One of the draws that these big SDEs have for me is the included book. I love reading about the making of these albums.

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In my opinion, the book for the D&P SDE (I got the CD version, by the way) is really, really well done.

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The centerpiece of the tome is an in-depth look back at the making of the album, and the birth of the NPG, thanks to the candid interviews with the band members.

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Chuck D's short but informative info surprised me, specifically because of his opinions concerning one of the more controversial NPG members.

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Duane Tudahl does his usual deep-dive into the dates, performers, equipment, and anecdotes involved in not only the album tracks, but the Vault songs as well.

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And there are tons and TONS of photos from various promotional shoots. Including the famous hologram cover!

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Throw in a few other essays from people who were influenced by Prince and D&P, and another based-on-the-original-cover cover image (along the lines of the SOTT SDE), and you've got a fantastic package of Prince history.

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The D&P SDE was well worth the money. I hope you all enjoy it too.

funkbabyandthebabysitters said:

At first i wondered if chuck d really did think Tony was good, but then hes always a generous guy in terms of other rappers, esp from places not so on the map, rap-wise, so hey, who knows?!

Just listen to Tony on some of the outtake tracks, he's very good, fast but still clear, using wordplay and styles many of the usual rappers did not do. I think he's very underated.

Tony M's rap on "Daddy pop" is awful as he just booms in. When he reigned it back like on "Willing and able" and "Gett Off", he is fine and adds in the way rappers were being used by pop acts back then....usually on the intro and bridge...

Tony's only issue is live....sounds rushed, not smooth and yells. On the album, he often sounds good or at least, acceptable. To me, he sounds super on Willing and Able.

LOSTPASSWORDMAN said:

Blondies1973 said:

A bit disappointed with KaniSa’s empty race rhetoric, when I know she can be excellent on the music itself.

Worst thing in the book

[Edited 11/1/23 19:30pm]

Blondies1973 said:

Great book. Andrea Swenson and Duane are solid. A bit disappointed with KaniSa’s empty race rhetoric, when I know she can be excellent on the music itself.

Empty? I don't know. It may be her truth.

whodknee said:

I think the book is excellent. Personally I don't need the plethora of P photos but it's so cool seeing the photos of the tapes, studio sheets and especially his handwritten lyrics.

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Andrea's piece with the band interviews is very good but the highlight for me is Duane's liner notes on each track.

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The book confirms how colloborative things were at the time. I expected Levi to be heavily involved but was a bit surprised at the extent Kirk was at this time.

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We know he got into production later but he seemed to be in the studio and involved in the recording process a lot here, even on the likes of Cream.

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He says something about not being a dancer forever so he had to try other things so credit to him for hustling his way up

fragglerock said:

whodknee said:

Empty? I don't know. It may be her truth.

So what if it is? She can post it on Twitter. It doesn't belong in this book.

I agree but nobody asked me.