MIRvmn said:

JediMaster said:

I prefer the 2011 cut, but this one isn't bad. The original bootleg was a favorite of mine (other than that cringe-worthy rape line), but I actually thought the 2011 cut was better. The reloaded and album mix (which are near-identical) are just a bit too overproduced for my taste, but still...not bad.

yes me too, the 2011 cut was really good imo He should have put that one on this album instead

With or without Andy Allo's rap?

.

I quite like this Phase 2/Reloaded version, not saying its better than the original, but it's good.

RaspBerryGirlFriend said:

databank said:

I honestly canNOT understand how anyone could favor the original cut over this one. I just can't.

However my fave was the 2011 cut and its extended instrumental "remix", I think it's sexier with only synths and the horns, while gorgeous, kill a bit of the sexiness of it. Electrofunk is always the sexier than classic funk

Where did this come out, I don't think I've ever heard it, was it the "B-side" of the vocal version?

Anyway as far as the song goes I really like this version, the horn breakdown in the middle is great and I just think it's one of his best songs for a long time. The original is great as well (apart from the gross rape lyric needless to say) and if we had it in perfect quality I would probably prefer it to this newer one, but I'm content to enjoy both, same thing with the two versions of We Can Funk

Now I got to go find the other version of this.

dodger said:

thebanishedone said:

What is a problem with the rape part? It is thete to showcase how much he lusts about that girl and it adds quirky element to the sound.anyway the original 1983 version is the best.second place goes to 2011synth funk version and this new version is ruined with two much horns

Totally agree, this is the right order for me. I wouldn't say 'ruined' though as I can still listen to it, but I agree that less horns would have been better for this song.

thebanishedone said:

What is a problem with the rape part? It is thete to showcase how much he lusts about that girl and it adds quirky element to the sound.anyway the original 1983 version is the best.second place goes to 2011synth funk version and this new version is ruined with two much horns

there is absolutely no excuse to put the line 'I am sorry bit I'm just gonna have to rape you '' line on tape. EVER

eelco said:

The main problem people have with this version is that it's not the remastered original .

the rape part was the climax of the original song...it doesnt have the same demonic bite without it...still a great song though...

databank said:

The horns on this song are the best horns on any Prince song since Billy Jack Bitch.

I agree that the original lyrics were a bit odd (just about ok for a young buck, but a 50+ year old man? no he had to change the lyrics)

but i like the urgency and vibe of the orignal music - so i would of preferred it if he had just redone the vocals but kept the original music. that would of been amazing to hear in prisitine condition.

KingSausage said:

databank said:

I honestly canNOT understand how anyone could favor the original cut over this one. I just can't.

However my fave was the 2011 cut and its extended instrumental "remix", I think it's sexier with only synths and the horns, while gorgeous, kill a bit of the sexiness of it. Electrofunk is always the sexier than classic funk

The original 80's version is WAY better than his two recent attempts at the song. And I love the version on Phase Two. But the original outtake is burning with passion. Listen to his delivery, the way the beat just propels him through the song. It's magic that can't be recreated. Too bad about the rape lyrics though.

the rape lyrics could easily be removed from the vocal track or even that whole part edited out. it's not a reason to not release the original (at some point in the futrure)

Dandroppedadime said:

thebanishedone said:

What is a problem with the rape part? It is thete to showcase how much he lusts about that girl and it adds quirky element to the sound.anyway the original 1983 version is the best.second place goes to 2011synth funk version and this new version is ruined with two much horns

What's wrong with it? Rape is a violent, disgusting act that has nothing to do with sex, plain and simple. Yes, some people play out rape fantasies sexually, and I get that this is what is intended here, but the fact of the matter is that it still references a vile act. If two consenting adults choose to play in that manner privately, then I have no issue with it, but this is being put into song for the world to hear.

I'm forgiving of Prince for this lyric, simply because most young men (especially at the time it was written), aren't educated about rape and rape culture. He had no idea that just saying such a line can be horrible for anyone who has gone through such an experience. Knowing several women who have been raped, my eyes were opened to how traumatic such sentiments are. I think it quite likely that some of the women in his life at the time may have hipped him to this fact, and that may be why he never released this version.

Yes, the lyric is meant to be Prince taunting a willing lover, who is deliberately "teasing" him. I get that, but it's so easy to misconstrue that for many listeners. The attitude of "no means yes" is a massive problem in our culture, and that is why so many people take issue with it.