THE PRINCE SONGBOOK - SYMBOLISM

This is an unusual release. First of all, it doesn't distinguish between songs some of these artists were given by Prince versus songs they covered by Prince. For the record... Tracks 03, 04, 07, 09, 10, and 11 are covers. 08 isn't considered a cover even though Prince has released his own version of the song because Joe Cocker released his version first. The other tracks are all music either written specifically for the artist or songs donated to the artist for their own releases.

One thing this disc does is save consumers a huge ton of money. My biggest complaint back in the day was buying an entire CD of music for one song. Often Prince would donate a single track to a band and you'd be out $15. just to get the one song. If you wanted it. Collections like this allow you to get all the tracks without coming out of pocket almost $200. Although it would present better value if it included more of those one-off songs versus covers. Usually, the cover versions aren't nearly as good as the original Prince versions. Stephanie Mills and Tina Turner both deliver enjoyable performances, but the originals are still superior in many ways. Other covers like the Mel'isa Morgan, Living Colour and Cyndi Lauper versions are completely throw away junk not worth the time or effort. 

 I also question the inclusion of the Elisa Fiorillo track simply because Prince produced and wrote the bulk of that album. There's not value in including that track. More one off songs would have been a much nicer collection.

I think the Tina Turner cover was released as a b-side to a single and was only available on vinyl. That being the case, it's certainly worth inclusion. But that's neither here nor there.

Of course with modern technology, you can simply download individual tracks and create your own playlist or burn your own CDs. In that light, this release becomes even less valuable or necessary. My final word: AMBITIOUS. Someone had a good idea and was on the right track. Sadly, it's just outdated now. Still, it's nice to have.


PRINCE SONGBOOK - SYMBOLISM
01. Mica Paris - If I Love U 2 Nite
02. Elisa Fiorillo - On The Way Up
03. Tina Turner - Let's Pretend We're Married
04. Living Colour - 17 Days
05. Sheena Easton - Sugar Walls
06. Patti LaBelle - I Hear Your Voice
07. Mel'isa Morgan - Do Me, Baby
08. Joe Cocker - Five Women
09. Stephanie Mills - How Come U Don't Call Me Anymore?
10. M.X.M. - Nothing Compares 2 U
11. Cyndi Lauper - When You Were Mine
12. Kid Creole - The Sex Of It
13. Nona Hendryx - Baby Go-Go
14. Martika - Love...Thy Will Be Done
15. Bangles - Manic Monday

VAN GOGH - VAN GOGH

This disc was only available directly from the artists. I bought it for a couple reasons. I initially saw a program featuring the band on television. I think it was PBS and I was interested in what they were doing. Shortly afterward, I learned Prince contributed a song to the band. Even though I didn't want to admit it, the Prince song was the motivation I needed to pick up one of their cds and listen to it. Sadly, Prince later reclaimed the song and released his own version through the NPG Music Club. In my opinion, that was kinda messed up. It ruined the value of the track and the importance of this disc to Prince fans. He defeated his own efforts to build up the group.

My overall assessment of this disc is promising. The influence of The Beatles is prominent. You can also hear some 80s vibe happening. They use lots of 80s electro pop tricks here and there; but it's the combination of rock with melody that dominates the writing structure of their material. Though much of what you hear is easily written off as a whole, when you examine the songs one at a time, you get a better sense of their intent. 'Simple Cinderella' sounds too much like a Joe Cocker number for my taste. 'The World In A Nutshell' is an interesting piece and really caught my attention. Lyrically, Van Gogh have a 60s psychedelic feel to them; focusing on the abstract rather than the rational. 'Maybe' sounds like a cross between Randy Newman, ABBA and modern country.

The Prince track is produced and arranged by the band. Even though his version sounds remarkably different, it still stands out with its rhythm and quirky build. Lyrically, it's an interesting concept... Loving someone so utterly, you only see the illusion they choose to show you ultimately leaving you blind to reality.

My opinion of the disc is favorable though it's not a disc I spend lots of time with. I've never been caught up in The Beatles or the Americana sound of Bruce Springsteen and Bruce Hornsby. I certainly respect and admire the musicianship of these artists, but I don't relate to them. If you feel a connection to this kind of rock and roll, Van Gogh may be right up your alley. It's still an interesting listen just to hear their version of the title track. My final word: PROMISING.

VAN GOGH - VAN GOGH
01. Simple Cinderella
02. The World In A Nutshell
03. All The Time In The World
04. Almost Too Real
05. Ready, Willing And Able
06. Van Gogh
07. Tangled
08. Lift Me Up
09. Maybe
10. My Telescope
11. All That Glitters
12. Waiting For A Revolution