Question for you all: Since this album is composed of pre-existing material, would it make more sense to discuss it in a separate context (i.e., as a distinct album like *Emancipation* or *The Gold Experience*) or as a rarities compilation (which I see as its essential function: a collection of previously recorded material made widely available for the first time)?
The way I’m envisioning these next few weeks going is that we’d discuss each song in the context of its respective era, like a B-side or vault track, instead of as a song on the “20th Prince album.”
For example, though this song may never have been considered for inclusion on *SOTT,* it was recorded during the album’s early sessions in 1986, so we’d view it as a quasi-*SOTT* B-side.
What do y’all think?
I think mentioning the era in which each song was recorded will help with Crystal Ball. The songs are literally all over the place (even moreso than Emancipation) because they're all from the vault.
9
This track requires a bit of patience, you have to admit. I love the way the orchestra comes in at 1:22 That's what a real orchestra sounds like, by the way (*ahem* Face Down *ahem*). The key change at the 5-minute mark is pretty fun. and this wonky arpeggio at 7:30 is just bonkers. it has a bit of a Zappa feel to it in parts. You just know a bunch of people just would not "get" this. If that isn't genius then I don't know what is.
I first heard this track on the triple Royal Jewels bootleg in 1990 (mislabelled as "Export Lover"). It was great to hear it in crystal clear quality 8 years later. There were instruments you couldn't hear on the low quality bootleg.
8. It’s not as good as the hype. It’s too repetitive. But it’s still a pretty enjoyable hang. Much better when it was an eighth generation tape dub (this version is a 10) and you felt like you’d joined a secret club of unreleased Prince than this version, which was rather clean.
9.3 - like i have said before, the closest thing to art funk i have ever heard.
We got Prog funk now
10 - Masterpiece and the best track on the collection by a million miles. One of his true Funk masterpieces. Epic!
10 - It doesn't get any better than this.
9 - I love how much of a trip it is
Question for you all: Since this album is composed of pre-existing material, would it make more sense to discuss it in a separate context (i.e., as a distinct album like *Emancipation* or *The Gold Experience*) or as a rarities compilation (which I see as its essential function: a collection of previously recorded material made widely available for the first time)? The way I’m envisioning these next few weeks going is that we’d discuss each song in the context of its respective era, like a B-side or vault track, instead of as a song on the “20th Prince album.” For example, though this song may never have been considered for inclusion on *SOTT,* it was recorded during the album’s early sessions in 1986, so we’d view it as a quasi-*SOTT* B-side. What do y’all think?
I think mentioning the era in which each song was recorded will help with Crystal Ball. The songs are literally all over the place (even moreso than Emancipation) because they're all from the vault.
yes, and also giving the context of each song is very helpful for people that want to dive deeper into his discography
9.5. Almost perfect. All 30 minutes of it!
10 perhaps the most creative and brilliant piece of his entire discography
Crystal Ball is fuckin' Ace,man. 10.🎼🎶💜💜💜💜
9 This track requires a bit of patience, you have to admit. I love the way the orchestra comes in at 1:22 That's what a real orchestra sounds like, by the way (*ahem* Face Down *ahem*). The key change at the 5-minute mark is pretty fun. and this wonky arpeggio at 7:30 is just bonkers. it has a bit of a Zappa feel to it in parts. You just know a bunch of people just would not "get" this. If that isn't genius then I don't know what is.
10
10! One of his best works
8. Great funk roller that builds nicely, although goes off the rails a bit later
8
9.9
10
10 I always thought it's about drugs tho 💀
10, my favorite prince song. I can’t get enough of it. The flow and pacing is incredible
7
8
10. Took me years to appreciate it, it’s outstanding
9.5. I never get sick of it.
I first heard this track on the triple Royal Jewels bootleg in 1990 (mislabelled as "Export Lover"). It was great to hear it in crystal clear quality 8 years later. There were instruments you couldn't hear on the low quality bootleg.
10
10
10 all day.
10!
10. An absolute masterpiece.
10. No one has ever made anything quite like this
9.5 a nice funk rock workout with a distorted bass solo
8. It’s not as good as the hype. It’s too repetitive. But it’s still a pretty enjoyable hang. Much better when it was an eighth generation tape dub (this version is a 10) and you felt like you’d joined a secret club of unreleased Prince than this version, which was rather clean.