Folks. If there is one thing on the “non-prince” thread that has been depressing me over the last few months, its that the conversations have split into the very genres that the record stores use to define music. We have R& B fans, Indie fans, rap fans and rock fans.

We all know, as people on Prince.org, that we appreciate an artist with cultural and musical diversity. But can we say the same about ourselves?

Do you love the Beyonce or Ashanti album? Do you love the Coldplay and Radiohead Album?

How many of us think that a mix, lets say Ashanti and Radiohead, are the best two albums of the year? I bet none. And here is where our perceived diversity falls down.

So I’m going to suggest an idea for a bit of fun.

I suggest we adopt and org buddy, who prefers another genre, and we recommend one album, to each other, to “learn” if you will.

There is no point scoring here, no “my music is better than your music”. Simply pick an album you truly love, for it depth, or statement or style, with the aim of getting the other person to love it. They may not, but as long as we are honest, it might be fun.

The rules, if someone “buddies” up with you, they buy or download (for trial purposes of course), an album that is not their scene, but they might be able to appreciate.

For this to work, we have to agree to properly listen to it. Even if we don’t like it at all at first, I suggest a guaranteed five listens, all the way through before we make a final judgement!

Obviously, as I’m making the suggestion, I’m happy to go first. I believe I love all music, but my CD collection leans towards rock and indie. Sure I have the Run DMC albums or Eminem, MJ and Whitney. But my collection certainly leans more in one direction. I have little rap and current R & B.

Does anyone fancy suggesting an album for me to try that might blow me away? I’ll give it an honest listen, and tell you, track by track, if/why I might like or not like it, after 5 listens.

Let’s keeps the buddies on the thread, so we don’t get confused. We can org note, to check genre likings, so we don’t suggest something already owned by the listener.

But don’t start suggesting your favourite albums on the thread, in the hope that people will listen. Pick one person, and find an album they do not have, tell them why you love it, and get them to give it an honest try, and then do the same for them.

So, anyone what to exchange music experiences with me?

This is a good idea, but I don't think I can afford to get much new music right now!

I'm an R&B/funk chick. I'd gladly take a hard rock/metal/alternative buddy.

stymie said:

Ok Stymie! You and me! Lets org note each other some details to help us pick.

If you can tell me what rock/metal/alternative you do own, and what artists you have liked and have not liked in the past, that will help me select something for you to try.

I'll do the same, the other way round, to give you an idea as to what to pick for me.

Once we've picked, we can let everyone else know, so they can laugh at our choices!

SquirrelMeat said:

Cool. This is gonna be easy.