Since I'm a man of relative leisure today I thought I'd share with you all Pandora's e-mail/reaction after hearing 'The Family' album for the very first time.
I think she's been a huge fan of 'Purple Rain' for far too long and I've made it my mission to make sure she is exposed to Prince's more obscure and adventurous material. This was her reaction to both 'The Family' album, plus a bonus CD of 'Family' rehearsals, in full:




"I have to admit, I was all Princed-out, (because after listening to 'Dream Factory', I also proceeded to listen to 'Purple Rain' -again- which I followed out with 'Lovesexy') so I took a Prince-Sabbatical yesterday to smother my ears with Aretha, Coldplay, Cat Stevens, Janis Joplin, Blur, Train and Steeleye Span, amongst others. Suitably rested and unbiased, I am now on form to tackle The Family!

This album has not been as easy to listen to as 'Parade'and, particularly, 'Dream Factory' were for me. But I did enjoy it immensely and I shall now proceed to tell you why:

The Family


1 - High Fashion - I actually like this so much! It has the "plinky-plink" guitar that I enjoy heaps. Plus it reminds me of Noemi ([i[mutual friend of ours[/i] - g) when she first arrived in London: "high fashion, stuck-up little rich girl", (hah!). The sax is great, as in fact it is on the whole album.

2 - Mutiny - The vocals on this are really good, in my opinion probably the best on the album (because, let's face it, the singing is not GREAT by any means!). Don't you just love the breakdown with the synth & sax! Musically, I enjoy this a lot! I also love the "power pauses"... work to great effect in this instance. One of my definite favourites on the album.

3 - The Screams Of Passion - Great lyrics, the imagery is gorgeous: "The curtains dance a minuet, autumn plays the music, baby, come on hold my hand, leaves are falling velvet splash, only you and I can under, only you can understand"...Yummy. The strings are so beautiful in this song... absolutely make it! I'm sure you will agree with me here. Also, this is probably my overall favourite non-instrumental on the album. i can't explain why, I just love it! (maybe because it's all about passion, I'm a big fan!!!)

4 - Yes - Oh, funky! This is the stuff I dig, big time! The guitar work is hilarious and very experimental. I would love to see you dance to this one...please indulge me one day. Really do love this instrumental sooo much. potentially one of my all-time favourite Prince instrumentals... but of course I'm yet to hear the Madhouse stuff!

5 - River Run Dry - Great intro...very simple, but effective. Again, the strings ar the making of this track - which is very lovely. But the vocals are so lame, almost background. I do love this lyric, though: " You never told me that our love, it had no chance. Three hundred tears crystalline, each one containing a memory it seems. Stick pin jab in the middle of a dream, no love at the end of the rainbow..."

6 - Nothing Compares 2 U - Undeniably fantastic song in any form, although the Sinead version kicks some serious ass on this one - the arrangement is better, not so synthed, and her voice is truly magnificent. And HILARIOUS: The "oh, oh, oh, oh...oh, oh" vocals here are TRAGIC. But the song is delightful and always breaks my heart. You know that I'm going to grieve over any lyrics that are heartbreaking and forlorn. It is sooo me. By the way, don't you feel that Eric in the solo could really have let loose a bi more??? I really think that he just held it all in, and he shouldn't have.

7 - Susannah's Pajamas - Oh, oh, instrumental! Yeah, this is good, good, good, I enjoy this number because it's kind of predictable, if you know what I mean. Sometimes I like the predictability of songs. It's classic and exactly what the album needs to follow on after 'Nothing Compares 2 U'. The listeners need an emotional prop after such a heart-wrencher, and this is the one. It's a HAPPY song. It's young lovers in an apartment, cooking and kissing...and I adore it.

8 - Desire - Lyrically, this is the masterpiece of the album hands down: "You're saving your love for some soldier who'd much rather die than stay by your side. if you only knew..." It's ill-fated love at its best. But how hilarious is this?: "Come, my love, cover my tower, ecstasy is ours"...Modest! TOWER!!! Hah! Men are sooo funny! Oh, and don't you love the maracas! I am such a percussion queen. The sax is so mellow here, suits perfectly really. Chopstcks finale...very cute. Lovely strings.

9 - The Screams Of Passion (extended version)(bonus track) - Great finish! (I'm biased though, it happens to be my favourite vocal track) It is the best vibe to leave the audience with by all means (even if this wasn't originally placed on the album! - g)

Anyway, on to The Family rehearsal CD...which I can tell you straight off that I prefer to the actual album (shock, horror, sacrilege! - g) While The Family is by no means my favourite Prince genre thus far, that is not to say that I think it doesn't have a place in my listening repertoire. Both Family discs will certainly be getting a flogging on my Beosound... just not as much as 'Dream Factory' or 'Parade' will!



The Family - Rehearsal

1 - Susannah's Pajamas - The keyboards in the beginning got me so excited...oh this is sooo much better than the album version! Don't you think? Something about the bass is different, and it's a bit more raw and experimental...the sax soars a tiny bit more.

2 - River Run Dry #1 - Sounds like it's speeded up way too fast. Again, inconsequential vocals shine.

3 - High Fashion/The pink Panther Theme #1 - The 'High Fashion' chant at the beginning cracks me up. Really love the guitar line here, though...adds a bit of needed atmosphere. But the vocals are bad, not to mention the hilarious yell into the mic. The drumming is good. gives that extra bit of oomph, which in my opinion is needed. But love the breakdown at 4:15, this is when the song starts to live! The rest of the song goes off, and the launch of 'The Pink Panther Theme' is coool! Funky, funky. The "everybody clap your hands, clap your hands" is very James Brown, isn't it?

4 - Nothing Compares 2 U #1 - Man, I just love this song. Even when it's badly done, I still adore it. It has a life of its own. But please, the vocals...why couldn't Prince get a REAL singer??? (Not to mention TERRIBLE female backing vocals. Truly dire). Don't you just love the dramatics in this version more than the album one? I do. Much, much better dramatics, and Eric is in his element right here; it's blatantly obvious. Overall, I would say this is my favourite version of the lot.

5 - The Screams Of Passion #1 - Very crisp sound, the drumming is excellent, bass is cool. This version is heaps more fun than on the album, don't you think? I just feel there was a bit more motivation in th room...they were in party mode, and it shows! Eric is Mr. Jazz!

6 - Mutiny #1 - Wonderful! Really, the lack of overpowering (bad) vocals is the making of this track...even though I believe that the singing on 'Mutiny' is the best of the whole Family album (so that says something, doesn't it!) Either of the rehearsal versions are much more to my liking than the album one. Great composition, don't you think? I enjoy this with a passion...

7 - River Run Dry #2 - Much better version than the other one on this disc. The keyboards are great. Vocals are better, enthusiasm is much higher...even if talent is still sadly lacking. The album version is a billion times better than either of these two, although I enjoy the synthetic feel of this particular one. Can't really explain but it reminds me of Dr Who (! - g)

8 - Nothing Compares 2 U #2 - I guess everyone is a bit more warmed-up here... or should I say over-warmed? They seem to be going through it like they are all asleep... I am only assuming that Prince has rehearsed them TO DEATH and they're ready to fall off the stage. Still, it pleases me because I love the song. No wonder though that it was cut off mid-way... a bit of a dire effort, really.

9 - Desire - Again, the slumber state is here. (Ms Worst Singer In The World would do well to throw in the towel, she's so off-key). Terrible version, the album one is a billion times better. Eric does well, though, as I knew he would. He is a REAL musician after all. And considering what he's up against here it's incredible that he manages to stay so focused.

10 - High Fashion #2 - The previous version on this disc remains the quintessential one, I think. the vocals are much better there, and here the guys seem a little bit half-hearted for the whole first part of the song. Must have been a long day (Prince must be notorious for those!). Except Eric...nothing lacking in his mighty effort...would have liked to hear more of this on the actual abum! But the track picks up very well towards the end, the dramatic drumming is cool! Not to mention the maniacal chuckle at the end - I like it! (female?).

11 - The Pink Panther Theme #2 - This ROCKS! Why wasn't a studio version of this commited to the album? (perhaps copyright issues... Plus it was probably only there as a morale prepping excercise). But I love it!

12 - The Screams Of Passion #2 - The bass is awesome! This is my favourite version, I think! From the very start there is a rocking-out vibe which I like (although Miss Worst Singer In The World could do with removing herself permanently from the studio. Thankfully she is drowned out very effectively here by the music). More tension in this version, which really adds a lot to it.

13 - Mutiny #2 - A great song, and a kick-butt version to boot! It is very standard Prince (aftershow) fare. I really like it for this reason - it's so familiar to me. Don't you love the treble sax, by the way! Prince on drums is great here... I like to picture him, little midget bashing the hell out of a massive kit. Do you hink that he can reach the cymbals without sitting on a booster seat? (although that would make it impossible for him to operate the hi-hat pedal... he's a pint-sized wiz, just like a Tasmanian Devil, really!) Eric is cruising here, and he's clearly enjoying it. I love that this song is such a long jam, I do feel that the earlier version leaves me wanting a little, but this one is so completely satisfying..."Can you shake that thing?"...(I will be asking you that one day, and I shall expect a demo!) Final word: This version should have been on the album. Funky is the way forward.

14 - Yes - Now, I'm guessing that this version is too long for the album, but it's a shame because it's great too. I really am so happy that this is the concluding track on the album because it happens to be my favourite instrumental here (and you know how much I love being indulged!). Oh, the drama and the betrayal...there is a novel waiting to be written with this funky little number. Thanks for sharing it with me! By the way, don't you just love Prince with the whole palaver about "Long change...Listen, listen! Right after F". He's so damn cute sometimes when he's telling people what to do. I just want to squeeze him!


P.S. I'm sure you know this, but TODAY is the 25th anniversary since Prince released 'For You' in 1978. Wow! Amazing...almost as long as my life. The man is a legend. I must admit I have been around only since the 'Purple Rain' days, but i was still LITTLE when that came out, but I was a pretty discerning listener, even at such a tender age! (she was eight back then - g).'Purple Rain' was one of the first videos that I got out from the video store when we first bought a video-player, along with 'The Color Purple'...uncanny, is it not! I remember watching it with Fred (her sister - g) and she couldn't stop laughing her head off. But we both loved 'Purple Rain' and continued to love Prince's music. Anyway, how cool is it that I started this feedback with the 'Parade' anniversary, and now it's the definitive Prince 25th anniversary!
I can only pronounce him a true genius, and wish I have the opportunity one day to thank him for his music and the memories! It's been a phenomenal trip, huh!






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Very interesting like the previous one, suggestion for the future: the Jill Jones PP album
I can only pronounce him a true genius, and wish I have the opportunity one day to thank him for his music and the memories! It's been a phenomenal trip, huh!

your mission seems to be a success!!

The Family is just STYLE. And that's cool!

Cool that after so many years people are still discovering these albums.

I just suggest if you're going to listen to them for the first time, to get the original vinyl or CD version so you can experience the albums/artistic statements as a whole.

eBay is a great source for stuff, it's worth the try. I'm going through my Pink Floyd re-discovery period right now and I decided to not do it via MP3's or CDR's but the actual albums. It enriches the experience and again you get the whole picture intended by the artists.

Man, though, I have to listen to that Family rehearsal! I only have a few tracks but apparently it's complete!

Oh and check out Prince's original Family songs with his voice, fascinating.

These reviews and first time listeners only show that there is still a HUGE interest in the music. One can only hope that WB and Paisley Park can get over there spats and just re-release these as remastered albums.

Maybe let WB Japan remaster and repackage them as Mini LP CD's, they would sell like hotcakes!

HEY!

:PIMP:


WHERE DID YOU FIND ALL THESE EXTRA VERSIONS OF THESE?

woo-hooo!!!

Who owns the masters of the Paisley Park non Prince albums?

FlyingCloudPassenger said:

No worries there. Since very little of the original artwork failed to make it on to the official CD version of 'The Family', I made sure Pandora did indeed receive a custom-made CD booklet containing both the lyrics plus the original album artwork featuring the photos, straight from the original gatefold sleeve.

I am nothing if not thorough

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FlyingCloudPassenger said:

There are several 'Family' rehearsals available. I believe the one reviewed above is rehearsal #3, the longest one available.

The other 'Family' rehearsals actually feature Prince on vocals throughout, namely 'Mutiny' and 'Desire', performed in radically different arrangements (to these ears, this particular version of 'Desire' ends up sounding like Brian Ferry's 'Slave To Love').
Eric Leeds ,as always, excels during these sessions, his sax playing in particular is a joy to listen to. Hearing Prince on vocal and drilling The Revolution during his piano version of'The Screams Of Passion' is another treat.

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jn2 said:

WB

i'm sure.

After reading this I wanted to break out the CD and take a listen. After listeing to it again (for about the 10 millionth time) I think this album is my favorite Paisley album outside of Prince's releases. There isn't a weak track on here. It's a nice bridge between Parade and SOTTs. Has elements of both albums imo. I agree that the vocals aren't too strong but the musicianship is so outstanding that the weak voices aren't a distraction.

Best track imo? a tie between Mutiny & Yes.

Man, I LOVE THIS PROJECT. I wish it gets re-released. I've got some of the outakes. I've never heard the Pink Panter theme (w/ high fassion or otherwise) or River run dry outtakes.

1 - High Fashion (One of my faves on the LP, I love that wired carnerval music)
2 - Mutiny (Very funky, nice follow up)
3 - The Screams Of Passion (Cute pop song)
4 - Yes (So funky it hurts)
5 - River Run Dry (Best song on the album)
6 - Nothing Compares 2 U (Clasic, I prefer the outtake with drums)
7 - Susannah's Pajamas (Sweet, but it gets better...)
8 - Desire (Really nice melody, wonderful lyrics)

Important: Was Miss Understood part of the project? I LOVE THAT SONG

CAMILLE4U said:

'Miss Understood' (vocals by Susannah) can be connected to The Family project since it was recorded during the sessions that originated all the other Family tracks. Whether 'Miss Understood' was intended to be part of the album is highly debatable.

Allegedly, Prince had wanted to encourage Susannah to record songs he had penned for her so that she could profit from them financially. This idea met with considerable resistance from Susannah who didn't really see herself as much of a singer and was actually embarrased by the sound of her own voice on the record.

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giotto said:

Hmmm...Fair enough. Personally I think her voice is very nice on that track, although it's the lyrics and it's happy music that I like most about it.

CAMILLE4U said:

She needed a great deal of coaching to get her vocals right for that one.

You're right, 'Miss Understood' is a happy tune, sort of reminiscent of 'Raspberry Beret'.


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What is "The Family-Rehearsal"? Is it another album? How can I get it?

Thanks

loveroflife71 said:

The Family was produced and arranged by David Z. and the Family. It was recorded at Paisley Park by Susan Rogers and David Z. l985 Controversy Music Orchestra produced composed and arranged by Claire Fischer.

Side one

High Fashion (St. Paul/Jerome)
Mutiny (Jerome)
The Screams of Passion (St. Paul/Susannah)
Yes (Jerome/Jellybean)

Side two

River Run Dry (BobbyZ) Bobby Z Music ASCAP
Nothing Compares 2 U (Prince) Controversy Music ASCAP
Susannah's Pajamas (Eric Leeds)
Desire (St. Paul)


It is one of a kind. You would have to search for this one.
[This message was edited Wed Jun 11 18:32:02 PDT 2003 by naturegirl]

loveroflife71 said:

It's a bootleg. I don't have it yet but with anyluck I'm buying it soon. U used to be able to buy it on a single CD but now you can get it as part of a set called 'Pruple Rush 4' which also contains a Purple rain gig.

Basically it's a recording the familly rehearsing a live show.

Sorry, got to disagree.

Never found this album that exciting (got it a few years ago at a 2nd-hand wrecka stow). Put it on yesterday actually 2 check the NC2U lyrics after my ignominious thread (and their 13 DOES sound like 15), and was REALLY disappointed. Only listened 2 side 2, couldn't muster up the energy 2 flip it 2 side 1.

wasitgood4u said:

Granted. Not everybody has to enjoy caviar

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giotto said:

Well put

I have a cassette copy of 'The Family' project. I bought it for a $1 at a flea market. I was scanning the cassette titles whe a pink paisley park logo caught my attention. I was so excited and I was ready to pay at least $20 when the lady said "one dollar."

I felt the luckiest guy at the flea market that day...

It is by far one of my favorite Prince related projects...


Do y'all remember the video for 'The Screams of Passion' I saw it maybe twice back in the day...both times on BET...

TheResistor said:

What was the vid like then? Can U describe it?

Has anybody seen the 1st Ave. gig on tape? It's pretty cool..