Releases...1994
Prince |
Associates |
| Prince - Come | |||
Producer:
Prince
Highest
Pop Chart Position: |
Notes | ||
| The relationship between
artist and record company deteriorated even further following Warners decision to
kill off the eclectic loss-making Paisley Park label, and apparent unwillingness to keep up with Prince's
prolific nature. This undoubtedly had an effect on the man which in turn, unfortunately began to have an affect on
the quality of his musical output, it was
clear to see that his heart and soul was not into this album, his final release as
"Prince" (before reverting back to his birthname after 7 years). Mostly a collection of tracks from "Glam Slam Ulysees" (a
short-lived, ill-fated, stage musical conceived by Prince), the album sounded like Prince on
auto-pilot. The tile-track being overlong and directionless with the rest
of the material sounding
like poor B-sides and fillers, only two exceptions being "Space" and "Dark". Standout Tracks: Space, Dark Experience Rating: An obituary to a dear friend (6/10) |
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| Single Releases: Letitgo [UK chart position No.30 Sep 94], Space | |||
| Prince - The Black Album | |||
Producer: Prince
Highest
Pop Chart Position: |
Notes | ||
| Belatedly released by
Warners against Prince's wishes. The album with no name (dubbed 'The Black Album'
because of it's plain black cover) represents Prince in a full-on mischievous funky party
mood pausing only for the ballad "When 2 R In Love". A roller-coaster ride
from start to finish, cleverly fun lyrics, tight instrumentation and pure invention are
the ingredients to this fine example of Paisley party funk. Standout Tracks: Le Grind, Cindy C., Bob George, Rockhard In A Funky Place Experience Rating: Perfect for any purple party! (9/10) |
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| Single Releases: | |||
| Bob Belden's Manhattan Rhythm Club - Purple Rain | |||
Producers:
Bob Belden, Jimi Tunnell, Adam Holzman, Danny DiPaola, Steve Schenferd, DJ
Smash, Akira Satake
|
Notes | ||
| The first of two
consecutive releases exploring and celebrating the diversity of Prince's music in Jazz
form by Bob Belden and friends. This set concentrates mainly on Prince's most well known
compositions and features contributions from well-known vocalists in the jazz world (incl.
Cassandra Wilson) as well as top class jazz session musicians. The serious interpretations are all well thought out and executed. Arranger Bob Belden shows a lot of respect for the work he's chosen to re-interpretate. The quality shines through. Standout Tracks: Arms Of Orion, Nothing Compares 2 U, When 2 R In Love Paisley Involvement: None Experience Rating: Play this on a hot summer's day... (7/10) |
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| Single Releases: | |||
| Bob Belden's Manhattan Rhythm Club - PrinceJazz | |||
Producers:
Bob Belden, Jimi Tunnell, Adam Holzman, Danny DiPaola, Steve Schenferd, DJ
Smash, Akira Satake
|
Notes | ||
| Second of a set by jazz
artist Bob Belden in which he pays tribute to the music of Prince. The
difference
with this set being that the pieces chosen are perhaps less familiar (apart from
"Purple Rain") to non-hardcore fans of the Purple One. The
re-interpretations of each song are longer, deeper and more complex, and there are no
vocals on the album - purely jazz instrumentals. Which makes this album the better
of the two in that more allowance is made to explore the different avenues, richness and complexity of the
improvisational art form that is jazz to its fullest, using some of the finest of Prince's
vast back catalogue as its core inspiration. The version of "Power Fantastic" here is
just... FANTASTIC. Miles Davis would be proud... Excellent stuff for lovers of
quality music and good taste. Standout Tracks: Ballad Of Dorothy Parker, Venus De Milo, Power Fantastic, When We're Dancing Close & Slow Paisley Involvement: None Experience Rating: Play this on a hot summer's night... (9/10) |
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| Single Releases: | |||
| Hornheads - Hornheads | |||
Producer:
Michael B. Nelson
|
Notes | ||
| Horn section first
assembled in 1991 to perform with Prince and The NPG for the Diamonds and Pearls Tour.
Under the leadership of Michael B. Nelson, this CD of mainly horn samples was put
together to demonstrate the talents of this tight ensemble
to other musicians and not really meant for
your average consumer. Be warned... no other instruments
are featured here,
just horns. So if you're an horn fanatic this one's for you... otherwise. Standout Tracks: Hornhead Blues, Waltz 4 Hornz Paisley Involvement: None Experience Rating: Just horns.. nothing else. (3/10) |
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| Single Releases: | |||
| Various - 1-800 New Funk | |||
Producers:
Various
|
Notes | ||
| The album Warner refused
to release, so The Artist released it himself on his own newly formed NPG
label. Showcasing the various acts associated with the label at the time, this was a
compilation of songs - "his children", that were in danger of being left
to die... found a home on this release. This CD (and "The Most Beautiful Girl In
The World" single) signaled another turning point in his career and gave us a
taste of how his releases in the future will be handled ie. independently
without the aid of a major
label. An hit and miss affair, this album gave us an opportunity to hear tracks we might not otherwise have heard. Standout Tracks: Hollywood, Love Sign, Standing At The Alter, You Will Be Moved Paisley Involvement: High Experience Rating: Pic 'n Mix (7/10) |
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| Single Releases: MPLS Minneapolis, Nona Gaye and O(+> Love Sign (Promo only), The NPG 2Gether Margie Cox Standing At The Alter | |||
