For Fans & Friends of BlackLight Radio
Review: Prince - Lotusflow3r and MPLSound
I should start by saying I am a devoted Prince fan. There are those who are more obsessed than myself, but I've stuck with him through thick and (sometimes VERY) thin. His concert in Oklahoma City at The Ford Center was the best concert I've ever seen. I just want you to understand that I COULD be biased. ;-)
Having said that, his last several (half-dozen?) albums have been, shall we say, "acquired tastes." Sure, it was Prince, and he really can't do total wrong, but most of the songs just didn't stick with me. Even his "comeback" album, Musicology, just sounded like a good start to me.
So I popped in Lotusflow3r, expecting to nod my head that, indeed, that was Prince, but figuring I would have to play the album multiple times to see if any of the songs would rise above "like."
Oh, baby!
The guitar is out front, the music is nearly psychedelic, & nothing about this sounds like Prince going through the motions... he's feeling this music, he's crafting the songs instead of doing verse chorus verse chorus bridge chorus chorus fade. Standouts? Tought to pick, although Feel Good Feel Better Feel Wonderful is a rocker and 77 Beverly Park is lush. The best track to my ears is his remake of Crimson & Clover that counted me a doubter until I heard it. I hope I don't reveal any secrets when I tell you he wrapped in some of Wild Thing (The Troggs, not Tone Loc)! Killer, killer job.
On to MPLSound: It's 1982 all over again! O.K., not quite, there are some upgraded effects, but those great electronic drum sounds, the party atmosphere, the syrupy ballads... I find myself chuckling a little at some of what Prince is doing here, but it's a smile that comes because he's really made some FUN music again. He's not TRYING to be the life of the party, he IS the life of the party... and he isn't afraid to look a little goofy if that's what's called for.
Both of these albums have elements that remind me of 1999, Purple Rain, & the sped up voice in Sign O The Times while I also hear voice harmonizers from time to time for great effect, filters, etc. He really pulled out all the stops, playing around with digital & analog (sounding) effects.
I'll soon be checking out Bria-Valente, but for now I'm bobbing my head & grinning like a clown to "Ol' Skool Company."
If you miss his 80s output, if you loved the guitar work of the Gold / Chaos & Disorder era, you've GOT to get these albums. All three for $11.98, & only at Target? Sold!
It's been said a number of times by others, but now I feel honest in saying: Prince is BACK.
Having said that, his last several (half-dozen?) albums have been, shall we say, "acquired tastes." Sure, it was Prince, and he really can't do total wrong, but most of the songs just didn't stick with me. Even his "comeback" album, Musicology, just sounded like a good start to me.
So I popped in Lotusflow3r, expecting to nod my head that, indeed, that was Prince, but figuring I would have to play the album multiple times to see if any of the songs would rise above "like."
Oh, baby!
The guitar is out front, the music is nearly psychedelic, & nothing about this sounds like Prince going through the motions... he's feeling this music, he's crafting the songs instead of doing verse chorus verse chorus bridge chorus chorus fade. Standouts? Tought to pick, although Feel Good Feel Better Feel Wonderful is a rocker and 77 Beverly Park is lush. The best track to my ears is his remake of Crimson & Clover that counted me a doubter until I heard it. I hope I don't reveal any secrets when I tell you he wrapped in some of Wild Thing (The Troggs, not Tone Loc)! Killer, killer job.
On to MPLSound: It's 1982 all over again! O.K., not quite, there are some upgraded effects, but those great electronic drum sounds, the party atmosphere, the syrupy ballads... I find myself chuckling a little at some of what Prince is doing here, but it's a smile that comes because he's really made some FUN music again. He's not TRYING to be the life of the party, he IS the life of the party... and he isn't afraid to look a little goofy if that's what's called for.
Both of these albums have elements that remind me of 1999, Purple Rain, & the sped up voice in Sign O The Times while I also hear voice harmonizers from time to time for great effect, filters, etc. He really pulled out all the stops, playing around with digital & analog (sounding) effects.
I'll soon be checking out Bria-Valente, but for now I'm bobbing my head & grinning like a clown to "Ol' Skool Company."
If you miss his 80s output, if you loved the guitar work of the Gold / Chaos & Disorder era, you've GOT to get these albums. All three for $11.98, & only at Target? Sold!
It's been said a number of times by others, but now I feel honest in saying: Prince is BACK.
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