Universaluv said:

THAT funk refers to the urgency and vitality of his music when he was cutting edge. It's an expression of his desire to rule. It's what a mad genius in their element lives and breathes. It's that sick, slick attitude of 'I don't give a fuck (even though I do)'. It's immature and addictive to watch. Those days are gone.

By the way, I agree with what you said.

DigitalLisa said:

You're probably speaking from a sexual point of view.

That baby was born with it forever...you still see it whenever he performs! ...

Starmist7 said:

We're not talking about Michael's son.

Anji said:

I wasn't talking about Michael or his son.

In one way or another, Prince still got that 'funkiness' in him...in some form or another, he got it!
[This message was edited Wed Feb 12 20:52:09 PST 2003 by Starmist7]

Starmist7 said:

We all know that that he's still got funkiness but we're talking about 'that funk.' Read the thread again, if you're interested in what I mean.

Anji said:

Hmm. I think "Prettyman" comes close.

And the Everlasting Now performance on Leno minus the accurate knowledge of Christ thing.

But I think you mean a "Sexual Suicide" kind of thing.

It wasn't just in the playing back in those days...it was the PRODUCTION. Prince's production on a snare is SO unique. So tight. He compresses the horns, too, which makes it tighter. Nowadays, he's not going for that tight production value anymore. It's either TRC organic or Rave style plastique.

I guess I should have thought twice about this line of thought here. Can we move this thread to the General Discussion forum please?

I Miss the Funk&I Don't think His Age has anything to do with it.the Cat has some Vamps here&there that Tease at it but I ain't felt that Element in a Long time&truth be told through most of His 30's He wasn't Hitting me that Hard with it if the truth has to be told.He had some Moments like "Sexy MF" but not like His Golden 80's Era of it.alot of Stuff got too Soft in the Mid 90's onward espcially after "The Most Beautiful Girl in the World" Song blew up.He went after the Slow Jam for Inspiration for a while I truly believe.Missing that Happy Balance in between for me.

Anji said:

I was trying to answer your question as best I could.

mrdespues said:

I know and I appreciated it. Interesting insight into the snare and horns. MrDespues, an honest man.

mistermaxxx said:

FINALLY, an admission from the hardcore. Just waiting for Rd to chime in now.

Anji said:

Yet again you are correct. You could feel what he was doing back then and yes he seemed to always outdo himself and at the same time give us just enough to want more. These days, Prince puts out so much music that no one really digest it. They pick and choose what songs they like then pretty much wait for what's next cd. Back in the eighties you had to wait a year or so for a new record but you totally knew every nuance of the newest record that you already had. You lived with it, you digested it and yes you felt it. There was always such a continuity that would link you to whatever next he would drop on us. So many people today say how they listened to such and such the other day (newer works) and they finally get it. Dirty Mind was a simple tranparent sounding Funk n'Roll record. It made a huge impact and even in concert you could see that he was feeling it (the funk that is). I don't think that Prince has lost his funk. I just think that he has to Re-Member himself with it. Once he does, he'll never have to declare that he's funky again.
There aren't any artist (popular) today that reminds us what the Funk actually is so we are left to our own devices. Prince hasn't lost it nor will he ever loose it.
Again, great observation by you though.

I think funk will always be somewhere inside of Prince even when he does other styles of music. Pince can make any style sound good, even country. I hope he doesn't stay with those instrumental jazz tracks, we have enough of those to last a life time.

If he doesn't perform any at the next celebration, we will just have to chant, we want the funk, we want the funk.

Anji said:

I don't need to.

Starmist7 said:

Or is it, that you don't want to?

Anji said:

I know exactly what was implied, and I know what I wrote.

Muziqmkr said:

How many people liked Emancipation as a whole? Very few. The 80s Prince was influenced by a number of factors, one of which being a record company that he was answerable to. We all know there was frustration involved; Crystal ball for example. However, fear was likely another factor. I'm talking about the insecurity he had that his music no longer suited the music industry's agenda, and therefore the musical landscape. There was a time when he truly wanted to be a leading player, it was likely still very much in his heart during Around The World In A Day and Parade. However, he probably felt he was falling behind the times, ironically after Sign O The Times. The emergence of rap as a market force dictating what was considered hip musically, for example. You can hear his definance of that statement in The Black Album. That's why Lovesexy to me has such a spiritual uprising. It's the calling of an artist saying to himself that some things are more important. Love God, Love Life, Lovesexy. That was his funk, his ruling.

Many people are saying that he still has that funk in him, he's using it sparingly, just watch an aftershow etc. I agree. All I'm interested in is what we can expect from an artist that is not living his dream of ruling anymore. There's definitely an effect on the vitality and urgency of his music.

BTW, this could easily become a bitch fest, but until now this is a very nice and intelligent thread. 5 stars!

What the...? Where is the rating system???

UsexyMF said:

In recent times, as many have said, he exercises that spirit most during his aftershows. It hasn't been as evident on his records even from eras when he had something really expressive to say. The Gold Experience era is an interesting example. For me, the album never quite resonated in a way it probably would have done in his mad genius days.

An observation someone made here was that with Parade the whole experience is better than it's parts. It's addictive art, because it leaves you wanting more. It was also said that that very slick, carefree attitiude somehow, somewhere got lost in the mix during the 90s. Production values seemed much more about crafting the greatest sounding songs and Prince knew it. It's almost too much effort to the point where the inspiration, the spirit and magic, that funk gets lost.

On a positive note, The Rainbow Children was excellent because it finally seemed like an exorcising of those demons that still kept him struggling for industry acceptance. When he truly let go of the game, we saw him really playful and serious again. Some might say it was too controversial, others disagree with his new found value system. But that is exactly how Prince once was, to just do and say whatever the fuck he wanted. Of course, it didn't make sense at the time but the opposite of Nato is monotheism?

I was shocked and relieved to hear that attitude sprinkled all over that record. Like Rd said, maybe Prince is just marinating that funk with Sheila in the studio right now...
[This message was edited Thu Feb 13 11:42:20 PST 2003 by Anji]

Remember - "if you have to explain what funk is, it isn't funky." or something like that !


I don't think he will ever lose it.
[This message was edited Thu Feb 13 17:42:48 PST 2003 by naturegirl]

naturegirl said:

I was hoping to get insights from the older fans that are still here with us. But alas, it's all very quiet now...

Oppps I forgot to put quotes!

"if you have to explain what funky is, it probably isn't funky" or something like that.


Prince did say that.

naturegirl said:

EXACTLY.

Starmist7 said:

I understand what Prince said but I would rather hear both of your own opinions.

The funk is dead. I won't give him the benefit of the doubt and hope for what's gone. Hell, I'm waiting for Prince to put out his first Christian album.

Truth is, you can't be a funky euthanized JW as we have witnessed. To have that sort of ball and chain thrown around your neck doesn't bring out much funktified beats. Now it's all about his spiritual path which I'm not too interested in. That's what I have church for, don't need to be spoonfed by the man.

Just my two cents.

Anji said:

I agree to a certain extent that at times Prince seems a little jaded. I am not sure if this is related to his slowing down due to impending old age. lol. It may be a consideration. However, I still think that when it matters Prince can certainly deliver the goods!

Great thread!

Anji said:

I did Anji, it's on my other post...

Since we can't define funk, prime examples are 1+1+1=3, it's got that funky Minneapolis sound to it. There are many examples of the funk in the ONALive Box set. If you haven't purchased it, you should. Never before has he given his FAMS a live performance cd like this.

Prince is definitely a real musician, who hasn't slowed down. He just got through with months of touring. His music combines, funk, jazz, rock, blues, even country. Yeah, he likes country too. Plus the fact that he touches every human emotion there is, pouring out his intermost feelings about love, politics, spirituality, humanitarianism, and life.

Yes, I have been a FAM for a long time, and he has touched my soul by his music, and his words. That is exactly why there are so many people here chatting, drawn to his music, such a diverse group. Now, are you celebrating our similarities?
[This message was edited Thu Feb 13 18:27:08 PST 2003 by naturegirl]