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Prince's Hiatus From Recording/Releasing New Album(s) Back in February, 2011, I started a thread expressing my worries about Prince releasing/distributing another new album, based on methods of physical distribution (other than the internet), and the possibility of him being disappointed with the fan/fam reception of his new material.
Since then, he has announced that he was taking a hiatus from recording. The reason he gave at the time, was because of the lack of control over piracy...
With 'Lotusflower' being largely under appreciated, and with the overwhelmingly negative reception of '20ten', one must wonder whether he wants to release anything at this point.
In fact, I'd go as far to say that something very disappointing happened with regards to the '20ten' release. He may have approached a label, or other entity capable of distribution, and couldn't find a deal that was satisfactory, therefore just simply giving it away the way he did. I'd even bet that the album was longer, via either more songs, or longer versions of the ones on '20ten' (which appears VERY evident, by the way some of the songs begin and end.
Here on the Org, about 10% of the members welcome and enjoy Prince's recent material, and about 90% seem to be living in the past... either '80s or '90s. I've said before that 'Lotusflower' stands up to any Prince album ever.
To give you all an idea of my taste, here are my favourite Prince albums (chronologically):
Controversy 1999 Around The World in a Day Parade Sign O' The Times Lovesexy The Rainbow Children N.E.W.S. Lotusflower
In case you wish to reference the thread I started back in February, 2011:
http://prince.org/msg/7/352683
Please discuss.
~G
"He's a musician's musician..." |
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I hope he doesnt plan on releasing anything for a long time. "Climb in my fur." | |
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Even if thats true Giovanni I dont think he can help himself from releasing something new very soon.
I agree with your figures on most folks living in the past and I really dont think P really cares what people think at this point in the game. But he is just too prolific to stop recording and releasing music.
However, with his stance on piracy and his rants about the internet wonder exactly how he would go about distributing a new CD...
Only time will tell [Edited 1/14/12 12:51pm] The greatest live performer of our times was is and always will be Prince.
Remember there is only one destination and that place is U All of it. Everything. Is U. | |
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Lotus was largely under appreciated? It went gold did it not? Not bad for a 3 disc set even if it was a couple of years after release. 20Ten reached a shidload more people than would normally buy a Prince album, the giveaway method worked with Planet Earth, so my guess is he thought it would work again, which it did, did it not? Or are you one of the ones who are still bitter that it was not released in the US? So........what's the problem again?
Do you really think that Prince is going to decide whether to release new product or not based on the comments of a few hundred people on a fan website? Get real. Prince will release new product when he sees fit and when the right price/deal/whatever crops up.
As for rdhull's comment, I could not agree more, I think that absence from releasing another album for a couple of years can only work in his favour.
Don't worry, he is not going to go away just yet.
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The fact that 'Lotusflower' went Gold, doesn't mean it was appreciated. The point you could make here, is that since it was sold through Target, and hence gave it alot of exposure, the folks that might have appreciated it aren't being heard here on the Org.
No, I'm not bitter about the fact that it wasn't released in the U.S. I have a copy.
As far as your question about whether or not Prince cares about how his fanbase reacts to his releases... perhaps he does, maybe he doesn't. But I could easily imagine him deciding to just play live shows, and record music for himself and his friends without releasing it.
You brought up some good points. I've even considered the theory that he may have intentionally given away two albums to reach beyond his fanbase, in anticipation of a future release that may sell much more as a result... Especially when you tie in the Target release accomplishing the same. The man does tend to think ahead, and has a history of doing so.
However, when you say that you think absense from releasing anything for a couple of years can only work in his favour, wouldn't that depend on what was released and how?
~G "He's a musician's musician..." |
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It does seem like he's uninterested in releasing anything. What I miss most are the extended versions/remixes that used to accompany official releases. I would LOVE to hear some remixes to the songs on Lotusflow3r and 20Ten.
I wonder if the reason he stopped is because of the age of the internet and his ability to almost immediately assess the popularity of his work - both with critics and average fans (through sites like ours). As you noted, if he had any interest in looking he'd see that 90% of what people say about his new music is negative. I wouldn't want to release the stuff I've created either - especially if it's just longer versions of stuff people already say they hate.
The problem w/ that is the negativity on the internet is misrepresentative of true opinion. It's so easy to be mean and negative on here - there's almost something that feels good about it, kinda like bullying. It's far harder to be measured, compassionate, and reasonable. For the same reasons, people who love prince's new stuff don't have the same incentive to laud it on here - they'll either be attacked, or ignored. People who, like me, don't LOVE it like I did the stuff in the 90's, but still really dig it - and would LOVE to get my hands on it to listen to and jam to - have even less incentive to say anything.
My only hope is that Prince one day makes available all the awesome stuff he's probably created these past 10 years but that are unreleased. I want an extended version of beginning endlessly and laydown. I want to hear the remixes to Old Skool company and incense and candles. I want to hear the jam at the end of SST go on for another 10 minutes, and am ready for the extended remix of 3121. [Edited 1/14/12 13:23pm] | |
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Indeed, you have a point. My point was that I believe a couple of years or more without a Prince album would more than likely raise expectation and make Prince fans and hopefully more of the music buying public more hungry for him. However, you make a good point in how such an album would be distributed, especially with Prince's adversion to downloading and the sales of cd's taking a dive. In saying that, the 2011 Extraloveable was available online. Another giveaway? Who knows?
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Giovanni777 said: In fact, I'd go as far to say that something very disappointing happened with regards to the '20ten' release. He may have approached a label, or other entity capable of distribution, and couldn't find a deal that was satisfactory, therefore just simply giving it away the way he did. Why do people keep saying he gave the album away? I've seen it written a few times recently. He got paid by the publications, he didn't give it to them for nothing. he probably made some good money from 2010, considering a few deals were done. He certainly got paid more for planet earth than he would have made from uk sales for that album as albums just previous to that one had been selling relatively small numbers. The 'giveaway' deals seem like a good deal for prince, outside of the US at least. RIP  | |
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Could be a good sign. Why release tons of albums if you don't have anything interesting to say anymore!?
It's not the fans living in the past. It's mainly Prince who doesn't really try to go out of his comfort zone.
His new stuff is neither convincing in recreating the old sound nor in coming up with something a little bit more modern or different. As long as he doesn't keep focus on a really new artistic vision, it's going to be the same old.
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I can only speak for myself, but I wouldn't say I was living in the past since I haven't gotten into any Prince album since Emancipation. I've welcomed the new albums. I just haven't been able to get into them, except for a very few songs. I like the Prince who was confident with his new material and wasn't afraid to get up on a stage and perform them.
TRUE BLUE |
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^best point so far - if he really believed in his new stuff he'd be performing a lot more of it...sure he HAS to play the hits, due to now being in the 'legacy' league of performers...he is in the league of 'old' acts now - by his own admission he has to play his hits on tour....but that is due to various things, not least of which is the fact he's been boycotted by the corporations and radio stations (owned by the corporations) ever since he changed his name and wrote slave on his face..
he tried to play 'hits-free' concerts - in 1994 with the Gold tour and then again, to a lesser degree' in 2001 with the ONA tour...but even he worked out that if he doesn't play his 'hits' then the turnout is no-where near as good.....
sure he's got a huge catalogue - but he seems to play a lot of the same stuff...why play covers when he could be playing his own stuff?...that's always confused me..but there again, even in his prime he made bad choices...look at some of the singles he's released...I mean 'Te Amo Corazon' as lead single for 3121...it's a fantastic song - but 1st single? If I was Your Girlfriend as follow up to SOTT....again, great song, but as a single?
he plays his own game, and thats all we can expect.....
its more of a concern to me that he's been re-doing some old recordings...and not that well IMHO...as they say, when an artist copies or 'remakes' one of their original works...it's usually not for the better (although with that said there are exceptions to the rule))
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I hear you on that. He DID do exactly that, though, with 'The Rainbow Children'. Since then, he hasn't. Say what you want to, but could you imagine "Act Of God" live? He could rip that up. "He's a musician's musician..." |
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He said in 2011 that he wouldn't release any stuff anymore.. But recently he said(november) he definitely will not stop making records.... So I guess, he had/has a hiatus but I guess it wouldn't last long anymore.. Maybe a new record this year? My feelings says he'll release a new record this year.
I think he still does what he wants, even when people don't like what he does... | |
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There isn't any point in Prince releasing new music so long as he has the power to endulge his every whim. There needs to be a chain of command in place to protect Prince from his worst enemy: Prince. The last few albums are BORING, which is even worse that bad. He has the material, he has the talent, he still has a marketable look and backstory, but he does not know how to sequence an enjoyable album. He refuses to allow anyone else to do it for him. Then he blames the resulting backlash on 'the man'. | |
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funksterr said: There isn't any point in Prince releasing new music so long as he has the power to endulge his every whim. There needs to be a chain of command in place to protect Prince from his worst enemy: Prince. The last few albums are BORING, which is even worse that bad. He has the material, he has the talent, he still has a marketable look and backstory, but he does not know how to sequence an enjoyable album. He refuses to allow anyone else to do it for him. Then he blames the resulting backlash on 'the man'. Bullshit, I loved 20ten and lotus, between 2003-2007 was a bad period. I along with many fans are really excited about the next album. "Still Crazy 4 Coco Rock" | |
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Somewhat...not even half though. TRUE BLUE |
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He Played: Rainbow Children Muse 2 The Pharaoh The Work, Pt. 1 Mellow 1+1+1 Is 3 Family Name The Everlasting Now Last December
... that's not good enough? |
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I wouldn't say it's bullshit - just their opinion, but I definetly don't want Prince to have an editor, producer etc.. he didn't have one when he made his classic albums either (aside from WB making him edit SOTT from 3 to 2 discs). Maybe a producer or editor would help - but we have no way of knowing since he hasn't done it before. I have found a few recent albums to be quite boring (20Ten, MPLSound), but I've liked enough of them (3121, PE, Lotus) to be happy with him making and releasing music how he wants.
I am hoping a new album gets released soon. Of course, I also hope it's good - but something is better than nothing. I don't care what the general public thinks of Prince, but like Giovanni, I do worry that Prince might. His albums still sell well, so there's no reason for him to change or stop releasing them.
If he gives another Lotusflow3r, I'll be thrilled; if he gives another 20Ten, I'll be somewhat disappointed, but I still appreciate each new album, and I'd never want him to release less music. I'm content buying it all then just picking out the stuff I like to listen to
And I don't think a longer gap between albums will mean higher quality albums. Many times artists have spent years on an album just to have it be terrible and a commercial flop. I wouldn't want Prince to do that. |
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As mentioned after you posted this, the last time he did this was with The Rainbow Children. But I feel the reason he did this was because he was not yet 'back' from obscurity of the mainstream. So he felt he 'could' focus on TRC in a live setting. The oscure years were for the die-hards imo. The Celebrations were for die hards. Now that he is back in the mainstream and a hit again so to speak, it appears he feels he has to give the casuals what they want. Having said that, I think he enjoys many of the specific songs off his revent releases but dont think he believed in Musicology and Planet earth as he did The Rainbow Children. I think Lotus Flower was the one he was really feeling most since TRC. "Climb in my fur." | |
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I appreciate your post and I can sympathize with your concerns/statments. Although I feel some of them might be inaccurate, the org shouldn't be used as a measurment for anythings success, really, though. If 50 people here on a thread shit on 20Ten, and three people like it, that doesn't make 20Ten underappreciated, unsuccessful, or a bad album. The first and last are subjective, and just look at the tour if you want to talk about success and only success. We must'nt forget that the org is a microcosm of a few peoples OPINIONS, not facts. At least not usually.
More people visit this website and don't give their opinion as opposed to the miniscule amount that do, so it is safe to say that the org is extremely biased and in no shape whatsoever an accurate measure of any component of Prince's career.
Also, I'm starting to wonder if he should even care (if he does). I would argue that he doesn't care about accolades and awards and things of that nature now a days, but new music and his legacy are unknown to us. I think he should just release what he wants, when he wants, and FUCK what people think. People are going to LOVE it, and people are going to HATE it, so what? But I'd be lying if I didn't say I didn't think a lot of his motivations are based on the old mighty dollar. | |
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I agree with Prince.org being probably only 5% of his vocal audience or audience in general. In concert there's tens of thousands there who dont even LOOK at Prince org or know what it is.
I think you are right about him caring at this point as he has already done the damn thing several times over. So whats left (aside from live performances). Nada.
Which is why I dont want him to release anything for sometime just because he can and is supposedly always recording. Release somethin g only when you really care about it. In the meantime..effa releases. Get to work on those remasters and box sets with the right people. "Climb in my fur." | |
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I agree that the SINGLE disk Lotusflow3r had moments of brilliance, but MPLSound is about as terrible of an album you will ever hear. Whether the 70's, 80' 90's 00' or in the the next century. It's not about living in the past, present or future, it's about not living the sucks.
The strange thing about the Lotusflow3r project for me, was in the weeks before it's launch, he had gone around previewing the the thing to hacks in the music world. Sucks-ups who say whatever the music legend wants to hear as long as they can get an interview. Patronizing praise for the USA Today crowd.
I still cringe that they all praised the MPLSound disk because it reminded them of the cheesiest aspects of 80's Prince. Like if he was Little Richard and was expected to only make tunes that sounded like "Tutti Frutti" or expect Shirley Temple to still dress in the little outfit with the lollipop.
No one here would complain if Prince originally started out, and made a name for himself making lazy safe disposable pop records. People complain because they know Prince is better than that.
[Edited 1/15/12 8:28am] | |
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Yes, those songs were played. Not at every show though. I'm talking about when he would release an album and would play almost every cut off of it at every show. TRUE BLUE |
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I was reading today that both houses of Congress are working anti-piracy laws--SOPA and PIPA. I'm fairly new here, so pardon me if this has already been asked/answered, do we know what his views are on either of these anti-piracy pieces of legislation is? | |
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You're certainly entitled to your opinions, but to say fans either are receptive to new music or stuck in the past misses the mark. Fans disappointed by Prince's recent output probably are receptive and welcoming when they shell out their money for It. Then the buyer's remorse sets in. Lotus was OK. The writing was OK. The arrangements, in spots, were derivative. The Elixir disc had some bright spots. The project, with trims, would have made a solid double album. But don't limit the context of Prince's recent output to that. Unimpressed fans have "Hot Summer", "Purple and Gold" and other floated/leaked gems informing our opinion. I dug 20ten. Do I feel I got my money's worth for what I paid for it? Naw, and I paid way more for boots back in the day. | |
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I think it's a bullshit 'break'.
Birds fly.
Fish swim.
Prince does music and wears heels.
That's just nature. 비 | |
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Personally, and I know people aren't too keen on his reworkings of Extralovable and Large Room With no Light, but I think it would be great if he did an album of his classic popular bootlegged songs redone. With a second disk of the original versions of course | |
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He's kind of hinted at that with the noise at the end of Extralovable. Besides, most of his songs get better with time if they don't hit you at first, and I think those two reworked tunes are no exceptions to the rule in my book.You say 10% enjoy his recent music. I think it's far higher than that. At least. 50/50. In the recent 20ten thread the yays out numbered the nays by quite a bit. Those who don't like something shout louder and more frequently. | |
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His non-U.S. release of 20ten was a HUGE disappointment to me. I considered it to be his best effort since The Rainbow Children.
My updated list of album favs...
Prince - Batman (yes Batman!) Diamonds and Pearls - Emancipation The Rainbow Children 20ten
22 Albums that I'd rate between 7 and 10 stars, all of which I could listen to from beginning to end and hit every note on my air-guitar/sax/bass/drum...ect. The other albums, not so much. Though, every album has at least one or two songs that I could take away to make one Super Hodgepodge Album.
My point is, my musical taste has a wide range and Prince’s change-of-pace style has truly been great for my soul. To me, his next album should have come out yesterday. lol Soaked in Banana Cologne, No Wonder U're All Alone | |
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What are you trying to get people to discuss? That Prince is old, irrelevant, forgotten, and as a result, fewer and fewer people are interested in his music? No shit. I'd say that's evident by the fact he couldn't give away his last album, nor could he find anyone in the states to distribute it. Although not getting 20ten distributed was a brilliant career move. If anything could tarnish his already fading 'genius' label, it would have been letting the massses have access to that embarassing mishmash of commericial jingles, sentimental rubbish and farcical hip-hop.
I didn't know he was supposed to be on a recording hiatus, but I'm sure that's just a bluff so his ego doesn't have to suffer further embarrassment from the low sales figures his records receive. He's probably recording some bullshit segue for his next failed side-project at this very moment. I can just see the engineer doing his best to force an awkward smile, assuring Prince, "Yeah, that was really funny..."
People don't like Prince's new music because there's no innovation, its drenched in religious bigotry and worst of all, it's boring. I mean, really, who in their right mind is going to come home from a long day of work and strike up 3121, Planet Earth or 20ten? I bet even Prince himself is flipping to the back of the stack at this point. No hard feelings. | |
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