christobole said:

Moonbeam said:

...Moreover, I'm sure most Prince fans would trade the opportunity to hear these lost gems if it meant that Prince was still alive and well...

[Snip - luv4u]

Not cool and bad taste.

Are you sure about this? Both the streaming version and the version on physical CD that I have is 3:06 in length, but fades out.

GaryMF said:

OK I read this entire thread.

.

.

Why do they say Sex Shooter 'fades out'..... it just abrubtly cuts off at 3:06

It took you two edits to post this awful b.s.?

christobole said:

Moonbeam said:

...Moreover, I'm sure most Prince fans would trade the opportunity to hear these lost gems if it meant that Prince was still alive and well...

[Snip - luv4u]

Moonbeam said:

I'm probably going to regret doing this, but what the hell, here's my review:

It may be a bit cheesy to talk about the "imperial phase" of an artist called Prince, but Originals is a glowing testament to the fact that there really was a Prince empire in the 80s, with numerous proteges and completely independent artists alike serving as ambassadors of his ravenous productivity. As such, Originals serves a key role in representing Prince's towering legacy, providing a peek behind the curtains of some of the hundreds of songs he gave away. It's a clever idea that was hatched thanks to the positive reception of last year's release of the original, soulful take of "Nothing Compares 2 U", also included in this set. That said, the selection of songs is so inspired that Originals is more than just an interesting glimpse into his glory days - it's an essential entry in his catalog, one that manages to find a great balance of appealing to the masses and hardcore Prince fans alike.

Over the course of fifteen songs, we're taken on a whirlwind tour of many of the things that made Prince such an exciting artist. We get ass-shaking synth funk jams ("Sex Shooter", "Jungle Love", "The Glamorous Life"), soulful R&B ballads ("Baby, You're a Trip", "Gigolos Get Lonely Too", "Nothing Compares 2 U"), psychedelic pop-rock ("Manic Monday", "Dear Michaelangelo"), cartoon funk ("Holly Rock"), ruff 'n ready rock ("Wouldn't You Love to Love Me?"), spiritual sanctuary ("Love... Thy Will Be Done") and some vibrant experiments ("Noon Rendezvous", "Make-Up", "You're My Love") all tucked into a neat package. While the presence of these and other gifted gems unveiled different corners of his psyche back in the 80s, hearing them now performed by Prince feels like a more intimate revelation. As such, Originals is as sprawling as any of his 80s albums, packed with songs generally worthy of the standard set by his own contemporaneous releases. Amazingly, this album then can serve as a fine introduction to Prince for newcomers despite the fact it doesn't feature any of his own well-known hits.

A lot of discussion in the press seems to be focusing on determining whether the versions included here or the ultimately released versions are superior, but this feels misguided. Prince's intentions were clear – these songs were deliberately given to other artists, and as such, their versions are more in keeping with his vision. We can roughly divide the songs into two camps – those that serve as a dry run for released versions which remained faithful to these incarnations, and those that developed into something substantially different upon release. The tracks that steer closest to the released versions still unlock new dimensions to these songs that make them fascinating and worthy of release. For example, "Sex Shooter" and "Jungle Love" sizzle with the same libidinous spark as the versions released by Apollonia 6 and The Time. That said, hearing Prince's feminine seduction on "Sex Shooter" back-to-back with the more playful, macho braggadocio of "Jungle Love" shines a light on the duality of his persona. Likewise, the Linn drum machine madness and rumbling synth bass stabs of the dark electronica standout "Make-Up" are similar to what was released on the Vanity 6 version, a sort of early precursor to electroclash. But Prince's deadpan delivery, delivering lyrics like "if I wear a dress, he will never call, so I'll wear much less, I guess I'll wear my camisole" renders it all the rawer and more subversive.

At times, Prince's vocal delivery may seem like it undersells a song's potential, but as these songs served as guides for other artists to follow, it makes sense that his performances are not the balls-to-the-wall bonanzas he would release himself. Nonetheless, these moments offer insight into the spirit underlying these songs. The kaleidoscopic splendor of The Bangles' version of "Manic Monday" is hard to beat, but Prince's delivery here is endowed with a sleepy dreaminess that suits the storyline of the lyrics and the feeling of being stuck in a rut of doldrums. Likewise, Prince's tone on "Gigolos Get Lonely Too" lacks the cool swagger that Morris Day injected into The Time's version. The song is a sort of thematic cousin of "Little Red Corvette", where instead of telling the object of his affections to slow down, he turns the message inward. Both songs feature beautifully textured synths to cast an evocative atmosphere, while "Gigolos" is given an extra thump in the groove to complement the narrative of a man who has been around the block too many times for meaningless trysts and now seeks genuine connection. It's a theme that Prince eventually developed into an entire film (Under the Cherry Moon), so it's one that he obviously felt pretty deeply. His downtrodden performance here conveys a more believable yearning than The Time's version, the falsetto sections charged with more desperation, making for another spellbinding highlight.

In fact, the only time that one of these "vocal guides" feels a little perfunctory is on "The Glamorous Life", which is nonetheless a badass jam even without Sheila's percussion. An obvious exception to the apparent guide vocal treatments is "Baby, You're a Trip". Having long been a favorite among hardcore fans, hearing Prince's wailing vocal theatrics with such clarity is a delightful testament to how great a vocalist he was. Infused with gospel fervor and wonderfully intertwined with Jill Jones' backing vocals, it's a show-stopping performance filled with blood-boiling screams that will leave any fan mesmerized. Similarly, "100 MPH" had long done the bootleg rounds, and hearing its hefty thump in this clarity is a delight for long-time fans.

The songs that depart greatly from the released versions are perhaps more interesting. "Holly Rock", for instance, is produced as a sort of proto-"Housequake" frolic that works better with the drier feel than the version released by Sheila E. Also given to Sheila E., "Dear Michaelangelo" is a wonderful slice of psychedelia that places greater focus on some inspired guitar shredding, later repurposed for The Scandalous Sex Suite. "Wouldn't You Love to Love Me?" went through various incarnations, originating as a groovy disco track in the late 70s before ending up as frothy pop/funk-lite when released by Taja Savelle in 1987. Here, it's decked out as a rumbling new wave rocker from 1981, giving the lyrics a more assertive punch that serves the song well. The inferior sound quality kind of suits the gritty nature of the track, connecting it to the Dirty Mind imagery on the album's cover. Another song with admirable versatility, "Noon Rendezvous" is one of the most precious songs Prince has ever recorded. Its lush synthpop release by Sheila E. made it the opulent jewel in the crown of The Glamorous Life, while live performances from 1984 often elevated the beautiful chord sequence into jaw-dropping guitar apotheosis. Here, the sparse production allows the naked longing of Prince's breathy falsetto to shine, backed only by piano and a minimal Linn drum heartbeat. Breathtakingly intimate, it's no wonder that it was revived for the acclaimed Piano and a Microphone shows in 2016. It's one of the most gorgeous songs Prince ever wrote and it's an absolute godsend to hear it like this.

Elsewhere, the ethereal calm of "Love… Thy Will Be Done" had long been one of Prince's most prized outtakes, embodying a sacrosanct spiritual wholeness that my wife likes to say is "worthy of ascension". More stripped down than the version that became a hit for Martika, it revolves around a gentle keyboard pulse that accents Prince's hushed, prayer-like delivery, which grows increasingly beautiful with lovely backing harmonies and a closing gospel choral coda. Although it does not fit the 1981-1985 timeframe of the other songs, it is likewise a highlight of his career, arguably better than anything he released in the surrounding years.

Most surprising of all, "You're My Love" showcases a crooning vocal style that Prince never adopted on any other song. Recorded in 1982, it nonetheless recalls the sort of breezy balladry of For You, eventually finding a home with Kenny Rogers. Zooming in to 1982, "You're My Love" captures the spirit of Originals well - it's remarkable that a song like this was recorded in the same year as futuristic anthems like "1999", the alien funk soundscapes of "Automatic", paranoid electro nightmares like "Something in the Water (Does Not Compute)", and scorching funk rockers like "Lady Cab Driver", not to mention early versions of "Raspberry Beret" and "I Could Never Take the Place of Your Man". Prince inhabited a lot of worlds and characters during these years, and that breadth is reflected well throughout Originals.

It may be true that Prince would have never approved of a release like this. Moreover, I'm sure most Prince fans would trade the opportunity to hear these lost gems if it meant that Prince was still alive and well. Nonetheless, Originals is a vital album and one that significantly adds to Prince's legacy. Vault curator Michael Howe has suggested that if Originals is a success, further volumes may follow. Here's hoping!

Great review Mate, Thank you for your thoughts.

I am loving the album overall, NC2U has always been one of my favourites - just not sure how much of an interest this album will be for casual fans? But that is not a criticism just a thought I have - I do love adding this album to my collection.

BUT the packaging is so disappointing and cheap! No proper booklet and so thin and nasty looking. What happened to the days of nice Jewel Cases? When I went to our local JB HiFi Music Store and saw it on the shelf it looked so cheap to the others around it because it is so thin and cheap looking. I hate Digi Pack at the best of times, but this one is more like a bit of cardboard!!

christobole said:

Moonbeam said:

...Moreover, I'm sure most Prince fans would trade the opportunity to hear these lost gems if it meant that Prince was still alive and well...

[Snip - luv4u]

I feel sorry for your mother.

Moonbeam said:

PennyPurple said:

i went to two targets and one best buy and i couldn't find this album or much else, pickings are slim in the cd section these days.

FrankieCoco1 said:

JorisE73 said:

I pre-orderd the Japanese version and got a shipping confirmation last sunday.
Usually it takes about a week to get here in the NEtherlands, so hopefully I'll have it around early next week.

What’s the website you used to order the Japanese import? Bit wary of the ones on eBay, in case they are dodgy fakes.

I ordered through a independant seller on Amazon.

American Songwriter review: https://americansongwrite...originals/

databank said:

Popmatters review. https://www.popmatters.co...18026.html The writer must be on drugs because he praises the Estate for Originals, Piano 83, PRDeluxe and... an improved, expended reissue of ONA The Aftershow I Ain't Over from 2002!!! I have to say I'm baffled at how poorly written most of those reviews are, and how full of factual mistakes... (one spelled "Appolonia 6", NC2U attributed to The Time and many others...) [Edited 6/24/19 0:40am]

Hmmm, so if so many reporters get so much about Prince wrong, and we know it's wrong because we know about Prince...

Just think about how many other things they get wrong and we don't know it because we're not experts on the subject.

"Journalists" can't even be arsed to check Wikipedia for basic facts, why should we ever believe them?

djThunderfunk said:

databank said:

Popmatters review. https://www.popmatters.co...18026.html The writer must be on drugs because he praises the Estate for Originals, Piano 83, PRDeluxe and... an improved, expended reissue of ONA The Aftershow I Ain't Over from 2002!!! I have to say I'm baffled at how poorly written most of those reviews are, and how full of factual mistakes... (one spelled "Appolonia 6", NC2U attributed to The Time and many others...) [Edited 6/24/19 0:40am]

Hmmm, so if so many reporters get so much about Prince wrong, and we know it's wrong because we know about Prince...

Just think about how many other things they get wrong and we don't know it because we're not experts on the subject.

"Journalists" can't even be arsed to check Wikipedia for basic facts, why should we ever believe them?

That is an excellent point. I've made the same argument myself. I have friends who have some expertise in a particular area, and they constantly comment on how journalist get the basic facts wrong... yet they're still willing to almost blindly trust journalist in every other area. It makes no sense.

journalists are garbage .. there is no research .. they just repeat what people tell them to say .. absolutely zero credibility from any news source in any category .. its all just clones with zero brain power .. it doesn't matter if its music .. war .. politics .. whatever is in the news is pure shit from morons with abolutely no ability to think for themselves ..

PeteSilas said:

i went to two targets and one best buy and i couldn't find this album or much else, pickings are slim in the cd section these days.

They were well stocked in the Detroit area.

djThunderfunk said:

databank said:

Popmatters review. https://www.popmatters.co...18026.html The writer must be on drugs because he praises the Estate for Originals, Piano 83, PRDeluxe and... an improved, expended reissue of ONA The Aftershow I Ain't Over from 2002!!! I have to say I'm baffled at how poorly written most of those reviews are, and how full of factual mistakes... (one spelled "Appolonia 6", NC2U attributed to The Time and many others...) [Edited 6/24/19 0:40am]

Hmmm, so if so many reporters get so much about Prince wrong, and we know it's wrong because we know about Prince...

Just think about how many other things they get wrong and we don't know it because we're not experts on the subject.

"Journalists" can't even be arsed to check Wikipedia for basic facts, why should we ever believe them?

I know, I've thought of it at least when it comes to other artists and, often, science. That's because in the first case they cannot be hardcore fans of each and every artist they review and there is little to no consequence if they get something wrong because no one cares, so they don't bother doing the homework, and in the second case they usually don't have a scientific background and they also want to publish spectacular news to get people's attention (typically "a study reveals that coffee is good/bad for health" is a gross spectacular approximation of what one study may have revealed regarding certain factors made better or worse by coffee) and, again, no one cares so much.

.

When it comes to things such as basic facts, politics, international events, news and stuff, journalists are usually more reliable because for one things they are usually way more specialized in those domains, and also because they get a lot of shit and may have to publish disclaimers when they get it wrong, so their credibility is at stake. There is a lot more pressure in those domains while in some others pressure is minimal (none of those sites and magazines are going to be trashed on Twitter and receive hundreds of emails because they said NC2U was a Time song). It doesn't mean they never make mistakes, but they're way more carerful.

TrevorAyer said:

journalists are garbage .. there is no research .. they just repeat what people tell them to say .. absolutely zero credibility from any news source in any category .. its all just clones with zero brain power .. it doesn't matter if its music .. war .. politics .. whatever is in the news is pure shit from morons with abolutely no ability to think for themselves ..

100% agree. Most of the time their "sources" are each other.

PeteSilas said:

i went to two targets and one best buy and i couldn't find this album or much else, pickings are slim in the cd section these days.

For Target, if you order online, you can click the check stores link, type in a zip code, and it usually is reliable for showing if it is in stock. As far as Best Buy? Most locations stopped selling cds, and the ones that do, usually just have a bargain bin to forever deplete stock.

Doozer said:

On a very side note: what cover image are you considering the actual album artwork?

I know the CD I bought this weekend does not say Originals on the actual cover, but online artwork and advertising does have the word under the spray painted "Prince".

Thoughts? I kind of like it with Originals on there.

Sales projections are low

Hits DD mentions three new releases but not Prince. Sales below 27k? Tidal effect?

http://hitsdailydouble.co...S-FOR-%231

Se7en said:

On a very side note: what cover image are you considering the actual album artwork?

I know the CD I bought this weekend does not say Originals on the actual cover, but online artwork and advertising does have the word under the spray painted "Prince".

Thoughts? I kind of like it with Originals on there.

I hadn't noticed this, thanks for pointing it out. Not sure which I prefer, probably the one with "Originals" on it.

homesquid said:

Sales projections are low

Hits DD mentions three new releases but not Prince. Sales below 27k? Tidal effect?

http://hitsdailydouble.co...S-FOR-%231

Not surprised...

You can promote and release all reviews in print and billboards at train stations... They always neglect the most relevant promotion now in today's society, that is social media.

Still the estate and Prince's social media presence and marketing sucks.

Se7en said:

feeluupp said:

RODSERLING said:

feeluupp said:

Not surprised...

You can promote and release all reviews in print and billboards at train stations... They always neglect the most relevant promotion now in today's society, that is social media.

Still the estate and Prince's social media presence and marketing sucks.

What is your prediction for the Billboard 200 Feeluup? Like I said, the Tidal exclusive deal killed potential sales, just like the deluxe edition not released at the same time. Poor packaging didn't help neither. It wouldn't be surprising if it doesn't make top 100! They did everything to in their power to make it a flop. They could have done a one hour documentary for tv, etc. [Edited 6/24/19 10:33am]

I think all streaming sites cannibalize actual sales.

I was watching that 2-hour tightrope special on ABC last night, where they're walking a tightrope above Times Square, and no fewer than 3 times did Prince's face (the "Originals" ad) pop up on the giant LED billboards. It was cool to see -- they're definitely doing a lot of advertising on this album!

I do like your idea of a documentary. Get The Bangles, Kenny Rogers, Sheila E. to discuss how these tracks came to be presented to them.

feeluupp said:

You can promote and release all reviews in print and billboards at train stations... They always neglect the most relevant promotion now in today's society, that is social media.

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Yup, no sign of the album here: https://twitter.com/prince . Or here: https://www.instagram.com/prince/ . Or here: https://www.facebook.com/prince/ .

.

Gotta love these famz who complain about lack of promo. Where were you lot when Prince was actively ignoring albums?

BartVanHemelen said:

feeluupp said:

You can promote and release all reviews in print and billboards at train stations... They always neglect the most relevant promotion now in today's society, that is social media.

.

Yup, no sign of the album here: https://twitter.com/prince . Or here: https://www.instagram.com/prince/ . Or here: https://www.facebook.com/prince/ .

.

Gotta love these famz who complain about lack of promo. Where were you lot when Prince was actively ignoring albums?

They have social media, but the estate doesn't know how to utilize it properly. They outdated. Truth.

2 million facebook likes, but Originals won't even sell 20,000 in it's first week...