Sign 'O' The Times Super Deluxe: Vault Tracks Suggestions Hi everyone.
So, the rumour floating around at the moment is that 'Parade: Super Deluxe' has been bumped in favour of 'Sign 'O' The Times' (which will be all my Christmases if true), but this has got me thinking. There are so many songs recorded during the making of this album that it's very likely some of my favourites are not going to make the cut. '1999 Super Deluxe' had 2CDs (4LPS) of vault tracks, and realistically I don't think that's going to be nearly enough for Sign 'O' The Times (the album itself already being 2CDs before we even get to Vault tracks).
Since the final track list may not be set in stone I figured now would be a good time to suggest and prioritise which tracks you think should make the cut and why? Since '1999' included 24 vault tracks I decided to make a short list of the same length.
Disc One:
Strange Relationship (Summer 85)
Chronologically this one probably belongs on 'Parade Deluxe' as the Revolution version was recorded in mid-85, but I hope an exception is made on this occasion as spiritually it belongs on 'Sign' deluxe.
Teacher, Teacher (Early 86)
After including Prince's solo version on '1999', it would be great to listen to the final mix with the Revolution's input.
It’s A Wonderful Day (30/01/1986)
A sensational Revolution track and what I consider to be the spiritual genesis of 'It's Gonna Be A Beautiful Night'.
And That Says What? (20/03/1986)
A funky instrumental and the only track in the Dream Factory project yet to leak into the public domain. Was originally placed at the end of 'Side A' of the first known Dream Factory configuration.
Witness 4 The Prosecution (15/04/1986)
Since Crystal Ball '98 included 'Last Heart' and 'Moviestar' it would be great to finally see 'Witness' get a proper release.
Crystal Ball (Dream Factory version) (17/04/1986)
Despite the Clair Fisher version being released on Crystal Ball '98, there is something magical about the Dream Factory version. The intro is haunting and infectious, plus the girl's backing vocals add a lot of flavour to the ensemble. I like both mixes and wouldn't want to see the Dream Factory version to get overlooked.
A Place In Heaven (Lisa's vocal ideally) (Apr-86)
A Place In Heaven is a truly beautiful piece of composition. I'm convinced the only reason Prince never released it after the Revolution broke up was because it sounds so much better with Lisa's vocals. This song has been long overdue a release.
Big Tall Wall (Apr-86)
Only appeared on the earliest configuration of Dream Factory, however it's simple structure of vocals and drum machine shares DNA with songs that made it onto 'Sign' such as 'Forever In My Life'.
In A Large Room With No Light (04/05/1986)
This one of two tracks that is a deal breaker for me. If this isn't on 'Sign Deluxe' I hope we can all agree that there will be riots.
Girl O’ My Dreams (17/06/1986)
Can’t Stop This Feeling I Got (17/06/1986)
We Can Funk (17/06/1986)
Not strictly from the 'Sign' project, but an all time fan favourite and the embodiment of how amazing Prince was throughout 1986. This suite of three tracks played in quick succession deserve a place at the table.
Disc Two:
Data Bank (18/06/1986)
A fun little piece with a lot of emphasis on the band with call outs, solos and Prince's brand of Morris Day style humour.
Eggplant (08/07/1986)
It's rare to hear Wendy take lead vocal so I'd love to see Eggplant included. Not a serious track by any means and probably wasn't intended for anything outside of private use, but I still like it. "SHE'S RETARDED!" 
The Ball (26/07/1986)
One of the few unreleased tracks from the Crystal Ball configuration. It came so close to being on the final release that I think this deserves a place on this set, despite its similarities with Eye Know.
It Ain’t Over ‘Til The Fat Lady Sings (Aug-86)
Only a couple of minutes of this piece have leaked so I'd like to hear if there is any more of it. This was a leftover piece from Prince's tentative musical project. It's just an instrumental piece, but I kind of like it.
Crucial (full length) (Sep-86)
Too damn good to only exist as an edit. A song Prince had considered to end the Sign 'O' The Times album before replacing it with Adore. I'm desperate to hear this fully mastered and uncut, ideally with Eric Leeds saxophone playing if I had my way.
Rescue Me (05/10/1986)
An unreleased cover version of the track by Fontella Bass that he later sent to Dolly Parton. I'm aching to hear what he did with this one.
Rebirth Of The Flesh (28/10/1986)
This is track number two in the 'deal breaker' department. The only Camille studio recording and one of the last Crystal Ball tracks not to see the light of day. I'm confident this one couldn't possibly be overlooked, but if it turns out not to be on 'Sign Deluxe' I will genuinely be devastated. I'm banking on this one making the cut, otherwise it's going to be 'Extra Loveable' all over again!
Bad (Late 1986)
Prince's cover that he sent back to Michael Jackson when he was offered the duet gig. If you are not at least a little bit curious to hear this then there must be something wrong with you.
Walkin’ In Glory (07/12/1986)
Recorded on the same day as Bob George. From the first known recording session after Crystal Ball was configured and presumably reject by Warner Brother. This song has too much history to be excluded.
Wally (29/12/1986)
As tragic as it is that we will never hear the original version, I'm grateful that Prince didn't leave Wally alone. The re-recording is still a great song and one of a handful of legendary tracks inspired by Susannah Melvoin.
101 (10/01/1987)
Again, another track inspired by Susannah Melvoin, but this time a lot darker in tone. As good as Sheena Easton's version is, it's a personal song to Prince and as such I'd prefer to listen to it out of his mouth.
3 Nigs Watchin’ A Kung-Fu Movie (Early 87)
I'm just really curious to see how this compares to '2 Nigs United For West Compton'.
There were a lot more tracks I wanted to include, but I wanted to be realistic about how much space will be available in the set. Here are some tracks I included on my original shortlist before having to scale it back.
Honourable Mention:
All My Dreams
A song I would have been adamant about including if it wasn't for the fact that it was also originally included on Parade. Providing it's included on one of them, I don't really mind which. Maybe 'Parade' would be better suited for space reasons.
Train, Pride And The Passion, Telepathy, Baby Go-Go
Dropping these four from my list was hard, particularly Train as it was included on the final configuration of Dream Factory. However they were all released by other people so at least there is a chance of them appearing on a future volume of Originals.
Power Fantastic (with intro)
As much as I like Power Fantastic uncut, I can't justify leaving a complete song out of the set when all that remains unreleased is the intro. Maybe the Estate will feel differently.
Adonis And Batsheeba, Come Home, Everybody Want What They Don’t Got,
Jaguar, Rough, Witness For The Prosecution (Re-recorded), When The Dawn Of The Morning Comes
All interesting or note worthy pieces from the era. I just couldn't squeeze them within my top 24.
That was my wish list, but what is on yours? What are the 'Sign' era outtakes that you think are most essential or just your personal faves?
Have a good weekend everyone.
| 
New topic
Printable
Report post to moderator
I see a 
moderator