at least live...in comparing his "sound", i feel that the performances with the revolution were more focused on dance..i.e. synchronized movements, posing..and tightness.

Prince live today, I feel, is more about craftmanship, and the music.

what do you feel?

what do you feel?

This has got to be a joke.

The Revolution is superior to Princes current band in almost every way. While Wendy and Lisa's playing ability may not be as cracker jack as some of the people currently in Prince's band, their creativity and hunger made them a force to be reckoned with.

Not so much on stage, but in the studio, Wendy and Lisa pushed Prince to great heights that he wasn't able to reach again afterwards. All of Princes best work has been with other people, not collaborations per se, but Wendy and Lisa borough SOMETHING to the table that inspired Prince to make the best Pop music ever heard. There is just something missing in Prince's work post W&L, even Prince's stronger efforts from the 90's and 2000's just lack that special something genuine that really captures your ears and your heart.

And as for live, I'm not a big fan of Prince's horn section. While I do think the average musician in P's band now-adays is of much higher caliber than the Revolution, it just doesn't all fit together that well. The individual players are just that, individual players, they don't mesh together to make a specific sound.

Also, let me be the first to say that Shelby J adds NOTHING to Prince's live show. She is a weird looking lady with a run of the mill voice. She often overdoes it, and just hits notes and shouts for the sake of shouting. This is was never more evident than when Prince was trying to sing 'Prince and the Band' during the 02' performances. Shelby felt the need to continually shout over everything Prince was doing. She is an embarrassment to Prince and he needs to dump her ASAP

Wildboy said:

Also, let me be the first to say that Shelby J adds NOTHING to Prince's live show. She is a weird looking lady with a run of the mill voice. She often overdoes it, and just hits notes and shouts for the sake of shouting. This is was never more evident than when Prince was trying to sing 'Prince and the Band' during the 02' performances. Shelby felt the need to continually shout over everything Prince was doing. She is an embarrassment to Prince and he needs to dump her ASAP

So basically she's a hybrid of Geneva and Tony M?

Even the weakest tours like those from 96 to 2001 WIPE THE FLOOR with what he's been playing since 2003.

I don't even know who's in the band any more they come and go so fast. Most of them for the past 10 years haven't really have any time to make an impact on Prince's sound. Maybe that's the way he wants it?

I remember years ago seeing James Brown perform on TV and most of it was him standing there soaking in the applause whilst a bunch of backing singers did all the work. At the time I remember thinking this was Prince in the future and whenever I see live stuff from today, I see it more and more. Bleurgh.

BlackAdder7 said:

at least live...in comparing his "sound", i feel that the performances with the revolution were more focused on dance..i.e. synchronized movements, posing..and tightness.

Prince live today, I feel, is more about craftmanship, and the music.

what do you feel?

As far as his personal playing, it's more about showcasing his abilities, it seems. His bands in recent years however have just been 'there.'

The revolution was well rehearsed, synchronized, tight. A total package. A 'show' that he was part of, but that could possibly have 'held it's own' without him.

His stage show the last several years has been 'good enough' musicians playing the same songs night after night, distractions such as the Twinz and Shelby J. all over the place. Maybe that's to compensate for his less than stellar musicians such as the Dunhams?

I don't get the sense that he's got the same 'legendary work ethic' he once had. I think that's reflected in so few new songs added to set lists. I don't imagine that even his current line up is in rehearsal as much as the Revolution was, and though I always enjoy seeing Prince live, I don't expect there to be much change in the setlists until he gets back to it.

QuasarOfRock said:

BlackAdder7 said:

at least live...in comparing his "sound", i feel that the performances with the revolution were more focused on dance..i.e. synchronized movements, posing..and tightness.

Prince live today, I feel, is more about craftmanship, and the music.

what do you feel?

As far as his personal playing, it's more about showcasing his abilities, it seems. His bands in recent years however have just been 'there.'

The revolution was well rehearsed, synchronized, tight. A total package. A 'show' that he was part of, but that could possibly have 'held it's own' without him.

His stage show the last several years has been 'good enough' musicians playing the same songs night after night, distractions such as the Twinz and Shelby J. all over the place. Maybe that's to compensate for his less than stellar musicians such as the Dunhams?

I don't get the sense that he's got the same 'legendary work ethic' he once had. I think that's reflected in so few new songs added to set lists. I don't imagine that even his current line up is in rehearsal as much as the Revolution was, and though I always enjoy seeing Prince live, I don't expect there to be much change in the setlists until he gets back to it.

I feel that he plays more guitar these days, than with the revolution...

BlackAdder7 said:

QuasarOfRock said:

As far as his personal playing, it's more about showcasing his abilities, it seems. His bands in recent years however have just been 'there.'

The revolution was well rehearsed, synchronized, tight. A total package. A 'show' that he was part of, but that could possibly have 'held it's own' without him.

His stage show the last several years has been 'good enough' musicians playing the same songs night after night, distractions such as the Twinz and Shelby J. all over the place. Maybe that's to compensate for his less than stellar musicians such as the Dunhams?

I don't get the sense that he's got the same 'legendary work ethic' he once had. I think that's reflected in so few new songs added to set lists. I don't imagine that even his current line up is in rehearsal as much as the Revolution was, and though I always enjoy seeing Prince live, I don't expect there to be much change in the setlists until he gets back to it.

I feel that he plays more guitar these days, than with the revolution...

Right. I also think that's what sort of 'redeems' his more recent shows. His showmanship and talent as a musician himself. But I do think that if he surrounded himself with excellent musicians that challenge him, we'd see even more of that.

Arguably he's written his best music has been when he's been in 'bands.' The Revolution, The Lovesexy Band, The Exodus-era NPG.

Two different eras two different bands. I like both though.

BlackAdder7 said:

QuasarOfRock said:

As far as his personal playing, it's more about showcasing his abilities, it seems. His bands in recent years however have just been 'there.'

The revolution was well rehearsed, synchronized, tight. A total package. A 'show' that he was part of, but that could possibly have 'held it's own' without him.

His stage show the last several years has been 'good enough' musicians playing the same songs night after night, distractions such as the Twinz and Shelby J. all over the place. Maybe that's to compensate for his less than stellar musicians such as the Dunhams?

I don't get the sense that he's got the same 'legendary work ethic' he once had. I think that's reflected in so few new songs added to set lists. I don't imagine that even his current line up is in rehearsal as much as the Revolution was, and though I always enjoy seeing Prince live, I don't expect there to be much change in the setlists until he gets back to it.

I feel that he plays more guitar these days, than with the revolution...

Can't judge that really.

Has nothing to do with the Revolution.

Yet he played the hell out of the guitar during 1983-1985 -Purple Rain yrs

4 Parade he wanted to do more dancing and free movements from the guitar. Can't judge 2 tours with the Revolution vs when? and how many years were there? But from 1978-1985 that's all he played mostly was guitar non stop

[Edited 2/20/11 22:02pm]

Very good observations. I think that he is most definately narrowing the spotlight to himself. But then again, the last thing you want to see in 2011 is a band with "synchronized movements". Nothing will date a performance faster than that.

NouveauDance said:

I don't even know who's in the band any more they come and go so fast. Most of them for the past 10 years haven't really have any time to make an impact on Prince's sound. Maybe that's the way he wants it?

I remember years ago seeing James Brown perform on TV and most of it was him standing there soaking in the applause whilst a bunch of backing singers did all the work. At the time I remember thinking this was Prince in the future and whenever I see live stuff from today, I see it more and more. Bleurgh.

The last 10 years Prince has not had an impact on Princes's sound.

Funny you mentioned James Brown. In 1986 or 87 I was having catfish and grits in Savannah Georgia with James Brown at a Boys club fund raiser. He said that that he felt Prince was incorporating a lot of elements into his act straight from his show. He did not seem too happy about it.

James Brown didnt like Prince because he felt Prince's shows weren't "clean".

leonche64 said:

Very good observations. I think that he is most definately narrowing the spotlight to himself. But then again, the last thing you want to see in 2011 is a band with "synchronized movements". Nothing will date a performance faster than that.

But everyone still love the Time's movements. I for 1 still dig it.

OldFriends4Sale said:

leonche64 said:

Very good observations. I think that he is most definately narrowing the spotlight to himself. But then again, the last thing you want to see in 2011 is a band with "synchronized movements". Nothing will date a performance faster than that.

But everyone still love the Time's movements. I for 1 still dig it.

The Time is an entity unto itself, so former rules don't apply. I can NOT imagine the Time not in step.

hhhhdmt said:

James Brown didnt like Prince because he felt Prince's shows weren't "clean".

That did not come up.

leonche64 said:

hhhhdmt said:

James Brown didnt like Prince because he felt Prince's shows weren't "clean".

That did not come up.

he said that in another interview, i think its up on youtube

leonche64 said:

OldFriends4Sale said:

But everyone still love the Time's movements. I for 1 still dig it.

The Time is an entity unto itself, so former rules don't apply. I can NOT imagine the Time not in step.

Right, and Prince & the Revolution nor the SOTT band nor the pre-Revoution band did that much sync movements that it would make them 'dated'

I mean if the Temptation came out we would expect it, 'dated' i think is a very over-rated term, as far as dance music and art is concerned. Everything is dated then.

There is nothing to compare, The Rev on their day were simply untouchable. It's as black and white as that!, we can state all the obvious reasons for it but if in doubt dig out the 'America' live video [long version], all you need to know is right there.x.

Is it possible to compare two sounds generations apart?

Sure Prince & the Revolution were good, back then. But he's just as good today.

Some say he's not as good because he's not with the Time or the Revolution or whoever....

That those groups or band specifically gave Prince the edge. But if you ask me, it was Prince who brought on the edge to all those he worked with. You need a strong leader and talent and that was then and it still is there today. Imo of course.

Prince plays his old songs and hits and concerts coz he knows his fans are a couple of generations older too and hang onto their youth.

BlackAdder7 said:

at least live...in comparing his "sound", i feel that the performances with the revolution were more focused on dance..i.e. synchronized movements, posing..and tightness.

Prince live today, I feel, is more about craftmanship, and the music.

what do you feel?

i think the 1980s music scene featured heavy duty MTV involvement and that meant putting on a show, with choreographed moves. back in the day, most bands went that way.

these days i think prince dances less and less onstage due to physical, age-related issues.

that's all i got.

[Edited 2/21/11 10:44am]

OldFriends4Sale said:

leonche64 said:

The Time is an entity unto itself, so former rules don't apply. I can NOT imagine the Time not in step.

Right, and Prince & the Revolution nor the SOTT band nor the pre-Revoution band did that much sync movements that it would make them 'dated'

I mean if the Temptation came out we would expect it, 'dated' i think is a very over-rated term, as far as dance music and art is concerned. Everything is dated then.

I would nort consider the Temptations so much a band as as singing group. More than one person with no instruments singing on a stage, they had better be in step. My point about the Time is, the time is still playing the Times' music. Can't play the Walk without doing the Walk, can't play the Bird without doing the Bird, and cant play 777-9311 without doing the busy legs. Prince on the other hand...

BlackAdder7 said:

QuasarOfRock said:

As far as his personal playing, it's more about showcasing his abilities, it seems. His bands in recent years however have just been 'there.'

The revolution was well rehearsed, synchronized, tight. A total package. A 'show' that he was part of, but that could possibly have 'held it's own' without him.

His stage show the last several years has been 'good enough' musicians playing the same songs night after night, distractions such as the Twinz and Shelby J. all over the place. Maybe that's to compensate for his less than stellar musicians such as the Dunhams?

I don't get the sense that he's got the same 'legendary work ethic' he once had. I think that's reflected in so few new songs added to set lists. I don't imagine that even his current line up is in rehearsal as much as the Revolution was, and though I always enjoy seeing Prince live, I don't expect there to be much change in the setlists until he gets back to it.

I feel that he plays more guitar these days, than with the revolution...

I agree his current shows are lame by comparision to even his shows back in 1996 -- but I don't know about the crabbed set-list. I remember xenophobia not too long ago where he canvassed his entire catalogue live (i'm showing my age by saying how many years ago that was though). Didn't he have a new set list each night for the 02 shows? That's 21 shows of new songs - that's a big thing for a band to learn.

All that said, it's clear his new bands are just technical musicians there to spotlight Prince. Contrast that to the Revolution or the 1993-1997 NPG - where everyone fed off each other. Remeber "The Jam?" -- I used to love waiting for Michael B's part -- can u imagine the Jam being played today? Renato goes into some boring lame keyboard solo.........with a technically tight but lifeless drum solo to follow.

NouveauDance said:

I don't even know who's in the band any more they come and go so fast. Most of them for the past 10 years haven't really have any time to make an impact on Prince's sound. Maybe that's the way he wants it?

I remember years ago seeing James Brown perform on TV and most of it was him standing there soaking in the applause whilst a bunch of backing singers did all the work. At the time I remember thinking this was Prince in the future and whenever I see live stuff from today, I see it more and more. Bleurgh.

They getting PAID to do that too...so....

Stupid question>Stupid Answer for me!

Comparing the Old Purple era sound with the Current Prince sound is like comparing a great French gastronomic restaurant with a Mac Donald or whatever Fast Food!

Prince is a different artist in studio now.....he lost since a very long time his ability to make great sound & great music !

Jatrig said:

Remeber "The Jam?" -- I used to love waiting for Michael B's part -- can u imagine the Jam being played today? Renato goes into some boring lame keyboard solo.........with a technically tight but lifeless drum solo to follow.

What the hell are you talking about. John Blackwell is just as good a drummer as Michael B. is.

It's a waste of time to compare the bands. They are 2 different bands with different times. I love them both.

leonche64 said:

OldFriends4Sale said:

Right, and Prince & the Revolution nor the SOTT band nor the pre-Revoution band did that much sync movements that it would make them 'dated'

I mean if the Temptation came out we would expect it, 'dated' i think is a very over-rated term, as far as dance music and art is concerned. Everything is dated then.

I would nort consider the Temptations so much a band as as singing group. More than one person with no instruments singing on a stage, they had better be in step. My point about the Time is, the time is still playing the Times' music. Can't play the Walk without doing the Walk, can't play the Bird without doing the Bird, and cant play 777-9311 without doing the busy legs. Prince on the other hand...

It's definately not every song. Like with Purple Rain(movie) Let's Go Crazy they moved side to side during the chorus part, but the band had certain kind of movement that shadowed Prince. Computer Blue the opening had sync movements but the rest of it didn't so I don't think that it's that much going on that they couldn't continue it. The rest of the performances did not have any sync movements.

With Prince what I remember is just that mostly during a chorus(if that) or the opening of a song there might be sync movements but after that, just band chemistry.

I loved the early perfomance of Head where Prince jumped back in forth between Andre & Dez and they would whip their instruments up.

I don't think there is anything dated about that stuff.

A Love Bizarre & Glamorous Life to see those songs performed with a few touches of movements like in the video would be sexy. I really don't think people would dislike any of it.