Prince tends to overuse things,he overused horns in the past

now horns are gone but he started to add too much back vocals .

I love Elisa,i think her voice is great and

she killed it on

All Day All Night last year and Jacksons song this year.

But Shelby while great singer she

ruins some songs.

How awful is when she sing Our clothes ,our hair we don't

care it's all about being there on Uptown live.

That line was very funk punk and she performs it like its some rap hip hop.

She ruins other songs also,but i got to give her a credit

for nailing Baby Love by Mother Finest.

Anyway to my ears Dez Dickerson and Jill Jones are the best backing vocals for Prince's sound.

second place goes to Wendy and Lisa and Elissa

third place:Marva King and Tamar

thebanishedone said:

Jakeasaurus said:

thebanishedone said:

That line was very funk punk and she performs it like its some rap hip hop.

She ruins songs

racist.

You have to explain that

ShoutyShelby is a wonderful shouter and adds essential shouts during Prince's tinsel epics.

Explain what?

Shelby ruins Uptown with her thugg like vocals

and i don't know how can you call someone a racist Jake

just because i say that Prince's funk punk vocals were much better then her hip hop shouting

[Edited 12/22/10 11:30am]

thebanishedone said:

thugg like vocals

hip hop shouting

racist.

thebanishedone said:

Explain what?

Shelby ruins Uptown with her thugg like vocals

and i don't know how can you call someone a racist Jake

just because i say that Prince's funk punk vocals were much better then her hip hop shouting

[Edited 12/22/10 11:30am]

Pray tell what a singer with "thug-like vocals" sounds and looks like? Shelby has a gospel tone to her voice, as well as Liv and also Elisa. If you heard Elisa throw down at MSG on 12/18, you would have been very surprised that she can bring that gospel tone, just as well and as good as Liv and Shelby

[Edited 12/22/10 11:53am]

2elijah said:

thebanishedone said:

Explain what?

Shelby ruins Uptown with her thugg like vocals

and i don't know how can you call someone a racist Jake

just because i say that Prince's funk punk vocals were much better then her hip hop shouting

[Edited 12/22/10 11:30am]

Pray tell what a singer with "thug-like vocals" sounds and looks like? Shelby has a gospel tone to her voice, as well as Liv and also Elisa. If you heard Elisa throw down at MSG on 12/18, you would have been very surprised that she can bring that gospel tone, just as well and as good as Liv and Shelby

[Edited 12/22/10 11:53am]

I agree. I don't get that as well. She has a very powerful soulful gospel voice.

wonder505 said:

2elijah said:

Pray tell what a singer with "thug-like vocals" sounds and looks like? Shelby has a gospel tone to her voice, as well as Liv and also Elisa. If you heard Elisa throw down at MSG on 12/18, you would have been very surprised that she can bring that gospel tone, just as well and as good as Liv and Shelby

[Edited 12/22/10 11:53am]

I agree. I don't get that as well. She has a very powerful soulful gospel voice.

Exactly. Often times, those are the type of vocals some parents go out of their way to pay a lot of money, to send their kids for singing lessons to learn how to emulate that type of sound, which many, talented individuals are already blessed with naturally.

I think many folks who are not really exposed or used to hearing those types of vocals, have a tendency to not to embrace it or not see it as valued as other vocalist types. I think artists who have that "gospel/blues/soul sound" by far know how to bring out the soul and feeling in the music. Liv, Shelby and Elisa, harmonize beautifully. Without a doubt.

[Edited 12/22/10 12:20pm]

I know Elisa's singing style and for me she is a much better singer then Shelby

and i love gospel btw

thebanishedone said:

I know Elisa's singing style and for me she is a much better singer then Shelby

and i love gospel btw

Interesting. If you say so, because you would have described her singing style the same way you described Shelby's, if you were at MSG on 12/18, when Elisa sounded like "Shelby" a couple of times. Especially at some pointes, when she projected her voice in a gospel-type, strong tone. See Elisa almost took us to chruch for a minute when she did that, but I guess you may not "get that".

So much for your definitition of "thug-like vocals".

[Edited 12/22/10 13:21pm]

2eliah lets stick to the facts

i never said that i hate Shelby and gospel style of singing.

Shelby nails on some songs.

I wouldnt say Shelby can compare to Elisa.

Elisa is a much better singer,every line she sings sounds classy

and i'm sad that she isn't the lead female vocalist

because Shelby tends to over sing

and when i said thug like vocals on song Uptown

what i meant is that everytime i hear

Shelby singing the bridge on that song live

it sounds too much like some hip hop chant instead of what the song goes.

And 2eliah i love when i hear church singing in pop song

Kirk Franklin

one of my favorite songs by the Commodores Sweet Love have some gospel like middle section

sang by Lionel Richie and i love that part the most.

I don't know why some of you fellow orgers

like to put down other orgers like me

ok maybe my english isn't the best but i'm part of the org community since my teens

and i love and respect every fellow orger and it bothers

me when i see that you want to make

fun of me or insult me and call me a racist.

But if putting me down and insulting me makes

some of you feel good ,you can do it

but i don't mind i wish all of you being well.

thebanishedone said:

And 2eliah i love when i hear church singing in pop song

Kirk Franklin

one of my favorite songs by the Commodores Sweet Love have some gospel like middle section

sang by Lionel Richie and i love that part the most.

I don't know why some of you fellow orgers

like to put down other orgers like me

ok maybe my english isn't the best but i'm part of the org community since my teens

and i love and respect every fellow orger and it bothers

me when i see that you want to make

fun of me or insult me and call me a racist.

But if putting me down and insulting me makes

some of you feel good ,you can do it

but i don't mind i wish all of you being well.

Okay, let's clear this up. I never "put you down" just didn't agree with you, and that's okay because we both like our music different. Based on your posting about this, I took from it, that you don't like Shelby's style of singing and referred to it as "thug-like vocals" which leaves that comment "questionable" in your definition of her singing, and why "thug-like " had anything to do with it. I've never heard of a singer with heavy, blues/gospel vocal style of singing referred to as "thug-like", because they can project their vocals at a very, high/strong levels at times. Aretha was known for voice projection when singing certain songs, and can sing a different tune with a much softer register.

It's one thing that you don't like the "hip-hop" style of music, but for me, I don't see her singing style close to that. Take Leela James for example, very gospel/soulful/blues voice, with a deep, soulful sound, and can "take you there" spiritually, if you know what I mean. Not everyone would like her style, but I would never consider her style "hip-hop or thug-like" and at times her voice is projected at a high level, such as Shelby and Liv.

To each his/her own, I just see no reason why you feel Elisa should be the "lead singer" because you state her vocal style is "different" or not the way you chose to describe Shelby'or Liv's singing. The good thing, is they all seem to have a chance to "do their part" and shine when they perform.

On 12/18, all 3 women "worked the entire stage" with no limitations. You had a chance to hear all that they could bring to the concert, vocally. Different strokes for different folks I guess. No hard feelings, just difference of opinions.

[Edited 12/22/10 13:56pm]

im black and i dont like shelby voice i wish prince would get rid of her she do all she can 2 b up front and she just loud

I think he overuses the colour purple.

cbarnes3121 said:

im black and i dont like shelby voice i wish prince would get rid of her she do all she can 2 b up front and she just loud

Well you don't have to be from any particular race/ethnic group to dislike a particular artist, seeing how it's not a requirement.

thebanishedone said:

2eliah lets stick to the facts

i never said that i hate Shelby and gospel style of singing.

Shelby nails on some songs.

I wouldnt say Shelby can compare to Elisa.

Elisa is a much better singer,every line she sings sounds classy

and i'm sad that she isn't the lead female vocalist

because Shelby tends to over sing

and when i said thug like vocals on song Uptown

what i meant is that everytime i hear

Shelby singing the bridge on that song live

it sounds too much like some hip hop chant instead of what the song goes.

Well, could that be that's how Prince wants her to sing the bridge in that song? Seeing how he almost expects perfection from his band members and more than likely, during rehearsal okays how they perform certain songs.

To me a lead singer has to be able to carry the group, as well as doing solo performances, and having the ability to capture the attention of the audience.

Elisa, has taken the lead in singing MJ's "Shake Your Body" when I heard a performance clip from a France show a couple of months back, and she held it pretty well. However, I would give her the benefit of the doubt, as a lead singer, but with Liv and Shelby alongside her, she's going to really have to work hard to overshadow their voices. All 3 harmonize beautifully, and they pretty much take turns with singing lines of songs they all perform together, so they pretty much get their turn to shine.

From the recent shows I've heard via bootleg, despite the repetitive setlists, one out of three of his current bands being pretty iffy, and the vast number of cover songs (instrumental to boot), the only thing that I really see a need to change is the use of the background singers. When he's got one of them singing the lead vocal on every third song, yes, I'd say they are being overused the same way that he was over-using horns a few years ago and over-using whatever that sample machine was in the mid-90's. I was glad to see the twins gone, but he replaced them with people who detract from the enjoyment of the actual musical content of the concert. They're wonderful singers, I suppose, if you're into that sort of singing (well, maybe not Elisa), but so what? The special guests (or opening acts - whatever he's calling them) are enough without giving over big chunks of his own set to other people.

Man, I'm glad this came up. I'm so sick of the background singers trying to be lead vocals. I'm so sick of Shelby trying to imitate everything Prince says. STFU already.

Fuck.... get your own lp and quick leeching. I can barely stand listing to the current show with them singing the songs now. I'm sick of them.

They remind me of the Tamar was with Prince. She would do the same thing and repeat him... 2 find...(yeah 2 fine)... clap yo hands ..(yeah clap yo hands). Damn, enough already!!!

Prince is just getting lazy and letting them sing his parts now. If I wanna hear Shelby or Elisa or Larry sing then I'll go to their show...(year right), but I want to hear Prince sing. I will probably never pay to see him live if he tours with them in my town.

SANSKER7 said:

Man, I'm glad this came up. I'm so sick of the background singers trying to be lead vocals. I'm so sick of Shelby trying to imitate everything Prince says. STFU already.

Fuck.... get your own lp and quick leeching. I can barely stand listing to the current show with them singing the songs now. I'm sick of them.

They remind me of the Tamar was with Prince. She would do the same thing and repeat him... 2 find...(yeah 2 fine)... clap yo hands ..(yeah clap yo hands). Damn, enough already!!!

Prince is just getting lazy and letting them sing his parts now. If I wanna hear Shelby or Elisa or Larry sing then I'll go to their show...(year right), but I want to hear Prince sing. I will probably never pay to see him live if he tours with them in my town.

You would miss out on a great concert because of background singers??? I don't think I ever heard of that? then again I think I respect you more making the decision to stay than going and complaining later. but what a shame to miss a great party!

Prince just overuses in general. He has no concept of "less is more."

thebanishedone said:

Explain what?

Shelby ruins Uptown with her thugg like vocals

and i don't know how can you call someone a racist Jake

just because i say that Prince's funk punk vocals were much better then her hip hop shouting

[Edited 12/22/10 11:30am]

thebanishedone, you are a total bigoted fool for your remarks. Fools such as yourself don't understand good singing or music. Do what your name suggest, but change the b to a v and vanish.

CallMeSir said:

CallMeSir said:

Prince just overuses in general. He has no concept of "less is more."

Maybe now. But his pre 1990's work he never overused. The voices complimented his even blended at times: Jill Jones, Susannah, Sheila E. Cat Wendy, Brown Mark, Dez, Lisa even Boni wasn't overused but she was the start of the large female voice on his music, next was Rosie Gaines & Tony M. and it's not taking away from any of their skills I just don't think the huge voice works on Prince's music well even live.

OldFriends4Sale said:

CallMeSir said:

Prince just overuses in general. He has no concept of "less is more."

Maybe now. But his pre 1990's work he never overused. The voices complimented his even blended at times: Jill Jones, Susannah, Sheila E. Cat Wendy, Brown Mark, Dez, Lisa even Boni wasn't overused but she was the start of the large female voice on his music, next was Rosie Gaines & Tony M. and it's not taking away from any of their skills I just don't think the huge voice works on Prince's music well even live.

I agree huge voices never worked on Prince's music

[Edited 12/23/10 7:36am]

Jakeasaurus said:

thebanishedone said:

thugg like vocals

hip hop shouting

racist.

Bait.

CallMeSir said:

Prince just overuses in general. He has no concept of "less is more."

Wrong. If he has no concept of "less is more", then all of his albums would be jazz fusion albums with himself doing drum solos, guitar solos, bass solos, and vocal arrangement like in God and Solo all the freakin time. It's his genuise of "less is more" that made him that big. He can make a boom and a bap sound like an orchestra in feel with no effort. Atleast he did.

njin said:

CallMeSir said:

Prince just overuses in general. He has no concept of "less is more."

Wrong. If he has no concept of "less is more", then all of his albums would be jazz fusion albums with himself doing drum solos, guitar solos, bass solos, and vocal arrangement like in God and Solo all the freakin time. It's his genuise of "less is more" that made him that big. He can make a boom and a bap sound like an orchestra in feel with no effort. Atleast he did.

An example of a classic less is more Prince song is Lady Cab Driver. I've always loved the simple drum playing/programming vs showey drum playing. Tambourine is cool, Everywhere is cool. But a simple beat throught the song that may feel more intensity but doesn't change.

Head, Little Red Corvette, 17 Days, Erotic City, the Ladder, Around the WOrld in a Day, Kiss(extended) are songs where the background vocals blend in the behind Prince even if they stand out.