This isn't a trolling thread, but I'm genuinely curious: what were Prince's shortcomings as a musician? In other words, what couldn't he do? And not anything off base, like he couldnt' play the tuba. Unlike a lot of popular musicians, he understood keys; was he a sight-reader? Could he arrange for different voices/instrument groups? Any stories about how he was an amateur, or something he found difficult?

mtlfan said:

This isn't a trolling thread, but I'm genuinely curious: what were Prince's shortcomings as a musician? In other words, what couldn't he do? And not anything off base, like he couldnt' play the tuba. Unlike a lot of popular musicians, he understood keys; was he a sight-reader? Could he arrange for different voices/instrument groups? Any stories about how he was an amateur, or something he found difficult?

his arrangements are to sparse

kidmelody2012 said:

mtlfan said:

This isn't a trolling thread, but I'm genuinely curious: what were Prince's shortcomings as a musician? In other words, what couldn't he do? And not anything off base, like he couldnt' play the tuba. Unlike a lot of popular musicians, he understood keys; was he a sight-reader? Could he arrange for different voices/instrument groups? Any stories about how he was an amateur, or something he found difficult?

his arrangements are to sparse

that's what I love about most of his classic music. it was uncluttered with unnecessary bullshit.

things changed with Lovesexy and his full-time access to Paisley Park.

M

[Edited 7/2/16 17:26pm]

runningbear said:

Maybe I will get roasted for this, his music is better than the rest, though the Stones back catalog comes close, but not sure of too many songs that have a sensational pretty melody running through them, I like his ballads, but things like Human Nature and many Paul McCartney and Billy Joel songs are so pretty. Things like A Case of You come close, likely best ex off album strong on Prince melodies, but then that is a Joni song.

Do enjoy when harmonica was incorporated into his music, could have used more, watch Berlin 2010, sounds so great in classic Prince songs, this ingredient could have been incorporated more frequently, whether played by Prince or not, to my satisfaction.

Minor critical stuff, he was truly the best, strong points to my ears were his ability to arrange music, and of course that second to none guitar playing. This Berlin show really rocks btw, nice full songs, Time songs, Sheila on fire...

mtlfan said:

mtlfan said:

BillieBalloon said:

mtlfan said:

This isn't a trolling thread, but I'm genuinely curious: what were Prince's shortcomings as a musician? In other words, what couldn't he do? And not anything off base, like he couldnt' play the tuba. Unlike a lot of popular musicians, he understood keys; was he a sight-reader? Could he arrange for different voices/instrument groups? Any stories about how he was an amateur, or something he found difficult?

Are you having a dig at his height or what?

I'm writing a blog post on talented musicians with particular shortcomings. For example, Zappa couldn't sing and play guitar at the same time, and The Beatles couldn't read or write notation.

.

I would say if he had a musical weakness it would be he was weak when it came to the mixing of his songs.

.

I don't know who exactly did the mixing, but I assume it was Prince. Mixing is an art. Getting the balance of the instruments just right or accentuating certain instruments over others is a musical skill that is difficult to master and it's a wonder to behold when done perfectly. Many, many times when I listen to Prince songs I often question why is the bass so buried, why is the funk rhythm guitar barely audible, why are the drums so prominent....?

.

Granted, Prince sure could pull a rabbit out of his hat now and again when it came to mixing. Just listen to what he did with the Girls / Dez / Prince vocals on the verses of "1999." Brilliant. As was his mixing on "Batdance." An insane mixing tour de force. But more often than not, the mixing on Prince tunes is often disappointing. Example: "I Wish You Heaven" -- chugging, distorted guitar so low in the mix, snare crack too high...

Askani said:

kidmelody2012 said:

his arrangements are to sparse

that's what I love about most of his classic music. it was uncluttered with unnecessary bullshit.

things changed with Lovesexy and his full-time access to Paisley Park.

Exactly. Imagine "Breakdown" without all of the unnecessary clutter. "Zannalee" would be another example.

Or any of the tracks with horrible rappers. Robin Power. Tony M. Scrappy Dee. How is that even a rapper's name? Even the Doug E Fresh shit was out of place.

"Oh, but I love Doug E Fresh!" someone will reply. Sure. So does everyone. But imagine those songs without some hype man. Prince didn't need hype. He was Prince.

Pre-Paisley Park we got 1999. Post-Paisley Park, we got 1999: The New Master.

His shortcomings (apparently) was not knowing when to say when.

That's okay. He also put out a few good songs after Paisley Park.

I love his mixing. I learn from his mixing. Especially Lovesexy, I love how he puts the wailing guitar in the background so it doesn't overtake the other instruments - Postivity and Dance On come to mind. The rapper thing is funny. We're so quick to accpt the sexy girls in his mixes, but another dude and it's get the fuck out. I think Tony M adds to Sexy MF, if nothing else. Gett Off Prince could have handled himself, My Name is Prince probably would have been stronger without Monsieur M, but the rap isn't that bad. He gets really shit on in this camp, but he could probably outrap Dre (that's not saying much).

mtlfan said:

I love his mixing. I learn from his mixing. Especially Lovesexy, I love how he puts the wailing guitar in the background so it doesn't overtake the other instruments - Postivity and Dance On come to mind. The rapper thing is funny. We're so quick to accpt the sexy girls in his mixes, but another dude and it's get the fuck out. I think Tony M adds to Sexy MF, if nothing else. Gett Off Prince could have handled himself, My Name is Prince probably would have been stronger without Monsieur M, but the rap isn't that bad. He gets really shit on in this camp, but he could probably outrap Dre (that's not saying much).

What sexy girls (and songs that they are in) are you referring to? Because if you're talking about stuff like Beautiful Loved & Blessed, then I'll go there too. Unlistenable, but I'm not sure that's Tamar's fault. It's just a terrible song. I have no problem with Sheila because she fit with Prince's music. Love Bizarre, Erotic City -- no comparison whatsoever to the absolute atrociousness that is Call The Law and Push It Up. Sheila blended in with Prince. Never came across as a hype man.

Maybe I would feel different if I hadn't heard all of those earlier tracks where Prince did almost all of his own backing vocals.

he was terrible at 12 string guitar

kidmelody2012 said:

he was terrible at 12 string guitar

Yeah, we know that the world's greatest guitarist is you.