O(+> - BETCHA BY GOLLY WOW! AND RIGHT BACK HERE IN MY ARMS

Back in the day when Prince was using the O(+> symbol, he released a three disc set called, "Emancipation".  This album was supposed to be a huge artistic achievement for him because he was doing it as a free artist.  No restriction or oversight by Warner Bros., his former record company.  And it was going to herald a new day for him.  He would release music as often as he wanted and directly to his fans.

Although it might have started out like that, it didn't continue to work like that.  However, most of us were content to go along for the ride.  If I had one complaint, it was the inclusion of cover material.  Around that time, Prince was playing a lot of new songs live and bootlegs were everywhere.  We all knew he had a huge selection of tracks floating around.  And when this album came out, it was hard to be happy with the covers when songs we knew existed were left off.

Prince often makes the mistake of thinking people around him are as interesting or fascinating to his fans as he is.  But a lot of the time, we don't see them through the same filter he does.  Because of this, we don't appreciate them in the way he does.  His work can suffer when he places emphasis on musicians his fans just aren't into.  The same can be said for his taste in other people's music.

Originally released by Connie Stevens as 'Keep Growing Strong', 'Betcha By Golly, Wow!' was made popular by the Stylistics in 1972.  It obviously had a deep impact on Prince and that's why he choose to include it on this record.  However, for Prince followers, this track wasn't exactly a runaway hit.  This is an example of how his taste in music doesn't always transfer to his fans.  I know I didn't like it.  Choosing to include this track over, say...  One of the songs he'd released in the film "Showgirls" but not on the soundtrack; seemed like a cruel joke.  A new Prince song is always preferable to a cover.

There were those in the entertainment world, especially professional music critics who applauded Prince for breaking with his own standard and including a cover.  Many saw it as his ego finally coming down to earth.  But not me.  There's a certain sound you only get when you listen to Prince music performed and recorded by Prince.  Sometimes, his versions of other people's music can vastly improve the original tune, but most of the time, you just hear something missing.  And that's the magic of Prince.

As much as I dislike the song 'Betcha By Golly Wow!', I love 'Right Back Here In My Arms'; the vastly superior of the two tracks.  Not only does it offer up a tasty beat, the lyrics are actually sentimental and lovely.  There's an innocence expressed here that comes across far more effectively than the first song.  He sings about the comfort, safety and validation that comes from holding the one you love.  Perfectly expressed, thoughtfully executed and delivered.

I'm thankful this single is a double A side.  I'm disappointed only 'Betcha By Golly Wow!' got a video.  Both songs are released on the "Emancipation" triple album so there's not much value in this release other than having a complete collection of Prince singles.  No matter how you slice it, It's a good one to own and I'm happy to have it.  My final words:  PICK UP THE ALBUM AND LEAVE THE SINGLE UNLESS YOU'RE COLLECTING.  ONE GOOD SONG, ONE BAD.  IT'S A 50/50 SHOT IN THE DARK.


O(+> - BETCHA BY GOLLY WOW! AND RIGHT BACK HERE IN MY ARMS
01. Betcha By Golly Wow!
02. Right Back Here In My Arms