Hit N Run Phase 2. From Baltimore to the Big City, sit back, listen and Stare as Peach & Black Podcast assess Prince's latest Revelation's Groovy Potential. Will be it Xtraloveable? or a Screwed driver??

We also announce the survey results (see here: http://prince.org/msg/7/420715) throughout the show. Enjoy!



Episode Link: http://peachandblack.podb...-2-review/

Peach & Black Podcast Home: http://peachandblack.podbean.com/

Peach & Black on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/...ackpodcast

bluegangsta said:

Question - Do you publish you survey results anywhere.
(Massive fan of the podcast, so apologies if I've never noticed)

^Sure. They're published throughout the show

The Larry David reference is priceless!

Thanks for the podcast... Always enjoy your reviews.

Love the review and podcast as a whole. I'm not sure though, how you'll have a somewhat ambivalent and love/hate feeling towards so many of the songs, and still manage to give it 7 or 8 out of 10.

I love your nerdy view on why certain elements make a song better or worse. But I'm glad I'm not trying to produce Prince in my head everytime I listen to him. That makes it really hard to be able to appreciate things. In the beginning I'd let the mastering and his lack of energy in his vocals frustrate me. But now I just kind of ignore the mastering, and hear his "lack of energy" as a more laid back grown man style for the masses. I'm sure Prince don't like the fact that his new album is so friendly towards ears of the masses, but still won't reach the masses. It's a seldom thing for me to say that this is both one of his best albums in years, and still one of his most toothless ones. It lacks edge, but it kinda suits the album as a whole. It's nice for putting in the background. One of few Prince albums that can be used as background music.

[Edited 1/20/16 7:57am]

Replica said:

Love the review and podcast as a whole. I'm not sure though, how you'll have a somewhat ambivalent and love/hate feeling towards so many of the songs, and still manage to give it 7 or 8 out of 10.

I love your nerdy view on why certain elements make a song better or worse. But I'm glad I'm not trying to produce Prince in my head everytime I listen to him. That makes it really hard to be able to appreciate things. In the beginning I'd let the mastering and his lack of energy in his vocals frustrate me. But now I just kind of ignore the mastering, and hear his "lack of energy" as a more laid back grown man style for the masses. I'm sure Prince don't like the fact that his new album is so friendly towards ears of the masses, but still won't reach the masses. It's a seldom thing for me to say that this is both one of his best albums in years, and still one of his most toothless ones. It lacks edge, but it kinda suits the album as a whole. It's nice for putting in the background. One of few Prince albums that can be used as background music.

[Edited 1/20/16 7:57am]

Good review of the Peach & Black review I love the commenataries! I was looking forward to this one b/c I believe this album to be his best in years. I heard some mild complaints of the songs being older and I just laugh. These are all original and great. The fact that he collected them over the last few years is something he should do more often...it is called patience ! Remember, this is how Sign O The Times was assembled....and that is considered by many as his best. The songs are super.

The comments about his thinning vocals were interesting. I'm going to have to compare...I wish the P&B guys would insert snippets of some of what they discuss. It would be nice to hear a 'full' falsetto vs what they descirbe as 'thin'. It would be nice to hear some of the very subtle things they hear...(I still don't know where the music box is in Slow Love - see SOTT review). I think his vocals are still great...he can hit those high notes like he did 25 years ago.

I still have a lot of respect for him artistically. He knows he can comb thru his vaults and pick out great songs, possibly update them (xtraloveable is better than original to me) and release. However, year after year, this guy relies on his latest songs and does not rely on his older output.

Great album, great review...

p.s. Captin - you are out of your mind about Revelation...completely out of your skull...that is an INCREDIBLE song.

I am glad you have the podcast out, but overall I feel your review is disappointing and unduly harsh. The marks you guys gave (Average 7.5, if we assume MC was a 7) were a bit south of what we were expecting (Well thats your opinion) and unfortunately show a bitt of immaturity (Captain not liking the world limoncello - It is actually a liqeur made out of lemons and is popular in the Naples/Amalfi/Capri region of Italy). Word xenophobia is very high school. Prince is using it as a metaphor, the usual have a drink before we fuck reference. On the other hand Toejam and Playa were great and gave us their usual insight, it is easy to see those guys are the true musos, whereas Captain and MC you guys are more fans like the rest of us. Don't get me wrong I still respect you guys, but I was just a bit underwhelmed here.

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Also the jokes about accordions and other instruments were disappointing and Captain's rant about Revelation was very left field. Mostly I was disappointed as your review did not reflect the fans. It is obvious most of us like this album more than you guys. A lot of the dislike was for silly reasons like song length, not understanding some lyrics and metaphors and again a bit of negativity at his religious references. Prince is a Christian and we have to get used to it. Revelation is a good examples, the church and sex, a classic Prince combination!

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I think it is because you guys are very young for Prince fans (I mean isn't MC like about 30 and Toejam only 28 or 30, whereas most Prince fans are in their early40s to mid 50s and we get that instrumental, funk, piano and accordion music more than keyed in bling bling beats that please the teenagers and braindead masses), that you do not like some of these songs.

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The slight fan hate for Baltimore is really shocking and it does show a lack of understanding of the racial issues in the USA, between rich white people and their racist police forces and the poor black city populations being harassed and profiled by them. The fact the song got last, but still 63% like/love is a clear sign that the fans in general loved the album. Also you guys were not that impressed with it and its sequence. I like it as an album starter, it sets up the soulful and funky sound of this album and Prince announces his agenda " We are going to have some funk and fun, but first I need to get some shit off my chest".

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Also the sound in parts is really crackly and there are a couple of drop outs. Most of what Toejam and Playa said was great at least and both of you guys really get it. Captain does not and I have to say I have cooled quite a bit towards you guys, hopefully you can bring it back with the next review. Most of your album reviews are great and on point, but for some reason this is just not your best work.

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I also wished you had mentioned the percentage that voted the album at each level, like 10, 9, 8 etc, you just say 8 at 25.7%, But I am sure the 9 and 10 would have got more combined. I gave it a 9 and consider the album better than Artofficalage, mainly as there are no segues, filler or silly interruptions. There is not an ounce of fat on this album. Prince has actually given us a full length album with 12 songs all of full length and musical quality, no 90 second instrumentals, affirmations, skits, filler or bimbo spotlight songs like Boytrouble. And the 12 songs are all at least good with 3 songs that make it to the level of his 1980s classics, Black Muse, Stare and Revelation.

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Prince has not given us an album of this consistency since the Gold Experience and even that has the NPG operators, so may be the best album since Lovesexy here. I put it between Gold Experience and Dirty Mind on my list (I like TGE songs more), making it 8th out of all Prince albums and the highest of any post 1988 album except Gold Experience.

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The review on the Prince podcast, which I believe most of them or all of them are African American was much better, they really got the album and dug it and I found myself agreeing with most of what they said.

[Edited 1/20/16 13:40pm]

Thank you guys!!! I am a big fan of the podcast (I really look forward to when they come out!)...and I can't wait to listen to it!

bobgeorge77 said:

Thank you guys!!! I am a big fan of the podcast (I really look forward to when they come out!)...and I can't wait to listen to it!

I sort of get Adorecream's comments...I as also feeling that the P&B guys were being a bit tough on Prince and this album. However, they are also having a lot of fun with it all. The Podcasts are very entertaining...in part due to Captin's commentary! I am never sure how Captin can not like a classic part of Prince's arsenal...his slow songs!

Anyway, although I sort of understand Adorecream's disappointment, I love the P&B Podcasts. There is a lot of great and insightful commentary.

Oh I am still a fan, and always will be, everyone has off days. I just felt they did not like the album as much as they could have, because they were imposing blocks on their comprehension of certain parts like song subject matter and musical construction in parts.

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Everyone has a diverse opinion I guess, and I know I am probably a bigger admirer of this album than many fans, most of the problems I had with were with Captain and MC's comments. Playa and Toejam were sweet, I don't agree with all their opinions, but they have their full right to them and to express them. No disrespect towards these guys. I realise nowthe podcast is hugely popular the expectation is high.

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Plus they are Australians! How can I not be a fan, being in New Zealand, Australia is like the next country over and we don't actually sound or act that different. I just felt they needed 2 dig deeper. Also we are looking at a Prince podcast that has now lasted an incredible 7 years - happy birthday guys!!!!

[Edited 1/21/16 0:49am]

Adorecream said:

I think they all rated it above 7 so they must have liked it. Yes i agree it wasn't the best podcast they have ever done, but it was still a great listen and they are honest opinions from genuine Prince fans. Prince does some great things, but also some bad things too. His recent obsession with the money side of the buisness seems to be getting bigger! He comes across as almost paranoid about it it in recent interviews. Anyhow, thanks again for the effort and the review.

JoeyCococo said:

p.s. Captain - you are out of your mind about Revelation...completely out of your skull...that is an INCREDIBLE song.

haha you aren't the 1st person to ever say that

Hey, what can I say - I don't like what I don't like. I'm not gonna get up here and lie and say a track is great if I don't like it. I'm also not going to say everything he ever did is an unbelievable masterpiece. There's already enough people doing that.

As I said in the show, I'm obviously in the minority since many people seem to love it.

Good on them, I'm not one of them. Who really cares?

FunkyStrange said:

Replica said:

FunkyStrange said:

haha you aren't the 1st person to ever say that

Hey, what can I say - I don't like what I don't like. I'm not gonna get up here and lie and say a track is great if I don't like it. I'm also not going to say everything he ever did is an unbelievable masterpiece. There's already enough people doing that.

As I said in the show, I'm obviously in the minority since many people seem to love it.

Good on them, I'm not one of them. Who really cares?

That's one of the things I love about your podcast. You've got knowledge and your own taste and opinions as well. Being a listener of Prince music is a personal thing, not a fanatic religious sect. Different opinions is healthy. Prince based on his best selling albums even, are too diverse for us to be narrow-minded. People will have different tastes. Do we have to remind people that it's because of that, so many people can't stand Prince? His visuals, as well as lyrics, occasionally "whiney" voice and persona. Even among fans, some find it a bit too much. And that's OK. Actually I love hearing people with different opinions than me. What would we discuss if not? [Edited 1/21/16 22:08pm]

I think you make a really good point about the diveristy of Prince's work and the diversity of people's taste. Ultimately al lour opinions are subjective, just opinions.

I would say if you love everything - that's fine it's your opinion.
If you like some material but really don't like other material - That's fine too.
If you dislike almost all material but love a few songs - That's also great. What I love about the podcast is the engag,ment of the music, the discussion isn't just well I don't like this or I love it. The parts of the song are discussed, the musical arrangment, the theme, the lyrics. The exposition of the songs is facscinating.

Oh yeah, also it's free!

[Edited 1/22/16 0:56am]

FunkyStrange said:

JoeyCococo said:

p.s. Captain - you are out of your mind about Revelation...completely out of your skull...that is an INCREDIBLE song.

haha you aren't the 1st person to ever say that

Hey, what can I say - I don't like what I don't like. I'm not gonna get up here and lie and say a track is great if I don't like it. I'm also not going to say everything he ever did is an unbelievable masterpiece. There's already enough people doing that.

As I said in the show, I'm obviously in the minority since many people seem to love it.

Good on them, I'm not one of them. Who really cares?

Sorry Captain, the task at hand until we see the sun, is to keep makin u and makin like this song until you do!

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Then again you did not like Do Me Baby, thought Purple Rain was just a song and was very Meh! on Adore. You are one unique Prince fan.

Will listen later after my supper

"Fox Weller"..

According to someonline lyrics page it is:
"Thoughts well up"

I'm glad i'm not the only one that doesn't get Revelation. great podcast again.

FunkyStrange said:

Yeah – good podcast chaps. I pretty much agree with most of what was said. And I also agree that it’s hard to judge this as an album as I’m very familiar with nearly half the album. It does make me wonder whether I like these single song releases he’s been doing lately – I think I’d rather hear the whole album, fresh, for the first time. That being said, these ‘drip-feed’ releases do deserve a home on an album methinks. Another thing I’ve noticed, is that some of these releases I just don’t like that much or ‘get’ until I hear it in the context of an album. I liked “RocknRoll Love Affair” & “Screwdriver” straight off, but the case in point here, for me, is “Groovy Potential”. When it was released, all on it’s lonesome, I was very dismissive. On this album – it positively soars. Mad. I also found this with “The X’s Face”, “Pretzelbodylogic”, “Fixurlifeup”, “Clouds” & “Breakfast can wait” on their respective LPs.

.

I must admit when I first heard this album I was VERY underwhelmed, especially after Phase 1 which I really do like. It just felt too safe, especially after the left and right turns of Art Official Age, Phase 1 and to some extent Plektrum Electrum. I thought to myself “Really?!”. And then I listened to it again…and again…and again. Soon, I found myself thinking “Oh Lawd…yep, he’s got me again.” One of those little joys in life – not thinking much of a Prince album, returning to it specifically for a few tunes, until you end up really liking most of the damn thing. Nice!

Originally it was the instrumental codas on “Groovy Potential” and “Extraloveable” (horns to die for and a funky little guitar noodle that just makes my soul wiggle at 4.18 & 4.20) along with the whole of “Black Muse” that got me excited. Then, as I listened to this release more, other elements come to the fore – the effortless cool of “Look at me, look at you”, the gorgeousness of “When she comes” and “Revelation”, and then the unashamed upbeat positivity of “Black Muse” and “Big City” (although “Big City” does sound weak and thin, it’s too darn nice to criticise! How dare MC disrespect this song and, again, “Good Love” – whoever disses ANY song by Camille need their head testing!!). Soon the album starts to knit together in my mind’s eye and develop it’s own personality & vibe. However, still not a fan musically of “Baltimore”, sounds like a he wanted a song to make a statement about the Baltimore situation pronto, grabbed a skeletal version of “Cinnamon Girl” and hung lyrics round that.

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As said before by many – it’s a more relaxed affair with Prince more in his comfort zone, an album that can be played in the background – which is not to demean it – it just flows nice and improves with each listen. However, I have to admit to preferring Phase 1 - I admire it’s daring and direction (and yes, I’m 46 and not susceptible to token electronica). “The X’s face” and “June” trump anything on Phase 2, although that could change – but, isn’t that’s what being a Prince fan is all about?

.

Still, 4 Prince albums in 16 months?! Loads of good rides to be had, certainly more thrills and variety than I expected. As a Prince fan, I’m a very happy chappy.

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Usually, when I read posts I disagree with, I roll my eyes and move on, but couldn't let Adorecream's post go without passing a little comment. Am I losing something in translation here or does it come across as a little patronising and condescending? Come on man! These boys produce the best podcast on Prince in the world IMO, a big ingredient being their different personalities, creating a very agreeable dynamic, done with a smile on their face. Captain, you keep on keeping on man!!

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I am glad you have the podcast out, but overall I feel your review is disappointing and unduly harsh. The marks you guys gave (Average 7.5, if we assume MC was a 7) were a bit south of what we were expecting....

....Mostly I was disappointed as your review did not reflect the fans.

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Don't you think that you should replace 'we' with 'I'. I'm also a fan and their views more or less summed up my opinion.

.

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Really?! I believe all of the guys are musicians in some form and 'get' instrumentals. And I certainly don't think that they're easily pleased with the 'bling bling beats' you speak of.

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I've heard these boys on the Prince Podcast act way more immature, but again I don't care and I like it when people have a laugh.

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Forgive me for saying this, but doesn't this post came across as a little preachy, as though it was written by the haughty headmistress who represents "The Prince Fans"? It certainly doesn't represent me or, I should imagine, a good number of the purple people out there. Perhaps a little loosening of yo chastity belt might help you breathe a little mo' better!

Lordy said:

Yeah – good podcast chaps. I pretty much agree with most of what was said. And I also agree that it’s hard to judge this as an album as I’m very familiar with nearly half the album. It does make me wonder whether I like these single song releases he’s been doing lately – I think I’d rather hear the whole album, fresh, for the first time. That being said, these ‘drip-feed’ releases do deserve a home on an album methinks. Another thing I’ve noticed, is that some of these releases I just don’t like that much or ‘get’ until I hear it in the context of an album. I liked “RocknRoll Love Affair” & “Screwdriver” straight off, but the case in point here, for me, is “Groovy Potential”. When it was released, all on it’s lonesome, I was very dismissive. On this album – it positively soars. Mad. I also found this with “The X’s Face”, “Pretzelbodylogic”, “Fixurlifeup”, “Clouds” & “Breakfast can wait” on their respective LPs.

.

I must admit when I first heard this album I was VERY underwhelmed, especially after Phase 1 which I really do like. It just felt too safe, especially after the left and right turns of Art Official Age, Phase 1 and to some extent Plektrum Electrum. I thought to myself “Really?!”. And then I listened to it again…and again…and again. Soon, I found myself thinking “Oh Lawd…yep, he’s got me again.” One of those little joys in life – not thinking much of a Prince album, returning to it specifically for a few tunes, until you end up really liking most of the damn thing. Nice!

Originally it was the instrumental codas on “Groovy Potential” and “Extraloveable” (horns to die for and a funky little guitar noodle that just makes my soul wiggle at 4.18 & 4.20) along with the whole of “Black Muse” that got me excited. Then, as I listened to this release more, other elements come to the fore – the effortless cool of “Look at me, look at you”, the gorgeousness of “When she comes” and “Revelation”, and then the unashamed upbeat positivity of “Black Muse” and “Big City” (although “Big City” does sound weak and thin, it’s too darn nice to criticise! How dare MC disrespect this song and, again, “Good Love” – whoever disses ANY song by Camille need their head testing!!). Soon the album starts to knit together in my mind’s eye and develop it’s own personality & vibe. However, still not a fan musically of “Baltimore”, sounds like a he wanted a song to make a statement about the Baltimore situation pronto, grabbed a skeletal version of “Cinnamon Girl” and hung lyrics round that.

.

As said before by many – it’s a more relaxed affair with Prince more in his comfort zone, an album that can be played in the background – which is not to demean it – it just flows nice and improves with each listen. However, I have to admit to preferring Phase 1 - I admire it’s daring and direction (and yes, I’m 46 and not susceptible to token electronica). “The X’s face” and “June” trump anything on Phase 2, although that could change – but, isn’t that’s what being a Prince fan is all about?

.

Still, 4 Prince albums in 16 months?! Loads of good rides to be had, certainly more thrills and variety than I expected. As a Prince fan, I’m a very happy chappy.

I think you make a number of great points in this post. I loved Phase One a great deal, something fun, fresh and different from Prince. The point you make about hearing a song on the context of an album is well made, Often only then does it sometimes feel right.

"One of those little joys in life – not thinking much of a Prince album, returning to it specifically for a few tunes, until you end up really liking most of the damn thing. Nice!"

This is so true, there are times when I have first listened to prince album and it has been totally different to what I have expected, I can't take it all in, can't make true sense of it but after repeated listens I begin to deeply love the nuances and touches of the work.

Love your final point, Great past year being a Prince follower.

[Edited 2/2/16 12:30pm]

antonb said:

Changing the subject, have you all managed to get prince tickets? Looking forward to your reports/podcast,

Might be some tix for sale in the Marketplace forum.............