May 7th 1986 - Mountains was released as the second single from Parade, with Alexa De Paris as the b-side.

Who bought this at the time? Any memories/stories from around that time? Did you think it was a good choice for the second single?

Alexa De Paris - what did you think of this at the time? I've only ever heard the Extended Version (from the Letitgo CD single - that was a random inclusion) - how is the shorter version edited?

I didn't develop an appreciation for Alexa De Paris until I got the 12" version. Ther shorter version just didn't move me right away because it comes across as butchered once you hear the extended version. I was so caught up into Prince's music at the time that he could've recorded himself farting for 4 minutes straight and I would've praised it as the second coming of revolutionary music. In retrospect, Mountains probably wasn't the best single choice from the LP, but at the time I didn't care.
[This message was edited Fri May 7 9:13:46 2004 by psykosoul]

I bought it on the day of release. I remember liking the album version because the horn arrangement was not unlike EW & F horns, but I wished it went on for longer.

And the 12" version did! Purchased on the day of release for £2.99 from HMV in Manchester, including poster advertising the forthcoming Wembley Arena, London concerts, the last night of which I attended.

I also bought the 10" limitd edition white vinyl version (both 'Mountains' and 'Alexa De Paris' in extended form again) on the day of release for £2.49.

Both sitting in front of me now.

.

Mountains 12" that scream still gets me. Great single. Bought it on release date.

i bought the 12 inch back then and LOVED IT

the ending always made me think of the
Pied Piper leading a big line of people
down a path of bliss.

loved Alexa right away too -- one of the
first instrumental tunes I ever got into.

I bought this single the day it came out - the guys at the local wrecka stow when I was growing up were really good at telling me when I should drop by for new shipments of crack, and I was a loyal little junkie to them in return.

Anxiety said:

I went out and bought the 12". Wasn't really crazy about "Mountains" when I first heard it on the album, but I liked the long version. I liked "Alexa" the first time I heard it on the 45 single. Loved the long version of that. That was a cool "European" vibe like all of Parade.

"Alexa De Paris" is one of my favorite pieces of music by Prince. It captures his talent beautifully, it sweeps you away, it's wonderful to listen to...

I've loved Alexa da Paris since the first time I heard it summer of 86.

This was the first Prince 7 inch single I ever bought.