Releases...1999
Prince |
Associates |
| Prince - The Vaults... Old Friends 4 Sale | |||
Producer: Prince
Highest Pop Chart Position: |
Notes | ||
| This collection of songs
written during the period Jan '85 and June '94 was the last part of the deal that ensured The
Artist got early release from his contract from Warners. Considering the well
documented circumstances behind this release, this isn't a bad little album
at all... in fact it's surprisingly good.
Its always
refreshing hearing real musicians playing real instruments in this over-computerized,
over-sampled age. Containing tunes from the rejected "I'll Do Anything" movie
soundtrack and other previously bootlegged classics, all tracks seems to be carefully
chosen for this release, giving the
overall ambiance of the album that bluesy/jazzy feel which works rather well. "When
The Lights Go Down" is a particular gem (more songs like this pleeease). Respect 2 the NPG Hornz... Standout Tracks: She Spoke 2 Me, 5 Women, When The Lights Go Down, Extraordinary Paisley Involvement: High Experience Rating: Cool album... shame about its short length (8/10) |
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| Single Releases: None | |||
| The Artist - Rave Un2 The Joy Fantastic | |||
Producer: Prince
Highest Pop Chart Position: |
Notes | ||
| After his brief
distribution deal with EMI
for Emancipation and releasing several albums independently via the
Internet to limited success, The Artist once again turns to a major label
(Arista) to distribute Rave Un2 The Joy Fantastic. The only
way to guarantee the widest possible exposure for his product is to be in
partnership with a major that has the mechanical clout in place for international
distribution and promotion, something The Artist understands, however
much he desires to be completely and totally independent. Produced by Prince(?), some fans hoped for a return to the sound and style he had in the 80's with a promise for the use of his old instruments (ie. the linn drum). Partly true for only a few tracks here, with the rest of the album sounding like a missing 4th CD from Emancipation. Not to say that this is a bad thing, but many long for The Artist to move on, to be different and innovative with his art once again. Tooo many tracks on this set, albeit well produced and brilliantly executed, sounds like stuff he's covered many times before. The natives are getting restless... its time to move on. Time to reach out for something new... that means U 2. Standout Tracks: The Sun, The Moon And Stars. I Love U, But I Don't Trust U Anymore. Strange But True. Pretty Man Experience Rating: It could've been fantastic (7/10) |
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| Single Releases: The Greatest Romance Ever Sold [UK chart position No.65 Feb. 2000] | |||
| Sheila E & The E-Train - Writes Of Passage | |||
Producers: Sheila E and The E-Train
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Notes | ||
| Sheila E goes back to her roots
with this set of Latino flavored (mainly) jazz instrumentals released on
her own independent label . Passengers accompanying her on this
journey are a collection of top class session players dubbed The E-Train
featuring the incomparable Eric Leeds on Sax and Flute, brother Peter
Michael Escovedo on Drums and Percussion, Renato Neto on Keyboards, Marc
VanWageningen on Bass and special guest Ray Obiedo on Guitar. A
classy album which could easily be mistaken for one belonging to Eric
Leeds since his sax does feature prominently. Only two tracks
feature vocals - "N Perfect Time" and "Rite To
Paradise" (with Peter Michael taking lead vox)... which is a shame
really. Nevertheless, if you liked Madhouse and Eric Leeds' solo
projects, and appreciate quality jazz musicianship... you'll love this. Standout Tracks: Paragon, Passing Through, N Perfect Time, Virtuosity. Paisley Involvement: None Experience Rating: All aboard the E-Train... go take a ride (7/10) |
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| Single Releases: None | |||
| Graham Central Station - GCS2000 | |||
Producers: Larry Graham, The Artist
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Notes | ||
| Third of the 'New power
of the old school' trilogy (NPG-Newpower Soul, Chaka Khan-Come 2 My House), former Sly and
The Family Stone bass-master Larry Graham/GCS's debut release for NPG records completes
the set for nostalgic 70's sounding funk and soul. Out of the 3 this is perhaps the
weakest in terms of originality and song composition. With the exception of
"Free", "Groove On" and "I'magettin'", the ballads (albeit
beautifully sung in his trademark deep 'Barry White-esq' baritone voice) are
cringeworthingly cheesy and the funkier numbers are a tad overlong and directionless.
Coming from a funk legend idolized and helped by The Artist, this set could
and should have been so
much better.... maybe next time. Standout Tracks: Free, Groove On, I'magettin' Paisley Involvement: High Experience Rating: Almost had the funky face (7/10) |
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| Single Releases: None | |||
| Various Artists - Party O' The Times | |||
Producers:
Various
|
Notes | ||
| A compendium of memorable classic 80's
Prince tracks re-interpretated and performed by (almost forgotten) 80's
icons. Much like last years Austin Does Prince tribute compilation
this is very
much an hit and miss affair, but still pretty interesting to hear these
artists paying their respects. Dale sounds typically
weird on the "William Orbit-ish" 'I Would Die 4 U', Ice-T makes the already X-rated
'Head' even more nasty, the Mellow Man Ace/Geo combination on
'Irresistible Bitch' is inspired, Gary Numan's 'U Got The Look' works surprisingly
well and Buddy Miles' 'Baby I'm A Star' is great fun staying faithful
to the original. The other tracks range from so-so to just plain
bad, but overall - not a bad effort. Standout Tracks: I Would Die 4 U, Head, Irresistible Bitch, U Got The Look, Baby I'm A Star, Controversy Paisley Involvement: None Experience Rating: The best of it's kind so far... Party On.. (7/10) |
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| Single Releases: None | |||
