Music That Defines Our Memories
"Who are you?" "I'm Batman." Prince released a total of five singles, four in the U.S., from the Batman soundtrack in 1989 and 1990. Fans were accustomed to remixes and original material to accompany these single releases, and while this project was unlike any project Prince had created (a soundtrack to a film he had … Continue reading High-Speed Dub Review: Prince’s Batman Era B-Sides and 12″ Remixes
Considering how quickly the Lovesexy album was written and recorded, it shouldn't be a surprise that there aren't many extraneous B-sides and remixes to accompany the three released singles. Despite the lack of quantity, each of the 7" and 12" singles, with one exception, offered something you couldn't find on the album. Alphabet St. (This Is Not … Continue reading High-Speed Dub Review: Prince’s Lovesexy Era B-Sides and 12″ Remixes
Sheila E.'s time with Prince was nearing its end. Her third, a self-titled album on Paisley Park/Warner Bros. Records, was released on February 24th, 1987. While Prince and Sheila would continue to collaborate through 1988-89's Lovesexy tour, it would be another 26 years before he would help write another song that she would record after … Continue reading Sheila E. (1987)
"Don't buy The Black Album, I'm sorry." With those deeply apologetic words, Prince attempted to erase a year's worth of dark, humorous, overtly sexual funk jams intended as an olive branch to his hardcore fans. Or possibly a middle finger to his detractors. Communicated via hidden message in the "Alphabet St." video, it was clear. … Continue reading Prince – The Black Album (1987/1994)
Sign o' the times, mess with your mind. Hurry before it's too late. It's never too late to enjoy the glutton of Prince remixes and B-sides, no matter what era of his music you most prefer. With an album chock full of classic songs and coming from one of his most inspired bouts of creativity … Continue reading High-Speed Dub Review: Prince’s Sign o’ the Times Era B-Sides and 12″ Remixes
In terms of musical output post-1999, I would say that Parade has the weakest collection of unreleased B-sides. 1999 and Purple Rain set the standard. Check out this murderer's row of non-album classics. How Come U Don't Call Me AnymoreHorny ToadIrresistible Bitch17 DaysErotic CityGodAnother Lonely Christmas Honestly, that would be a dope little LP right … Continue reading High-Speed Dub Review: Prince’s Parade Era B-Sides and 12″ Remixes
Jill Jones, or JJ, as she was referred to in Prince's 1999 album credits ("1999", "Lady Cab Driver"), is sort of known in the Prince Fam-Community as his secret weapon during the 1980s. Jill entered the Prince camp shortly after they met on the Dirty Mind tour when she was singing back-up for Teena Marie (Prince's opening act). Side … Continue reading Jill Jones (1987)
1980-1981 is a bit of a mystery when it comes to Prince's vault material. The late '70s was a boon for vault track bootleg collectors, with many of Prince's early demos having been leaked, plus the shelved Rebels tracks were widely distributed over the years. Then we got the deluge of tracks Prince was working … Continue reading Prince’s Vault Material – 1980 to 1981
What’s the opposite of a sophomore slump? A sophomore smash, possibly? Well, whatever it’s called, that’s what Sheila E.’s second album, Romance 1600, is. The follow-up to her debut, The Glamorous Life, Romance 1600, contains a more confident Sheila E. in terms of a vocalist and a co-writer. Plus, I am of the opinion that … Continue reading Sheila E. – Romance 1600 (1985)
Prince continues his streak of exceptional 12" remixes and B-sides for the Around the World In a Day era. For the first time, all North American singles received previously unreleased B-sides and extended versions of both A and B-sides for the 12" singles. The Purple Rain era may have had superb B-sides, but only "Let's Go Crazy" added anything … Continue reading High-Speed Dub Review: Prince’s Around the World In a Day Era B-Sides and 12″ Remixes