For album tracks, it seems to me that most casual fans have never heard Loose. I just can't imagine someone not enjoying that song. Plus, it has a bit of an industrial edge to it that might surprise a casual fan.

In the unreleased category, I would hit 'em with Others Here With Us. Plenty of intrigue to be found in that song.

sonshine said:

Strange Relationship Pink Cashmere Money Don't Matter Tonight

The casual fan knows Pink Cashmere! That was a huge hit on Urban radio and with the Black audience.

R&B audiences know "Money Don't Matter Tonight" as well.

So yeah, new selections, LOL!

Starrdust505 said:

Prince has so many songs in so many different styles that depending on their existing taste in music, it might be a good idea to pick an obscure song that comes from a genre of music that they like. That may peak their interest and they may wish to hear more. You could then introduce them to other songs/different genres and showcase P's versatility by playing them a studio and a live version of a particular track.

Now this is the best post ever, LOL!

Now only what you said but honestly, different markets kept up more with Prince than other markets. I mean, a lot of stuff after Musicology did well with Urban/R&B markets so a song like "Extralovable", the 2011 version is not "obscure".

However, playing the 1982 version of it might be.

GhostChick said:

Starrdust505 said:

Prince has so many songs in so many different styles that depending on their existing taste in music, it might be a good idea to pick an obscure song that comes from a genre of music that they like. That may peak their interest and they may wish to hear more. You could then introduce them to other songs/different genres and showcase P's versatility by playing them a studio and a live version of a particular track.

Now this is the best post ever, LOL!

Now only what you said but honestly, different markets kept up more with Prince than other markets. I mean, a lot of stuff after Musicology did well with Urban/R&B markets so a song like "Extralovable", the 2011 version is not "obscure".

However, playing the 1982 version of it might be.

Different strokes for different folks.

I think the majority of diehard Prince fans are very sophisticated when it comes to music and appreciate the wide variety of genres and styles of music that P made. However casual fans may have not yet developed those sensibilities; so if it's a case of trying to recruit someone into all things purple lol, I think it's best to start off with something easy but impressive that will wet their appetite then take it from there....

heymistermusic said:

Pgeishirt said:

heymistermusic said:

STARFISH AND COFFEE is one of my favs...

Your tat is one of the best P tattoos I've seen! Clever.

Indeed, it's a beautiful one

QueenofCardboard said:

Germanegro said:

Close eyes and make a random album selection. Pick any 1 song from that collection that hasn't been broadcast much, either one I like or think they could get into musically--say, "Crazy You" from For You, or "Da Bang" from Crystal Ball. Play it and ask: U like?

>

If (s)he doesn't care for it, ah well then.

>

If (s)he never listens to or checks for another "obscure" Prince song ever again, then too damn bad.

>

They won't be getting an invite to join me on my visit to Paisley Park.

>

I'm not big on attempting to convert the casual fan into a more supportive one. Is that bad of me?

.

No, that isn't bad of you.

My friend I actually chided me about holding back on him when it came to good music.

So I told him I was into Prince and was he interested in hearing some of the stuff that wasn't on the radio.

He gave me an enthusiastic YES.

.

^^^That is good of YOU! You did your friend a favor. I've done the same recently also, acutally. An aquaintance wanted to hear more of him but hadn't, and never got past Prince's singing of 1 song that was not liked. I referred him to a slew of post-Revolution tunes, with tasteful lyrics--nothing potentially sabotoging [PG lyrics, no cursing, plus instrumentals (!)] and it was appreciated, also by his wife.

>

I just cannot be bothered by trying to convert people's tastes!

Love 2 the 9s, but turn it off before they start rapping.

heymistermusic said:

People say that first impressions mean everything, but what about picking that certain song a casual Prince fan hasn't heard yet... they've already heard the hits, but are willing to hear a song you pick for them.

Which song do you pick? You want to find the song that could capture and intrigue them. A song that would bring them deeper into the Prince world. You get one chance, one song. What is that song?

prettyman

But make sure you ask that casual fan what type of genres he/she likes the most and go from there.

After all Prince did various genres one album alone just about. You don't want to introduce an alt/modern rock fan with any songs that feature Tony M in them.

luvgirl said:

"Here" Because I can't stop playing this song over and over, and I don't even like slow songs. "Baltimore" Because I've never heard a better social injustice song and I think if given the chance, this song would be a huge hit. "Space" Because it's absolutely beautiful."

I can tell ,you haven't listened to Bob Dylan

214 said:

luvgirl said:

214 said:

I can tell ,you haven't listened to Bob Dylan

Okay... let me rephrase that. I haven't heard a social injustice song that I enjoy more..

Ok, then fair enough

blueshouse21 said:

Bill Collector Blues!....funny..

DoItAllNight4U said:

Bluu said:

One chance, one song...I'd go with "If I Was Your Girlfriend," which was voted by pre-4/21 orgers as a top favorite in a thread a half a year or so ago. IMO it would be an appropriate choice as I think it best exemplifies Prince's distinction as a musician: the unconventional sound and blurring of musical styles; its experimental nature with regard to the high pitch electronically altered vocals; the palpable emotionalism; the weirdness of it being a dark, romantic-bordering-on-obsessive, funk ballad; playing with gender boundaries; mature and nuanced lyrics; vivid sexuality at the end; the intense, almost transcent love he feels for his muse; poetic contemplation; delicious discordant tones; a whispered invitation to stare together into silence and imagine what it looks like, then ending the song abruptly, leaving the listener suspended in exactly that--silence.

.

It's not an obscure song, but to a casual fan it might be. As a fan, familiarity with this track is mandatory

.

.

[Edited 8/28/16 0:09am]

I could not have described IIWYG better <3

Aw thank U

First, I try not to overwhelm them with my enthusiasm, then, these are my go to tracks for either newbes, or people who only know Purple Rain. I try to entice their interest to look a little closer and see why Prince is a musicians musician and why its such a huge loss and why I'm obsessed.

Motherless Child

Sunshine at Night

How come u don't call me anymore

Dear Mr. Man

7