RJOrion said:

Hardcore fans do know he is capable of more and are a little disconcerned that the Piano and Microphone tour is not being released at the same time or in connection with it .. But the complaining may make folks reading the posts think there is nothing of merit on this album and I don't agree. There is a ton of raw talent displayed here and even if he flubs a few moments (which is to be expected of someone who was virtually self-taught), I think from this release it is obvious that his piano playing is tight and funky. Even more impressive however is his singing. I read some review that stated that this recording proved to them that Prince's lower singing is the real deal and not just studio trickery. It is surprising what people assume about Prince.

Here is a piece of news that might make folks feel better--if they go on twitter and type Prince piano, they will find that people, while acknowledging that it is essentially noodling, really do like what they are hearing , and these people are not the usual Prince junkies who pop up on here or have twitter pages devoted to him. They are casual fans interested in hearing his work from a piano, they are people who like a handful of his songs or the ones who bought Purple Rain right after he died but didn't know that the Deluxe version a year later had lots of "unreleased stuff". That particular fan base is expanding their palette and this album might be a way in which they will continue to expand.

In the best case scenario, the Tidal music coming out next year will be the Piano and Microphone tour and this 83 version might help lead folks to buy a recording of the tour itself. People are stuck in the 80's where Prince is concerned. Giving them a taste of Prince noodling on the piano right before his prime years might be just the right move to get casual and new fans to also invest time and money in his last concert (a concert that took 30 years to exist and expands on his ability to play piano after years of practice and honing.) Hell, it might inadvertedly lead a few people to listen to One Night Alone album. It might be the taste people need. As long as the tour (if it is released) is given the proper promotion, it COULD sell well.

DarkKnight1 said:

Whatever. Buy it or don’t. The grandstanding is exhausting. It’s a cool release for the masses and most of the reviews and opinions I’ve seen have been very positive. Can we just quit whining and stfu about it actually existing?

[Edited 9/21/18 22:35pm]

feeluupp said:

A shameless rip off. It's enough they released something from a simple tape copy (surely if this was a studio rehearsal - (he's giving directions to somebody) - a proper master tape should exist?!) but then to only make it 35 mins and not include anything else (like other piano recording sessions around that time?) is a cheek. The booklet should have been included in the standard CD release. If WB wants people to buy CDs still they'll have to do a lot better than this!

Not rel interested in this. SOunds like it would have worked better as a bonus disc somewhere.

HollywoodSt said:

Moan, moan, moan. The entitled generation. You are owed nothing, you were given everything. Can you not take any joy in something that’s not been officially released before ? Brats. [Edited 9/21/18 14:43pm]

OldFriends4Sale said:

people who don't appreciate this, don't like songs like Condition of the Heart

or Leaving 4 New York

they just want something to make their hips grind

Damn right! And I've never tried to deny it either.

The album is #1 best-selling in US right now and Top 10 almost everywhere, and the reviews are great, casual listeners are happy. So they must be doing something right.

Strive said:

Because we've seen the police photos of the vault and we have the bootlegs. There's so much material in the vault that should have been released before this one. If we're talking about making bootlegs legit, why not Diamonds & Pearls: Beginnings or The Makings Of Rain or From The Soundboard: 1984 Birthday Show or Trans4mation? Those are things we know exist, already have and could raise the public's view of Prince. Where's the stuff we don't know about? You're telling me that out of the 8,000 cassettes they said they have, this is the best of the best? I don't believe it. (And remember, there was 0 cassettes tapes in the actual vault at Paisley or in any of the police photos. So what we've seen isn't all there is.) People think I'm nuts for suggesting a new collection of studio outtakes from 85-86 but look at Princevault and tell me there isn't a "all killer no filler" collection just waiting to be assembled by the estate. There's so many tracks that were left on the cutting room floor and a few that haven't leaked in any form. Even if the collection was mostly stuff we already have, who wouldn't think album saved if we got the full version of Cosmic Day or Walkin' In Glory? The Vault disc of Purple Rain Deluxe was great for the studio version of Electric Intercourse, Katrina's Paper Dolls, Love And Sex and the original version of We Can Fuck. Those 4 songs were worth the price of admission IMO. Everything else was frosting on the cake, even if that cake was a bit disformed and rushed and came with two other cakes I didn't care about. They had over a year to prep the next release and this is what they came up with. Ridiculous. I preordered Purple Rain Deluxe. I won't even illegally download this release. That's how trash it is. In my mind, it doesn't exist. [Edited 9/21/18 22:27pm]

100% Agree

They get an "L" 4 LAZY.

Though I am still pleased at the official release of these songs, I do feel as if a second disc of rehearsal or live stuff should have completed the release. There is sooooooo much out there that people who don't chase down unofficial releases have not heard. I mean, Spike, your fucking head is going to explode when you hear P doing Ray Charles doin' American the Beautiful. Gotta Shake This Feelin', Baby...anyone? Bueller loves that shit. The aforementioned Birthday Show would be a good one, too. Though, how cool would it be to release that one on P's birthday .

DarkKnight1 said:

Whatever. Buy it or don’t. The grandstanding is exhausting. It’s a cool release for the masses and most of the reviews and opinions I’ve seen have been very positive. Can we just quit whining and stfu about it actually existing?

LOL. How long have you been on the forums? Because the answer to this "fuck no".

Listened to a few tracks and liked it better than I thought I would. It's interesting to listen to him sort of "sketch" and work stuff out. I always like looking at visual artist's processes and their sketches leading up to a finished painting or storyboards for feature films. Stuff like that. That's what this feels like to me and it's pretty amazing to listen to music just oozing out of Prince stream of consciousness style.

Also, for years undreds of people around here would constantly clamor for a stripped down acoustic unplugged look at his work and, now that we get it, the bitching is hilarious.

That said, it does really feel like something that would have worked better as a supplemental disc in a larger set but I'm not sure how. Maybe 2 discs of rarities from that era and this one as a bonus.

The album is fine but I doubt I'll bust it out much.

[Edited 9/22/18 13:09pm]

TKO said:

The album is #1 best-selling in US right now and Top 10 almost everywhere, and the reviews are great, casual listeners are happy. So they must be doing something right.

There is a Long Term Strategy in place..

One that seeks to introduce Prince to a wider audience..the Uninitiated , the ones who currently identify Prince with the Wild and Raunchy.

P&M 1983 showcases so many aspects of Princes talent, one could almost say its shows him really bare and naked...

Most importantly this is a release that one can give as a gift to almost anyone..

I played it yesterday to my Grandson who is turning 8 and is already into Prince..

But with this I was able to show him a different side.

He has recently taken up Piano..Hoping this will inspire him.

He sat quietly looking out the window listening on our drive yesterday..

Its easy to listen to...the Piano playing is wonderful..Princes voice arches and makes you ache at times..

I was not sure about the direction the Estate was heading...

but now I can clearly see they have a vision...and Im on board....

International Lover is my current Fave...

just gorgeous...

[Edited 9/22/18 18:57pm]

I think Michael Jackson's posthumous releases are worse. Two faux albums of songs he never intended to go together. One apparently had songs with lead vocals by a Michael Jackson impersonator? Even worse, the other had lead vocals by Justin Timberlake...

Mintchip said:

I think Michael Jackson's posthumous releases are worse. Two faux albums of songs he never intended to go together. One apparently had songs with lead vocals by a Michael Jackson impersonator? Even worse, the other had lead vocals by Justin Timberlake...

You're not comparing like for like. Jackon probably had a dozen or so unreleased songs after he passed. Prince had 1000's. Much Much much more to choose from.

the 87 mtv aftershow would be something to grind hips to....

DarkKnight1 said:

Whatever. Buy it or don’t. The grandstanding is exhausting. It’s a cool release for the masses and most of the reviews and opinions I’ve seen have been very positive. Can we just quit whining and stfu about it actually existing?

Agreed. Reviews are positive and sales seem to be also. That is what will lead to other things being released.

We ALL know how much other stuff is there to be released and we can ALL make suggestions as to what should be next, and every suggestion will have supporters and detractors.

But this is truly grandstanding: many of us have very large collections of unreleased stuff, so can we stop the pissing contest on who know or has most and is best to judge what should and should not be released.

Personally, I see this as a move to establish Prince as an artist. We know he is. Most of the public see him as a Michael Jackson 'competitor', and would see regular unreleased tracks as 'more of the same'. MJ can never compete on the instrumental side, or overall musical talent side, so this is a good first step of positioning in the minds of the more general public.

grantevans said:

Agreed. Reviews are positive and sales seem to be also. That is what will lead to other things being released.

We ALL know how much other stuff is there to be released and we can ALL make suggestions as to what should be next, and every suggestion will have supporters and detractors.

But this is truly grandstanding: many of us have very large collections of unreleased stuff, so can we stop the pissing contest on who know or has most and is best to judge what should and should not be released.

Personally, I see this as a move to establish Prince as an artist. We know he is. Most of the public see him as a Michael Jackson 'competitor', and would see regular unreleased tracks as 'more of the same'. MJ can never compete on the instrumental side, or overall musical talent side, so this is a good first step of positioning in the minds of the more general public.

Prince is already an established artist. Never have I heard that the public see him as an MJ competitor.

PennyPurple said:

grantevans said:

Agreed. Reviews are positive and sales seem to be also. That is what will lead to other things being released.

We ALL know how much other stuff is there to be released and we can ALL make suggestions as to what should be next, and every suggestion will have supporters and detractors.

But this is truly grandstanding: many of us have very large collections of unreleased stuff, so can we stop the pissing contest on who know or has most and is best to judge what should and should not be released.

Personally, I see this as a move to establish Prince as an artist. We know he is. Most of the public see him as a Michael Jackson 'competitor', and would see regular unreleased tracks as 'more of the same'. MJ can never compete on the instrumental side, or overall musical talent side, so this is a good first step of positioning in the minds of the more general public.

Prince is already an established artist. Never have I heard that the public see him as an MJ competitor.

I mean in terms of his image with the unitiated. Ask around and see what responses you get....

I think the posthumous releases have been fine. 4Ever is the most balanced compilation of the Warner years available, and it includes the all-time best Prince outtake in "Moonbeam Levels". Purple Rain deluxe had an incredible second disc. No, we didn't get a mega deluxe Purple Rain with the First Avenue show or the heavily implied 2 discs of unreleased music, but it is still a fine release in my view, with the exception of a few sound issues here and there (the dropout during the Hallway speech version of "Computer Blue" and the distorted intro to the extended version of "Erotic City"). The original version of "Nothing Compares 2 U" and the associated video of rehearsal footage was a great treat earlier this year, and Piano and a Microphone 1983 makes for a wonderful listen as well.

I know most of us want big, 5+ disc reissues, a rebirth of the NPGMC, and extensive live videos to come out, but the legal mayhem that has resulted from Prince not having a will has seemingly prevented that. I am sure there may be tension within the heirs, but the releases so far are by no means beneath his legacy or anything like that.

Moonbeam said:

I think the posthumous releases have been fine. 4Ever is the most balanced compilation of the Warner years available, and it includes the all-time best Prince outtake in "Moonbeam Levels". Purple Rain deluxe had an incredible second disc. No, we didn't get a mega deluxe Purple Rain with the First Avenue show or the heavily implied 2 discs of unreleased music, but it is still a fine release in my view, with the exception of a few sound issues here and there (the dropout during the Hallway speech version of "Computer Blue" and the distorted intro to the extended version of "Erotic City"). The original version of "Nothing Compares 2 U" and the associated video of rehearsal footage was a great treat earlier this year, and Piano and a Microphone 1983 makes for a wonderful listen as well.

I know most of us want big, 5+ disc reissues, a rebirth of the NPGMC, and extensive live videos to come out, but the legal mayhem that has resulted from Prince not having a will has seemingly prevented that. I am sure there may be tension within the heirs, but the releases so far are by no means beneath his legacy or anything like that.

Graycap23 said:

Prince probably has more material in his vault than any artist the ever recorded on a professional level.

I don't recall seeing any artist's posthumous releases over 2 years after they have died be as unsatisfying as this.

Maybe there was so much material that they were overwhelmed? Unorganized?

Etc.........

I don't know the reason's behind it, but this 1st release is not a good start imho.

They r going 2 have 2 do better than this.

This will be the 1st Prince official release that I won't be buying.

Prince did not have anything laid out as far as a will is concerned.
Legal issues as far as who takes care of stuff
Paisley Park owed $$$ taxes

I didn't expect anything to happen quickly

and I love the PR Deluxe (they can work out a better one later)

and I love the Piano set

herb4 said:

DarkKnight1 said:

Whatever. Buy it or don’t. The grandstanding is exhausting. It’s a cool release for the masses and most of the reviews and opinions I’ve seen have been very positive. Can we just quit whining and stfu about it actually existing?

LOL. How long have you been on the forums? Because the answer to this "fuck no".

Listened to a few tracks and liked it better than I thought I would. It's interesting to listen to him sort of "sketch" and work stuff out. I always like looking at visual artist's processes and their sketches leading up to a finished painting or storyboards for feature films. Stuff like that. That's what this feels like to me and it's pretty amazing to listen to music just oozing out of Prince stream of consciousness style.

Also, for years undreds of people around here would constantly clamor for a stripped down acoustic unplugged look at his work and, now that we get it, the bitching is hilarious.

That said, it does really feel like something that would have worked better as a supplemental disc in a larger set but I'm not sure how. Maybe 2 discs of rarities from that era and this one as a bonus.

The album is fine but I doubt I'll bust it out much.

[Edited 9/22/18 13:09pm]

Nothing is going to bust out. NOTHING. Unless there is an album titled Purple Rain 2 somewhere in that vault, the chart topping mega hit doesnt exist, regardless of quality. I want uncirculated material as much as the next person, but if its not wrapped in a Purple Rain blanket, the common music fan will dismiss it pretty quickly. Unfortunately, the only hope for a massive hit would be to have Bruno Mars or Taylor Swiftduet on a Prince track, and sweet baby Jesus, I hope that never happens.

herb4 said:

Not real interested in this. SOunds like it would have worked better as a bonus disc somewhere.

Exactly.This is the type of thing that should be released as a bonus disc in a better,more complete release.

PennyPurple said:

grantevans said:

Agreed. Reviews are positive and sales seem to be also. That is what will lead to other things being released.

We ALL know how much other stuff is there to be released and we can ALL make suggestions as to what should be next, and every suggestion will have supporters and detractors.

But this is truly grandstanding: many of us have very large collections of unreleased stuff, so can we stop the pissing contest on who know or has most and is best to judge what should and should not be released.

Personally, I see this as a move to establish Prince as an artist. We know he is. Most of the public see him as a Michael Jackson 'competitor', and would see regular unreleased tracks as 'more of the same'. MJ can never compete on the instrumental side, or overall musical talent side, so this is a good first step of positioning in the minds of the more general public.

Prince is already an established artist. Never have I heard that the public see him as an MJ competitor.

Does that rock you've been living under have a physical address?

mtlfan said:

Genesia said:

PennyPurple said:

Prince is already an established artist. Never have I heard that the public see him as an MJ competitor.

Does that rock you've been living under have a physical address?

Huh? I've not ever heard 1 person say they know Prince only because he was a competitor with MJ.

OldFriends4Sale said:

feeluupp said:

According to some fams in the other piano and a mic thread, noodling is the true artistry of the prince recording process, and only sophisticated fans can appreciate it...

[Edited 9/21/18 12:21pm]

chic people and purple academics

the whole scene was according to one attendee very Haight Ashbury

Exactly. This is "a day in the life" of Prince -before Purple Rain, and without the finished production, which many have not heard. It's great, and a unique glimpse for those who were not on the bootleg train.

Hey, grateful for anything really, but this would have been a great supplement to more substantial main release.....ya know, a little somethin extra to juice up the deal and get people interested.

leadline said:

Hey, grateful for anything really, but this would have been a great supplement to more substantial main release.....ya know, a little somethin extra to juice up the deal and get people interested.

Good point, that is also true...