When I saw Prince at the Aladdin on Direct TV last year I thought the show was just OK. It was poorly filmed and the performance was merely OK. It took me a while to figure out what I didn't like about the show, what I felt was missing. Then it hit me; the show contained not one ounce of rawness. The jazz fusion was cool and all, but there wasn't a bit of raw funk to that performance. Everything was way too polished and studio sounding. And, in my opinion, this is how the NPG has been performing for a while. I noticed that Prince acted as a bandleader more then a performer (kinda like he did on the Parade tour) and didn't play much guitar. But even with all of the rehearsed riffs and commonly used breakdowns that were used from 86-maybe as late as 93, they still never sounded as polished and lame as the riffs and breakdowns of the NPG. John Blackwell is an impressive drummer. He does have a style of his own and if given the opportunity I'm sure he could go off on his own and add his own beats to Princes' music. Renato seems to be a standard accompanying keyboardist. He lacks individual style and when he does attempt to flare out it seems as if he's just doing a poor impression of Dr. Fink riffs. I had made early assessment of Rhonda Smith back when she first started with Prince; that she was an amateur musician, and after seeing her fumble with a simple bass solo last night, I still believe that she's an amateur. She's the Bobby Z of the new millennium (Why is she there?). In addition, I was BOTHERED that Prince didn't have a rhythm guitarist. Instead he opted to play himself from time to time. I see after last night's Leno performance that he STILL doesn't have a rhythm guitarist and has added two more keyboard players for a total of three now. It's kinda baffling how Prince is talking about "Musicology" and getting back to "Music without computers" and his band consist of three keyboard players. Hummm, Keyboards...mainly used in a form of music called "Electronica"...nope, I still don't get it.

In addition to Prince's comments and the values that this song is trying to promote; I would hope that SOME of the proceeds from this single/album are going to "Save the music" a charity that helps too keep music programs in public schools. In actuality, wouldn't that be one of the main goals of a song like this? Even the video implies that we need to make changes from "the jogging suits" and how we present ourselves. But I've yet to hear what charities or programs will be effected by that sales of this record.

I wasn't very much impressed with "The Work" from TRC. Although, I thought TRC was a great "concept" album (much more then N.E.W.S. could ever be); but, "The Work" just seemed like another warmed over stolen James Brown song. "Musicology," with a guitar riff very familiar to "Batdance" (which was actually a lifted James Brown riff anyway) does seem to have a more catchy hook then "The Work" did, but still it's the same genre of "funk" as "The Work" . People used to complain about Larry Graham hanging around Prince for God only knows what reason. One of the reasons I didn't like Larry around was because I found him playing a lot of Sly and The Family Stone songs that didn't sound a whole lot better just cause Prince was performing them. I think in today's performances we have the same problem with Maceo Parker. I suppose Prince is trying to pay homage to those who came before him by playing songs like "The Work and Musicology" and even more so, by including songs like "Pass the peas and Soulman" into his live concerts. But in my honest opinion, Prince doesn't need to cover these songs. He's created a whole catalogue of his own funk and his own greatness. Performing songs like these is part of what makes fans say "Prince has become a Vegas lounge act."

Many Prince fans are dying for a reunion of The Revolution; and many are saying "Why? They weren't that great anyway". I agree, The Revolution wasn't that great of a live band, but I think what people are missing is the energy that flowed in the collaborations of yesteryear. Yes, Prince is a genius; but he's only as good as his muse. It wasn't just the co writing of songs that made The Revolution an important part of Princes' history; it was also the vibe they created. The same goes for The Lovesexy Band. When you listen to rehearsals of The Revolution and The Lovesexy Band (especially the ones where Prince is not present), you can hear them laughing and having fun. Something that the NPG nor Prince seems to be doing anymore - HAVING FUN. I've listened to Princes' recent concerts and heard him make countless plugs for his various projects. All the while I'm saying to myself, "if they're here at your concerts in 2002, 2003, do they really have to be told to go buy your new record? This is where things become all business with Prince and it's all about the almighty $. It seems in Princes' old age he worries way too much about paying for the houses he lives in, instead of worrying about the people who pack the houses he PLAYS in. Prince fans are very strong supporters. Even when the work he puts forward isn't worth a dime; we are still there in support so that the next time around he can come back harder and stronger.

If Music comes before the ology (The business aspect) then prove it! Giving away CD's with ticket purchases is a step in the right direction, I only hope he continues down that road; and realizes that he is blessed to enjoy his work; and as Confucius say "He who truly enjoys his work, never works a day in his life."

As far as the NPG... time will only tell what will become of them. New members like RAD. can offer a lot; but I still feel certain members are only weighing him down.

(This editorial has gone in many different directions; but hey, it's just what's on my mind at the time and my mind changes like the wind. Any rebuttals or ideas on the subjects above are very welcomed.)

FanofDaFascist said:

Are organ sounds comuter sounds? 70s music used this instrument a lot, man. It's called soul!

Are organ sounds comuter sounds? 70s music used this instrument a lot, man. It's called soul![/quote]

That ain't no big old Aretha Franklin organ with a noisy fan in the back they playin; those are state of the art keyboards. But anyway the keyboard thing isn't really that important, I just don't understand why he has to have three keyboard players. If anyone can explain why we need Big Bubba standin in the back I'd greatly appreciate it.

He DOES need a rhythm guitar player....a female one, with a sneer that's worth the world.

Good thoughtful post.

However, I have to disagree with some of it and come to the defense of the current band. Blackwell is outstanding. Renato Neto deserves a little more credit, the man is sick. His solo's on the One Night Alone live disc were the shit and stand as evidence, to me at least, that the guy's got it. Rhonda Smith, while very easy on the eyes, can bump. I much prefer her style to say a Larry Graham and I've always been impressed when I see her play. Maybe it's cuz she's girl.

Rad and Chance are cool, they're doing their thing. I've seen them live once and on t.v. twice, they know what they're doing. I mean afterall, any musician on the planet would jump at the chance to play with Mr. Nelson...he could have whoever he wants. He must have selected them for a reason - they can play. I'm anxious to see how they're gonna love the World Tour.

And finally, that horn section. Greg Boyer makes me miss New Orleans everytime he plays, Candy Dulfer makes me want her lips wrapped around my reed and finally, Mr. Maceo Parker. Sure, hearing old school stuff like Pass The Peas might be a far stretch for some folks, but there is no diss I could imagine for Maceo's skills. Sure, Prince is paying homage....imagine how it must FEEL to Prince to have a member of James Brown's band in HIS band? Same goes for Larry Graham....these guys were his heroes when he was growing up. I love the fact that he's included the people into his band because he's introducing them to people who may have never known them before...and they remain funky.

Prince is older now. He's coming full circle. His music is maturing along with the rest of him. Sure, seeing the Revolution on stage again playing those songs would be great. The music he did with Wendy & Lisa's influence on him are my favorite in his catalog, but I understand and respect that times are different now. You grow up with a dad that was a jazz musician, eventually you become a jazz musician too.

Exactly my thoughts, you hit the nail on the head...
I posted a thread about my favorite incarnation of the NPG 2004 which would include Wendy, Lisa, Sonny T., Michael B. (or maybe John B. but I prefer Michael) and Eric Leeds for the same reasons you mentioned above.
I dig funk , especially old school funk, and yes, I do have a couple of old Larry Graham GCS record, but still....you´re on point , he´s kind of reducing himself. I really liked TRC ( not the lyrics, the music ) but I still can´t get into the Everlasting Now and 1+1+1=3 or the Work ( or Musicology).
It´s not just a question of how skilled or talented his musicians are/were, but also a question of chemistry and mutual inspiration and criticism.

come on folks, get over it. we had this debate last year.

get it or move on.

CreoleFreak said:

Damn, I'm impressed from beginning to end. Very good point about bringing the older musicians (his heroes) to a new and younger audience but, I do kinda miss what Eric Leeds represented and what he brought to the table. He seemed to be a little more like Prince as far as being a versatile musician capable of playing any style of horn arrangements. Where Maceo seems to be playing many of the same styles all the time (general old skool soul). Having people like Maceo and Larry on stage to enlighten audiences to the music of people like James Brown and Sly & The Family is cool for a lil while but Maceo been there for almost 3 years. Maceo's album has been recorded, promoted and sold; it's now a done deal. James Brown still tours at 70 something years old and his band STILL can run circles around Princes' band. If we wanted a James Brown concert, we can still (at this point) go see James Brown. And JB has no problem with publicity and promoting himself. I want Prince to just be Prince, enjoy the music he's playing, and that's the bottom line. From what I've heard, Renato tries but he still doesn't sound like a master of his own instrument. He doesn't sound like his comfortable or confidant in what he plays. The same goes for Rhonda and at this point, pretty face or not, I think he needs a more competent bass player than Rhonda. There are far too many other bass players out there that are hungry for the job.

Correction Maceo has been around a hell of a lot longer then 3 years.
[This message was edited Fri Feb 27 12:01:55 2004 by FanofDaFascist]

Milty said:

So just cause you voiced your opinion LAST YEAR no one else has a right to? I think you need to move on

FanofDaFascist said:

i guess like P said: those who want me to stay like i used to be, is a reflection on them.

Milty said:

You need to re read what I wrote, I didn't say anything about him "Staying like he used to".

FanofDaFascist said:

hm-mm, ok

The thing that gets me with this whole "musicology" thing is that Prince started out doing electronic music. Well at least 1999 was mostly electronic wit hsome real instruments added in. I for one love electronic music. It's funny because that's where we are getting some of our hardest funk. Listen to some of those pockets! I used to have a band, but it was too hard trying to make sure everyone felt the same passion as you. SO I moved on to doing my own solo stuff. When people hear it they say they can hear the Prince Influence instantly. I can't. But maybe it's because I have been listening to P since I was born. But my music is very experimental/dark/R&b/hip-hop-trip hop/funk. But I respect music highly, both parents are drummers and I play alittle bass and sing. But I do electronic music with a computer and I don't see what the problem is because i can't have a band backing me now. P needs to realize where he cam from. Most of his beats were programmed, even when played live. So don't dog the electronic bro. He needs to pick up that Linn drum and his dirty bass. Stop with this lite funk-I WANNA STANK!

It kills me how when people say "Princes' shit just ain't hittin these days" that it's associated with him remaining the same and not growing as a musician. A statement like that basically implies that Prince was stagnant throughout the 80's and 90's and was just reselling the same old stuff? With every new album he produced there was another level of growth; from Parade to SOTT to Diamonds aand Pearls; each album was another level. In actuality, what I am saying in the above article is that he isn't growing any more, he's reheating and re servin up some old soul dishes that have already been served. When people complain about so called edgy new projects like N.E.W.S; the main complaint is that it's beneath Prince. It's lame and it's not showing enough growth. We're not looking for "Let's go crazy pt. 2" we want him to show us the true musician he is; the mastery that he is capable of.

basically he needs to experiment more liek he used to. I though TRC was great. I thought News was bland. I mean who can actually sit down and listen to that. I've said this many times before When P dropped a album I never knew what kind of vibe it would be. But now I know exactly what I'm going to get from him. He just needs to take it to another level experimentally. Try new sounds. New drum sounds. New time signatures. New bass tones. new effects. I like it dirty. It's way too clean now.
[This message was edited Fri Feb 27 12:21:13 2004 by larksanders]

Rhonda amateur?? What the fuck are you talking about??

Listen what she did last night one second before prince play the guitar and tell me what amateur does that and it's just an example

And Renato does lacks individual style,uh?? Maybe morris was just accompanying but Renato change the sounds Prince have been using live for years on the ona gig. He added something different to prince music.

Sorry for my english

Milty said:

Prince used to be innovative. Whats wrong with wanting him to stay innovative?

I agree newpowerboy... and btw, fanofdafascist? when did she fumble a bass solo? I taped it, and watched it back several times....maybe you dropped your crack pipe during the solo... cause it's obvoius that you lost a few rocks.... your criticism is amateurist at best...don't think you like anything.

Milty said:

Goooood boy! There's a good little Fam! ::pats on head::

Here's your

FanofDaFascist said:

Well, I've had the chance to read your post from beginning to end and I've come to the overal conclusion that...


no.

...
[This message was edited Fri Feb 27 17:40:59 2004 by fauxnewbie]

rockslave23 said:

See this is what I don't understand, "maybe I dropped my crack pipe" ? Why the hell are you people on here so damn nasty? ROCKSLAVE you need to listen to some real bass players and stop lapping at everything Prince touches. Rhonda is NOT the best bass player and her lil "Get on up" riff was off beat; play the tape again and listen, it's slow and out of synch. If she's gonna be in the NPG then she needs to step up her game. MY OPINION YOU DON'T HAVE TO AGREE WITH ME AND I DON'T HAVE TO AGEE WITH YOU. Step to me with something remotely sensible, other than calling me a crack head and maybe then we can talk. Small ideas come from small minds.

newpowerboy said:

Don't tell me you also think Alicia Keys is a brilliant piano player too?

FanofDaFascist said:

fan.... you are arguing for the right to your opinion, so try and let others have their opinions...

while I will agree with some of your points (Maceo has GOTS to go) I have to disagree with your assessment of Renato...I'd have to agree with newpowerboy, Renato has been a breath of fresh air in the sound of Prince live these past few years. He's one of the few band members I get truly excited about these days...

FanofDaFascist said:

I agree with some of your post, but when it comes to Rhonda you're way off. She's supertalented and versatile. When it comes to Alicia Keys, I would say RAD has more talent in her pinky!!

"In actuality, what I am saying in the above article is that he isn't growing any more, he's reheating and re servin up some old soul dishes that have already been served."

It's simply not true. Prince is still growing. TRC proves it! One Nite Alone (solo voice & piano) proves it. Xpectation proves it! NEWS (less, i agree) proves it.
Goddamn, where are you're ears?! You can't listen to those albums and state that the man doesn't grow.
Besides his musical development, there's also his personal development and career development. The man is definitely also growing on that level. When you saw him performing the ONA-shows (the ones in the States, in Europe it was less) you saw a happy man, a free man, really enjoying himself. A spiritual man with a lot of positive energy.
He is partly becoming a kind of Duke Ellington of this time. I.e. more a bandleader than only a musician. Nothing wrong with that. When he keeps on composing tunes that are worth the listen, it''s fine.
Musicology- the song- doesn't show any musical development. True. When I see the Leno performance I see a man and a tight band having fun.
The message of the song is a bit the message of an 'old man'. And indeed it's rather hypocrite to condemn the electronic music. When you visit the Glam Slam room today you'll finf electronic shit and beats. I see it as just a way, a chosen perspective, of promoting the new tour. Well, let him.

When you follow the man in all perspectives. So official show (American version and European version) and aftershows, tv (compare Smiley to Leno! and the Grammy's!), magazines, etc, you'll see a man with many faces. Try to see the whole, not just the part.

I hope Musicology the album is fine and surprising. I'm a little afraid for a Rave, part II. A comeback album. Let's hope it's not. Let's hope it's another Prince-album.

@rt, Amsterdam, Holland.

By the way: his band is ultra-cool and is definitely one his best. There better musicians than the ones before. Prince never had the 'best' musicians. It's simply not true. He had some good guys and girls and sometimes really good ones. Now he has a tight band with all classical good musicians (don't know yet Rad or Chance).

Sorry guy but I disagree with EVERYTHINg you say. I like Prince's band and think it's a Good line-Up. I wouldn't Change anybody. They are all good Musicians and they all LOOK like they are HAVING FUN Not seeing what you Are. Prince worried about paying for his Houses and Not the Audience? False! I LOve the new song MUSICOLOGY. It's GREAT. Prince's LENo appearance was Fantastic. I hope the whole album is as Good,cause that will be exciting. I have been a fan for a long time and I have never seen MORE EXCITEMENT about Prince and a WORLD TOUR like this MUSICOLOGY TOUR. THis is Soo Cool. And giving away the new album to fans is WONDERFUL. This is a GREAT TIME TO BE A PRINCE FAN. It's Going to be Alot of FUN!

I so totally and and forever disagree about Renato and Rhonda being amateurs or whatever!

maybe stop complaining and have some FUN yourself?

For one it wasnt "Get on up" by the Esquires... it was Tighten up by Archie Bell and the Drells.

The DVD was only 80 minutes. There was much more long funky jamming during the 3 hour show. They should have just released it all.