This last record from Prince sux for a couple of reasons. The first is the fact it was never available to buy in America. From what I understand, it was included as a free gift in newspapers throughout Europe. I'm impressed by the fact he gave it away to newspaper buyers for free... But let's break it on down. Most likely, the news organizations who owned those papers probably paid him quite a sum of money for the right to distribute this release. It was also another way for him to test new avenues of distribution. Still, I find it hard to believe he didn't make money on this disc. It's also a bad publicity move because he left out all of his fans in countries where people didn't have access to those newspapers or magazines. The United States was completely snubbed. Those of us who are lucky enough to have copies either bought them online from people over in Europe or were lucky enough to have friends living there who picked them up for us.
But I won't complain anymore. I'm grateful I have it and at this point, I just wanna talk about the music.
You notice right off the bat he's using the Linn drum machine again. Still, that familiar sound that was once so interconnected with Prince doesn't step up and save the day here. The opening track is 'Compassion' and it nods along. There's lots of nifty little tricks and tickles here and there to make it interesting, but somehow it leaves you feeling like you want more. 'Beginning Endlessly' moves in a different direction entirely. It's more substantial musically, but that rolling drum reminds me so much of that awful fight song he wrote for the Vikings... Yikes. This is the first really good song on the album, but the Linn actually holds it back. It needs a more organic sound.
'Future Soul Song' is just astounding. Rediscovered are the poetic lyrics of Prince's heyday and the inventive use of the drum machine finally fits the song. It's gorgeous and flows like multi-colored waves washing over you. It's followed by 'Sticky Like Glue' and this song seems to transport you back to the early days of Prince funk. I'm talking "Controversy" folks. It's got that great guitar, punctuating the beat. Another number where the drum machine fits the material. So far, he's 2 for 4. 'Act Of God' is a cool song and easy to sing along to. I enjoy the tune and groove along when I'm driving. It's not a classic Prince track, but it's great to bounce along to.
'Lavaux' is another cut that takes you back to the late 70s, early 80s. Sometimes I think I'm hearing outtakes from back in the day, but if you pay attention to the lyrics, they're more in tune with today than back then. 'Walk In Sand' is a lovely ballad. Prince rarely fails when he sets out to record tracks like this. 'Sea Of Everything' is another beautiful ballad. Something inspired Prince to pick up a history book on these r&b classics. 'Everybody Loves Me' relies on the new wave beat of the early 80s. Prince never really followed that formula back then, but it's here in all it's glory.
The final number on this album is a hidden track (it pops up as track 77). The title is incorporated into the artwork. It's called 'Laydown' and it is, without a doubt, my favorite Prince song in a while. I love it. The music, the lyrics, the funkiness... Although it's not the only song on this album that reaffirms Prince is one of the most talented musicians and song writers of our time, it is the most complete example of his innovation. The rest of the cd, great as it is, can sound sorta off the hat. Almost throw away. But 'Laydown' sounds exciting and fresh. This is the one to look forward to.
So I'm extremely happy to have these new songs. They are all wonderful additions to my Prince catalog of music. What the album lacks is the shock of "Dirty Mind", the rock of "Purple Rain", the eclectic sound of "Parade", the funk of "Sign "O" The Times", the challenge of "Rainbow Children" or the old school blues of "Musicology". There's nothing holding these songs together. Or maybe I'm just missing the point. What is here is a collection of tunes virtually accessible to any listener. It's friendly, kind-hearted, romantic and timely. And maybe that's all it was meant to be. My final words: NOSTALGIC AND WHIMSICAL!
PRINCE - 20TEN
01. Compassion
02. Beginning Endlessly
03. Future Soul Song
04. Sticky Like Glue
05. Act Of God
06. Lavaux
07. Walk In Sand
08. Sea Of Everything
09. Everybody Loves Me
10. Laydown
No comments:
Post a Comment