Ever since I have been a fan of Prince (81) one thing I have learned not to do is to be overly hasty in judging a new song/perfrormance until I have given it several views or listens. I have watched the Leno performance about 20 times now and I have come to the following review on Prince and Musicology

My original thoughts were that this song was just a clone of The Work, which to me did not have the kick or depth of the music that makes me love Prince. I respect the tip of the cap to JB, but Prince is the man because he plays "Prince" music, not clones of those who came before him.

After several listens to this performance however I think Musicology is killer. Yes it sounds a bit like JB, but it would be completely unfair to say that anything that is funky and has horns is ripping of James. Especially with some volume, Musicology has a wicked hook and is very infectious. The lyrics are so-so, but this song, IMHO, was meant to shake your thang to.

With regards to the performance itself, Prince is in great form. I love his style right now, and the NPG is knocking it out. Friends I show it to are just, "Damn, that band is funky and Prince does not seem like such a freakshow anymore". These are people who traditionally would never buy a Prince record but are now interested in the concert.

Lastly,l really love it when Maceo solos. The man just drips with funk, and brings an extra dimension to the NPG. Anybody know if he will be with the band the first couple of shoes?

Does anyone know if "She Wants Me" is on Musicology?

All in all - pumped to see the concert and hear the new joints on the album


Peace

I don't adore the song... yet, but that performance was just amazing. I see nothing wrong with him paying some respects to the greats the preceded him. As we know he never spends long on a single concept (for example, a single year for instrumentals on Xpectation and N.E.W.S), I reckon Prince will give this stuff his best shot, add his own flavour, and move on up and beyond on his future projects.

I agree, 2funke. The t.v. appearances have been building much anticipation for me. I showed the Leno performance to a friend of mine who is a big James Brown/Elvis fan. He loved it!! He thought it was super funky and can't wait to hear the album. I also showed him the performance of "Reflection" on Tavis and he was in awe, but the Leno show sealed it. Now, myself and three other guys already have our tickets for the show in Columbus, OH. I can't wait!!

The performance on the Jay Leno was genuinely more thrilling than most bands' over-produced videos. It was like a real-life "Hey Ya!". If they weren't shaking their Polaroid pictures in that audience, they would definitely have been shaking something!

I fucking love the song too. It really is the best thing he's done in years. Truth.

2funkE said:

???Do you mean 'U Want Me'??

It's a possibility, but to date it isn't known whether it's on or not.