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Printablesoulpower said: laurarichardson said: The singing on the Mandrill cd sucks and I think that had a lot to do with their low sales. I know old funk heads who only know "FenceWalk" and never heard of anything else they did. This makes me skeptical of the marketing excuse. The old funk heads I know are aware of almost the entire body of work the group did and their albums are collectors items which are going for a lot of money. Currently, Mandrill are being sampled by many hip hop groups. I think their music just did not click with the hard core funk audience. I am from the DC area and due to this area being the home of GO-GO music their are some serious old-school fuck heads in the area. Mandrill never really comes up much compared to P-Funk, or War. No matter if its the James Brown camp, George Clinton or War -- I always hear from them how great Mandrill were and how much they were scared of them. A statement like "Mandrill never really comes up much compared to P-Funk and War" is ridiculous, because they had a major influence on these groups. Mandrill were simply "too heavy" and "too difficult to access" for the mainstream crowd. the music was too complex and diverse for many. There are very few Mandrill tunes you can DJ at a club because they change rhythm, style and pace form one second to the next that they are very difficult to dance to. I dont wanna force my opinion down your throat, dont worry. I am just not letting you pass with the quote "Mandrill is just an average funk band" because its simply not true and .. I`m sorry... quite an ignorant remark. --- Are you from the D.C area? If you are not shut the hell up. I am telling you what old-funk heads say about Mandrill. I was 5 years old in 1973 I would not have been able to see Mandrill in concert. I am only telling you what people say in the area. They do not come up in this area!!! You do not live here I do. "Mandrill were simply "too heavy" and "too difficult to access" for the mainstream crowd. the music was too complex and diverse for many. There are very few Mandrill tunes you can DJ at a club because they change rhythm, style and pace form one second to the next that they are very difficult to dance to." There's the problem. Most funk was meant to dance to. It does not have to be complex. "Mandrill is just an average funk band" because its simply not true and .. I`m sorry... quite an ignorant remark.[/" No it is called an opinion. You do not have to like it or agree with it but, it is still my opinion and it is no more ignorant than you trying to speak for all funk fans. [This message was edited Mon Nov 3 9:15:41 PST 2003 by laurarichardson] | |
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laurarichardson said: Who give a rat's ass if music is a superfical adventure. What matters is if people enjoy it. I saw Prince perform "Blue Light" in concert. Guess what people loved it. I did't see angry reaggae fans attack the stage. The only people who really think the way you do are boring music critics who are so busy analying music that the can't enjoy it. I got over a 1,000 cd's because I am a music fan not a anal-rentive critic. I never aregued against people who simply like music, shallow or not. Thats not the point of this debate, so dont even bring it up because we agree on that one. Boring music critic? Me? You dont even know me. You may insult me if you know me personally and find that my love for music is pure analysis. But until then, those insults are superfical judgements, just like your judgement of Mandrill. You have 1,000 CDs, great for you. I have only about 200. But I have about 4,000 albums, and I LOVE and LIVE music. Which is exactly why it makes me laugh when people put down a band they dont know, they have never seen live, got only a "Greatest Hits" CD and hear other people talk about them. "Peace and Benz -- The future, made in Germany"  | |
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laurarichardson said: Are you from the D.C area? If you are not shut the hell up. I am telling you what old-funk heads say about Mandrill. I was 5 years old in 1973 I would not have been able to see Mandrill in concert. I am only telling you what people say in the area. They do not come up in this area!!! You do not live here I do. I work with Mandrill, and I can assure you that Mandrill have been in your area since they got back together in 1996. If you didnt seem them, thats okay. But next time they are out there, go check them out. They will blow your mind. They are still as tight as back in 73. There's the problem. Most funk was meant to dance to. It does not have to be complex. Who says that it does? In the case of Mandrill, it is. There is no problem. And again, Mandrill is no ordinary funk band. There you go. No it is called an opinion. You do not have to like it or agree with it but, it is still my opinion and it is no more ignorant than you trying to speak for all funk fans. Calling Mandrill average is not an opinion, its an ignorant remark. You wouldnt call Prince average either, would you? Or Trane or Miles or Frank Zappa. There is some artists out there who are so clearly above average, that you cant really argue that point. Sure, you may dislike them. There is artists I dislike, but I still acknowledge their musical profile. Putting a bands profile down for the simple reason of "not liking them" is okay for someone who doesnt know anything about music. But for somebody like you, who has a large CD collection and who is truly interested in music, its a strange approach. "Peace and Benz -- The future, made in Germany" | |
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soulpower said: laurarichardson said: Are you from the D.C area? If you are not shut the hell up. I am telling you what old-funk heads say about Mandrill. I was 5 years old in 1973 I would not have been able to see Mandrill in concert. I am only telling you what people say in the area. They do not come up in this area!!! You do not live here I do. I work with Mandrill, and I can assure you that Mandrill have been in your area since they got back together in 1996. If you didnt seem them, thats okay. But next time they are out there, go check them out. They will blow your mind. They are still as tight as back in 73. There's the problem. Most funk was meant to dance to. It does not have to be complex. Who says that it does? In the case of Mandrill, it is. There is no problem. And again, Mandrill is no ordinary funk band. There you go. No it is called an opinion. You do not have to like it or agree with it but, it is still my opinion and it is no more ignorant than you trying to speak for all funk fans. Calling Mandrill average is not an opinion, its an ignorant remark. You wouldnt call Prince average either, would you? Or Trane or Miles or Frank Zappa. There is some artists out there who are so clearly above average, that you cant really argue that point. Sure, you may dislike them. There is artists I dislike, but I still acknowledge their musical profile. Putting a bands profile down for the simple reason of "not liking them" is okay for someone who doesnt know anything about music. But for somebody like you, who has a large CD collection and who is truly interested in music, its a strange approach. --- "I work with Mandrill, and I can assure you that Mandrill have been in your area since they got back together in 1996. If you didnt seem them, thats okay. But next time they are out there, go check them out. They will blow your mind. They are still as tight as back in 73.[/b]" Well since you work with them your opinion is going to bias. Where did Mandrill perform at in D.C?. There are areas of the city I am not going to be caught did in at night. "b]Who says that it does? In the case of Mandrill, it is. There is no problem. And again, Mandrill is no ordinary funk band. There you go.[/b] " The previous poster implied that Mandrill's music was to complex for the average listener. I do not understand why any artist would want to make his or her music so complex that average fan could'nt get into it. There a funk band people should be able to dance to their music. Look up the definition for opinion. Everybody has one and because you do not agree does not make my opinion wrong. I never said I did not like the group just said I do not think they are that great. I may have listened to their cd five or six times since I purchased it and I only got it because of "Fencewalk" but at the same time I would not sell it. They are just o.k to me. | |
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laurarichardson said: The previous poster implied that Mandrill's music was to complex for the average listener. I do not understand why any artist would want to make his or her music so complex that average fan could'nt get into it. There a funk band people should be able to dance to their music. . You mean me? 
Sorry you got my words totally wrong (even if by implication). I said they were "too diverse" pointing to a blend of funk rock, and afro-Caribbean jazz, but that's circa early 70s. I think their band is perfect for the scene today where a blend of world music and improv funk goes togetere. They do play with a lot of jazz fervor, but I've never seen that upset anyone. For the record, folks dance their asses of to MANDRILL. Always have. If you can salsa dance you will be a big hit. They are huge in the Hispanic communities back East and here in LA and folks my age know most of their tunes when they kickoff the jams. Also old funkstas I know in NY and DC laff at the times MANDRILL totally RUINT the stage for the headliners (one time it was FUNKADELIC and later in DC it was WAR). They have this unique way of approaching the stage from the back while chanting (that god awful singing you dislike) and tapping beats on percussion instruments. Plus the Wilson Bros sport these bodybuilder physiques that are a total rave-up for the ladies when they perform topless!! I don't know if they're necessarily in Princey-poo' s rareified air (who is around here?), but I do make every attempt to see them when they're out. A lot cheaper than Prince and I really enjoy their sets. I'm quite sure you (and many other Prince fans) would too! Guaranteed!  test | |
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laurarichardson said: Well since you work with them your opinion is going to bias. Thats a very biased statement itself. I happen to work with Mandrill BECAUSE of what they stand for and BECAUSE of their musical impact, brilliance and diversity. I was fully aware of this BEFORE I decided to work with them and bring them over to Europe. Where did Mandrill perform at in D.C?. There are areas of the city I am not going to be caught did in at night. Not D.C., but Philadelphia, New York, Baltimore etc. Its not exactly your town, but not out of your range. I have traveled more for music. The previous poster implied that Mandrill's music was to complex for the average listener. I do not understand why any artist would want to make his or her music so complex that average fan could'nt get into it. There a funk band people should be able to dance to their music. I think you have misread the pervious poster`s post. He did not consider complex music as negative, that was your implication. Why would an artist make his music complex? Well, maybe because he LOVES to play. Why is there Bebop? Its a highly complex music. Prince has written very complex pieces as well, i.e. Chrystal Ball or many tunes on TRC. If people chose to dance to it, they still can. People dance at Mandrill shows, I can assure you that the audience is going nuts. Look up the definition for opinion. Everybody has one and because you do not agree does not make my opinion wrong. Again, we are not talking about opinions. We are talking about clear definition. Not everything is life is relative. I never said I did not like the group just said I do not think they are that great. I may have listened to their cd five or six times since I purchased it and I only got it because of "Fencewalk" but at the same time I would not sell it. They are just o.k to me. I respect your opinion, I would never force you to like them. Thats quite alright with me. But this debate was not about your or my taste for music, it was about the impact, diversity and creative innovation of a group. "Peace and Benz -- The future, made in Germany" | |
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PFunkjazz said: Sorry you got my words totally wrong (even if by implication). I said they were "too diverse" pointing to a blend of funk rock, and afro-Caribbean jazz, but that's circa early 70s. I think their band is perfect for the scene today where a blend of world music and improv funk goes togetere. They do play with a lot of jazz fervor, but I've never seen that upset anyone. For the record, folks dance their asses of to MANDRILL. Always have. If you can salsa dance you will be a big hit. They are huge in the Hispanic communities back East and here in LA and folks my age know most of their tunes when they kickoff the jams. Also old funkstas I know in NY and DC laff at the times MANDRILL totally RUINT the stage for the headliners (one time it was FUNKADELIC and later in DC it was WAR). They have this unique way of approaching the stage from the back while chanting (that god awful singing you dislike) and tapping beats on percussion instruments. Plus the Wilson Bros sport these bodybuilder physiques that are a total rave-up for the ladies when they perform topless!! I don't know if they're necessarily in Princey-poo' s rareified air (who is around here?), but I do make every attempt to see them when they're out. A lot cheaper than Prince and I really enjoy their sets. I'm quite sure you (and many other Prince fans) would too! Guaranteed! The brotha could not have made things more clear. Thanks!  "Peace and Benz -- The future, made in Germany" | |
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The answer is simple: Frank Zappa..
To date he's released more than 80 albums. The ZFT (Zappa Family Trust) states that there's another 60 albums worth of material that hasn't been issued yet... Hey look, it's The Artist Formely Known To Sell Records    | |
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I stand corrected. Thank you for the clarification.
PFunkjazz said: POTUS said: Of artists living today:
Smokey Robinson (he wrote most of the classic Temptation, Supremes, and Jackson Five songs, along with other great hits from Motown), James Brown, Quincy Jones, George Clinton, maybe even Stevie Wonder (I don't know how many songs he wrote for other Motown artists). Not quibbling with your inclusions, just ading some clarifications. Smokey wrote songs for TEMPTS pre-Norman Whitfield; hardly "most" (though they are the "better known" songs with David Ruffin). Brian Holland/Lamont Dozier/Eddie Holland wrote most of the Supremes songs, Smokey wrote a few. Smokey did not write any songs for Jackson5. That was the CORPORATION which was Berry Gordy, Freddie Perren, Fonce Mizell, and Deke Richards. True, Smokey wrote for many MOTOWN artist including himself and his group, the Miracles, and also the Marvelettes, Mary Wells, Martha Reeves & The Vandellas etc etc. NEarly all James Brown's songs were really collaborations based on impromptu jams with different bandmembers. George Clinton nearly always collaborated with people in and out of his bands. Quincy Jones wrote precious few songs by himself. He's mostly an arange and producer who buys songs o rhires songwriters for his projects. Of course songwriting is just one aspect of an artist's output. | |
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What about Rick James? | |
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undulatingacrobat said: What about Rick James?
 Are you serious? Homebody spent way too much time behind bars or looting hotel bars."Peace and Benz -- The future, made in Germany" | |
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soulpower said: undulatingacrobat said: What about Rick James?
Are you serious? Homebody spent way too much time behind bars or looting hotel bars.or holdin folks in false imprisonment and burnin 'em with crack pipes...  | |
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Handclapsfingasnapz said: or holdin folks in false imprisonment and burnin 'em with crack pipes... Come on now, thats not that bad. Every decent rock star does it. Guess what Prince is doing behind the walls of Paisley Park. I wonder what -- or whom -- he really hides in the vault. "Peace and Benz -- The future, made in Germany" | |
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soulpower said: Duke Ellington (10thousands)
Actually, Ellington is credited with just over 2000 compositions. Which means that, if surveys by UPTOWN are to be believed, and there is every good reason to believe that they are bang on the money, Prince surpassed Ellington a long time ago. . "You don't frighten us, English pig dogs. Go and boil your bottoms, sons of a silly person." | |
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soulpower said: Its not about quantity in my opinion. The title of this thread is "Artists More Prolific Than Prince" so, yes, it's about quantity. . "You don't frighten us, English pig dogs. Go and boil your bottoms, sons of a silly person." | |
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soulpower said: In case you didnt notice, this dicussion has moved on from its original question. Thats what happens on message boards. They are kinda like... umm.. living. I totally agree with you on this one. . "You don't frighten us, English pig dogs. Go and boil your bottoms, sons of a silly person." | |
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laurarichardson said: Do you think the Madhouse records were made for Duke and Miles fans ? Of course not they are not Jazz recordings.
They are just really good funk records. Excellent observation. . "You don't frighten us, English pig dogs. Go and boil your bottoms, sons of a silly person." | |
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DavidEye said: "there are some serious old-school FUCK heads in the area"
 You can say that again
. "You don't frighten us, English pig dogs. Go and boil your bottoms, sons of a silly person." | |
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laurarichardson said: Your reading skills are poor. I think "Blue Light is a o.k attempt at doing something reagae. Prince is not Bob Marley but he did a better job than say Lionel Richie and his ridiculous attempts at reaggae and I could throw in a dozen other RnB artist that have attempted reaggae and failed.
Good point. But 'Blue Light'is still cod-reggae. . "You don't frighten us, English pig dogs. Go and boil your bottoms, sons of a silly person." | |
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giotto said: soulpower said: Duke Ellington (10thousands)
Actually, Ellington is credited with just over 2000 compositions. Which means that, if surveys by UPTOWN are to be believed, and there is every good reason to believe that they are bang on the money, Prince surpassed Ellington a long time ago. . 2000 compositions released maybe. His legacy is a little bit larger than that. "Peace and Benz -- The future, made in Germany" | |
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soulpower said: His legacy is a little bit larger than that.
And what a legacy, uh? . "You don't frighten us, English pig dogs. Go and boil your bottoms, sons of a silly person." | |
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giotto said: soulpower said: Its not about quantity in my opinion. The title of this thread is "Artists More Prolific Than Prince" so, yes, it's about quantity. . Oh, because the thread is about quantity that means that in real life a musician is better if he records more than others? 
Above, I have stated MY opinion about this thread. "Peace and Benz -- The future, made in Germany" | |
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soulpower said: Oh, because the thread is about quantity that means that in real life a musician is better if he records more than others?
I stated nothing of the sort. It is understood that being more prolific does not necessarily make someone better than anybody else. I just pointed out the fact that what is currently under discussion is the subject of quantity, not quality. Admittedly, a thread on quality would make for a far more interesting thread. . "You don't frighten us, English pig dogs. Go and boil your bottoms, sons of a silly person." | |
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Oh, because the thread is about quantity that means that in real life a musician is better if he records more than others?
Above, I have stated MY opinion about this thread.[/quote] there is nowhere in this thread (at least i hope not and if there is then there shouldnt be) saying that if you release more records youre better than someone else. the purpose of the thread was merely to discuss how many artists were more prolific than prince, ie, who released albums on a ratio of more than one and abit a year! so far we seem to have frank zappa as the main guy more prolific. personally i highly doubt anyone on this board would say id rather have a million shit albums than one fantastic one. i think most people do prefer quality over quantity but the thread wasnt about that, it was about quantity, nothing more, nothing less. i do agree threads do change so if someone mentions quality you can discuss that too. but if we're just talking about what the thread meant, then its not the merits of quantity we're strictly discussing, its just who has alot of it! ps interesting stuff abotu mandrill, ill check em out! | |
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Seems "prolific" has no bearing on quality or artisitic merit, though the definition using "fruitful", "abundant inventiveness" might imply some kind of value or quality control.
From MERRIAM-WEBSTER Main Entry: pro·lif·ic Pronunciation: pr&-'li-fik Function: adjective Etymology: French prolifique, from Latin proles Date: 1650 1 : producing young or fruit especially freely : FRUITFUL 2 archaic : causing abundant growth, generation, or reproduction 3 : marked by abundant inventiveness or productivity synonym see FERTILE - pro·lif·i·ca·cy /-'li-fi-k&-sE/ noun - pro·lif·i·cal·ly /-fi-k(&-)lE/ adverb - pro·lif·ic·ness /-fik-n&s/ noun test | |
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test | |
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PFunkjazz said: Seems "prolific" has no bearing on quality or artisitic merit, though the definition using "fruitful", "abundant inventiveness" might imply some kind of value or quality control.
From MERRIAM-WEBSTER Splitting hairs again, P? 
. "You don't frighten us, English pig dogs. Go and boil your bottoms, sons of a silly person." | |
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giotto said: PFunkjazz said: Seems "prolific" has no bearing on quality or artisitic merit, though the definition using "fruitful", "abundant inventiveness" might imply some kind of value or quality control.
From MERRIAM-WEBSTER Splitting hairs again, P?
. not touching the one bunching in your drawers test | |
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PFunkjazz said: not touching the one bunching in your drawers
. "You don't frighten us, English pig dogs. Go and boil your bottoms, sons of a silly person." | |
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