independent and unofficial
Prince fan community
Welcome! Sign up or enter username and password to remember me
Forum jump
Forums > Prince: Music and More > Prince: Inside the music and the Masks by Ronin Ro
« Previous topic  Next topic »
Page 1 of 2 12>
  New topic   Printable     (Log in to 'subscribe' to this topic)
Author

Tweet     Share

Message
Thread started 11/06/11 1:09pm

BlackAdder7

Prince: Inside the music and the Masks by Ronin Ro

I just got done reading this. Did I learn anything new? some things.

Do I understand Prince any better?...no, he's even more of a mystery...

Whay did I take away from having read this?....

1) It perhaps was Mani who deepened Prince's involvement with JH, not Larry Graham...at least as chronologically presented in this book

2) Prince suffered from depression at the height of his career

3) He sometimes has great business sense, and other times has no business sense

4) He wasn't nice at the end of his relationships with the members of the Revolution

5) The author doesn't like the vault music as much as the Prince.org members do...

6) There was a moment where Cherry Moon could have been an ok movie...but that moment closed quickly.

7) Prince had too many 'yes men' around him

8) According to the author, Wendy and Lisa's contributions werent as big as some would think...not that they didn't contribute...but just not as much as thought....

have you read the book yet?

oh yes, the biggest conclusion?....Until Prince writes his own autobiography, we'll never know what we was thinking

  - E-mail - orgNote - Report post to moderator
Reply #1 posted 11/06/11 1:13pm

mzsadii

avatar

Sorry, but I'm will wait for Prince's book

Prince's Sarah
  - E-mail - orgNote - Report post to moderator
Reply #2 posted 11/06/11 3:16pm

TheFreakerFant
astic

avatar

BlackAdder7 said:

I just got done reading this. Did I learn anything new? some things.

Do I understand Prince any better?...no, he's even more of a mystery...

Whay did I take away from having read this?....

1) It perhaps was Mani who deepened Prince's involvement with JH, not Larry Graham...at least as chronologically presented in this book

2) Prince suffered from depression at the height of his career

3) He sometimes has great business sense, and other times has no business sense

4) He wasn't nice at the end of his relationships with the members of the Revolution

5) The author doesn't like the vault music as much as the Prince.org members do...

6) There was a moment where Cherry Moon could have been an ok movie...but that moment closed quickly.

7) Prince had too many 'yes men' around him

8) According to the author, Wendy and Lisa's contributions werent as big as some would think...not that they didn't contribute...but just not as much as thought....

have you read the book yet?

oh yes, the biggest conclusion?....Until Prince writes his own autobiography, we'll never know what we was thinking

Sounds interesting.....enough to make me order it (from the US as strangely not out in the UK til Feb?!)

[Edited 11/6/11 15:24pm]

  - E-mail - orgNote - Report post to moderator
Reply #3 posted 11/06/11 4:10pm

ecstasy

avatar

I have bought boook myself for completist reasons, but it's pretty cool so far. I take my time reading it since being involved in college life, but its okkay smile I like how the author, so far, puts it in a story-like reasoning and wording.

But from ur discovered "facts", that was pretty much already known on my end. But it's still fun to read what people write about Prince anyhow. Matter of fact, let me pick up the book now.

Yes, at 19, I finally saw the Revolution, a legendary band. And I talked to Wendy!!! biggrin In addition to seeing Prince, I have now lived life. Thank you Purple People!!
  - E-mail - orgNote - Report post to moderator
Reply #4 posted 11/06/11 5:01pm

kindofblue7

Here is a review of the book.

http://www.denverpost.com...i_19234849

  - E-mail - orgNote - Report post to moderator
Reply #5 posted 11/07/11 2:14am

mysterymum

But my question is, do we think that he ever will do a biography? I would say no.

I always wonder though, whether Prince would be the type of person to look back over his career and life and admit to making stupid decisions or stand by them and give his reasons and side of the story?

  - E-mail - orgNote - Report post to moderator
Reply #6 posted 11/07/11 2:21am

uuhson

avatar

mysterymum said:

But my question is, do we think that he ever will do a biography? I would say no.

I always wonder though, whether Prince would be the type of person to look back over his career and life and admit to making stupid decisions or stand by them and give his reasons and side of the story?

i could see either one of those being pretty entertaining

Bogey and Bacall, peanut butter and jelly, Wall being on fucking point, is "classic" dipshit. An iphone is top shelf technology. Get it straight. This thing is 4g. -Wall the great
  - E-mail - orgNote - Report post to moderator
Reply #7 posted 11/07/11 2:25am

friend2001

this made me laugh from the denver post review:

"If you've ever wondered what Tower Records chairman Russ Solomon thought of Prince's striking a deal with Best Buy to sell his 1998 album, "Crystal Ball," as a four- disc set, rejoice."

i do remember what we all thought...............

  - E-mail - orgNote - Report post to moderator
Reply #8 posted 11/07/11 2:31am

friend2001

when prince "changed his name", he tried to sell an autobigraphy of "Prince" to then Doubleday book editor Jackie Onassis. (Jackie once personally flew to California to persuade Michael Jackson to write his autobiography). She was basically on her death bed, said she thought Prince had terrible taste in everything, and wanted nothing to do with it.

I doubt he ever wrote anything.

  - E-mail - orgNote - Report post to moderator
Reply #9 posted 11/09/11 8:24pm

rap

Was seriously thinking of buying this book but, after that review... Not so sure now.

  - E-mail - orgNote - Report post to moderator
Reply #10 posted 11/10/11 2:19am

XxAxX

avatar

boxed i have never read a book about prince... yet. wish he'd do an autobiography.

  - E-mail - orgNote - Report post to moderator
Reply #11 posted 11/10/11 2:50am

NouveauDance

avatar

BTW, what are the sources in this book? Did the author do research/interviews themselves, and with whom? Or did they just take the info from previous biogs and books?

mzsadii said:

Sorry, but I'm will wait for Prince's book

You'll likely get even less truth in that one, if it ever materialises at all, which is entirely doubtful.

[Edited 11/10/11 2:51am]

  - E-mail - orgNote - Report post to moderator
Reply #12 posted 11/10/11 5:20pm

rap

NouveauDance said:

BTW, what are the sources in this book? Did the author do research/interviews themselves, and with whom? Or did they just take the info from previous biogs and books?

mzsadii said:

Sorry, but I'm will wait for Prince's book

You'll likely get even less truth in that one, if it ever materialises at all, which is entirely doubtful.

[Edited 11/10/11 2:51am]

Sad. But (probably) true.

George Michael is in the process or soon to be writing his. Should be a good read.

  - E-mail - orgNote - Report post to moderator
Reply #13 posted 11/10/11 5:31pm

thesoulbrother

avatar

There's a part of me that wants to read this book but I have a feeling it's saying the same things that I read in others, like "Purple Reign" or "Possesed." Will Prince ever write his memoirs? Good question. I have a feeling he will but it's 10-15 years away. It won't be anytime soon.

  - E-mail - orgNote - Report post to moderator
Reply #14 posted 11/10/11 5:47pm

rap

So what, apart from the (by all accounts) brilliant DMSR is recommended?

  - E-mail - orgNote - Report post to moderator
Reply #15 posted 11/10/11 6:31pm

ecstasy

avatar

XxAxX said:

boxed i have never read a book about prince... yet. wish he'd do an autobiography.

At least get and read DMSR. If your a real dedicated info fan, it's definitely worth your time.

Yes, at 19, I finally saw the Revolution, a legendary band. And I talked to Wendy!!! biggrin In addition to seeing Prince, I have now lived life. Thank you Purple People!!
  - E-mail - orgNote - Report post to moderator
Reply #16 posted 11/10/11 6:58pm

rap

What about one the picks up after it?

Has been mentioned that the Alex Hahn book is a hatchet job.

  - E-mail - orgNote - Report post to moderator
Reply #17 posted 11/10/11 7:01pm

rap

ecstasy said:

XxAxX said:

boxed i have never read a book about prince... yet. wish he'd do an autobiography.

At least get and read DMSR. If your a real dedicated info fan, it's definitely worth your time.

I plan to.

  - E-mail - orgNote - Report post to moderator
Reply #18 posted 11/19/11 10:33am

TheFreakerFant
astic

avatar

Very readable so far...

although he spells 'Champagne'...'Shampagne' - i don't think I've seen this spelling before in a biog.

No detailed mention of 94 East apart from a brief mention of Pepe and P recording some tracks...

Also P.39 - glaring error 'Do Me Baby' was not released on Prince (1979) as he states.....


[Edited 11/19/11 10:37am]

  - E-mail - orgNote - Report post to moderator
Reply #19 posted 11/19/11 11:02am

LittleNicci

TheFreakerFantastic said:

BlackAdder7 said:

I just got done reading this. Did I learn anything new? some things.

Do I understand Prince any better?...no, he's even more of a mystery...

Whay did I take away from having read this?....

1) It perhaps was Mani who deepened Prince's involvement with JH, not Larry Graham...at least as chronologically presented in this book

2) Prince suffered from depression at the height of his career

3) He sometimes has great business sense, and other times has no business sense

4) He wasn't nice at the end of his relationships with the members of the Revolution

5) The author doesn't like the vault music as much as the Prince.org members do...

6) There was a moment where Cherry Moon could have been an ok movie...but that moment closed quickly.

7) Prince had too many 'yes men' around him

8) According to the author, Wendy and Lisa's contributions werent as big as some would think...not that they didn't contribute...but just not as much as thought....

have you read the book yet?

oh yes, the biggest conclusion?....Until Prince writes his own autobiography, we'll never know what we was thinking

Sounds interesting.....enough to make me order it (from the US as strangely not out in the UK til Feb?!)

[Edited 11/6/11 15:24pm]

Got this book last friday after waiting what feels like an age. People in my office said they had never seen anyone so excited about getting a book !!! nice read although disappointing felt towards the end like htey just lost interest. But a nice add tothe collection the other book I just got Prince the making of a phenomenon is far better - no insight to prince's life but his musicianshio - not to be missed love love love this book well worth the money only wish it were longer but at £49 its well expensive but I say well worth it and will become very important and a must have - probably more to a musican but enough for a fan I think

  - E-mail - orgNote - Report post to moderator
Reply #20 posted 11/19/11 1:46pm

TheFreakerFant
astic

avatar

Update.....Very gripping and readable....

P.76 He incorrectly states Prince's age as 22 in the spring of 1983, when in fact it would have been 24.

Interesting point on P.107 about MJ's lukewarm comments about Purple Rain after going to a test screening, had not heard those before....


[Edited 11/19/11 13:54pm]

  - E-mail - orgNote - Report post to moderator
Reply #21 posted 11/19/11 2:01pm

purplethunder3
121

avatar

TheFreakerFantastic said:

Update.....Very gripping and readable....

P.76 He incorrectly states Prince's age as 22 in the spring of 1983, when in fact it would have been 24.

Interesting point on P.107 about MJ's lukewarm comments about Purple Rain after going to a test screening, had not heard those before....


[Edited 11/19/11 13:54pm]

You'd think that these writers, after spending so many so-called years of research, would take the time to proof read to make sure all the errors were corrected before publication. razz lol

"Music gives a soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination and life to everything." --Plato

https://youtu.be/CVwv9LZMah0
  - E-mail - orgNote - Report post to moderator
Reply #22 posted 11/19/11 2:46pm

TheFreakerFant
astic

avatar

^ Yes, I mean dates like that are really silly mistakes, it's basic maths.

I think saying that Do Me, Baby was on the Prince (1979) album is a really stupid error.

Page 116 - Mentions recording the Ladder on Dec 30, 1984, then says the next day Prince had to play a matinee as it was Christmas Eve?!?!?!?

There is another date mistake on P.134 talking about the Parade sessions in 1985 and says it is approaching Prince's 28th Birthday, even though as it was 1985 it would have been his 27th Birthday.

Still, I am enjoying this book, it's nicely written....even if it doesn't really have any original sources, it's quotes of quotes..still there are quite a few jewels I haven't heard before...such as the MJ comments....





[Edited 11/21/11 0:59am]

  - E-mail - orgNote - Report post to moderator
Reply #23 posted 11/19/11 6:16pm

BlackAdder7

TheFreakerFantastic said:

^ Yes, I mean dates like that are really silly mistakes, it's basic maths.

I think saying that Do Me, Baby was on the Prince (1979) album is a really stupid error.

Page 116 - Mentions recording the Ladder on Dec 30, 1984, then says the next day Prince had to play a matinee as it was Christmas Eve?!?!?!?

There is another date mistake on P.134 talking about the Parade sessions in 1985 and says it is approaching Prince's 28th Birthday, even though as it was 1985 it would have been his 27th Birthday.

Still, I am enjoying this book, it's nicely written....even if it doesn't really have any original sources, it's quotes of quotes..still there are quite a few jewels I haven't heard before...such as the MJ comments....




[Edited 11/19/11 15:03pm]

keep in mind, the guy who shopped Prince to the record labels first, took two years off Prince's age, to make his musicianship seem even more incredible.

  - E-mail - orgNote - Report post to moderator
Reply #24 posted 11/20/11 1:33am

TheFreakerFant
astic

avatar

^ Agreed, but even the author recognises on the first page that Prince was born on June 7, 1958 so there's really no reason he should be making those silly mistakes IMO..... good proof reading should have picked that up...

[Edited 11/20/11 1:34am]

  - E-mail - orgNote - Report post to moderator
Reply #25 posted 11/20/11 8:01am

nursev

Never will buy this book-not interested.
  - E-mail - orgNote - Report post to moderator
Reply #26 posted 11/20/11 10:23am

TheFreakerFant
astic

avatar

Another interesting fact...P.182...when staying at the Chelsea Harbour Hilton in London on the Lovesexy tour, they got a crane to lift his grand piano into his room....

Hadn't heard that one...

However, silly on p.189 when he refers to 'Anna Waiting' being about a 'pal', ( in fact it referred to his 18 yr old lover Anna Garcia, for whom it is thought he wrote 'Pink Cashmere').



[Edited 11/20/11 12:39pm]

  - E-mail - orgNote - Report post to moderator
Reply #27 posted 11/20/11 11:35am

bobbyperu

^ You should write a book! Would be even more "geeky fan analysis" than the one by Per Nilsen. wink
  - E-mail - orgNote - Report post to moderator
Reply #28 posted 11/20/11 12:47pm

TheFreakerFant
astic

avatar

^ LOL.

P.194 He makes some good points about a lot of drum beats on Graffiti Bridge being 'borrowed' from other artists, such as Tick,Tick,Bang using the drumbeat from a Hendrix song called Little Miss Lover.

Also says Diamonds and Pearls had a Romance 1600 recycled melody...good observation.

p.221 another silly mistake...says Prince recorded Insatiable in October 1991 - but this was AFTER D & P was released!!!! I believe it was recorded MUCH earlier...


[Edited 11/20/11 13:13pm]

  - E-mail - orgNote - Report post to moderator
Reply #29 posted 11/20/11 2:59pm

Adorecream

No, because its not available here yet and from your guys reviews, it sounds like it is full of numerous glaring errors, not pleasing for a guy like me who feels he knows Prince's career and musical output inside out.

Also the name "Ronin Ro" does not instil me with much confidence to his academic credentials in writing. As I believe he was a writer for rap magazines like Vibe and the Source. I prefer to stick to my Hahns and Nilsens any day. Still you know, there is a lingering curiosity. I mean is that name some sort of cool hipphoppery ebonics type thing or is his real name like Robert Jenkins Johnson or something.

My question though, is there anything truly new or revelatory about Prince in the book, I mean once you have read 5 Prince biographies in a row, you kind of get tired of the whole "Prince story". And also some of these new biographies like Thief in the Temple and the Music and the madness have been a little formulaic and predictable lately.

The last truly excellent book on him was "Possessed" it was at least honest, I love the way he calls Diamonds and Pearls a "Pyrrhic victory".

Got some kind of love for you, and I don't even know your name
  - E-mail - orgNote - Report post to moderator
Page 1 of 2 12>
  New topic   Printable     (Log in to 'subscribe' to this topic)
« Previous topic  Next topic »
Forums > Prince: Music and More > Prince: Inside the music and the Masks by Ronin Ro