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Thread started 08/01/15 1:00pm

ChrisLacy1990

PRINCE's MOUNT RUSHMORE OF ALBUMS

If you had to choose four of Prince's greatest and most important albums, which would you pick?

To help get things started, here's my personal list:

4. DIRTY MIND (1980): DIRTY MIND did for Prince what OFF THE WALL did for Michael Jackson. It was a turning point that perfectly captures the swagger that Prince had as an up-and-coming artist. More than thirty years later since its release, listeners and critics alike are still buzzing about how great this record is.

3. 1999 (1982): The songs work like cinematic dream capsules, taking listeners from an apocalyptic world ("1999") to a BDSM bedroom scene ("Automatic"), from the backseat of a taxi ("Lady Cab Driver") to an erotic airline leaving the runway ("International Lover"). One of the greatest creative breakthroughs by any artist.

2. PURPLE RAIN (1984): This was more than just an album; it was a cultural phenomenon that very few artists have ever experienced. Sonically, it pressed forward as it continued to cross and mix genres (R&B, rock, funk, pop, New Wave, and soul). The semi-biographical film would soon follow and help bring the soundtrack to life onscreen.

1. SIGN O' THE TIMES (1987): Having already reached the pinnacle of commercial success, Prince wanted to create something for the ages—something that wouldn't just entertain but also provoke and inspire. With a runtime of 80 minutes, SIGN O' THE TIMES is a musical odyssey that gives us a behind-the-scenes peek at Prince engaging with the world around him—and inside him—like never before.

Sound off in the comments below on which Prince albums you believe are his greatest and most important.
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Reply #1 posted 08/01/15 1:07pm

jdcxc

ChrisLacy1990 said:

If you had to choose four of Prince's greatest and most important albums, which would you pick?

To help get things started, here's my personal list:

4. DIRTY MIND (1980): DIRTY MIND did for Prince what OFF THE WALL did for Michael Jackson. It was a turning point that perfectly captures the swagger that Prince had as an up-and-coming artist. More than thirty years later since its release, listeners and critics alike are still buzzing about how great this record is.

3. 1999 (1982): The songs work like cinematic dream capsules, taking listeners from an apocalyptic world ("1999") to a BDSM bedroom scene ("Automatic"), from the backseat of a taxi ("Lady Cab Driver") to an erotic airline leaving the runway ("International Lover"). One of the greatest creative breakthroughs by any artist.

2. PURPLE RAIN (1984): This was more than just an album; it was a cultural phenomenon that very few artists have ever experienced. Sonically, it pressed forward as it continued to cross and mix genres (R&B, rock, funk, pop, New Wave, and soul). The semi-biographical film would soon follow and help bring the soundtrack to life onscreen.

1. SIGN O' THE TIMES (1987): Having already reached the pinnacle of commercial success, Prince wanted to create something for the ages—something that wouldn't just entertain but also provoke and inspire. With a runtime of 80 minutes, SIGN O' THE TIMES is a musical odyssey that gives us a behind-the-scenes peek at Prince engaging with the world around him—and inside him—like never before.

Sound off in the comments below on which Prince albums you believe are his greatest and most important.


I would replace PR with Parade
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Reply #2 posted 08/01/15 1:18pm

feeluupp

1. PURPLE RAIN: ICONIC

2. SIGN O' THE TIMES: MUSICAL MASTERPIECE

3. 1999: BEGINNING OF PURPLE LEGACY

4. PARADE: MOST UNDERATED PRINCE ALBUM BY THE PUBLIC

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Reply #3 posted 08/01/15 1:19pm

ChrisLacy1990

Appreciate the feedback! Tell me why you feel PARADE is greater and/or more important than PURPLE RAIN.
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Reply #4 posted 08/01/15 1:23pm

feeluupp

ChrisLacy1990 said:

Appreciate the feedback! Tell me why you feel PARADE is greater and/or more important than PURPLE RAIN.

Musically and iconically PURPLE RAIN IMO is a better album overall than PARADE...

However I feel PARADE is one of the best Prince albums of all time, more complete than ATWIAD, DIRTY MIND, CONTROVERSY, LOVESEXY and BATMAN...

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Reply #5 posted 08/01/15 2:08pm

ChrisLacy1990

feeluupp said:

ChrisLacy1990 said:

Appreciate the feedback! Tell me why you feel PARADE is greater and/or more important than PURPLE RAIN.

Musically and iconically PURPLE RAIN IMO is a better album overall than PARADE...

However I feel PARADE is one of the best Prince albums of all time, more complete than ATWIAD, DIRTY MIND, CONTROVERSY, LOVESEXY and BATMAN...


Sorry about that. That comment was intended for jdcxc - I agree that PARADE is one of the best (it's in my personal Top 5.

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Reply #6 posted 08/01/15 2:11pm

ChrisLacy1990

feeluupp said:

1. PURPLE RAIN: ICONIC

2. SIGN O' THE TIMES: MUSICAL MASTERPIECE

3. 1999: BEGINNING OF PURPLE LEGACY

4. PARADE: MOST UNDERATED PRINCE ALBUM BY THE PUBLIC


I really dig your list! If this was a "favorite albums" blog, I would keep 1-3 the same and add LOVESEXY at the #4 spot.

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Reply #7 posted 08/01/15 2:32pm

SPYZFAN1

"DIRTY MIND"...The real arrival..."S.O.T.T" - Headphone masterpiece..a funky "Wizard Of Oz" like journey..."CONTROVERSY"..Great production/killer R&B..."1999"..Always thought it was the sister record to CONTROVERSY.."PARADE"..jazz, funk, Middle Eastern, vaudville, R&B pop, odd orchestration..it's all here..very underrated record.

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Reply #8 posted 08/01/15 2:36pm

Replica

avatar

ChrisLacy1990 said:

If you had to choose four of Prince's greatest and most important albums, which would you pick? To help get things started, here's my personal list: 4. DIRTY MIND (1980): DIRTY MIND did for Prince what OFF THE WALL did for Michael Jackson. It was a turning point that perfectly captures the swagger that Prince had as an up-and-coming artist. More than thirty years later since its release, listeners and critics alike are still buzzing about how great this record is. 3. 1999 (1982): The songs work like cinematic dream capsules, taking listeners from an apocalyptic world ("1999") to a BDSM bedroom scene ("Automatic"), from the backseat of a taxi ("Lady Cab Driver") to an erotic airline leaving the runway ("International Lover"). One of the greatest creative breakthroughs by any artist. 2. PURPLE RAIN (1984): This was more than just an album; it was a cultural phenomenon that very few artists have ever experienced. Sonically, it pressed forward as it continued to cross and mix genres (R&B, rock, funk, pop, New Wave, and soul). The semi-biographical film would soon follow and help bring the soundtrack to life onscreen. 1. SIGN O' THE TIMES (1987): Having already reached the pinnacle of commercial success, Prince wanted to create something for the ages—something that wouldn't just entertain but also provoke and inspire. With a runtime of 80 minutes, SIGN O' THE TIMES is a musical odyssey that gives us a behind-the-scenes peek at Prince engaging with the world around him—and inside him—like never before. Sound off in the comments below on which Prince albums you believe are his greatest and most important.

Pretty much agree with this one...

4. Dirty Mind: The prototype Prince is formed

3. 1999: Prince is defined

2. Purple Rain: Prince takes over the major public

1. SOTT: Prince is now fully respected among music lovers and music critics.

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Reply #9 posted 08/01/15 2:37pm

Aerogram

avatar

jdcxc said:

ChrisLacy1990 said:
If you had to choose four of Prince's greatest and most important albums, which would you pick? To help get things started, here's my personal list: 4. DIRTY MIND (1980): DIRTY MIND did for Prince what OFF THE WALL did for Michael Jackson. It was a turning point that perfectly captures the swagger that Prince had as an up-and-coming artist. More than thirty years later since its release, listeners and critics alike are still buzzing about how great this record is. 3. 1999 (1982): The songs work like cinematic dream capsules, taking listeners from an apocalyptic world ("1999") to a BDSM bedroom scene ("Automatic"), from the backseat of a taxi ("Lady Cab Driver") to an erotic airline leaving the runway ("International Lover"). One of the greatest creative breakthroughs by any artist. 2. PURPLE RAIN (1984): This was more than just an album; it was a cultural phenomenon that very few artists have ever experienced. Sonically, it pressed forward as it continued to cross and mix genres (R&B, rock, funk, pop, New Wave, and soul). The semi-biographical film would soon follow and help bring the soundtrack to life onscreen. 1. SIGN O' THE TIMES (1987): Having already reached the pinnacle of commercial success, Prince wanted to create something for the ages—something that wouldn't just entertain but also provoke and inspire. With a runtime of 80 minutes, SIGN O' THE TIMES is a musical odyssey that gives us a behind-the-scenes peek at Prince engaging with the world around him—and inside him—like never before. Sound off in the comments below on which Prince albums you believe are his greatest and most important.
I would replace PR with Parade

How provocative.

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Reply #10 posted 08/01/15 2:37pm

iveivan

ChrisLacy1990 said:



feeluupp said:


1. PURPLE RAIN: ICONIC


2. SIGN O' THE TIMES: MUSICAL MASTERPIECE


3. 1999: BEGINNING OF PURPLE LEGACY


4. PARADE: MOST UNDERATED PRINCE ALBUM BY THE PUBLIC




I really dig your list! If this was a "favorite albums" blog, I would keep 1-3 the same and add LOVESEXY at the #4 spot.



I also agree on the first three. They are three albums you can listen to from beginning to end and not want to skip anything. I don't think there's another album like that for me. Hard to pick a single fourth album. I would not pick Lovesexy or Parade though. Maybe Symbol.
[Edited 8/1/15 14:40pm]
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Reply #11 posted 08/01/15 2:45pm

Aerogram

avatar

ChrisLacy1990 said:

If you had to choose four of Prince's greatest and most important albums, which would you pick? To help get things started, here's my personal list: 4. DIRTY MIND (1980): DIRTY MIND did for Prince what OFF THE WALL did for Michael Jackson. It was a turning point that perfectly captures the swagger that Prince had as an up-and-coming artist. More than thirty years later since its release, listeners and critics alike are still buzzing about how great this record is. 3. 1999 (1982): The songs work like cinematic dream capsules, taking listeners from an apocalyptic world ("1999") to a BDSM bedroom scene ("Automatic"), from the backseat of a taxi ("Lady Cab Driver") to an erotic airline leaving the runway ("International Lover"). One of the greatest creative breakthroughs by any artist. 2. PURPLE RAIN (1984): This was more than just an album; it was a cultural phenomenon that very few artists have ever experienced. Sonically, it pressed forward as it continued to cross and mix genres (R&B, rock, funk, pop, New Wave, and soul). The semi-biographical film would soon follow and help bring the soundtrack to life onscreen. 1. SIGN O' THE TIMES (1987): Having already reached the pinnacle of commercial success, Prince wanted to create something for the ages—something that wouldn't just entertain but also provoke and inspire. With a runtime of 80 minutes, SIGN O' THE TIMES is a musical odyssey that gives us a behind-the-scenes peek at Prince engaging with the world around him—and inside him—like never before. Sound off in the comments below on which Prince albums you believe are his greatest and most important.

The End. Sorry but there is no way you can exclude any of those albums without sounding completely oblivious, these are indeed the four pillars supporting the whole Purple Edifice.

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Reply #12 posted 08/01/15 2:53pm

ChrisLacy1990

Aerogram said:

ChrisLacy1990 said:

If you had to choose four of Prince's greatest and most important albums, which would you pick? To help get things started, here's my personal list: 4. DIRTY MIND (1980): DIRTY MIND did for Prince what OFF THE WALL did for Michael Jackson. It was a turning point that perfectly captures the swagger that Prince had as an up-and-coming artist. More than thirty years later since its release, listeners and critics alike are still buzzing about how great this record is. 3. 1999 (1982): The songs work like cinematic dream capsules, taking listeners from an apocalyptic world ("1999") to a BDSM bedroom scene ("Automatic"), from the backseat of a taxi ("Lady Cab Driver") to an erotic airline leaving the runway ("International Lover"). One of the greatest creative breakthroughs by any artist. 2. PURPLE RAIN (1984): This was more than just an album; it was a cultural phenomenon that very few artists have ever experienced. Sonically, it pressed forward as it continued to cross and mix genres (R&B, rock, funk, pop, New Wave, and soul). The semi-biographical film would soon follow and help bring the soundtrack to life onscreen. 1. SIGN O' THE TIMES (1987): Having already reached the pinnacle of commercial success, Prince wanted to create something for the ages—something that wouldn't just entertain but also provoke and inspire. With a runtime of 80 minutes, SIGN O' THE TIMES is a musical odyssey that gives us a behind-the-scenes peek at Prince engaging with the world around him—and inside him—like never before. Sound off in the comments below on which Prince albums you believe are his greatest and most important.

The End. Sorry but there is no way you can exclude any of those albums without sounding completely oblivious, these are indeed the four pillars supporting the whole Purple Edifice.

Hahaha! Can't argue with that statement, my friend.

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Reply #13 posted 08/01/15 4:00pm

jdcxc

ChrisLacy1990 said:



feeluupp said:




ChrisLacy1990 said:


Appreciate the feedback! Tell me why you feel PARADE is greater and/or more important than PURPLE RAIN.


Musically and iconically PURPLE RAIN IMO is a better album overall than PARADE...



However I feel PARADE is one of the best Prince albums of all time, more complete than ATWIAD, DIRTY MIND, CONTROVERSY, LOVESEXY and BATMAN...




Sorry about that. That comment was intended for jdcxc - I agree that PARADE is one of the best (it's in my personal Top 5.



I guess I interpreted "important" in relation to his artistry and not the commercial success. Even though, the mega popularity of PR cannot be denied, I bet true fans listen to Parade more. And don't dismiss the cultural monster that is "Kiss."
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Reply #14 posted 08/01/15 4:11pm

Aerogram

avatar

jdcxc said:

ChrisLacy1990 said:


Sorry about that. That comment was intended for jdcxc - I agree that PARADE is one of the best (it's in my personal Top 5.

I guess I interpreted "important" in relation to his artistry and not the commercial success. Even though, the mega popularity of PR cannot be denied, I bet true fans listen to Parade more. And don't dismiss the cultural monster that is "Kiss."

It's a Mount Rushmore fantasy, you don't want to be the person that can cancelled the equivalent of George Washington on that fantasy Rushmore.

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Reply #15 posted 08/01/15 4:17pm

jdcxc

Aerogram said:



jdcxc said:


ChrisLacy1990 said:



Sorry about that. That comment was intended for jdcxc - I agree that PARADE is one of the best (it's in my personal Top 5.



I guess I interpreted "important" in relation to his artistry and not the commercial success. Even though, the mega popularity of PR cannot be denied, I bet true fans listen to Parade more. And don't dismiss the cultural monster that is "Kiss."


It's a Mount Rushmore fantasy, you don't want to be the person that can cancelled the equivalent of George Washington on that fantasy Rushmore.



Lol...okay true enough, but Theodore Roosevelt can go.
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Reply #16 posted 08/01/15 4:35pm

feeluupp

To the majority of CRITCS the top 4 PRINCE Albums are always:

1. Purple Rain due to the cultural and iconic impact.

2. Sign O' The Times due the musical genius mastery of the album.

3. 1999

4. Dirty Mind

... I believe Dirty Mind was the turning point album that PRINCE really found his own true sound, mixing spirituality, God, sex with his musicl excellence... However personally, tecnically and musically I would put PARADE over DIRTY MIND... Kiss is one of the most iconic Pop songs of all time, and that's not the reason I choose PARADE over DIRTY MIND... There is an eclectic consistancy throughout the whole album even with the short songs and instrumentals, this album just flows so well, the album is pure Euro Funk with the PRINCE touch... PARADE is genius and doesn't get the credit it deserves because it is always overshadowed by Sign O' The Times and overlooked by Purple Rain.

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Reply #17 posted 08/01/15 5:21pm

terrig

feeluupp said:

To the majority of CRITCS the top 4 PRINCE Albums are always:



1. Purple Rain due to the cultural and iconic impact.



2. Sign O' The Times due the musical genius mastery of the album.



3. 1999



4. Dirty Mind



... I believe Dirty Mind was the turning point album that PRINCE really found his own true sound, mixing spirituality, God, sex with his musicl excellence... However personally, tecnically and musically I would put PARADE over DIRTY MIND... Kiss is one of the most iconic Pop songs of all time, and that's not the reason I choose PARADE over DIRTY MIND... There is an eclectic consistancy throughout the whole album even with the short songs and instrumentals, this album just flows so well, the album is pure Euro Funk with the PRINCE touch... PARADE is genius and doesn't get the credit it deserves because it is always overshadowed by Sign O' The Times and overlooked by Purple Rain.




The top 3 are obvious I think but I really think you've nailed it w dirty mind....this was THE 'click' that made Prince PRINCE.
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Reply #18 posted 08/01/15 8:02pm

trax

For me its

Diamonds and Pearls

Symbol Album

The Gold Experience

Lotusflower

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Reply #19 posted 08/02/15 6:02am

rusty1

ChrisLacy1990 said:

If you had to choose four of Prince's greatest and most important albums, which would you pick?

To help get things started, here's my personal list:

4. DIRTY MIND (1980): DIRTY MIND did for Prince what OFF THE WALL did for Michael Jackson. It was a turning point that perfectly captures the swagger that Prince had as an up-and-coming artist. More than thirty years later since its release, listeners and critics alike are still buzzing about how great this record is.

3. 1999 (1982): The songs work like cinematic dream capsules, taking listeners from an apocalyptic world ("1999") to a BDSM bedroom scene ("Automatic"), from the backseat of a taxi ("Lady Cab Driver") to an erotic airline leaving the runway ("International Lover"). One of the greatest creative breakthroughs by any artist.

2. PURPLE RAIN (1984): This was more than just an album; it was a cultural phenomenon that very few artists have ever experienced. Sonically, it pressed forward as it continued to cross and mix genres (R&B, rock, funk, pop, New Wave, and soul). The semi-biographical film would soon follow and help bring the soundtrack to life onscreen.

1. SIGN O' THE TIMES (1987): Having already reached the pinnacle of commercial success, Prince wanted to create something for the ages—something that wouldn't just entertain but also provoke and inspire. With a runtime of 80 minutes, SIGN O' THE TIMES is a musical odyssey that gives us a behind-the-scenes peek at Prince engaging with the world around him—and inside him—like never before.

Sound off in the comments below on which Prince albums you believe are his greatest and most important.
BOB4theFUNK
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Reply #20 posted 08/02/15 6:03am

kapo74

If the Tidal, GooglePlay and Amazon release of Paard van Troje is legit, that could be in the list as well smile

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Reply #21 posted 08/02/15 6:03am

rusty1

ChrisLacy1990 said:

If you had to choose four of Prince's greatest and most important albums, which would you pick?

To help get things started, here's my personal list:

4. DIRTY MIND (1980): DIRTY MIND did for Prince what OFF THE WALL did for Michael Jackson. It was a turning point that perfectly captures the swagger that Prince had as an up-and-coming artist. More than thirty years later since its release, listeners and critics alike are still buzzing about how great this record is.

3. 1999 (1982): The songs work like cinematic dream capsules, taking listeners from an apocalyptic world ("1999") to a BDSM bedroom scene ("Automatic"), from the backseat of a taxi ("Lady Cab Driver") to an erotic airline leaving the runway ("International Lover"). One of the greatest creative breakthroughs by any artist.

2. PURPLE RAIN (1984): This was more than just an album; it was a culturphenomenon that very few artists have ever experienced. Sonically, it pressed forward as it continued to cross and mix genres (R&B, rock, funk, pop, New Wave, and soul). The semi-biographical film would soon follow and help bring the soundtrack to life onscreen.

1. SIGN O' THE TIMES (1987): Having already reached the pinnacle of commercial success, Prince wanted to create something for the ages—something that wouldn't just entertain but also provoke and inspire. With a runtime of 80 minutes, SIGN O' THE TIMES is a musical odyssey that gives us a behind-the-scenes peek at Princeengaging with the world around him—and inside him—like never before.

Sound off in the comments below on which Prince albums you believe are his greatest and most important.

100% agree.. Definitely Prince's 4 best albums ever
BOB4theFUNK
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Reply #22 posted 08/02/15 6:47am

RJOrion

For You
Dirty Mind
Purple Rain
Sign Of The Times
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Reply #23 posted 08/02/15 6:56am

bluegangsta

avatar

For You

Goldnigga

NEWS

Musicology

Always cry 4 love, never cry 4 pain.
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Reply #24 posted 08/02/15 7:25am

KingSausage

avatar

Parade
Lovesexy
SOTT
1999
"Drop that stereo before I blow your Goddamn nuts off, asshole!"
-Eugene Tackleberry
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Reply #25 posted 08/02/15 8:41am

tollyc

A different spin (my favorite album of each decade)

Sign of the Times

Gold Experience

3121

Art Official Age

Or if we stuck to the best 4 of his career:

Sign of the Times

Parade

Purple Rain

1999

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Reply #26 posted 08/02/15 8:49am

feeluupp

I love the FAMZ... The ones that put crazy albums on the TOP 4 lists... No wait it's opinion, everyone has the right to opinion... nutso

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Reply #27 posted 08/02/15 8:56am

crenshaw

Yes, I agree with the initial post-- as it is talking about the four most important as far as Prince's career, along with being some of the best, those are perfect choices. PARADE is one of my very favorites, but it did not have such an impact (aside from a #1 hit with Kiss) as the others listed. Looking past the '80s, I could see a case being made for Diamonds and Pearls, as it kind of brought him back to a good place as far as sales, and was also a pretty good album. I could also see cases being made for The Rainbow Children, as it marked Prince in the eyes of many as a serious artist. And then Musicology was a solid commercial comeback. And finally, the double-whammy masterpieces Art Official Age and Plectrumelectrum are artistic successes bar none. But it all goes back to those four from the '80s, I think.

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Reply #28 posted 08/02/15 11:23am

bigd74

avatar

kapo74 said:

If the Tidal, GooglePlay and Amazon release of Paard van Troje is legit, that could be in the list as well smile

i highly doubt it is, i'm listening now and it sounds no different to the boot, the incorrect cover is a giveaway. still a fuckin classic tho smile

She Believed in Fairytales and Princes, He Believed the voices coming from his stereo

If I Said You Had A Beautiful Body Would You Hold It Against Me?
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Reply #29 posted 08/03/15 7:21am

luvsexy4all

just leave it at dirty mind to lovesexy...

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