Anji, I saw your thread about Prince being a jazzy bitch, and I always notice how the Wendy & Lisa ('made him who he is') contingent on this site will always attribute Prince's interest in Jazz as being introduced by a band member who helped him make his greatest music. Completely and blatantly discarding the fact that both of Prince's parents were playing and singing Jazz in their younger years. The slightest bit of logic would make anyone realize that Prince didn't have to wait until meeting and playing with Eric Leeds to be "introduced" to Jazz.

I guess since Prince's earliest albums weren't heavily influenced by Jazz inflections his parents just COULDN'T have introduced him to the genre - that music was nowhere near his cognizance during his formative years. Ya hear? It's as if Prince was some helpless, one dimensional, lump of clay, sitting around waiting to be shaped by 'more open-minded' musicians in his early career.

Something about great musicians: in general they tend to be extremely curious about genres they're not known for. Even during their not-so-great formative years they're absorbing a ton of it. If they live long enough many of them usually find a way to eventually combine these influences. Alchemy. Sure, Leeds had a hand in a different sound and direction Prince was going into, just like any other musician that Prince allowed a broader leeway to when he was already developing individually. But it's inaccurate, and a slap in the faces to John L. and Matty Nelson to infer that he had to be "introduced" to Jazz 20+ years later.

Passion, emotion, a sense of urgency, creativity, and damn fine musicianship.

All these things were missing from Prince's albums for so many years that for a lot of people it felt like he didn't care to even try anymore. It was like he made pedestrian attempts just to fullfil a contract, and to keep up with the joneses (hip hop, Babyface impersonations, a list of special guests {Rave}) in the music industry.

TRC in no way feels like that. And even if you disagree with him philosophically or lyrically, that shouldn't take away from the fact that this is one of his best albums that can stand alongside even his peaks over a decade ago.

I think too much is being made of the lyrics. If this is what offends some people they should never go anywhere near certain records that are way more militant (and sometimes just as brilliant). Nobody has to agree with everything a recording artist says in his/her lyrics to like the music. ALL honest recording artists add their view of things, which is what they're supposed to do.

TRC might be the most well-produced album of Prince's career. The flow of this record is majestic. Great drumming by Johnny BWell, brilliant guitar and keyboard work, damn fine arrangements. This is a much better effort than anything he's done since SOTT. It's a bold record, and that's what Prince does at his best: make bold records.

James "McGoo" McGregor worked at Paisley Park from 1991 to 1996. He started as a stage hand and quickly became the Production Manager and Stage Manager. He basically did everything including video taping all the rehearsals and sometimes playing percussion in the band when Kirk Johnson was dancing. The name "McGoo" was not given to him by Prince, but was a nickname he had for a long time. People just called him Goo for short.

The song came about when Goo and Prince both had their eye on this girl from New York named Maria. It turns out that Goo was the one that got her affections and not Prince. So Prince wrote the song POORGOO basically teasing that Goo would rather be hanging with Prince eating Trix than gettin' with that girl. POORGOO also refers to Goo's shakey camera work when taping the reheasals. Goo never wanted to tape them anyway because it wasn't his forte. Prince would always say, "Why should I pay someone else when I got you to do it?" All this was in good fun and not meant to be mean.

I am surprised that there seems to be so little info out there about McGoo as he was an integeral part of the orginization. Many here probably have video tapes where you can see him either playing percussion or running on stage during a performance to grab Prince's guitars and such. Anyway, that is the story of POORGOO!

Prince declared that he was a “free man” in 1996. But declaring your freedom and actually feeling it at the core of your being are of course two entirely different things. Looking back with 20/20 hindsight I don't think he realized his freedom until sometime early in 2001, or whenever the "TRC" project started to come together.

Ever since then he's been a different man, a different artist. Before it was all about anger and proving things. Proving to Warner Bros. that he could sell that triple album they wouldn’t let him release in the 80s, proving that he could make more money as an independent artist, and proving that he could still be hip and hot with "Rave". Ironically I think his best work in this very down period was "The Truth", a creation that he apparently never felt secure enough with to release on its own. Instead he chose to release “New Power Soul” and start endless “hit” tours with friends and supporters rather than surrounding himself with awesome musicians like the ones he has today that can play the shit out of anything they touch, including even past great associates such as Eric Leeds and Greg Boyer.

As Prince said during last year's Celebration in a very serious, almost apologetic tone, "Thanks for sticking with me through the thick and the thin. I'm a lot of things, but one thing I'm *not* is ungrateful." If that’s not admitting that he knew things got at least a little bit weak and whack during those previous years, including the name change and all the “Chaos & Disorder” that went with that unstable period, I don't know what is. It's about as close and personal a statement as you're likely ever to get from Prince on the subject, especially since Prince doesn’t owe us anything other than the music that we choose to pay for. And he doesn’t have to answer to anybody but himself, his family and his closest friends.

Being an artist is about tapping into inspiration and sharing your unique view of the world. It’s not about consulting your fans and taking a vote on which subject matter and which style of music they think will be most well received (something he actually did 3 years ago). Art pokes and probes, and often even polarizes. It’s about getting at the absolute essence of your feelings, and to these ears he appears to be getting closer to that all the time. And as you say that’s a ”reflection of how comfortable he's feeling back inside his own skin again.” We haven’t seen this type of Prince since the late 70s before the fame and fortune turned him into a womanizing, self indulgent, unapproachable superstar who by his own words “kept making the same mistakes over and over”.

I don’t care if he’s singing about giving “Head” or sharing his beliefs about his god, I can relate with it all on a human level if it’s from the soul. I don’t look to artists for agreement or to find a kindred spirit, but rather for challenges and for the quality and purity of their work.

I’m guessing that Prince is letting his next project grow naturally. I have no idea what type of music it will be or what lyrical themes will be explored, but at this point I’d be surprised if it doesn’t turn out to sound soulful, inspired, honest and free.

mistermcgee on Prince's sexual expression through God:

rdhull's thread on "Prince hypocrites" - that shit had me laughing and crying and clapping. Somebody dig this up!

I think many of us who have been fans since the beginning tend to base our opinions on how good a Prince album is, especially one from the 80s, on how much it affected us in our lives at that time. I was 18 when Lovesexy came out and I was just dealing with admitting I was gay. I drew on the spiritual strength of that album to help me get through the rejection I faced from family and friends. I listened to it with a searching soul and I found answers. Some of the answers lie in the album itself, but other answers I discovered within my own self as I listened over and over. Seeing Prince on the cover naked and bare gave me the strength and courage to face my own newfound “nakedness”. Having to face society’s anger and hate was a tough choice but I thought if Prince could be THAT honest and open, so could I. I always saw the cover as one of God’s creatures simply existing in a state of truth. I always knew the cover wasn’t supposed to be a nasty thing, rather Prince exposed and bare and having no shame about basking in the glorious knowledge he found in the midst of despair.

For personal reasons I happen to believe that this album IS a masterpiece. But I also believe this from a musical standpoint. IMO, Lovesexy still sounds fresh. If you took that album and compared it to any and everything around it at the time it was released, it totally stands alone. The only argument about the sound being dated is the use of the Linn drum, other than that, you can’t say this has an 80s sound to it. You really can’t even compare it to the music that Prince made before and after. It is so unique. I agree that this album personified Prince the best.

I love the lyrics. Even the “silly” ones. One of the things that is the most fun about Prince’s music is trying to figure out what all the metaphorical wording means. It brings out the creativity in us all when we discuss lyrics that make absolutely no sense on the surface. Usually we come to amazing conclusions and for that, the lyrics will never bother me. Besides there are many other lyrics that stand out, probably the best being “In every man’s life there will be a hang-up, a whirlwind designed to slow you down. It cuts like a knife, it tries to get in you…this spooky electric sound. Give up if you want to and all is lost, Spooky Electric will be your boss………….Don’t kiss the beast, be superior at least”. I STILL to this day rely on this album to help me achieve the right frame of mind when I think I’m down for the count. It puts me on my feet every time.

Love God, Love Life, Lovesexy!!

FunkMistress said:

i'd dig it up but i have waaay too many posts...

I don't think I would say Prince was my life coach--that is really reserved for the people that I have had significant interaction with like my folks, friends, mentors, teachers, etc.

However, of all the people that I have never met or interacted with personally, he has had the most influence on me...

I learned my musical vocabulary from Prince. Because of listening to his music, his playing style, his solos, his production techniques, I find myself more able to discuss music in general and identify elements, if not in a technical way, then in an impressionistic way.

I stepped to Prince out of an interest in r&b and funk, and he opened up my ears to other styles like blues and rock... and he even primed me for jazz as a result of his soloing. I realized I loved string arrangements, and really the whole stringed intsrument family as a result of Prince's music.

As far as work ethic, he continues to be a model for me in terms of the passion with which he approaches his work, and all the stories of his commitment and diligence. His wanting to learn all facets of the production process, his wanting to control all facets of the production and distribution of his art, and his diligence in the studio. I would like to bring that same spirit to the work that I do.

As far as culture and imagery, there may have been a time where I thought his fashion sense was cool and interesting but it was too bold for me. I was too deep in the hip hop aesthetic to go with the frills and lace... buuut Prince again demonstrated for me that one's identity did not necessarily have to be defined by societal expectations. That he could be a straight man and dress in the clothes he wore, he could express a sensitivity most often associated with femininity and still get the girl, and he could "be the wrong color and play guitar." Those aren't necessarily paths I'm going to walk down cuz I think we allow celebs a little more leeway than we do ordinary people... but at the very basic, Prince taught that different is good. That you *could* imagine your own world, your own ideals, live in it... and be fulfilled.

It's difficult to be Ian Walton Renner. I don't mean to make it out to be more difficult than anyone else's experience, but life is hard, demanding, confusing and tough at times. During those times, people have a variety of outlets to vent frustration, seek counsel and escape. Prince's music has served all three roles for me. I don't mean to make Prince out to be a God or a savior, but through his music, he has helped me in a significant way. Through "1999," "Sign o' the Times" and "Lovesexy" among others, I discovered who I was and for what I stood. I learned why I felt certain ways, etc. It just took Prince to express it. I don't mean to place too much emphasis on Prince's music, but it really has played a significant role in my growth, thoughts and confidence. It has been my sole refuge at times and my most loyal friend at others.

Handclapsfingasnapz said:

I tried, but I think it was deleted...

FunkMistress said:

nooo!!!

Well damn.

...Again, I'm talking about the spiritual progression of an artist to a place where music charts don't matter, industry acceptance is not his game plan, and most importantly, proving that he's got something people need to hear is not his attitude. That incessant funk came from a deep seated desire to be accepted as the funkiest in the musical world. It's an ego thing. His attitude has understandably changed and he doesn't feel the need to pander to anyone's expectations anymore. There has been a definite effect on the urgency and vitality of that funk. I dare say Prince was also trying to out do himself with each new record back then. It's new directions in music now but it's certainly not competiton, pressure or even his own unrealistic expectations of himself anymore. I'm talking about his mad genius days, when he truly believed it. You could feel it in the music. That was his funk. It's an expression of his desire to rule. It's what a mad genius in their element lives and breathes. It's that sick, slick attitude of 'I don't give a fuck (even though I do)'. It's immature and addictive to watch. Those days are gone.

How many people liked Emancipation as a whole? Very few. Prince was influenced by a number of factors when he was cutting edge, one of which being a record company that he was answerable to. We all know there was frustration involved; Crystal ball, for example. Fear was likely another factor. I'm talking about the insecurity he had that his music no longer suited the music industry's agenda, and therefore the musical landscape. There was a time when he truly wanted to be a leading player, it was likely still very much in his heart during Around The World In A Day and Parade. Ironically, he probably felt he was falling behind the times after the release of Sign O The Times. The emergence of rap as a market force dictating what was considered hip musically, irked him. You can hear his defiance of that statement in The Black Album. That's why Lovesexy to me has such a spiritual uprising. It's the calling of an artist saying to himself that some things are more important. Love God, Love Life, Lovesexy. That was his funk, his ruling. The only conclusion I can muster is that this is a truly different age for Prince and what he sees as being important nowadays is not the same as what was fuelling him during the 80's. He's grown up now and relaxed himself. That's a great thing from a personal development point of view. I'm happy for him but what does that mean for us?

In the 80s, many black men had to downplay either their skin color or their masculinity to "cross over". Prince & MJ did BOTH and look where it got them. Now its "in" to embrace the age old stereotype of "foolish negro", which compels so many black men to become the foot-shuffling clowns of today known as "rappers". Most of the most successful black males in music today have in some way or another shamed black culture in order to attain success. This is the nature of the music biz; resentment of talent & creativity from black folk. This is why bands like Mint Condition get kicked to the curb for Nelly and crew by the media, yet white artists are encouraged to emulate black music and disect from it. Prince & WB used the black community as a jump off point and then Prince discarded what little cultural connection he had for $$$ to promote integration for the label. For WB, that simply translates to more money from different groups for the same artist. Now karma has come back. Prince knows this and his music started to reflect it a few years ago.Unfortunately for him, he is used as a shining example from the 80s of what NOT to do to become successful. The fact that he is talented as hell is of no consequence in today's society. Black folks embraced Prince from day 1 and many still do but the younger generation sees him as the exact OPPOSITE of what a black male is expected to be appearence-wise. MJ has long since lost the respect of black folks but he's on another planet anyway. Prince doesn't get the "nutty pass" like MJ does because his attempt to"cross over" seemed more deliberate. The black community's general consensus is: "You run with them white folks and try to be white, then don't come back here when they kick you to the curb."

The plain fact is, WB didn't promote his later albums the way they should have. It's that simple. In the mid 90s, WB records was undergoing massive changes in their corporation. Many of their pioneers, like Mo Ostin, left the company. The new suits just didn't know what to do with a guy like Prince, who just isn't interested in doing things "by the book". Many of WBs artists in the past several years have suffered from this lack of forsight on the company's part. WB is now a label with very few chart topping artists.

Unfortunatly, Prince doesn't have a clue how to market himself either. Since the split with WB, he hasn't taken advantage of any mometum he builds. His refusal to cooperate with Clive Davis when TGRES flopped didn't help. While Clive definitely made a mistake in picking this as the first single, he probably could have found a way to market this disc eventually (no matter how crappy the album was).

While things like the name change and the "We Are The World" debacle have hurt Prince over the years, they definitely weren't career killing moves. (If weirdness killed careers, Michael Jackson would have been done a long time ago.) The fact is, if your record doesn't get proper promotion, it won't be heard beyond your fan base. Prince's late 90s CDs got very little push, so they were largely unheard by the general public. Some may try to argue that Prince wasn't putting out as good of albums as he did in the 80s, but that really has nothing to do with it. With good promotion, the crappiest album can become a huge hit (how else do you explain the success of Britney, Limp Bizket, Linkin Park, N Sync, etc.?). Prince has not had proper promotion in years. He received a little for RAVE, but a mediocre single killed it. If he had allowed Clive the time to get other singles out, it might have happened. There is absolutely no reason Prince couldn't be a success again, but it would require a major label to push him, with his full cooperation. This is, of course, highly unlikely. Prince seems to prefer to do things his own way (which is fine with me. I'd rather hear a brilliant album like TRC, with no commercial potential, than hear a mediocre album that tops the charts).

The whole point of my post was that promotion is what makes a band sell. You can argue that Prince has lost his audience for a variety of reasons, but none of them hold up when you compare with other artists who are still successful, but have done similar things:

1. "The Name change was too weird, and made everyone think he was a freak"arguement- Weird? Nothing compared to Michael Jackson's various exploits, such as owning chimps, wearing dust masks outside, marrying Lisa Marie, naming his son "Prince", buying the bones of the Elephant Man, etc. (not to mention his alleged molestaion of young boys). Michael is full of weirdness, yet "Invincible" still debuted at #1. Why the difference? MJ's album got promoted, Prince's did not.

2. The "Prince's music in the 90s was weak compared to his 80s output" arguement- Elton John and Stevie Wonder both put out some rather stunning albums in the 70s, only to release rather lackluster discs in the 80s. Both Stevie and Elton had huge hits in the 80s, however, with these crappy albums. Elton continued to have hits with mediocre albums through the 90s. Why were they successful with half-assed, inconsistent discs, when Prince was not? Promotion

3. The "Prince is an 80s artists, and all the people who grew up with him are the only ones who know who he is" arguement- Sting was huge in the 80s, continues to have hits today. Madonna was one of the biggest stars of the 80s, continues to have hits today. Why would these guys have big hits now if the audience for them had "outgrown" them? Why wouldn't Prince have hits if these guys continue to hold onto their audience? Again, the answer comes down to one thing: promotion.

4. The "MTV/VH1/BET/Rolling Stone/Radio hates him" arguement- These outlets tend to feature artists that are being promoted by their label. Many of Prince's contemporaries continue to get airplay and interview time in these outlets, but Prince does not. Why is this? What is the one factor separating these artists from Prince? Are they more talented? No. Are they more stylish? No. Are they nicer people? Maybe. Oh, what could it be?????Maybe, possibly, just possibly.....Promotion?

That's it, I've had it! I give up... I'M READY.

I'm ready to rape my savings account, get on a plane & breathe thick, hot Minneapolis air. Get rained on, get mud on my clothes, FUCK UP a pair of shoes, risk heat stroke AND exhaustion...

I'm ready to sleep all day & exist on energy drinks and greasy fast food for a week, to piss full strength Red Bull & leave the party staggering, ears ringing, yawning like I'm 95...

I'm ready to be SO hyped I can touch the rafters when I jump up, put a dent in the floor coming down. To pack a neckbrace for ALL NIGHT LONG. Wanna jam all night & not sing? FINE. Do the entire show from behind a curtain? WHOO-HOO!! Play a 20 minute version of Jughead, I'll GLADLY suppress the urge to hurl... Oh yes, I'm READY...

Ready to do whatever he wants the crowd to do, say whatever he wants us to say. Cheer for the camera as if I'm at a show?? OKAY! Say "interferons" until MY blood is dead?? NO PROBLEM!! I'll crack open a bible AND pick up the trash. I can pass out napkins @ the veggie burger stand but only after I carry P's cuss jar around on a crushed velvet pillow & make sure NPG water is stocked & ready to go - WHERE'S THE STOCK ROOM???

I'm ready to write OTAN on my forehead and crawl across the floor. To wear good girl clothes & stop cussing the minute my plane lands - veganize me! To burn piles of bootlegs... okay, scratch that, but I'm EAGER to fall to my knees, beg, plead, help Prince sell copies of ONA-L! out the trunk of my car - whatever it takes! I succumb, I'm turning myself over to him. I wanna be the best fan in the crowd, sing along when he says "SING IT!", listen when it's time to shut the fuck up - I wanna be his slave, his screaming whore, his bottom bitch. Oh yes, I'm gettin' Pimps Up, Hoes Down up in here y'all - I'M READY...

Come on Prince, let's make a date for JUNE. I got my red pumps on... Uh, I got some sexy yet comfortable shoes on, my ass is in the air & I'm bending over... Make me forgive you for every strand of hair you've ever cut, every moon earwrap & ant-trail moustache, every time I've slept on cold concrete with no pillow, every note of Horny Pony AND Courtin' Time.

Give it to me... and give it to me good. JUNE, man, fuckin' June...

CalhounSq on being Prince's bitch: