Xpectation - i totally dig this CD. i feel that it is the most valuable thing that Prince has given us through the NPGMC.
Not that it’s necessarily better than the 3-CD live set, or the downloads from year 1. or if any of u had the chance to see a soundcheck on the ONA tour (which i didn’t), I’m sure that experience was priceless.
but Xpectation - in terms of the man and his music, his incredibly wonderful, multifarious and ever-growing body of work - is simply spectacular. Think about this: the mainstream pop-music world is talking about n.e.w.s., and will be talking about it for years to come. i see it in all the shops around town here. it’s prince’s latest commercially-released album.
But Xpectation is the one that few have heard. The music media will be talking about Prince’s “new” directions on n.e.w.s., how it grew out of the Rainbow Children and the ONA tour. But they won’t have this missing piece of the puzzle that was given out exclusively to NPGMC year-2 members.
Compare the two CDs - n.e.w.s. is formal and controlled, a true xperiment in directions, if u will. Xpectation, on the other hand, is all over the place: beautiful, noisy, quiet, funky, soothing, futuristic, unnerving. This seems to be the real outgrowth from the Rainbow Children. Prince seems to have followed no real blueprint on this album, unless you believe the childbirth motif espoused by some (9 tracks/months, titles like Xhalation and Xpand, the sound of a baby crying at the end). If you go from TRC straight to n.e.w.s., without hearing Prince flesh out some of the untamed musical ideas on Xpectation, then the connection is incomplete, and an important piece of the musical puzzle is missing. I compare it to going straight from Around the World in a Day to Parade, skipping the Family. With Prince, filling in every gap is vital because he records constantly (what I wouldn’t give for a daily log of all his sessions. here’s an idea for a subscription service: three to four new songs per DAY!!! hmmm...how much do u think it would cost?)
All in all, Xpectation gets better and stronger with repeated listening. I’ve spent time trying to decide if this is a curiosity - something prince tossed to his club members to appease them after the no show of Xenophobia- or a legitimate entry into prince’s body of work. And after nine months of patient listening, I’m convinced it is both.

fms said:

Madhouse + Xpectation = N.E.W.S. this just seems 2 b a Continued cr8tion of Purple Funk which only the likes of Prince can bring u

Xpectation & NEWS r SOOO underrated.

X is a brilliant piece of work.

I've been able to listen to a few samples of Xpectation but I wasn't a member when it was available. I just hope it will be made available in future. Got my fingers crossed!!! I also love NEWS. It didn't grab me the first time I listened to it but on the third listen somsthing "clicked" (for want of a better word) during East and I haven't stopped listening to it since.

LolaM said:

third listen does it with this one.

well put... i think that 'xpectation' is a great jazz album. it,s traditional, it's straight ahead, it's fusion, and even smooth jazz (perish the thought on the later)...

he really did something that deserves respect in this area of music. a magazine called jazziz did a small story on candy d. and made a complimentry mention of the project, but no detail. too bad, because more people need to know how prince's talents go beyond rock, funk, and pop... after all, miles davis knew...

also, i'm glad 'xenophobia' was left off. don't get me wrong, i LOVE that track and i truly hope the studio version sees the light of day. but i agree with the final tracklist for 'xpectation'. it really works well as is...

plus, if you want a really close to studio version of 'xenophobia', check out the full live mix from the indianapolis ep. it's an early performance which lends to the idea that it is close to the original. and there isn't much talking on it. i've worn it out and still ain't tired of it. you should be able to find it online...

peterv said:

yeah, i love the indi version of xenophobia too, definitely more stripped down. but i think i like the ONA live version better, 'cause it's got more freaky stuff going on - the guitar work on that one is off the hook, and just sends the whole song over the edge for me.

Yeah, A few weeks ago, the 9 months of digesting the album finally started making sense.

fms said:

yes,I agree.That version is the best I've heard!!It's perfect and the sound is great!I like it.

Yeah, For those first 8 months, Xpectation just wasnt what I needed, right now, it really fits and I have taken a closer look to it.. There are still a few tracks that do nothing for me.. but the other few I like, really did the trick:) I think these two albums are good.. but I really think he should do some vocal albums now, I think the instrumental albums have had their share of the light, now its time for a new direction.. Prince.

Can someone please tell me where to get Xpectation (in good sound quality)?

Thanks!

LolaM said:

get on kazaa.