THE NEW POWER GENERATION - EXODUS

Make no mistake... The disc may be credited to The New Power Generation, but it's definitely a Prince record. This incarnation of The NPG are pictured on the album cover in cartoon form and are (from left to right): Michael Bland (drums), Tommy Barbarella (real name Thomas Elm, keys), Sonny Thompson (bass), Tora Tora (actually Prince wearing a mask, all instruments), Mayte (vocals and dancing), Morris Hayes (keys). How much of this album is really a band effort is unknown. Prince often credits his musicians for contributions they don't actually make. All of the songs on this disc are credited as full band input, but the Prince sound is unmistakable. Makes me wonder just how true that claim is.

The disc starts off with Mayte as the NPG Operator talking to Prince (whose voice is distorted) as a caller wanting more information about NPG Records. The next track is a funky number called, 'Get Wild'! Originally, it appeared in the Robert Altman film, "Ready To Wear". The version appearing on the soundtrack is somewhat different than 'Exodus'. I personally think the 'Exodus' version is superior. The next two tracks are skits involving the band taking over a night club (with Prince's 1986 composition 'Dream Factory' playing in the background), and introducing a live band sound with an instrumental jazz number called 'New Power Soul'. Up to this point, the music is wonderful, but not different from what Prince was doing at the time. After a couple more segues, a trio of songs play. 'The Good Life', 'Count The Days' and 'Cherry, Cherry' are all wonderful tunes that stand out. 'Count The Days' is particular in that it starts a re-occurring theme on the album. During this point in time, gangsta and hard rap was really catching on. Lyrics were becoming more violent and sexual imagery was filtering into everything. The New Power Generation avoided the blatant imagery and more unsavory trends in rap music, but on this record it focuses on some more disturbing aspects of that social network: gun usage and other forms of violence. In 'Count The Days', Sonny says before he can bring peace to the people, he's gotta take his gun and blow some *blankety-blank* away. In 'Cherry, Cherry' a similar theme occurs when Sonny again suggests he'll take his .45 to get rid of a guy who hurts his woman. She ends up committing suicide. The intensity of the subject matter is extreme and yet the music is so compelling you simply accept what's playing and go along for the ride.

'Return Of The Bump Squad' is an amazing funk workout. Unrelenting in rhythm and complexity, this is one of three outstanding funk numbers. The other two are 'Big Fun' and 'The Exodus Has Begun'. Both are diverting and enjoyable to listen to. I could sit here for hours and break them apart, analyzing and dissecting them; but the simple fact is they are thrilling pieces of music that encompass a range of influences and sounds. It's funk at it's finest!

There are a few segue tracks that feature skits with Prince playing various characters along with other members of The NPG. They're so funny, I laugh every time I listen to them. The one track that's somewhat lacking is 'Hallucination Rain'. The storyline behind the song (which is loosely built in previous segues), is ridiculous and boring. The song has an amazing instrumental build and crescendos in a screeching guitar performance completely unparalleled. The biggest drawback on 'Exodus' is Prince's flawed belief that the people he surrounds himself with are as interesting as he is. Sonny Thompson doesn't possess the presence of Prince and his performance leaves a lot to be desired. Perhaps the themes, sounds and feel of 'Exodus' are too Prince-ish for Sonny to successfully pawn off as his own. And who do they think they're fooling? Most of those who actually bothered to track down the disc already know it's a Prince record. 'Hallucination Rain' for one, would've benefited from Prince rather than Sonny on vocals. He also frequently alludes to his situation with Warner Brothers Records. If you know Prince's history, you understand this little drama. These days, the lyrics are outdated and seem untimely. But that's the danger of writing such personal lyrics. Time's change.

Still, this is easily one of my most favorite and satisfying Prince projects in a long time. I dance, sing, stomp and freak out to it with every listen. For those of you interested in hearing this overlooked gem, be forewarned... It was never picked up by an American Distributor. 'Exodus' was only available in Europe except for a small number sold directly to the public through Prince's 1-800 number.

If I had a rating system, this would get all the stars, or the highest number available. I absolutely love this album. My final word: FUNK-TACULAR!

THE NEW POWER GENERATION - EXODUS
01. N.P.G. Operator Intro
02. Get Wild
03. Segue
04. DJ Gets Jumped
05. New Power Soul
06. DJ Seduces Sonny
07. Segue
08. Count The Days
09. The Good Life
10. Cherry, Cherry
11. Segue
12. Return Of The Bump Squad
13. Mashed Potato Girl Intro
14. Segue
15. Big Fun
16. New Power Day
17. Segue
18. Hallucination Rain
19. NPG Bum Rush The Ship
20. The Exodus Has Begun
21. Outro