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This is an interesting band! A friend of mine recommended I check them out. He knew I'm a huge fan of Dick Valentine and Electric Six. I didn't quite understand why he wanted me to hear this CD as much as he did until I got it. Although not mentioned by name, E6 dynamic frontman, Dick Valentine appears on the track 'I'm A Vampire' as a guest vocalist. Because I tend to be a completist when it comes to bands I like, this record would of course be essential to my Electric Six collection. However, unlike previous albums I've picked up because Valentine makes an appearance, I really like this one.
SG is a band that combines the pop sensibility and sound of 80's new wave genre with innovative lyrics, catchy melodies and a challenging approach to just about everything they stick their hands in. Photos of the band on the back cover and in the CD insert look like a drag version of glamour shots. But instead of evoking a cringeworthy response, it comes across colorful and expressive. Part of what made the 80's so interesting was the fantastic ways people would dress and wear their hair. Like many of their glam rock compatriots, SG use costumes and make-up to create an image that's youthful, fun and brimming with gender bending sexuality.
I've actually got a few songs I really love on this disc. The first one to end up on repeat for me was '19th & Lexington'. I'm absolutely curious about the origin of this track and what inspired it. There's a story behind that tune and I wanna hear it. The second song I've completely flipped for is 'The Collection'. This is one that might end up on a playlist I post online. I love the "Roll call role play" chant in the song. It's super catchy, tongue twisting and intentionally complicated.
'The Apple Falls' is another track I'm utterly enchanted with. I love the line, "...circle fruit undo my made up world..." One of the things I find myself really loving about this group is the lyrical content and the way they arrange the vocals. It's unique! 'Socially Activist' is another blasting track with an amazing vocal performance.
There's the electronic element throughout the album, but there's also a strong California rock sound as well. At time's I hear The Red Hot Chili Peppers and on 'Now Unthinkable' I hear some drumming that reminds me of the drummers Prince used towards the end of his career in the New Power Generation. That's some serious funk chops they're laying down.
One of the most rewarding aspects of this blog is when I find a new up and coming band I think is doing something different and interesting. Shitting Glitter fits that description and I see them as a vital musical force with the potential to start a new musical movement in California and beyond. Their amalgamation of musical styles and queer culture make them a force to be reckoned with. If they survive their time in obscurity as a new artist trying to crossover, I predict they'll end up fronting a whole generation of new bands ready to push the boundaries of conventional thinking. If you want this record, click HERE to contact the band on Facebook and order it directly from them. My final words: JUST WHEN YOU THOUGHT IT WAS SAFE TO GO BACK IN THE 80'S... SHITTING GLITTER ERUPTS LIKE A DIAMOND PIMPLE ALL OVER YOUR DISCO MIRRORS! BUY THIS RECORD!
SHITTING GLITTER - OPEN FOR BUSINESS
01. Legalese
02. 19th & Lexington
03. Milk Money
04. Idiot Light
05. The Collection
06. Hopeless Romantic
07. The Apple Falls
08. I'm A Vampire
09. Socially Activist
10. The Red State
11. Now Unthinkable
12. Treasure Good Things
Spike Lee's film, "Girl 6" wasn't a huge hit as far as I know. But I found the movie heartwarming. I enjoyed it greatly. And it's not just because Prince provided the music for it.
If you watch the film, you'll hear Prince material all over the place. Virtually every Prince album can be heard throughout the film. Which leads me to my complaints.
1 - with so many Prince songs used in the film, why release a soundtrack with only 13 tracks? Many songs appearing in the film were left off the album.
2 - why not let Prince record all new material for the record? We know he's got a lot of unreleased material and you know he could easily write enough to fill a soundtrack album... Why poach from already released projects?
As it is, we end up with 3 new Prince songs. Two of which showed up on subsequent releases. 'She Spoke 2 Me' was released on his "Vault...Old Friends 4 Sale" disc; although with a different edit. 'Don't Talk 2 Strangers' was recorded and released by Chaka Khan on her NPG Records album, "Come 2 My House". The only track therefore left completely for the soundtrack is 'Girl 6'. The title number. Sadly, this track isn't the finest example of Prince's song writing ability. In fact, he doesn't even get credit for the music. Tommy Elm; or Tommy Barbarella as he's known in the NPG, wrote the music. Prince provided the lyrics. I have a hard time believing he didn't have a hand in the music. And I suspect there's a more Princely version somewhere. The music as it is on the release sounds more like a mix than an actual composition even though the tempo is slower than you'd expect.
Of the rest of the material, there are some bonus tracks here and there. The Family's, 'The Screams Of Passion' was never released on CD in the US, so its inclusion here is a long awaited bonus for fans. Also because it's so hard to find and expensive to buy, Vanity 6's 'Nasty Girl' is another welcome addition for many.
All in all, it's a nice package, but more like a greatest hits package of songs Prince wrote than a soundtrack. And considering how much material was left off, it's disappointing as a single disc. And considering 'Girl 6' had a single release, there's not a single song on this disc you can't find on another CD. That minimizes the value of the release in my mind.
I'll discuss songs more fully on their albums. For now let me close with my final words: AN INTERESTING COLLECTION OF PRINCE MATERIAL. ONE YOU COULD TAKE OR LEAVE.
GIRL 6 - MUSIC FROM THE MOTION PICTURE
01. Prince - She Spoke 2 Me
02. Prince - Pink Cashmere
03. The New Power Generation - Count The Days
04. Prince And The Revolution - Girls & Boys
05. The Family - The Screams Of Passion
06. Vanity 6 - Nasty Girl
07. Prince And The Revolution - Erotic City
08. Prince - Hot Thing
09. Prince - Adore
10. Prince - The Cross
11. Prince - How Come U Don't Call Me Anymore?
12. Prince - Don't Talk 2 Strangers
13. The New Power Generation - Girl 6
This CD single is a 26:00 minute workout by Prince and the New Power Generation. It's a live track and mostly improvised. Online research has revealed the track was recorded at a concert played at Paisley Park on June 20, 1998. The actual song lasted 45 minutes and even in its edited form, it's the longest released song by Prince.
The single was initially released as a cassette single through the 1-800-New-Funk number. The CD version was sold at live shows during the 2000 Hit And Run shows.
I can't remember where I got my copy. I know I was sent a copy on cassette by 1-800-New-Funk, but I don't have it anymore. I'm not sure what happened to it.
As a song, it's laid back and relaxed. Prince speaks over some chanted vocals. It's not a track I listen to on a regular basis, but it's one I enjoy when I do hear it. I wouldn't mind hearing the whole track. You don't realize it's 26:00 minutes when you let it play. It flows along and is relaxing enough to allow you to space out.
It's a unique Prince release and one I'm glad I own. My final words: ONE OF NPG'S BETTER RELEASES!
THE NEW POWER GENERATION - THE WAR
01. The War
It's been a few days since I've written a review. It's taken me that long to move past the new Chems CD long enough to pick up something else. But finally, I've been able to set it aside long enough to write about this little release.
The Fonky Bald Heads are a band formed by New Power Generation members Kirk Johnson, Kip Blackshire and Mike Scott. Rapper DVS is also a member though I'm not sure he's famous for anything else. He may have a local reputation. This disc never received national distribution. This is another record you had to buy directly from the group.
So the inclusion of NPG members isn't enough to make me pick up a cd. But Prince wrote a song on this record and it isn't available anywhere else. An edit of the track was released as part of the NPGMusic Club back when that was going, but it wasn't the complete song.
I originally bought this disc as a digital download and then found it on Amazon.com a year or so after. I picked it up and my impression then is the same as now. There are certain tracks on this disc I absolutely love. And then there are songs I don't care for either way. What does surprise me is the material I do like.
The first track is a segue into the album and sounds like something you'd hear from George Clinton. It's spacey, grandiose and not a little pretentious. It's followed by 'Soundasame'. For those people following Prince since the inception of the New Power Generation as a band, this concept isn't anything new. He used to go on and on about real musicians who played real music and didn't lip sync onstage during a concert. 'Soundasame' basically accuses all boybands and groups that don't actually play music live as being fake and they all sound the same. I don't agree with the statement and I find this number a little tedious. The next track is a power ballad of sorts. And this one I do like. 'Under The Same Clouds' has a lovely chorus and a spirited rap by DVS that accentuates the drama revealed in the lyric's story. 'Fonky Like A' is an awesome track! It's got the funk and the groove to really make you get up and shake. I've heard three versions of this number and I like them all.
The next track is one of my favorites. 'Passin Your Name' is another awesome ballad similar to 'Under The Same Clouds'. DVS raps the verse and then the chorus is sung by Kip Blackshire I believe. It's got a wonderful story, but the deal clencher is the chorus hook. I sing along at the top of my lungs. Now that's a good tune. The next track, 'Sex In My Bones' is one I'm not partial too. It's boring and like 'Soundasame' and 'If Ya'll Wanna Rock', it tries to blend elements of hard rock into the song to give it more power. Instead, it just sounds like overlayered instrumentation. None of those tracks appeal to me and they really leave me disappointed. I should mention... 'If Ya'll Wanna Rock' is a hidden track at the end of the disc. The title comes from the internet, so I'm not even sure what it really is. But I'm guessing it's correct.
'Rowdy Mac' is the Prince contribution and is pretty good. It doesn't stand out too strongly and also includes some harder sounds but for some reason, they actually work on this track. I doubt Prince had much to do with it other than contribute to it. It doesn't have a strong Prince feel, though does remind me somewhat of 'Mad Sex'.
So my overall opinion is mixed. I certainly really like the songs I like, but I'm indifferent to the ones I don't. So I'm leaning more toward the positive here. It's worth the purchase if you stick to the songs you really enjoy and let the rest float by. My final word: FONKY.
FONKY BALD HEADS - THE SELF TITLED ALBUM
01. Introdukshun
02. Soundasame
03. Under The Same Clouds
04. Fonky Like A (Remix)
05. Passin Your Name
06. Sex In My Bones
07. Fonky Lyka (Live)
08. Rowdy Mac
09. If Ya'll Wanna Rock
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
I believe this was the first single from 'Exodus'. The first track is the album version of 'The Good Life'. The second mix, 'The Good Life (Bullet's Go Bang Remix)', is an interesting mix. The instrumentation is subdued and more urban in tone. 'The Good Life (Big City Remix)' is virtually another song entirely. In fact, when I count original compositions, I give this song it's own credit rather than a mix credit. The lyrics are completely different and the music is completely different. The only this it has in common with the original track is the repeated chorus. Otherwise, it's a sung/spoken lyric performed by Prince rather than Sonny Thompson. It's entertaining and interesting all at the same time. I especially like the line, "Just like Aretha with a sack of Fritos".
'Free The Music' is more of a sampler song. It features an original beat with Mayte chanting "Exodus - Free the music" while clips of other songs from 'Exodus' are played in the background. Although hardly an amazing track, it's still interesting in the way things are mixed together.
'Get Wild (In The House Remix)' has a lot of house beat intensity and certainly builds to a big finish, but it feels like the build is in a subtle tempo increase rather than actual sound. It was typical of mixes at the time and although drastically different from the original, it doesn't live up to the original track. The 'Get Wild (Club Mix)' is also quite different from the original mix. It features a heavy bass line thumping underneath the rhythm section and features a more evenly mixed vocal track. You can hear Prince more prominently alongside Sonny Thompson. It's a great release and important to anyone interested in the 'Exodus' album. Great material. My final words: MMMMM GOOD!
THE NEW POWER GENERATION - THE GOOD LIFE
01. The Good Life (Album Version)
02. The Good Life (Bullets Go Bang Remix)
03. The Good Life (Big City Remix)
04. Free The Music (Non-Album Track)
05. Get Wild (In The House Remix)
06. Get Wild (Club Mix)
I'm not sure which single this is from the album. Whether second or third. Either way, I picked it up because I thought there were songs I didn't have. At the time, I didn't have 'Exodus'. So 'Hallucination Rain' was one I certainly didn't have and 'Beautiful Girl' was an unknown possibility. I was disappointed when I got home and discovered 'Beautiful Girl' was another mix of 'The Most Beautiful Girl In The World'; this one with Eric Leeds performing a saxophone version. There's really nothing overly important about this disc. The music is fantastic, but nothing really unique or different.
I'd recommend picking this up only if you're a completest and have to have every possible mix. My final word: EH.
THE NEW POWER GENERATION - THE WILD EXPERIENCE
01. Get Wild (Single Mix)
02. Beautiful Girl
03. Hallucination Rain
