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PrintableJonSnow said: i enjoy it, but overall i think it's one of his weaker efforts. I'm glad it was shelved for LoveSexy. It had a cool mystique about it while it was unreleased... now it's just kinda... blah. But still some good tracks... especially Cindy C.
I agree.I think I liked it better when it was an unreleased bootleg.There was alot of mystique,speculation and controversy surrounding it.But now that's it been officially released,it doesn't thrill me as much.It's still a cool album,though. | |
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I love the various theories that surround the bootlegging of this album:
1) Firstly, that Prince, himself, was responsible for the bootlegs. Having only just been refused permission by Warner Bros. to release the 3-LP 'Crystal Ball', perhaps he was trying to prove that - as the huge number of bootlegs created in its wake showed - he was right all along? 2) Secondly, in the background of the 'Alphabet St.' video are the words, "Don't buy the 'Black Album', I'm sorry". A simliar message is also printed on the 'Symbol' album booklet. Also, Prince performed several 'Black Album' tracks on his 1988 'Lovesexy' tour. Why would someone so desperate to prevent the album's release 'promote' it in so many ways? Surely he knew that his die-hard fans would do almost ANYTHING to get hold of a copy? (Perhaps this was a form of reverse-psychology? If he 'tempted' them enough times they'd do anything to get their hands on a copy). 3) Thirdly, perhaps Prince intended to release the 'Black Album' and 'Lovesexy' (his most spiritual, 'gospel' album) as a double-set? The 'Black Album' (dark, dirty, funky) versus 'Lovesexy' (pure, spiritual, gospel)? Good versus Evil, almost. Perhaps the two albums were designed to be released simultaneously to showcase the different aspects of Prince's music/persona? 4) And finally, some critics have picked up on the distorted opening words of the 'Black Album': "So, you found me? Good - I'm glad. This is Prince, the Cool Of Cools. Some of you may know me, some of you may not. Some of you may not want to know. We are here to give you service - please do not try to stop us, for we come regardless. For we are as strong as we are intelligent. So come vibe with us - The Funk Bible, The New Testament..." As some critics have pointed out, these words seem to openly INVITE people to listen to the album. As if he knew that people would get hold of a copy, anyway. | |
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the black truth, i call it... it reveals so many things..
and damn, i don't own it!!!... yet! | |
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onenitealone said: ...the distorted opening words of the 'Black Album':
"So, you found me? Good - I'm glad. This is Prince, the Cool Of Cools. Some of you may know me, some of you may not. Some of you may not want to know. We are here to give you service - please do not try to stop us, for we come regardless. For we are as strong as we are intelligent. So come vibe with us - The Funk Bible, The New Testament..." I never knew these words. Very cool! As for stories, I thought Prince made the album as a rebuttle to critics claiming he had lost that funk. Initially, funky party music for Sheila's birthday party, I suspect drugs got involved and influenced proceedings. He apparently had a bad trip one night, Susan Rogers account somewhat suggests it when she saw how badly he was affected. And that was that. A spiritual awakening, or so he believed, of some sorts. A couple of days later, Prince pulled it off the shelves just as it was ready to ship. A major problem financially, Warners weren't at all happy. But Prince always finds his way. Lovesexy was it. For me, the missing link is the status of Prince and Susannah's relationship at the time he tripped. Something heavy, I imagine. The words to When 2 R In Love are almost whispered, it's so deep. | |
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onenitealone said: As some critics have pointed out, these words seem to openly INVITE people to listen to the album. As if he knew that people would get hold of a copy, anyway. Thanks for transcript of the intro, very nice indeed! The reason for these words though I think is more that the album was meant as a surprise. A X-mas gift. No official release date or promotion. Black cover, no name, no title, no artist, just a serial number written in peach. In the end the result was pretty muh the same, I agree. People hunting down the streets for the recordings. I remember I bought a copy on tape (yeah right, the 80's, the tape era) missing '2 nigs', only to find it later on the vinyl boot. One of the reasons (at that time) given for cancelling the release, was that the rumour/news had already leaked out to the people. I haven't read any biographies since '88 so please correct me if I am wrong, but this is how I remember it from back then. As for the music I still find the rythm guitar on 'Dead on it' fantastic and makes me me think of the genious rythm guitar of Sign o' the Times. Check it out! | |
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(this is lifted from an old thread)
OK, here's the truth about the whole 'Black Album thing' (short version)...
1. A lot of the tracks that appeared on the black album had originally been recorded by Prince as music for Sheila E's 29th birthday party on 11th December 1986. He originally had no intention of releasing them commercially. 2. Prince was getting a certain amount of critism for 'abandoning his black roots' and 'losing the funk' due to his more rock-orientated recent output. In response he started to assemble an album of mostly funky party tracks, which he called 'The Funk Bible'. 3. Prince finished 'The Funk Bible', and wanted to release it under a pseudonym, possibly Camille. He wanted to release the album without anyone initially knowing it was by him, so it would be an underground thing that would spread by word of mouth. He dropped the pseudonym idea (everyone already knew who Camille was), he then came up with the idea of releasing it in a plain black sleeve, with no listed artist or title at all. The Black Album was born. 4. The Black Album was given a WB catalogue number and release date, everything was going to plan. This would shut up the people who said he'd 'lost the funk'. The album appeared on WB's relase schedule listed as 'Something' by 'Somebody' to be released on 8th December 1987. 5. November 1987: The first set back... News had leaked out that Prince had a new album on the way, this upset Prince's plan. He hadn't intended the album as a 'proper' new album, it was supposed to be more like a side project (much like the later NPG albums). Prince reluctantly resigned himself to the fact that the album would be seen as his next album, and started thinking about his next project: Graffiti Bridge. The Black Album was pressed up ready for release. 6. Prince was concerned with releasing 'The Black Album' effectively under his own name, and was having second thoughts about it. He took a copy down to Rupert's in Minneapolis with the intention of getting the DJ to play it so he could see what kind of reception it got from the crowd. 7. At the club he met a songwriter/poet called Ingrid Chavez, with whom he ended up talking with at length that evening. Prince had been recently going through a sort of spiritual awakening (another reason he was having second thoughts about 'The Black Album'), and he found that Ingrid was very much in tune with his current wavelength. 8. It has been reported that the crunch came when he was looking at his reflection in the cover of the album, and Ingrid said something like 'You should learn to smile more'. At that point Prince realised that if he died now, 'The Black Album' would be his final work, and he definitely didn't want that as his last artistic statement. 9. 1st December 1987 (1 week before release): Prince calls WB chairman Mo Ostin (with whom he had a good, trusting working relationship) and says he wants to cancel the release of 'The Black Album'. Mo Ostin agrees to Prince's request and production was ceased. WB ordered all existing copies of the album destroyed. 10. A few copies of the album escaped destruction. Many promo and advance copies had already been given to friends and family, as well as WB executives and reps. about 100 vinyl copies 'vanished' from the Alsdorf pressing plant in Germany. Also about 10 CD's 'escaped' from the pressing plant in the U.S. These genuine 1987 pressings are still worth a bomb (especially the CD's). 11. After shelving 'The Black Album' and putting 'Graffiti Bridge' on hold, Prince immediately starts work on his next project 'Lovesexy'. He records half the album on 11th December! The first version of the album is completed by 21st January 1988, with only a few changes made before it's release on 10th May. 12. As part of his settlement with Warners in 1994, Prince agreed to a limited release for 'The Black Album'. Warners had wanted to release the album for some time (it came close to being officially released in 1991), but Prince had always been against it. He finally relented when it became a bargaining chip in his bid to be released from his contract. Prince used it as 'contract filler' along with 'Chaos And Disorder' and 'The Vault...Old Friends 4 Sale'. So there you have it. | |
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BorisFishpaw said: (this is lifted from an old thread)
As always, Boris! OK, here's the truth about the whole 'Black Album thing' (short version)...
1. A lot of the tracks that appeared on the black album had originally been recorded by Prince as music for Sheila E's 29th birthday party on 11th December 1986. He originally had no intention of releasing them commercially. 2. Prince was getting a certain amount of critism for 'abandoning his black roots' and 'losing the funk' due to his more rock-orientated recent output. In response he started to assemble an album of mostly funky party tracks, which he called 'The Funk Bible'. 3. Prince finished 'The Funk Bible', and wanted to release it under a pseudonym, possibly Camille. He wanted to release the album without anyone initially knowing it was by him, so it would be an underground thing that would spread by word of mouth. He dropped the pseudonym idea (everyone already knew who Camille was), he then came up with the idea of releasing it in a plain black sleeve, with no listed artist or title at all. The Black Album was born. 4. The Black Album was given a WB catalogue number and release date, everything was going to plan. This would shut up the people who said he'd 'lost the funk'. The album appeared on WB's relase schedule listed as 'Something' by 'Somebody' to be released on 8th December 1987. 5. November 1987: The first set back... News had leaked out that Prince had a new album on the way, this upset Prince's plan. He hadn't intended the album as a 'proper' new album, it was supposed to be more like a side project (much like the later NPG albums). Prince reluctantly resigned himself to the fact that the album would be seen as his next album, and started thinking about his next project: Graffiti Bridge. The Black Album was pressed up ready for release. 6. Prince was concerned with releasing 'The Black Album' effectively under his own name, and was having second thoughts about it. He took a copy down to Rupert's in Minneapolis with the intention of getting the DJ to play it so he could see what kind of reception it got from the crowd. 7. At the club he met a songwriter/poet called Ingrid Chavez, with whom he ended up talking with at length that evening. Prince had been recently going through a sort of spiritual awakening (another reason he was having second thoughts about 'The Black Album'), and he found that Ingrid was very much in tune with his current wavelength. 8. It has been reported that the crunch came when he was looking at his reflection in the cover of the album, and Ingrid said something like 'You should learn to smile more'. At that point Prince realised that if he died now, 'The Black Album' would be his final work, and he definitely didn't want that as his last artistic statement. 9. 1st December 1987 (1 week before release): Prince calls WB chairman Mo Ostin (with whom he had a good, trusting working relationship) and says he wants to cancel the release of 'The Black Album'. Mo Ostin agrees to Prince's request and production was ceased. WB ordered all existing copies of the album destroyed. 10. A few copies of the album escaped destruction. Many promo and advance copies had already been given to friends and family, as well as WB executives and reps. about 100 vinyl copies 'vanished' from the Alsdorf pressing plant in Germany. Also about 10 CD's 'escaped' from the pressing plant in the U.S. These genuine 1987 pressings are still worth a bomb (especially the CD's). 11. After shelving 'The Black Album' and putting 'Graffiti Bridge' on hold, Prince immediately starts work on his next project 'Lovesexy'. He records half the album on 11th December! The first version of the album is completed by 21st January 1988, with only a few changes made before it's release on 10th May. 12. As part of his settlement with Warners in 1994, Prince agreed to a limited release for 'The Black Album'. Warners had wanted to release the album for some time (it came close to being officially released in 1991), but Prince had always been against it. He finally relented when it became a bargaining chip in his bid to be released from his contract. Prince used it as 'contract filler' along with 'Chaos And Disorder' and 'The Vault...Old Friends 4 Sale'. So there you have it.  | |
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The Black Album is Superfunky!
-FragiSexy if your body needs water keep dancin' 'cause you oughta keep the blood flowing down to your feet Brother Maurice'll be 'round in a minute with a bucket filled, in it - squirrel meat | |
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The lore is fascinating. I'd have liked it if the Black Album remained unreleased... if only to prove the point that the community of music lovers can thrive free of entities like Warner Bros.
Also, the whole clandestine vibe added to it's dark aura. I worked in a record store when the Black Album was circulating, and I can still recall the reaction of kids who came across a bootleg copy in our bins. It was like they'd found the Holy Grail! I prefer Lovesexy for a variety of reasons, including its more positive vibe, but the Black Album is still classic funk. And I think the crown jewels are "Bob George" and "Rock Hard in a Funky Place." [This message was edited Fri Feb 28 14:04:09 PST 2003 by Lammastide] Ὅσον ζῇς φαίνου
μηδὲν ὅλως σὺ λυποῦ πρὸς ὀλίγον ἐστὶ τὸ ζῆν τὸ τέλος ὁ χρόνος ἀπαιτεῖ.” | |
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onenitealone said: ...
...4) And finally, some critics have picked up on the distorted opening words of the 'Black Album': "So, you found me? Good - I'm glad. This is Prince, the Cool Of Cools. Some of you may know me, some of you may not. Some of you may not want to know. We are here to give you service - please do not try to stop us, for we come regardless. For we are as strong as we are intelligent. So come vibe with us - The Funk Bible, The New Testament..." As some critics have pointed out, these words seem to openly INVITE people to listen to the album. As if he knew that people would get hold of a copy, anyway. Really!? Is this the somewhat whispered part within Le Grind? I have to listen to that carefully again. Where did you get that from??? Prince acknowledges it as The Funk Bible! Love that! Fabulous contribution to our knowledge onenitealone! Thank you! | |
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Le Grind and Rockhard in a Funky Place are my favorites off this album, but each track is very good.
I always thought Bob George was a bit weak, but the more you listen to it, the more you realise the genius behind that particular song. It's simple and vulgar, yet hypnotic and entrancing. The mood he sets in that tune is pure insanity! | |
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it's a better unreleased album than it is as part of his official discography | |
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Instead of 'officially' releasing the Black Album, Prince should've created a limited run of the album to be sold exclusively to NPGMC members. He could then do the same for many other unreleased albums. A kind of "What if.." series of releases for the fans. | |
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AaronUnlimited said: it's a better unreleased album than it is as part of his official discography
 This post not for the wimp contingent. All whiny wusses avert your eyes. | |
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rdhull said: Cloudbuster said: Isn't it great!
the Revolution couldn't have done this..and he couldn't have made this with them still around either Yes, had the Revolution done this album, it would STILL be funky and not sound as dated as it does now. This album for me is filed with NPS. | |
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AaronUnlimited said: it's a better unreleased album than it is as part of his official discography
So true, which says Prince made a good choice... at first. | |
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EverlastingNow said: rdhull said: Cloudbuster said: Isn't it great!
the Revolution couldn't have done this..and he couldn't have made this with them still around either Yes, had the Revolution done this album, it would STILL be funky and not sound as dated as it does now. This album for me is filed with NPS. What the fuck?! That's quite a few people I've heard now, comparing/likening The Black Album to Newpower Soul. I understand the possible remote link of funky party music but please, you seriously CANNOT be serious?! As much as I quite enjoy Newpower Soul, it ain't rock hard in THAT funky place...  | |
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Anji said: EverlastingNow said: rdhull said: Cloudbuster said: Isn't it great!
the Revolution couldn't have done this..and he couldn't have made this with them still around either Yes, had the Revolution done this album, it would STILL be funky and not sound as dated as it does now. This album for me is filed with NPS. What the fuck?! That's quite a few people I've heard now, comparing/likening The Black Album to Newpower Soul. I understand the possible remote link of funky party music but please, you seriously CANNOT be serious?! As much as I quite enjoy Newpower Soul, it ain't rock hard in THAT funky place... I will say that I still listen to Rock Hard in a Funky Place, but other than that I never listen to it. Too me, when I need a funky album I listen to The Gold Expierence, it's fun, it's funky and it still sounds fresh. | |
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EverlastingNow said: Anji said: EverlastingNow said: rdhull said: Cloudbuster said: Isn't it great!
the Revolution couldn't have done this..and he couldn't have made this with them still around either Yes, had the Revolution done this album, it would STILL be funky and not sound as dated as it does now. This album for me is filed with NPS. What the fuck?! That's quite a few people I've heard now, comparing/likening The Black Album to Newpower Soul. I understand the possible remote link of funky party music but please, you seriously CANNOT be serious?! As much as I quite enjoy Newpower Soul, it ain't rock hard in THAT funky place... I will say that I still listen to Rock Hard in a Funky Place, but other than that I never listen to it. Too me, when I need a funky album I listen to The Gold Expierence, it's fun, it's funky and it still sounds fresh. I understand this is all a matter of personal taste, and I respect that. It's cool. BUT likening Newpower Soul to The Black Album, is just funny, to me. I mean, that spoken word intro to The Black Album defines what I found funky in Prince and I've only recently seen a resurgence of that in The Rainbow Children. As much as people seem to hate the Bob George voice, when he sprinkles that on Everlasting Now, that there is the funk. Out of curiosity, what do you find that funky about The Gold Experience? I find it more a classic selection of pop/soul/rock record but not quite there on the funk level. It had no Days Of Wild, for example. And as much as Billy Jack Bitch is the RnB jam and Pussy Control had the funk potential (but somehow got lost in production), I really don't find much in the way that is truly funky when Prince goes deep down to the core. Even with 319, I just hear a pop kick as opposed to that funk kick on other pop records, such as Kiss. I love The Gold Experience but I am missing something on that funk level... | |
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Anji said: EverlastingNow said: Anji said: EverlastingNow said: rdhull said: Cloudbuster said: Isn't it great!
the Revolution couldn't have done this..and he couldn't have made this with them still around either Yes, had the Revolution done this album, it would STILL be funky and not sound as dated as it does now. This album for me is filed with NPS. What the fuck?! That's quite a few people I've heard now, comparing/likening The Black Album to Newpower Soul. I understand the possible remote link of funky party music but please, you seriously CANNOT be serious?! As much as I quite enjoy Newpower Soul, it ain't rock hard in THAT funky place... I will say that I still listen to Rock Hard in a Funky Place, but other than that I never listen to it. Too me, when I need a funky album I listen to The Gold Expierence, it's fun, it's funky and it still sounds fresh. I understand this is all a matter of personal taste, and I respect that. It's cool. BUT likening Newpower Soul to The Black Album, is just funny, to me. I mean, that spoken word intro to The Black Album defines what I found funky in Prince and I've only recently seen a resurgence of that in The Rainbow Children. As much as people seem to hate the Bob George voice, when he sprinkles that on Everlasting Now, that there is the funk. Out of curiosity, what do you find that funky about The Gold Experience? I find it more a classic selection of pop/soul/rock record but not quite there on the funk level. It had no Days Of Wild, for example. And as much as Billy Jack Bitch is the RnB jam and Pussy Control had the funk potential (but somehow got lost in production), I really don't find much in the way that is truly funky when Prince goes deep down to the core. Even with 319, I just hear a pop kick as opposed to that funk kick on other pop records, such as Kiss. I love The Gold Experience but I am missing something on that funk level... Okay let me clarify a little more. What I mean is that NPS and the Black Album sit at the bottom of my Prince pile. But for me there's always at least a couple of songs that I love on an album, even NPS. I love The One and Come On, but that's about it. And on Black, I love Rock Hard in a Funky Place. But it just doesn't do much more for me. And as far as Gold goes, I think it wins major points for me because of the live band sound. Pussy Control is just a fun song and always makes me smile. Endorphinemachine I don't listen to the album version at all because he watered it down from the original Glam Slam Ulysess version. And I love the music for Shhh, the lyrics are kind of lame though. And Now is one of my favorite funk tracks, Bland and Sonny T just LOCKED that groove down and plus it reminds me being in a crowd at Glam Slam and Pailsey Park jumping during the chorus. And 319 is simple yes, but it's addictive with that guitar crunch and that lead line gets me everytime. And yes the album's funk level would have tripled with the studio version of Days of Wild and to be honest, I go to the Come album when I want some fun music too. | |
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EverlastingNow said: Anji said: EverlastingNow said: Anji said: EverlastingNow said: rdhull said: Cloudbuster said: Isn't it great!
the Revolution couldn't have done this..and he couldn't have made this with them still around either Yes, had the Revolution done this album, it would STILL be funky and not sound as dated as it does now. This album for me is filed with NPS. What the fuck?! That's quite a few people I've heard now, comparing/likening The Black Album to Newpower Soul. I understand the possible remote link of funky party music but please, you seriously CANNOT be serious?! As much as I quite enjoy Newpower Soul, it ain't rock hard in THAT funky place... I will say that I still listen to Rock Hard in a Funky Place, but other than that I never listen to it. Too me, when I need a funky album I listen to The Gold Expierence, it's fun, it's funky and it still sounds fresh. I understand this is all a matter of personal taste, and I respect that. It's cool. BUT likening Newpower Soul to The Black Album, is just funny, to me. I mean, that spoken word intro to The Black Album defines what I found funky in Prince and I've only recently seen a resurgence of that in The Rainbow Children. As much as people seem to hate the Bob George voice, when he sprinkles that on Everlasting Now, that there is the funk. Out of curiosity, what do you find that funky about The Gold Experience? I find it more a classic selection of pop/soul/rock record but not quite there on the funk level. It had no Days Of Wild, for example. And as much as Billy Jack Bitch is the RnB jam and Pussy Control had the funk potential (but somehow got lost in production), I really don't find much in the way that is truly funky when Prince goes deep down to the core. Even with 319, I just hear a pop kick as opposed to that funk kick on other pop records, such as Kiss. I love The Gold Experience but I am missing something on that funk level... Okay let me clarify a little more. What I mean is that NPS and the Black Album sit at the bottom of my Prince pile. But for me there's always at least a couple of songs that I love on an album, even NPS. I love The One and Come On, but that's about it. And on Black, I love Rock Hard in a Funky Place. But it just doesn't do much more for me. And as far as Gold goes, I think it wins major points for me because of the live band sound. Pussy Control is just a fun song and always makes me smile. Endorphinemachine I don't listen to the album version at all because he watered it down from the original Glam Slam Ulysess version. And I love the music for Shhh, the lyrics are kind of lame though. And Now is one of my favorite funk tracks, Bland and Sonny T just LOCKED that groove down and plus it reminds me being in a crowd at Glam Slam and Pailsey Park jumping during the chorus. And 319 is simple yes, but it's addictive with that guitar crunch and that lead line gets me everytime. And yes the album's funk level would have tripled with the studio version of Days of Wild and to be honest, I go to the Come album when I want some fun music too. I think Come is much better executed than the Gold Experience because the translation of live funk is not made an issue. I also think Come has a darker sound which helps with the funk feeling. That said, it is no Black Album. [This message was edited Sun Mar 2 11:06:08 PST 2003 by Anji] | |
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Anji said: EverlastingNow said: Anji said: EverlastingNow said: Anji said: EverlastingNow said: rdhull said: Cloudbuster said: Isn't it great!
the Revolution couldn't have done this..and he couldn't have made this with them still around either Yes, had the Revolution done this album, it would STILL be funky and not sound as dated as it does now. This album for me is filed with NPS. What the fuck?! That's quite a few people I've heard now, comparing/likening The Black Album to Newpower Soul. I understand the possible remote link of funky party music but please, you seriously CANNOT be serious?! As much as I quite enjoy Newpower Soul, it ain't rock hard in THAT funky place... I will say that I still listen to Rock Hard in a Funky Place, but other than that I never listen to it. Too me, when I need a funky album I listen to The Gold Expierence, it's fun, it's funky and it still sounds fresh. I understand this is all a matter of personal taste, and I respect that. It's cool. BUT likening Newpower Soul to The Black Album, is just funny, to me. I mean, that spoken word intro to The Black Album defines what I found funky in Prince and I've only recently seen a resurgence of that in The Rainbow Children. As much as people seem to hate the Bob George voice, when he sprinkles that on Everlasting Now, that there is the funk. Out of curiosity, what do you find that funky about The Gold Experience? I find it more a classic selection of pop/soul/rock record but not quite there on the funk level. It had no Days Of Wild, for example. And as much as Billy Jack Bitch is the RnB jam and Pussy Control had the funk potential (but somehow got lost in production), I really don't find much in the way that is truly funky when Prince goes deep down to the core. Even with 319, I just hear a pop kick as opposed to that funk kick on other pop records, such as Kiss. I love The Gold Experience but I am missing something on that funk level... Okay let me clarify a little more. What I mean is that NPS and the Black Album sit at the bottom of my Prince pile. But for me there's always at least a couple of songs that I love on an album, even NPS. I love The One and Come On, but that's about it. And on Black, I love Rock Hard in a Funky Place. But it just doesn't do much more for me. And as far as Gold goes, I think it wins major points for me because of the live band sound. Pussy Control is just a fun song and always makes me smile. Endorphinemachine I don't listen to the album version at all because he watered it down from the original Glam Slam Ulysess version. And I love the music for Shhh, the lyrics are kind of lame though. And Now is one of my favorite funk tracks, Bland and Sonny T just LOCKED that groove down and plus it reminds me being in a crowd at Glam Slam and Pailsey Park jumping during the chorus. And 319 is simple yes, but it's addictive with that guitar crunch and that lead line gets me everytime. And yes the album's funk level would have tripled with the studio version of Days of Wild and to be honest, I go to the Come album when I want some fun music too. I think Come is much better executed than the Gold Experience because the translation of live funk is not made an issue. I also think Come has a darker sound which helps with the funk feeling. That said, it is no Black Album. [This message was edited Sun Mar 2 11:06:08 PST 2003 by Anji] But in all fairness, most of us heard these tracks live BEFORE they were on the albums. Since he had "retired"from recording and all. And as far as the "it is no Black Album" comment, you are right, but we agree for completely different reasons | |
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EverlastingNow said: Anji said: EverlastingNow said: Anji said: EverlastingNow said: Anji said: EverlastingNow said: rdhull said: Cloudbuster said: Isn't it great!
the Revolution couldn't have done this..and he couldn't have made this with them still around either Yes, had the Revolution done this album, it would STILL be funky and not sound as dated as it does now. This album for me is filed with NPS. What the fuck?! That's quite a few people I've heard now, comparing/likening The Black Album to Newpower Soul. I understand the possible remote link of funky party music but please, you seriously CANNOT be serious?! As much as I quite enjoy Newpower Soul, it ain't rock hard in THAT funky place... I will say that I still listen to Rock Hard in a Funky Place, but other than that I never listen to it. Too me, when I need a funky album I listen to The Gold Expierence, it's fun, it's funky and it still sounds fresh. I understand this is all a matter of personal taste, and I respect that. It's cool. BUT likening Newpower Soul to The Black Album, is just funny, to me. I mean, that spoken word intro to The Black Album defines what I found funky in Prince and I've only recently seen a resurgence of that in The Rainbow Children. As much as people seem to hate the Bob George voice, when he sprinkles that on Everlasting Now, that there is the funk. Out of curiosity, what do you find that funky about The Gold Experience? I find it more a classic selection of pop/soul/rock record but not quite there on the funk level. It had no Days Of Wild, for example. And as much as Billy Jack Bitch is the RnB jam and Pussy Control had the funk potential (but somehow got lost in production), I really don't find much in the way that is truly funky when Prince goes deep down to the core. Even with 319, I just hear a pop kick as opposed to that funk kick on other pop records, such as Kiss. I love The Gold Experience but I am missing something on that funk level... Okay let me clarify a little more. What I mean is that NPS and the Black Album sit at the bottom of my Prince pile. But for me there's always at least a couple of songs that I love on an album, even NPS. I love The One and Come On, but that's about it. And on Black, I love Rock Hard in a Funky Place. But it just doesn't do much more for me. And as far as Gold goes, I think it wins major points for me because of the live band sound. Pussy Control is just a fun song and always makes me smile. Endorphinemachine I don't listen to the album version at all because he watered it down from the original Glam Slam Ulysess version. And I love the music for Shhh, the lyrics are kind of lame though. And Now is one of my favorite funk tracks, Bland and Sonny T just LOCKED that groove down and plus it reminds me being in a crowd at Glam Slam and Pailsey Park jumping during the chorus. And 319 is simple yes, but it's addictive with that guitar crunch and that lead line gets me everytime. And yes the album's funk level would have tripled with the studio version of Days of Wild and to be honest, I go to the Come album when I want some fun music too. I think Come is much better executed than the Gold Experience because the translation of live funk is not made an issue. I also think Come has a darker sound which helps with the funk feeling. That said, it is no Black Album. [This message was edited Sun Mar 2 11:06:08 PST 2003 by Anji] But in all fairness, most of us heard these tracks live BEFORE they were on the albums. Since he had "retired"from recording and all. And as far as the "it is no Black Album" comment, you are right, but we agree for completely different reasons  | |
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Cloudbuster said: Isn't it great!
such a dark album, I love it *~* +*+ *?*
 If your Thirsty, I can be Friday, we can go out Saturday for a Sunday.  | |
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onenitealone said: 4) And finally, some critics have picked up on the distorted opening words of the 'Black Album': "So, you found me? Good - I'm glad. This is Prince, the Cool Of Cools. Some of you may know me, some of you may not. Some of you may not want to know. We are here to give you service - please do not try to stop us, for we come regardless. For we are as strong as we are intelligent. So come vibe with us - The Funk Bible, The New Testament..." As some critics have pointed out, these words seem to openly INVITE people to listen to the album. As if he knew that people would get hold of a copy, anyway. Where did that come from? Good night, sweet Prince | 7 June 1958 - 21 April 2016
Props will be withheld until the showing and proving has commenced. -- Aaron McGruder | |
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namepeace said: onenitealone said: 4) And finally, some critics have picked up on the distorted opening words of the 'Black Album': "So, you found me? Good - I'm glad. This is Prince, the Cool Of Cools. Some of you may know me, some of you may not. Some of you may not want to know. We are here to give you service - please do not try to stop us, for we come regardless. For we are as strong as we are intelligent. So come vibe with us - The Funk Bible, The New Testament..." As some critics have pointed out, these words seem to openly INVITE people to listen to the album. As if he knew that people would get hold of a copy, anyway. Where did that come from? Oh my ever-loving goodness. I just listened to it real close and it's word-4-word TRUE! Sorry I eva doubted u, ONA. MESSED . . . ME . . . UP!!! Good night, sweet Prince | 7 June 1958 - 21 April 2016
Props will be withheld until the showing and proving has commenced. -- Aaron McGruder | |
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