Just been listening to some of my Prince collection and tbh had never listened to Moonbeam Levels and have to say that it does sound very very dated and not the game changer that some people have said

It's good but wouldnt put it in my top 10 songs tbh

There has always seemed (to me) to be something unique about The Gold Experience album in terms of ownership/rights etc. In addition to Bart's correct observations, I'm sure I recall a Prince magazine interview (possibly one of the Q mag features in the late 90s) where he said something like "Ah, The Gold Experience - the only one they don't own" meaning WBR.

KeithyT said:

There has always seemed (to me) to be something unique about The Gold Experience album in terms of ownership/rights etc.

The Gold Experience CD has an NPG records logo on it, which none of the other WB albums have (pre-AOA), so I would assume they do not have sole ownership of it; but, it would seem they "don't own" Chaos and Disorder either, since it's out-of-print, not on iTunes, etc.

I am hoping the Greatest Hits compilation will at least have a bit of remastering done to give all these classic Prince tracks a good 2016 lift in sound quality.

The Purple Rain Deluxe version should be good. Hopefully all of those other songs featured in the film will make an appearance on this release.

This is so NOT what fans need...yes Moonbeam Levels is a cool song to have in decent quality but how many hits collections have there been over the years? Such an insulting cash grab, the industry is so outdated now. Even PR Deluxe, even WITH remastering (which I've never understood, because it would imply that it wasn't done right the FIRST time) doesn't seem attractive to me. Prince said it best when he said that music should be totally free (of course, he went back and forth on this, lol). Anyway, on the plus side, these collections may bring new ppl to his music, and that's always cool...

I want HITNRUN Phase 3 + 4 + 5

wish they could of atleast thrown a few remastered fan favourites in there like Adore (full version), Starfish and Coffee, etc... and a couple of B-Sides like Erotic City, Feel U Up etc... just plain idle and lazy, Ive brought all these song's 5x over!!!...ffs

dance4me3121 said:

"Adore" is missing!

I know, I have always wanted to hear the album version remastered...bet it would sound amazing with those backing vocals...

IstenSzek said:

jjam said:

Where exactly have you heard this from? Sounds like total bull. TGE was a Warner Bros release, after all.

i think people kind of come to this conclusion because warners has never issued any material from the gold experience after it's initial run.

you'd think they stick TMBGITW on the new comp, wouldn't you? they even named it in the press release

so neither this song or any other song from it being included in previous and now on this release, would lead to the logical conclusion that they cannot use those tracks.

so not total bull, just the most logical explanation given the facts we have.

IIRC, Prince released "TMBGITW" independently, a year before TGE was officially released. Without "TMBGITW," other than " Hate U," TGE is of little commerical value to WB. So, if they don't have the rights to "TMBGITW," then even if they didn't have rights to TGE, it stands to reason you won't see any of that material in any compilations.

Anthoknee said:

This is so NOT what fans need...yes Moonbeam Levels is a cool song to have in decent quality but how many hits collections have there been over the years? Such an insulting cash grab, the industry is so outdated now. Even PR Deluxe, even WITH remastering (which I've never understood, because it would imply that it wasn't done right the FIRST time) doesn't seem attractive to me. Prince said it best when he said that music should be totally free (of course, he went back and forth on this, lol). Anyway, on the plus side, these collections may bring new ppl to his music, and that's always cool...

Yes, it's a cash grab. They have TAXES to pay. If they do not pay the taxes the government will sieze everything and sell it all off to pay the tax bill. Stop being dense. If you want Prince's music and legacy to continue into the future in any kind of coherent way then the taxes have to be paid. Without the cash grab there will be no art. Jeebus

GoldStandard said:

I want HITNRUN Phase 3 + 4 + 5

Same here, but that's probably a deal best done with Tidal or through some other service for hardcore fans.

I'm pretty sure there is a finished Phase 3 as Prince refered to it. Based on 'Free Urself' and 'If Eye Can Get Your Attention' I was highly anticipating it.

leecaldon said:

djThunderfunk said:

Guess I need to seek those singles out.

Girls & Boys sounds terrible on that Peach single. Like they'd ripped it off a cassette or something.

True. I listened to it last night and it sounds muffled compared to the other tracks on the CD.

purpleaslan said:

dance4me3121 said:

"Adore" is missing!

I know, I have always wanted to hear the album version remastered...bet it would sound amazing with those backing vocals...

The version on the Girl 6 soundtrack is mastered very nicely, definitely worth picking up for it and others.

I'm seeing the posts about omissions of classic singles and deep album tracks from he 4Ever release, but this release is not designed for that. As I see it, it's targeted to capitalize on Prince nostalgia among general audiences in the wake of his passing, during the holiday season.

The PR release will be a big release for avid fans and collectors. If that release is successful in '17, imagine what pairings we could get for, say, Parade (Crystal Ball pairing) or SOTT (Camille pairing)?

eyewishuheaven said:

purpleaslan said:

I know, I have always wanted to hear the album version remastered...bet it would sound amazing with those backing vocals...

The version on the Girl 6 soundtrack is mastered very nicely, definitely worth picking up for it and others.

Yes I actually have the Girl 6 soundtrack....and it does sound far better than on SOTT CD...but not sure if they have just made it louder instead of actually "remastering" it?.....do u understand what i mean?

purpleaslan said:

eyewishuheaven said:

The version on the Girl 6 soundtrack is mastered very nicely, definitely worth picking up for it and others.

Yes I actually have the Girl 6 soundtrack....and it does sound far better than on SOTT CD...but not sure if they have just made it louder instead of actually "remastering" it?.....do u understand what i mean?

We can get really technical on that but does it really matter? The bass and sound is as loud as the Crystal Ball albums take it or leave it lol.

Any chance that WB will stop calling it GRAND SLAM?

FunkOnTheOne said:

Any chance that WB will stop calling it GRAND SLAM?

Why they never have hardcore fams involved in these things?

paisleypark4 said:

FunkOnTheOne said:

Any chance that WB will stop calling it GRAND SLAM?

Why they never have hardcore fams involved in these things?

We can only hope that the estate team steps into the breach. I'd guess that most of the label folks with the most knowledge of his catalogue are long gone.

steakfinger said:

Anthoknee said:

This is so NOT what fans need...yes Moonbeam Levels is a cool song to have in decent quality but how many hits collections have there been over the years? Such an insulting cash grab, the industry is so outdated now. Even PR Deluxe, even WITH remastering (which I've never understood, because it would imply that it wasn't done right the FIRST time) doesn't seem attractive to me. Prince said it best when he said that music should be totally free (of course, he went back and forth on this, lol). Anyway, on the plus side, these collections may bring new ppl to his music, and that's always cool...

Yes, it's a cash grab. They have TAXES to pay. If they do not pay the taxes the government will sieze everything and sell it all off to pay the tax bill. Stop being dense. If you want Prince's music and legacy to continue into the future in any kind of coherent way then the taxes have to be paid. Without the cash grab there will be no art. Jeebus

Perhaps you misunderstand what I'm saying: The point I was making was there are other ways of making money than milking hits that all the hardcore AND even casual fans own! The reason I said it was insulting is this collection is nearly USELESS! Who's really interested in a collection of songs that A) don't include anything past 93 and B) 2 Hits collections already EXIST! As far as the taxes are concerned, they can be paid in more creative ways! It's lazy! Btw, did you have to be insulting in your response? I am fully aware that they need an influx of capital, but these two collections seem like they weren't really thought out...if his legacy is to continue, it needs better than this!

[Edited 10/25/16 13:33pm]

[Edited 10/25/16 13:35pm]

They are just getting started.

The greatest hits are not what you and I want, but that's what people bought when he died and that's what they'll buy during the holidays. Moonbeam Levels is a great addition to the songs Prince is already widely known for, he had so many sides and the track is a glorious example.

PR Deluxe is simply tantalizing, especially that second disc. Remastered...I'm all in.

It figures the release most hardcore fans bitterly desired when he was alive is not enough for some now that he passed away.

The truth is that the next couple of years hold many promises for us, the hardcore fans.

We just need to let the business folks and lawyers set it up, there are plenty that worship Prince and eventually they'll do a great job.

You just need to give them a chance and support the legacy. After all, Prince isn't personally trying to part you with your hard earned cash right now.

Consider it an homage to buy both releases, no matter what is in your collection. Staying away will never give you what you really want.

Aerogram said:

They are just getting started.

The greatest hits are not what you and I want, but that's what people bought when he died and that's what they'll buy during the holidays. Moonbeam Levels is a great addition to the songs Prince is already widely known for, he had so many sides and the track is a glorious example.

PR Deluxe is simply tantalizing, especially that second disc. Remastered...I'm all in.

It figures the release most hardcore fans bitterly desired when he was alive is not enough for some now that he passed away.

The truth is that the next couple of years hold many promises for us, the hardcore fans.

We just need to let the business folks and lawyers set it up, there are plenty that worship Prince and eventually they'll do a great job.

You just need to give them a chance and support the legacy. After all, Prince isn't personally trying to part you with your hard earned cash right now.

Consider it an homage to buy both releases, no matter what is in your collection. Staying away will never give you what you really want.

You know, I was letting my feelings about this get the better of me. Your comments actually really put things in perspective! So thank you, I truly need to have patience when it comes to this, I just love him so much and recall his record company troubles in the past ect. But you are absolutely right: the future is completely open so I will focus on that

ONLY 1 vault track.....LMAO....No thanks. I'll wait until they get it right, plus I already have 'Moonbeam Levels'.....NEXT!!!!

Aerogram said:

They are just getting started.

The greatest hits are not what you and I want, but that's what people bought when he died and that's what they'll buy during the holidays. Moonbeam Levels is a great addition to the songs Prince is already widely known for, he had so many sides and the track is a glorious example.

PR Deluxe is simply tantalizing, especially that second disc. Remastered...I'm all in.

It figures the release most hardcore fans bitterly desired when he was alive is not enough for some now that he passed away.

The truth is that the next couple of years hold many promises for us, the hardcore fans.

We just need to let the business folks and lawyers set it up, there are plenty that worship Prince and eventually they'll do a great job.

You just need to give them a chance and support the legacy. After all, Prince isn't personally trying to part you with your hard earned cash right now.

Consider it an homage to buy both releases, no matter what is in your collection. Staying away will never give you what you really want.

Beautifully said, as always.

How many of us would have jumped for joy at the release of "Moonbeam Levels" 7 months ago? Call me a fool if you must, but I would have probably paid $20 for that track alone.

I know that I would trade it all for Prince to still be with us, without question, but this announcement was the first time I've smiled about Prince in 6 months. Just going to the record store and buying a new Prince release will be an emotional moment, but one that feels right.

Also, I maintain that a truly slapdash release would not have been so balanced as this is. Seeing songs like "Mountains" and "Paisley Park" finally get their due on a Prince compilation is enough to make me happy. "Moonbeam Levels" making the cut is an awesome gift.

Moonbeam said:

Aerogram said:

They are just getting started.

The greatest hits are not what you and I want, but that's what people bought when he died and that's what they'll buy during the holidays. Moonbeam Levels is a great addition to the songs Prince is already widely known for, he had so many sides and the track is a glorious example.

PR Deluxe is simply tantalizing, especially that second disc. Remastered...I'm all in.

It figures the release most hardcore fans bitterly desired when he was alive is not enough for some now that he passed away.

The truth is that the next couple of years hold many promises for us, the hardcore fans.

We just need to let the business folks and lawyers set it up, there are plenty that worship Prince and eventually they'll do a great job.

You just need to give them a chance and support the legacy. After all, Prince isn't personally trying to part you with your hard earned cash right now.

Consider it an homage to buy both releases, no matter what is in your collection. Staying away will never give you what you really want.

Beautifully said, as always.

How many of us would have jumped for joy at the release of "Moonbeam Levels" 7 months ago? Call me a fool if you must, but I would have probably paid $20 for that track alone.

I know that I would trade it all for Prince to still be with us, without question, but this announcement was the first time I've smiled about Prince in 6 months. Just going to the record store and buying a new Prince release will be an emotional moment, but one that feels right.

Also, I maintain that a truly slapdash release would not have been so balanced as this is. Seeing songs like "Mountains" and "Paisley Park" finally get their due on a Prince compilation is enough to make me happy. "Moonbeam Levels" making the cut is an awesome gift.

actually a 7" release of Moonbeam Levels "would be pretty cool. They should do that.

I don't think sticking a few other singles on it makes it 'balanced' but whatever, it is what it is, it's not like the music is bad.

[Edited 10/25/16 19:02pm]

jaawwnn said:

Moonbeam said:

Beautifully said, as always.

How many of us would have jumped for joy at the release of "Moonbeam Levels" 7 months ago? Call me a fool if you must, but I would have probably paid $20 for that track alone.

I know that I would trade it all for Prince to still be with us, without question, but this announcement was the first time I've smiled about Prince in 6 months. Just going to the record store and buying a new Prince release will be an emotional moment, but one that feels right.

Also, I maintain that a truly slapdash release would not have been so balanced as this is. Seeing songs like "Mountains" and "Paisley Park" finally get their due on a Prince compilation is enough to make me happy. "Moonbeam Levels" making the cut is an awesome gift.

actually a 7" release of Moonbeam Levels "would be pretty cool. They should do that.

I don't think sticking a few other singles on it makes it 'balanced' but whatever, it is what it is, it's not like the music is bad.

[Edited 10/25/16 19:02pm]

It's by far the most balanced of his compilations if you break it down on a yearly basis.

I'm not sure it's not the best 2-disc intro to Prince that will be available. The Hits/The B-Sides is still easily the best compilation by virtue of the B-sides disc, which is the ultimate trump card. But comparing 4ever to the first 2 discs and to Ultimate, you can see that 4ever has broader coverage:

For You:

HB (1): Soft and Wet
4ever (1): Soft and Wet
U (0)

Prince:

HB (3): I Wanna Be Your Lover, I Feel for You, Why You Wanna Treat Me So Bad?
4ever (2): I Wanna Be Your Lover, Why You Wanna Treat Me So Bad?
U (1): I Wanna Be Your Lover

Dirty Mind:

HB (4): When You Were Mine, Uptown, Dirty Mind, Head
4ever (3): Uptown, When You Were Mine, Head
U (1): Uptown

Controversy:

HB (2): Controversy, Do Me Baby
4ever (3): Controversy, Let’s Work, Gotta Stop (Messin’ About)
U (2): Controversy, Let's Work

1999:

HB (3): 1999, Little Red Corvette, Delirious
4ever (3/4): 1999, Little Red Corvette, Delirious, Moonbeam Levels?
U (3): 1999, Little Red Corvette, Delirious

Purple Rain:

HB (4): When Doves Cry, Let’s Go Crazy, I Would Die 4 U, Purple Rain
4ever (5): When Doves Cry, Let’s Go Crazy, Purple Rain, I Would Die 4 U, Take Me With U
U (4): When Doves Cry, Let's Go Crazy, I Would Die 4 U, Purple Rain

Around the World in a Day:

HB (2): Raspberry Beret, Pop Life
4ever (3): Raspberry Beret, Pop Life, Paisley Park
U (3): Raspberry Beret, Pop Life, She's Always in My Hair

Parade:

HB (1): Kiss
4ever (3): Kiss, Mountains, Girls & Boys
U (1): Kiss

Sign o' the Times:

HB (5): SOTT, If I Was Your Girlfriend, U Got the Look, I Could Never Take the Place of Your Man, Adore
4ever (4): SOTT, If I Was Your Girlfriend, U Got the Look, I Could Never Take the Place of Your Man
U (4): SOTT, U Got the Look, I Could Never Take the PLace of Your Man, Hot Thing

Lovesexy:

HB (1): Alphabet St.
4ever (2): Alphabet St., Glam Slam
U (1): Alphabet St.

Batman/Rave?:

HB (0)
4ever (1/2): Batdance, Moonbeam Levels?
U (0)

Graffiti Bridge:

HB (1): Thieves in the Temple
4ever (1): Thieves in the Temple
U (1): Thieves in the Temple

Diamonds and Pearls:

HB (3): Gett Off, Cream, Diamonds and Pearls
4ever (3): Gett Off, Cream, Diamonds and Pearls
U (4): Gett Off, Cream, Diamonds and Pearls, Money Don't Matter 2 Night

Symbol:

HB (2): Sexy MF, 7
4ever (3): Sexy MF, My Name Is Prince, 7
U (2): My Name Is Prince, 7

Hits:

HB (4): Nothing Compares 2 U, Pink Cashmere, Peach, Pope
4ever (2): Nothing Comapres 2 U, Peach
U (1): Nothing Compares 2 U

The inclusions from 1985-1992 are hard to look past, especially Parade, Lovesexy, and Batman.

let RHINO at his vault...their releases r great

Aerogram said:

PR Deluxe is simply tantalizing, especially that second disc. Remastered...I'm all in.

.

Unless it has stuff in pristine quality we did not hear before in lesser quality it is simply meh.

Moonbeam said:

jaawwnn said:

actually a 7" release of Moonbeam Levels "would be pretty cool. They should do that.

I don't think sticking a few other singles on it makes it 'balanced' but whatever, it is what it is, it's not like the music is bad.

[Edited 10/25/16 19:02pm]

It's by far the most balanced of his compilations if you break it down on a yearly basis.

I'm not sure it's not the best 2-disc intro to Prince that will be available. The Hits/The B-Sides is still easily the best compilation by virtue of the B-sides disc, which is the ultimate trump card. But comparing 4ever to the first 2 discs and to Ultimate, you can see that 4ever has broader coverage:

For You:

HB (1): Soft and Wet
4ever (1): Soft and Wet
U (0)

Prince:

HB (3): I Wanna Be Your Lover, I Feel for You, Why You Wanna Treat Me So Bad?
4ever (2): I Wanna Be Your Lover, Why You Wanna Treat Me So Bad?
U (1): I Wanna Be Your Lover

Dirty Mind:

HB (4): When You Were Mine, Uptown, Dirty Mind, Head
4ever (3): Uptown, When You Were Mine, Head
U (1): Uptown

Controversy:

HB (2): Controversy, Do Me Baby
4ever (3): Controversy, Let’s Work, Gotta Stop (Messin’ About)
U (2): Controversy, Let's Work

1999:

HB (3): 1999, Little Red Corvette, Delirious
4ever (3/4): 1999, Little Red Corvette, Delirious, Moonbeam Levels?
U (3): 1999, Little Red Corvette, Delirious

Purple Rain:

HB (4): When Doves Cry, Let’s Go Crazy, I Would Die 4 U, Purple Rain
4ever (5): When Doves Cry, Let’s Go Crazy, Purple Rain, I Would Die 4 U, Take Me With U
U (4): When Doves Cry, Let's Go Crazy, I Would Die 4 U, Purple Rain

Around the World in a Day:

HB (2): Raspberry Beret, Pop Life
4ever (3): Raspberry Beret, Pop Life, Paisley Park
U (3): Raspberry Beret, Pop Life, She's Always in My Hair

Parade:

HB (1): Kiss
4ever (3): Kiss, Mountains, Girls & Boys
U (1): Kiss

Sign o' the Times:

HB (5): SOTT, If I Was Your Girlfriend, U Got the Look, I Could Never Take the Place of Your Man, Adore
4ever (4): SOTT, If I Was Your Girlfriend, U Got the Look, I Could Never Take the Place of Your Man
U (4): SOTT, U Got the Look, I Could Never Take the PLace of Your Man, Hot Thing

Lovesexy:

HB (1): Alphabet St.
4ever (2): Alphabet St., Glam Slam
U (1): Alphabet St.

Batman/Rave?:

HB (0)
4ever (1/2): Batdance, Moonbeam Levels?
U (0)

Graffiti Bridge:

HB (1): Thieves in the Temple
4ever (1): Thieves in the Temple
U (1): Thieves in the Temple

Diamonds and Pearls:

HB (3): Gett Off, Cream, Diamonds and Pearls
4ever (3): Gett Off, Cream, Diamonds and Pearls
U (4): Gett Off, Cream, Diamonds and Pearls, Money Don't Matter 2 Night

Symbol:

HB (2): Sexy MF, 7
4ever (3): Sexy MF, My Name Is Prince, 7
U (2): My Name Is Prince, 7

Hits:

HB (4): Nothing Compares 2 U, Pink Cashmere, Peach, Pope
4ever (2): Nothing Comapres 2 U, Peach
U (1): Nothing Compares 2 U

The inclusions from 1985-1992 are hard to look past, especially Parade, Lovesexy, and Batman.

aha, I understand what you mean now by balanced! Ok, that's a fair point. I do think there are omissions and inclusions that are mistakes and make me very dubious as to how much thought went into it but your point is well made

[Edited 10/25/16 23:06pm]