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Thread started 10/12/20 6:50pm

Moonbeam

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Teacher, Teacher: which version do you prefer?

Inspired by the thread comparing the two versions of "Big Tall Wall", I thought I'd see where folks stand with "Teacher, Teacher". We've got the (presumably) original version from 1982 on the super deluxe of 1999, and the 1985 version on the super deluxe of Sign o' the Times. The versions sound quite different, indeed!

I've known the 1985 version for a long time as a bootleg, and I have long loved its whimsical charms. It's certainly the more polished and catchy of the two, and it's a highlight of the Sign o' the Times deluxe for me.

That said, I like the 1982 version better --- there's something about its naked vulnerability that I find quite endearing. Placing the male student as the one resisting the teacher's charms makes it more unique. Stories of male teachers inappropriately getting involved with female students had been covered quite a bit, even by Prince with "Happy Birthday, Mr. Christian" for Apollonia 6. Not only does the 1982 version stand out for flipping the sexes in the story, but also by the hesitation of the student --- it's not a "Hot for Teacher"-style high-fiving schoolboy fantasy story, but rather one where the boy has reservations. Those ascending falsetto "no-no-no-no"s in particular are so striking. It's a cousin to "Sister" if "Sister" was sung from a perspective of still being 16.

What do you think?

Feel free to join in the Prince Album Poll 2018! Let'a celebrate his legacy by counting down the most beloved Prince albums, as decided by you!
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Reply #1 posted 10/12/20 7:06pm

LoveGalore

I'd probably never choose someone else's vocals over Prince's on one of his own songs so I'm pretty biased, but I prefer the 1999 version. Bit less fanfare, as usual with these demos finished by The Gals. But a nice lil jam anyway.

It does remind me a bit of Neon Telephone insofar as they're both kind of unremarkable but also pleasant tunes.
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Reply #2 posted 10/13/20 1:14am

Romeoblu

That is a tough choice.

With this it could depend what mood I'm.

But I think I'm going to go with the 1982 version.
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Reply #3 posted 10/13/20 5:31am

OldFriends4Sal
e

The 'Dream Factory' 86 version

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Reply #4 posted 10/13/20 8:39am

AvocadosMax

Oh the 86’ version all the wayy!!!

As much as i love that guitar and rawness in the ‘82 version,

The 86’ version is more complete and makes sense with Lisa as the student and Prince as the pervy teacher...

If Lisa would have sang as teacher, then that would be a cool listen. But in the ‘82 version he just singing by himself so it sounds incomplete and awkward
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Reply #5 posted 10/13/20 2:11pm

TrcikyChristop
her

Moonbeam said:

Inspired by the thread comparing the two versions of "Big Tall Wall", I thought I'd see where folks stand with "Teacher, Teacher". We've got the (presumably) original version from 1982 on the super deluxe of 1999, and the 1985 version on the super deluxe of Sign o' the Times. The versions sound quite different, indeed!

I've known the 1985 version for a long time as a bootleg, and I have long loved its whimsical charms. It's certainly the more polished and catchy of the two, and it's a highlight of the Sign o' the Times deluxe for me.

That said, I like the 1982 version better --- there's something about its naked vulnerability that I find quite endearing. Placing the male student as the one resisting the teacher's charms makes it more unique. Stories of male teachers inappropriately getting involved with female students had been covered quite a bit, even by Prince with "Happy Birthday, Mr. Christian" for Apollonia 6. Not only does the 1982 version stand out for flipping the sexes in the story, but also by the hesitation of the student --- it's not a "Hot for Teacher"-style high-fiving schoolboy fantasy story, but rather one where the boy has reservations. Those ascending falsetto "no-no-no-no"s in particular are so striking. It's a cousin to "Sister" if "Sister" was sung from a perspective of still being 16.

What do you think?

'86.

Wendy & Lisa's harmonies.

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Reply #6 posted 10/13/20 2:39pm

slyjackson

I love both, but I think my vote goes to the SOTT version, it sound a little bit more whimsical which I like.

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