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Thread started 02/14/20 7:14am

AvocadosMax

Bold Generation is better than New Power

Even though Bold sounds just slightly unfinished, New Power sounds like an over-produced mess compared to Bold.
Bold Generation is raw and awesome. It accompanies the other Rude Boy songs very well. If Prince would have fleshed it out and fully realize it then and there then it would have been a 10/10 track. Instead I give it an 8.5/10...

It’s weird because I never thought of New Power Generation as over-produced until Bold came out.
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Reply #1 posted 02/14/20 7:45am

RJOrion

no
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Reply #2 posted 02/14/20 8:19am

RODSERLING

No, and by the way, they are both subpar material.
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Reply #3 posted 02/14/20 8:23am

CAL3

AvocadosMax said:

Even though Bold sounds just slightly unfinished, New Power sounds like an over-produced mess compared to Bold. Bold Generation is raw and awesome. It accompanies the other Rude Boy songs very well. If Prince would have fleshed it out and fully realize it then and there then it would have been a 10/10 track. Instead I give it an 8.5/10... It’s weird because I never thought of New Power Generation as over-produced until Bold came out.

.

Sounds a LOT unfinished to my ears... It's interesting in a 'rough draft' kinda way.

.

But "New Power Generation" - for me - is just right. What an anthem. Except for that "big noise of the '90s" spoken part in the intro.

I’ve been informed that my opinion is worth less than those expressed by others here.
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Reply #4 posted 02/14/20 8:28am

Wolfie87

Yes it 100 % is!

Because New Power Generation is in the Trinity of songs that started his downfall into the 90's. The other two would be Arms of Orion and Lemoncrush.

He got lucky that Free didn't ruin his career back in 1982.
[Edited 2/14/20 8:29am]
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Reply #5 posted 02/14/20 9:18am

PURPLEIZED3121

100% agree..more raw, more attitude & more funk!..also far more authentic as he was still in 'i need to prove myself' mode!

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Reply #6 posted 02/14/20 9:53am

CAL3

Wolfie87 said:

Yes it 100 % is! Because New Power Generation is in the Trinity of songs that started his downfall into the 90's. The other two would be Arms of Orion and Lemoncrush. He got lucky that Free didn't ruin his career back in 1982. [Edited 2/14/20 8:29am]

.

Ridiculous!

I’ve been informed that my opinion is worth less than those expressed by others here.
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Reply #7 posted 02/14/20 10:23am

jfenster

not....released version just needs to be remastered

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Reply #8 posted 02/14/20 11:33am

NewYorkCity

New Power Generation has always been personally one of my favorite tracks. Not every song has to be a hit to be a hit for me.

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Reply #9 posted 02/15/20 8:41am

novabrkr

Bold Generation is way better than New Power Generation.

I always thought "New Power Generation" is very catchy, and it was one of the first songs that I "clicked with" as a teenager when I started listening to Prince, but yeah, it's just kitschy. It's like music from a Pepsi commercial from the early-90s.

"Bold Generation" is very close to late-70s Funkadelic. It's basically Prince's take on "One Nation Under A Groove" and "Knee Deep" type of stuff. Considering how similar "Bold Generation" and "New Power Generation" are musically, it's actually mind-boggling to me that they end up evoking such different associations. I know I am not alone in that respect.

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Reply #10 posted 02/15/20 2:40pm

scorp84

Bold Generation is a nice little hybrid of different grooves by other bands, updated styles from previous tracks, and chords cherry-picked for future songs.

Take Your Time (Do It Right)

One Nation Under A Groove

Get It Up

I Don't Wanna Leave You

Strange Relationship

The Dance Electric

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Reply #11 posted 02/15/20 4:48pm

LoveGalore

novabrkr said:

Bold Generation is way better than New Power Generation.

I always thought "New Power Generation" is very catchy, and it was one of the first songs that I "clicked with" as a teenager when I started listening to Prince, but yeah, it's just kitschy. It's like music from a Pepsi commercial from the early-90s.

"Bold Generation" is very close to late-70s Funkadelic. It's basically Prince's take on "One Nation Under A Groove" and "Knee Deep" type of stuff. Considering how similar "Bold Generation" and "New Power Generation" are musically, it's actually mind-boggling to me that they end up evoking such different associations. I know I am not alone in that respect.

100% this.

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Reply #12 posted 02/15/20 5:33pm

fen

avatar

novabrkr said:

Bold Generation is way better than New Power Generation.

I always thought "New Power Generation" is very catchy, and it was one of the first songs that I "clicked with" as a teenager when I started listening to Prince, but yeah, it's just kitschy. It's like music from a Pepsi commercial from the early-90s.

"Bold Generation" is very close to late-70s Funkadelic. It's basically Prince's take on "One Nation Under A Groove" and "Knee Deep" type of stuff. Considering how similar "Bold Generation" and "New Power Generation" are musically, it's actually mind-boggling to me that they end up evoking such different associations. I know I am not alone in that respect.

Yes, I pretty much agree with this entirely. Like you I felt that N.P.G was catchy but found it over-produced and the whole New Power Generation mythology a little cheesy. I prefer the more general statement of rebellion of the original. Musically you’re spot on – very reminiscent of One Nation/Not Just Knee Deep.

The thing is, when I was young I’d assumed that N.P.G was Prince’s answer to Jam and Lewis after Rhythm Nation, but the essentials are all there in the original. smile

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Reply #13 posted 02/15/20 5:36pm

fen

avatar

novabrkr said:

"Bold Generation" is very close to late-70s Funkadelic. It's basically Prince's take on "One Nation Under A Groove" and "Knee Deep" type of stuff.

The late Juni Morrison's groove. music

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Reply #14 posted 02/15/20 9:42pm

leadline

avatar

Bold Generation is a rehearsal, very wide soundfield, cannot really compare it to a studio version. I do find myself coming back to this one often though. I would be interested in hearing an actual studio version of this song if it exists.

"You always get the dream that you deserve, from what you value the most" -Prince 2013
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Reply #15 posted 02/16/20 3:46am

consistently

avatar

Wolfie87 said:

Yes it 100 % is!

Because New Power Generation is in the Trinity of songs that started his downfall into the 90's. The other two would be Arms of Orion and Lemoncrush.

He got lucky that Free didn't ruin his career back in 1982.
[Edited 2/14/20 8:29am]


Ooh, got to disagree with you on Lemon Crush - awesome arrangement.

Free is absolute dogshit, though. 😖
thank u 4 a funky time
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Reply #16 posted 02/16/20 6:05am

PurpleColossus

avatar

novabrkr said:

Bold Generation is way better than New Power Generation.

I always thought "New Power Generation" is very catchy, and it was one of the first songs that I "clicked with" as a teenager when I started listening to Prince, but yeah, it's just kitschy. It's like music from a Pepsi commercial from the early-90s.

"Bold Generation" is very close to late-70s Funkadelic. It's basically Prince's take on "One Nation Under A Groove" and "Knee Deep" type of stuff. Considering how similar "Bold Generation" and "New Power Generation" are musically, it's actually mind-boggling to me that they end up evoking such different associations. I know I am not alone in that respect.

I agree 100% nod

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Reply #17 posted 02/16/20 6:09am

RJOrion

fen said:



novabrkr said:


"Bold Generation" is very close to late-70s Funkadelic. It's basically Prince's take on "One Nation Under A Groove" and "Knee Deep" type of stuff.




The late Juni Morrison's groove. music



the late GREAT Junie Morrison...one of the most overlooked artists in music history...from 1970-1974 leading The Ohio Players, and then his solo joints, then to his work with P-Funk, Junie Morrison is responsible for SEVERAL of the funkiest songs ever made.

Ecstasy (O.P.)
Pain (O.P.)
Pleasure (O.P.)
Paint Me (O.P.)
Funky Worm (O.P.)
Laid It (O.P.)
Shake Like T Mofo (solo)
Taste Of Love (solo)
One Nation Under A Groove (Pfnk)
(Not Just) Knee Deep (Pfnk)
Aqua Boogie (Pfnk)
Theme From The Black Hole (Pfnk)
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Reply #18 posted 02/16/20 6:15am

gandorb

I like them both, but I slightly prefer Bold Generation because it is has less commercial polish to it. I also think the timing of the formal release of New Poser Generation diluted it's impact given that it was at a time when Prince was losing his popularity among the new generation to rap, hip hop, and perhaps even grunge. So, the song seemed out of place and even a little desparate given that it didn't match what really was going on. The fact that it never caught on further confirmed his diminishing influence at the time.

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Reply #19 posted 02/16/20 11:56am

ufoclub

avatar

I like the "Funky Weapon Remix" of New Power Generation the best.

I think the beat is to thick and heavy on the album version.

There is a demo of New Power Generation that has the natural drum sound that makes it closer to "Bold Generation".

But really they are all the exact same idea to me, musically speaking.

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Reply #20 posted 02/16/20 2:28pm

fen

avatar

RJOrion said:

fen said:

The late Juni Morrison's groove. music

the late GREAT Junie Morrison...one of the most overlooked artists in music history...from 1970-1974 leading The Ohio Players, and then his solo joints, then to his work with P-Funk, Junie Morrison is responsible for SEVERAL of the funkiest songs ever made. Ecstasy (O.P.) Pain (O.P.) Pleasure (O.P.) Paint Me (O.P.) Funky Worm (O.P.) Laid It (O.P.) Shake Like T Mofo (solo) Taste Of Love (solo) One Nation Under A Groove (Pfnk) (Not Just) Knee Deep (Pfnk) Aqua Boogie (Pfnk) Theme From The Black Hole (Pfnk)

Hell yeah... the late, GREAT Juni. Couldn't agree more - I'm huge Juni fan. I guess that he was just shy and unassuming, but yes he's massively overlooked outside of P-Funk fans (and even there he isn't always given the prominence that he deserves). He had such a unique, interesting "flow" - "Super Spirit" blows me away every time that I hear it. And then theres:

Shake Like T Mofo. biggrin

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d4AlzBoe6n8

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Reply #21 posted 02/16/20 2:32pm

LoveGalore

leadline said:

Bold Generation is a rehearsal, very wide soundfield, cannot really compare it to a studio version. I do find myself coming back to this one often though. I would be interested in hearing an actual studio version of this song if it exists.



No, it isn't a rehearsal. It is a studio version sourced from a cassette. Prince and Morris are the only ones present on the song.
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Reply #22 posted 02/16/20 3:19pm

leadline

avatar

LoveGalore said:

leadline said:

Bold Generation is a rehearsal, very wide soundfield, cannot really compare it to a studio version. I do find myself coming back to this one often though. I would be interested in hearing an actual studio version of this song if it exists.

No, it isn't a rehearsal. It is a studio version sourced from a cassette. Prince and Morris are the only ones present on the song.


You are right, I am wrong.

"You always get the dream that you deserve, from what you value the most" -Prince 2013
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Reply #23 posted 02/16/20 4:52pm

OperatingTheta
n

ufoclub said:

I like the "Funky Weapon Remix" of New Power Generation the best.

I think the beat is to thick and heavy on the album version.

There is a demo of New Power Generation that has the natural drum sound that makes it closer to "Bold Generation".

But really they are all the exact same idea to me, musically speaking.



I enjoy the 'Funky Weapon Remix' also. The entire New Power Generation maxi-single is a highlight for me. 'Love left/ Love Right' is killer and 'Get Off' is very intriguing.

But yes, same idea, different era and approaches. I love 'Bold Generation' but do feel the New Power Generation is a more convincing, cohesive concept for the theme.
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Reply #24 posted 02/18/20 7:10pm

OldFriends4Sal
e

I prefer Bold Generation, when I hear it in the time period it was meant for 1982-1983 period, 1999 What Time Is It? Purple Music, it clearly expresses an expressed vision of UPTOWN. And it lives through 1980's but New Power, stops right where it started. There was no New Power ... like there was a Revolution. I think if the Lovesexy band continued, New Power might have made more sense.

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Reply #25 posted 02/19/20 11:01pm

nextedition

avatar

I think we think a lot of times older versions of songs are better because we never heard them before and we heard the known version hundreds of times.
Im pretty sure whhen WDC with a baseline is released people will say its much better.
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Reply #26 posted 02/20/20 1:03am

LoveGalore

nextedition said:

I think we think a lot of times older versions of songs are better because we never heard them before and we heard the known version hundreds of times.
Im pretty sure whhen WDC with a baseline is released people will say its much better.


That may be true sometimes, but sometimes it is also just because people like the other version better. At times, ideas are obviously underdeveloped and they benefit from Prince embellishing them a bit - Irresistible Bitch, Strange Relationship, and Can't Stop This Feeling I Got come immediately to mind.

But some ideas are strong enough on their own right out the gate. I believe that is absolutely true here - the first take is funky, organic, haunting, melodic as fuck, and infectious. The newer version is good, but very overwrought in comparison. Bold has that quintessential space in the arrangement while New Power is incredibly dense.
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Reply #27 posted 02/20/20 5:53am

OldFriends4Sal
e

nextedition said:

I think we think a lot of times older versions of songs are better because we never heard them before and we heard the known version hundreds of times. Im pretty sure whhen WDC with a baseline is released people will say its much better.

sometimes. I prefer 1986 Teacher Teacher to 1982 Teacher Teacher, I prefer the released Glamorous Life to the 1983 demo etc

I love the bass-less version of Around the World in a Day equally to the unreleased version with bass.

I've not listened to New Power Generation that much that I became tired of it.

I think the variables for someone like me are never cut in dry.

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Reply #28 posted 02/20/20 6:15am

RJOrion

OldFriends4Sale said:


I prefer Bold Generation, when I hear it in the time period it was meant for 1982-1983 period, 1999 What Time Is It? Purple Music, it clearly expresses an expressed vision of UPTOWN. And it lives through 1980's but New Power, stops right where it started. There was no New Power ... like there was a Revolution. I think if the Lovesexy band continued, New Power might have made more sense.






what do you mean by "an expressed vision of UPTOWN"?
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Reply #29 posted 02/20/20 4:12pm

steakfinger

Better in all ways except lyrically.
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