then pretend the songs are just as good as those classics.

C'mon, Bart, are you even included in WE Prince fans?

Surely you hate him...

Hmm I think a lot of folks have professed to liking the album so the original poster was right for including "we" lol