New topic
Printable| Author | Message |
(the fall of) Possessed - the Prince biography My first thought was … incredible … a new book about Prince that is supposed to be better researched then ones of old. The day the local Barnes and Noble bookstore got it in, I had the only copy held for me. Now, two days later I am nearly half-finished with the book and while it has fueled my fever for all things Prince, I find it falls seriously short of the xpectations I had for it. Here are some of my reasons for its lackluster worthiness:
A lot of the so-called “critical” interviews are third person and a lot of key people in Prince’s organization are not interviewed at all. This leads to a lack of validity for the author. It spends too much time on Prince’s relationships with women. Of course, any red-blooded man might want to know that Prince had a romantic fling with Shelia Escovedo as she is an incredibly talented musician and great looking to boot, but some of his personal flings should have stayed personal. It does not tell of Prince’s graduation into the exclusive use of high-heeled boots/shoes. In the Dirty Mind period, his heels strangely looked like women’s shoes. And when finances permitted, he started having his shoes—not to mention his entire wardrobe—tailored for him. Since this is one of his trademarks, why is it not xplained in detail? Also, what about the important stuff regarding his music? The book makes Prince’s first signing with Warner Bros. seem like a piece of cake and anyone with any knowledge of the music industry knows this not to be true. If Warner’s signed him to a three-record deal, why does the book not tell of his resigning after Dirty Mind? It also does not note at all how Prince got the record deals for his side projects like the Time and Vanity/Apollonia 6. Until he established them as viable acts, I cannot see Warner Bros tripping over themselves to sign his pet projects. The fact that the author seems to think Prince’s music has deteriorated also bothers me. I will be the first to admit that in his career Prince has produced some albums that did not completely appeal to me, yet, he continues to work hard on reinventing himself musically. In the history of pop music, no one has had top ten hits for their entire career. Even the Beatles, the Beach Boys, Elvis, and Motown feel apart after a strong run in the top ten. He still produces music of value and I buy his every release usually the day it goes on sale. His experiments with independent means of distributing his music have left me frustrated with trying to purchase his releases, but he is seeking an avenue for total freedom and I love that fact and despise what the corporate music conglomerates have done to the state of music these days. As with anything new, change is bucked. Hahn should have given him some credit for his vision rather than knocking him so hard for his xperiments. These omissions are critical and the erroneous reports of Prince having hepatitis C and taking drugs (ecstasy) are ludicrous. As I get deeper and deeper into the book, it is beginning to look more and more like an extended gossip column rather than a historical biography. I cannot see it happening, yet I can only hope that the book improves… | |
- E-mail - orgNote -  Report post to moderator |
LightnDark said: [color=purple:998d2a7a1b:4ef1c5ce4e]My first thought was … incredible … a new book about Prince that is supposed to be better researched then ones of old. The day the local Barnes and Noble bookstore got it in, I had the only copy held for me. Now, two days later I am nearly half-finished with the book and while it has fueled my fever for all things Prince, I find it falls seriously short of the xpectations I had for it. Here are some of my reasons for its lackluster worthiness:
A lot of the so-called “critical” interviews are third person and a lot of key people in Prince’s organization are not interviewed at all. This leads to a lack of validity for the author. It spends too much time on Prince’s relationships with women. Of course, any red-blooded man might want to know that Prince had a romantic fling with Shelia Escovedo as she is an incredibly talented musician and great looking to boot, but some of his personal flings should have stayed personal. It does not tell of Prince’s graduation into the exclusive use of high-heeled boots/shoes. In the Dirty Mind period, his heels strangely looked like women’s shoes. And when finances permitted, he started having his shoes—not to mention his entire wardrobe—tailored for him. Since this is one of his trademarks, why is it not xplained in detail? Also, what about the important stuff regarding his music? The book makes Prince’s first signing with Warner Bros. seem like a piece of cake and anyone with any knowledge of the music industry knows this not to be true. If Warner’s signed him to a three-record deal, why does the book not tell of his resigning after Dirty Mind? It also does not note at all how Prince got the record deals for his side projects like the Time and Vanity/Apollonia 6. Until he established them as viable acts, I cannot see Warner Bros tripping over themselves to sign his pet projects. The fact that the author seems to think Prince’s music has deteriorated also bothers me. I will be the first to admit that in his career Prince has produced some albums that did not completely appeal to me, yet, he continues to work hard on reinventing himself musically. In the history of pop music, no one has had top ten hits for their entire career. Even the Beatles, the Beach Boys, Elvis, and Motown feel apart after a strong run in the top ten. He still produces music of value and I buy his every release usually the day it goes on sale. His experiments with independent means of distributing his music have left me frustrated with trying to purchase his releases, but he is seeking an avenue for total freedom and I love that fact and despise what the corporate music conglomerates have done to the state of music these days. As with anything new, change is bucked. Hahn should have given him some credit for his vision rather than knocking him so hard for his xperiments. These omissions are critical and the erroneous reports of Prince having hepatitis C and taking drugs (ecstasy) are ludicrous. As I get deeper and deeper into the book, it is beginning to look more and more like an extended gossip column rather than a historical biography. I cannot see it happening, yet I can only hope that the book improves… this is what I hear most peo-ple saying about it. that it is mostly just gossip and whatnot. I'd rather have days of wild anyday! BY THE POWER INVESTED IN ME BY GOD ALL NEGATIVITY BOWS | |
| - E-mail - orgNote - Report post to moderator |
oh christ, get over it. can we get a moratorium on threads about this god damn book already? this needs to join "is prince gay" and the MJ interview threads on the ones we're taking a break from for awhile. | |
| - E-mail - orgNote - Report post to moderator |
what does the book say about prince not giving credit when credit's due musically? that's about the only thing that really has my interest.. uhm.. and his womanizing of course. don't need no reefer, don't need cocaine
purple music does the same to my brain i'm high, so high | |
| - E-mail - orgNote - Report post to moderator |
LightnDark - just on a point of accuracy (and because I'm anal retentive!) The Beatles did in fact have top tens and number ones for their entire career as a group before splitting up in 1970. Any singles that failed to make the top ten subsequently were re-releases. 'I loved him then, I love him now and will love him eternally. He's with our son now.' Mayte 21st April 2016 = the saddest quote I have ever read! RIP Prince and thanks for everything. | |
| - E-mail - orgNote - Report post to moderator |
Are there songs titles mentionned that we have never heard of? | |
| - E-mail - orgNote - Report post to moderator |
jn2 said: Are there songs titles mentionned that we have never heard of?
nah, probably not. it seems like this book is focused more on p's life than his musical workings. | |
| - E-mail - orgNote - Report post to moderator |
Jay ... I stand corrected. | |
| - E-mail - orgNote - Report post to moderator |
like this book is focused more on p's life than his musical workings so I won't buy it, I don't care about P's "stranges behaviours" blah blah - Prince could give to Jon Bream the key of the vault and let him listen to everything, this coud be a fabulous teasing article | |
| - E-mail - orgNote - Report post to moderator |
The author also presented us with a list of people who turned down interviews (He hit everyone up) so it's not as if he didn't try to get the complete story and fill in the holes as you put it.
Also, you don't think Prince tried ecstacy? Do you read liner notes and listen to his music of the era? Couple this with the interviews of the people of the era who said that he indeed did do it and I would say it's as close to a fact as anything else we talk about around here. | |
| - E-mail - orgNote - Report post to moderator |
Lovemachine, there are some key figures that were not interviewed or mentioned as denied interviews such as Jesse Johnson, Cat Glover, Sonny Thompson, Mayte, Patricia Kotero (Apollpnia). I feel these people could have provided key elements to his musical side.
Also, I believe that someone who barely drinks is not going to try a drug as controversial as ecstacy. Cocaine or weed maybe, but not heavy stuff. Remember ... this is only one's opinion... | |
| - E-mail - orgNote - Report post to moderator |
LightnDark said: [color=green:7f511b6005:5727ce52f1]Lovemachine, there are some key figures that were not interviewed or mentioned as denied interviews such as Jesse Johnson, Cat Glover, Sonny Thompson, Mayte, Patricia Kotero (Apollpnia). I feel these people could have provided key elements to his musical side.
Also, I believe that someone who barely drinks is not going to try a drug as controversial as ecstacy. Cocaine or weed maybe, but not heavy stuff. Remember ... this is only one's opinion... the book clearly isn't meant to be about his music. why are you expecting some in-depth discussion of his music? we already have that book, it's called "DMSR". this is more of a psycho-analysis. | |
| - E-mail - orgNote - Report post to moderator |
the book clearly isn't meant to be about his music. why are you expecting some in-depth discussion of his music? we already have that book, it's called "DMSR". this is more of a psycho-analysis.
Because although his life is very interesting his music is much more worth the price tag. If a biography is not about a musician's art, hence his music, then what is it supposed to be about? Everything contributes to the music. And ... I've read "DMSR," "A Pop Life," and all others. This is my book review so, if you don't mind, quit pissing in my wheaties. Start a post topic on something you want to talk about. | |
| - E-mail - orgNote - Report post to moderator |
AaronSuperior said: the book clearly isn't meant to be about his music this is more of a psycho-analysis.  Hahahahah no it's not. More like wannabe psycho-analysis but tabloid fodder and a personal issues take."Climb in my fur." | |
| - E-mail - orgNote - Report post to moderator |
quote] Hahahahah no it's not. More like wannabe psycho-analysis but tabloid fodder and a personal issues take.[/quote]
Very well said rdhull!!! | |
| - E-mail - orgNote - Report post to moderator |
LightnDark said: [color=green:7f511b6005:b719b5611d]Lovemachine, there are some key figures that were not interviewed or mentioned as denied interviews such as Jesse Johnson, Cat Glover, Sonny Thompson, Mayte, Patricia Kotero (Apollpnia). I feel these people could have provided key elements to his musical side.
Also, I believe that someone who barely drinks is not going to try a drug as controversial as ecstacy. Cocaine or weed maybe, but not heavy stuff. Remember ... this is only one's opinion... He drinks. | |
| - E-mail - orgNote - Report post to moderator |
 ?
Why? Who is going to call The Better Business Bureau to investigate Alex Hahn and Uptown? He basically filled in the gaps with some gossip from free Prince fansites like Prince.org. I thought so... Jealous "Stans"... You know who you are... | |
| - E-mail - orgNote - Report post to moderator |
jaypotton said: LightnDark - just on a point of accuracy (and because I'm anal retentive!) The Beatles did in fact have top tens and number ones for their entire career as a group before splitting up in 1970. Any singles that failed to make the top ten subsequently were re-releases.
--- Don't you think the Beatles never fell off because the quit at the height of their popularity. Do you think if they stayed together for another ten years they would have stayed on top. Almost all groups or performers in pop music have a 10 year shelf life. Prince is no different He just made some incredible music in his ten year run. A lot of artist today do not even make a five run. | |
| - E-mail - orgNote - Report post to moderator |
I dont understand. Is prince gay?  When I read about the evils of drinking, I gave up reading. | |
| - E-mail - orgNote - Report post to moderator |
rdhull said: AaronSuperior said: the book clearly isn't meant to be about his music this is more of a psycho-analysis. Hahahahah no it's not. More like wannabe psycho-analysis but tabloid fodder and a personal issues take.yeah, well maybe so, but it's clearly not meant to be what some people want. why are people bitching because this guy wrote the book he wanted to write instead of the book they wanted him to write? it doesn't aim to be a book about his music. why bitch about that? we have those books already, done better than anyone else could: DMSR, Turn It Up, Days Of Wild. i just don't get people whining that there isn't more in-depth discussion of his music, when obviously that's not the purpose of the book. | |
| - E-mail - orgNote - Report post to moderator |
AaronSuperior said: rdhull said: AaronSuperior said: the book clearly isn't meant to be about his music this is more of a psycho-analysis. Hahahahah no it's not. More like wannabe psycho-analysis but tabloid fodder and a personal issues take.yeah, well maybe so, but it's clearly not meant to be what some people want. why are people bitching because this guy wrote the book he wanted to write instead of the book they wanted him to write? it doesn't aim to be a book about his music. why bitch about that? we have those books already, done better than anyone else could: DMSR, Turn It Up, Days Of Wild. i just don't get people whining that there isn't more in-depth discussion of his music, when obviously that's not the purpose of the book. This is true..I guess Im wondering why someone espeially a lawyer who one would think is in theory above tabloidish stuff, would spend their energy on that type of write up. Ah well.  "Climb in my fur." | |
| - E-mail - orgNote - Report post to moderator |
AaronSuperior said: rdhull said: AaronSuperior said: the book clearly isn't meant to be about his music this is more of a psycho-analysis. Hahahahah no it's not. More like wannabe psycho-analysis but tabloid fodder and a personal issues take.yeah, well maybe so, but it's clearly not meant to be what some people want. why are people bitching because this guy wrote the book he wanted to write instead of the book they wanted him to write? it doesn't aim to be a book about his music. why bitch about that? we have those books already, done better than anyone else could: DMSR, Turn It Up, Days Of Wild. i just don't get people whining that there isn't more in-depth discussion of his music, when obviously that's not the purpose of the book. The book fails on *its own terms* in trying to be what it aspires to be. Lots of holes. "That...magic, the start of something revolutionary-the Minneapolis Sound, we should cherish it and not punish prince for not being able to replicate it."-Dreamshaman32 | |
| - E-mail - orgNote - Report post to moderator |
NuPwrSoul said: AaronSuperior said: rdhull said: AaronSuperior said: the book clearly isn't meant to be about his music this is more of a psycho-analysis. Hahahahah no it's not. More like wannabe psycho-analysis but tabloid fodder and a personal issues take.yeah, well maybe so, but it's clearly not meant to be what some people want. why are people bitching because this guy wrote the book he wanted to write instead of the book they wanted him to write? it doesn't aim to be a book about his music. why bitch about that? we have those books already, done better than anyone else could: DMSR, Turn It Up, Days Of Wild. i just don't get people whining that there isn't more in-depth discussion of his music, when obviously that's not the purpose of the book. The book fails on *its own terms* in trying to be what it aspires to be. Lots of holes. yeah, fine, but that's not what this thread is complaining about. this thread is complaining about the author not delving into the musical history of his career, and even if the book doesn't succeed in what it IS trying to do, it isn't even trying to be what this thread wants it to be about. | |
| - E-mail - orgNote - Report post to moderator |
Hi, folks. I also replied to another thread about this book, the one about Jon Bream's review.
One final response: there's nothing in the book about Hepatitis C, contrary to lightndark's statement. Just wanted to clear that up. | |
| - E-mail - orgNote - Report post to moderator |
AaronSuperior said: yeah, fine, but that's not what this thread is complaining about. this thread is complaining about the author not delving into the musical history of his career, and even if the book doesn't succeed in what it IS trying to do, it isn't even trying to be what this thread wants it to be about.
Well is this thread succeeding at what it *is* trying to be about? I want this thread to be about something else, but alas this thread isn't even trying to be about that!  "That...magic, the start of something revolutionary-the Minneapolis Sound, we should cherish it and not punish prince for not being able to replicate it."-Dreamshaman32 | |
| - E-mail - orgNote - Report post to moderator |
I found the book to be quite informative, though most of the stuff has been known already. There are a few tidbits and stories that I had never heard of or heard about as in depth as what's presented here. He has enough quotes from people who let him use their name (those you wanted to be anonymous he just said "from anonymous sources") that give most of the anecdotes validity. It seems David Z and Eric and Alan Leeds give the most insight. And although, this gives us a more blow by blow detail of his love life than I've seen before, it really chronicles the extremely bad decision making Prince has made throughout his career, much the chagrin to those around him who had balls to say something and weren't yesmen! It also confirms what most of already knew about him and that's that he's a complete control freak who seems to live in his own universe and expects everyone else to live there too under his rule (at least for the majority of his career).
Anyway, I wouldn't necessarily consider this a negative piece on him at all. It just shows his "two sides", the good and the not so good (sides we ALL have). This isn't a complete Prince rim job, like some of you probably wanted to see! Some of the main holes I saw were towards the end, where it wasn't as detailed as I would've like. This is probably due to he couldn't interview some of the current people because, hey, they're still working for him and surround him!!! They don't wanna rat out the boss, now would they?! A few other detailed things seem to be missing too, but for the most part, it's all there. | |
| - E-mail - orgNote - Report post to moderator |
AaronSuperior said: NuPwrSoul said: AaronSuperior said: rdhull said: AaronSuperior said: the book clearly isn't meant to be about his music this is more of a psycho-analysis. Hahahahah no it's not. More like wannabe psycho-analysis but tabloid fodder and a personal issues take.yeah, well maybe so, but it's clearly not meant to be what some people want. why are people bitching because this guy wrote the book he wanted to write instead of the book they wanted him to write? it doesn't aim to be a book about his music. why bitch about that? we have those books already, done better than anyone else could: DMSR, Turn It Up, Days Of Wild. i just don't get people whining that there isn't more in-depth discussion of his music, when obviously that's not the purpose of the book. The book fails on *its own terms* in trying to be what it aspires to be. Lots of holes. yeah, fine, but that's not what this thread is complaining about. this thread is complaining about the author not delving into the musical history of his career, . wrong..its complaining about delving into tabloid stuff..the whiospers and rumors of how Prince is such a bad bad person "Climb in my fur." | |
| - E-mail - orgNote - Report post to moderator |
AlexHahn said: Hi, folks. I also replied to another thread about this book, the one about Jon Bream's review.
One final response: there's nothing in the book about Hepatitis C, contrary to lightndark's statement. Just wanted to clear that up. Hey Alex...whats your favorite B-side? "Climb in my fur." | |
| - E-mail - orgNote - Report post to moderator |
rdhull said: AlexHahn said: Hi, folks. I also replied to another thread about this book, the one about Jon Bream's review.
One final response: there's nothing in the book about Hepatitis C, contrary to lightndark's statement. Just wanted to clear that up. Hey Alex...whats your favorite B-side? "Hello" maybe?  "That...magic, the start of something revolutionary-the Minneapolis Sound, we should cherish it and not punish prince for not being able to replicate it."-Dreamshaman32 | |
| - E-mail - orgNote - Report post to moderator |
NuPwrSoul said: rdhull said: AlexHahn said: Hi, folks. I also replied to another thread about this book, the one about Jon Bream's review.
One final response: there's nothing in the book about Hepatitis C, contrary to lightndark's statement. Just wanted to clear that up. Hey Alex...whats your favorite B-side? "Hello" maybe? ROFLMAO
Alex is on his way to have a namecheck or song written about him ( see CJ BJB etc) "Climb in my fur." | |
| - E-mail - orgNote - Report post to moderator |