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Prince's music

Back in the late 80's and early 90's I dated a girl who was a huge Prince fan. I was definitely not into him. His music was like fingernails on a chalkboard to me at that time. When he came through on tour, I was basically forced to take her to the concert. When I saw him live, I was blown away. His musicianship on every instrument was insane and his singing was damn near pitch perfect. As a performer, I haven't seen anyone like him. 100% on the whole time. I've since grown to like some of his music, but not all of it. But I still haven't seen anyone out perform him.
 
I did, but is there stuff he's done that's different from what plays on the radio? Songs or an album that's not in his normal style?

Ah, that's the thing. His "normal style" is not any one thing. Just what gets fed to us via pop culture. But.....I think you are seeing that as this thread unfolds.:thumbsup:

Here are a couple that are decidedly un-synthy:





"Musicology" live:



YEESSSS!!!!! Beat me to it.

That's what I'm talking about. The man brings the funk. Now I'm a fan.

Gotcha!

Imma look for some more to link.
 
Prince, like Miles, could really put together a band, there's so much incredibly cool playing on his records.

I mentioned this exact thing in a FB post the other day. I notice a recurring NPG (Michael Bland on drums!) theme in these posts, BTW. I fully approve!

I think most of the people he moved musically are those that really like to dance, and appreciate a little less testosterone with their music.

I respond not to refute this statement, as it is likely true. That said - I NEVER dance, and my favorite band since I was 14 has been Led Zeppelin. There is a testosterone band if ever there was one.

While I never dance, I am a huge fan of funk.

Go figure.
 
He was FUNKY when he wanted to be and had his own sound.

Do you know "777-9311", which he wrote and recorded for The Time?:


From Wikipedia:
"777-9311" is the second track and lead single from The Time's second album, What Time Is It?.[1] Recorded for the album at Prince's home studio in May–June 1982, the song was produced, arranged, composed and performed by Prince with Invalid Link Removed later adding his lead vocals.

That's a bad MF.
 
Deep tracks? I suggest:
When you were mine
Head (or the whole Dirty Mind album)
Do Me, Baby
Irresistable Bitch
How Come U Don't Call Me
Lady Cab Driver
Computer Blue
Erotic City
Tambourine
She's Always in my Hair
I Wonder U
New Position
Do U Lie
Ballad of Dorothy Parker
Dolphin

I could go on...
 
Not my kind of music but I respect the mang because he was a good musician, who wrote his own music and lyrics. I'm not usually a fan of singers who don't don't write their own music or even play any instruments. I think that's what set Prince apart from many 80s pop groups.

I think the term "artist" is used way too loosely but I think it applies to Prince.
 
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Not all music is suited for every person; personal taste determines that. Just because you're not into something doesn't mean you can't appreciate someone for their work so :thumbsup: for being understanding. I personally am an avid fan of his work and most everything he did. I grew up listening to him and a large part of my musical career has been shaped by watching him and learning what it means to be a true performer as well as an outstanding musician. I think he made all of his music to be inspirational and strike something deeper in the people who listened to it instead of just sheer listening pleasure. To do that he made music that was inspirational to him, even though it was not some people's cup of tea. I heard him say in an interview once, "what comes from the heart reaches the heart." He played what came from his heart, much like most of us do. However, you can't please everyone! Some like and connect with it, others do not. No harm no foul :bassist:
 
I'm in the same boat as you. I tremendously applaud him for his talent, yet I just never really seem to care for his style. My dad really likes him though, and he's really sad that he passed on. Think I might go listen to some prince now. What's funny, is that prince was born in Minneapolis really close to where I live
 
I did, but is there stuff he's done that's different from what plays on the radio? Songs or an album that's not in his normal style?

I've always been a fan of Prince's harder, guitar-oriented songs and his bizarre, pervert funk. The guy has such a massive catalog of official and unofficial releases. I can understand not being into him that much if all you have heard are his radio hits.











 
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Prince was clearly talented as a musician/vocalist and prolific as a songwriter, but I don't hold him up as a musical genius. Perhaps his ability to establish himself as an idol is where his genius lay. Obviously plenty of people adored him. One thing is certain in my mind, Prince worked very hard for his achievements and I respect his accomplishments especially as an entertainer. Despite this, I never had any desire to meet him...I am sure the feeling was mutual.
 
I acknowledge and respect the man's talent. He was musically brilliant. No doubt about it. It's a tragedy that he passed. A lot of people are mourning and it's really sad he's gone.

His music.....maybe there's something I'm missing. It seems to be mostly 80s style, electronic-ey, drum machine-y pop music. That's fine. Lots of people love that. I'm not a fan. Not of that kind of music in general and not of the Prince songs I know. I'm not trying to disrespect his memory or his talent or his vast catalogue of music. Not at all. I'm trying to understand it. I know he was a great musician but I don't hear it in his music...at least the music I know. Are there deep tracks that are.......better? No, better isn't the right word. But different from how I described how I perceive his music. Is there more funky stuff he's done? More rock and roll?[/QU Check out his earlier albums: For You, Prince, Dirty Mind, Sign o the Times.
 
<soapbox>
If Prince doesn't float your boat, so be it. I wish people didn't talk about music as if there's something to "get". It's not differential calculus -- it's art. There's no right or wrong.
</soapbox>

Here's some very organic-sounding, supremely funky prince from just 3 years ago:


Some mellow pop-rock -- I loved this when it came out. Some of his deepest lyrics, too. It'll probably be taken down soon, so listen now!
 
I acknowledge and respect the man's talent. He was musically brilliant. No doubt about it. It's a tragedy that he passed. A lot of people are mourning and it's really sad he's gone.

His music.....maybe there's something I'm missing. It seems to be mostly 80s style, electronic-ey, drum machine-y pop music. That's fine. Lots of people love that. I'm not a fan. Not of that kind of music in general and not of the Prince songs I know. I'm not trying to disrespect his memory or his talent or his vast catalogue of music. Not at all. I'm trying to understand it. I know he was a great musician but I don't hear it in his music...at least the music I know. Are there deep tracks that are.......better? No, better isn't the right word. But different from how I described how I perceive his music. Is there more funky stuff he's done? More rock and roll?

I never liked his music and never understood why he was considered brilliant. He had a strong following but I really don't hear anything special in his music.
 
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