Source : DrFunkenberry.com

NPG RECORDS & WARNER BROS. RECORDS ANNOUNCE TWO NEW PRINCE RELEASES, BOTH WITH PREVIOUSLY UNRELEASED MUSIC FROM THE VAULT

1. 1999
2. Little Red Corvette
3. When Doves Cry
4. Let's Go Crazy
5. Raspberry Beret
6. I Wanna Be Your Lover
7. Soft and Wet
8. Why You Wanna Treat Me So Bad
9. Uptown
10. When You Were Mine
11. Head
12. Gotta Stop (Messin' About)
13. Controversy
14. Let's Work
15. Delirious
16. I Would Die 4 U
17. Take Me With U
18. Paisley Park
19. Pop Life
20. Purple Rain
21. Kiss
22. Sign 'O' The Times
23. Alphabet Street
24. Batdance
25. Thieves In The Temple
26. Cream
27. Mountains
28. Girls & Boys
29. If I Was Your Girlfriend
30. U Got The Look
31. I Could Never Take The Place of Your Man
32. Glam Slam
33. Moonbeam Levels
34. Diamonds and Pearls
35. Gett Off
36. Sexy MF
37. My Name Is Prince
38. 7
39. Peach
40. Nothing Compares 2 U

sticky

anyone know how to add in the photo? Sorry, I suck at it.

I will pass on the greatest hits but looking forward to the PR deluxe. I just cant justify buying the GH for 1 new song but I am glad there is movement going on

banishedones666 said:

anyone know how to add in the photo? Sorry, I suck at it.

nvm I inserted it for you

I wonder if Moonbeam Levels will be the full version with the outro?

Also, they could have put Prince's original version of Nothing Compares 2 U on here...

veronikka said:

Only one unreleased song

banishedones666 said:

Released on November 22^nd in the U.S. and November 25^th around the world, Prince 4Ever will bring together 40 of Prince's best-loved songs, including the blockbuster hits "The Most Beautiful Girl in the World."

This song is not part of the tracklist.

The part that irritates me most is the "Prince's best-loved songs". If that were the case, it would be a very different track-list.

::clears a space for two more releases:::

dance4me3121 said:

oh yes! But I'm more excited for purple rain deluxe!!!!! Especially the bonus disc. Also I wonder if "nothing compares to u" is gonna be the prince studio version? Did Susan rogers say something about that version being on the album?

OMG yes, Purple Rain Deluxe - Ever since hearing he wrote 100 songs for Purple Rain, I have been dying to hear more

Oh well. I'll still be buying it.

How in the world could a DELUXE verison of Purple Rain be only 2 discs? Not enough work has been done on this if that is the case.

lust said:

veronikka said:

Only one unreleased song

derrick31 said:

Sucha deal!

Buy 39 songs I already own to get Moonbeam Levels.

derrick31 said:

lust said:

If Warner and and NPG are teaming up then why the fuck put out such a reductive tracklist. Prince didn't die 23 years ago mother fuckers.

This has already been released in other forms. So they are basic going to sell us one song and some new photos for $20 or $30? Where's the songs from the mid-90's onwards?

$$ 20/30??? I suspect it will cost more

bfunk said:

How in the world could a DELUXE verison of Purple Rain be only 2 discs? Not enough work has been done on this if that is the case.

Gotta save something for later. Later on they could release a Purple Rain 'Ultimate' version... then an 'Expanded' version... then a 40th Anniversary "Special" Edition.

Don't panic, these releases are seperate from the estate stuff and Purple Rain remaster was already delivered to warner months before he passed away. We still have yet to hear about any official vault releases.

What version of the `unreleased` song will we get?

The original or (more probably) the rerecorded version?

leadline said:

Don't panic, these releases are seperate from the estate stuff and Purple Rain remaster was already delivered to warner months before he passed away. We still have yet to hear about any official vault releases.

.

So what is the deal with these non-estate releases?

WB will need the estate for goodies on the PR remaster.

But what is this '4ever' release adding despite milking what is already there?

2 discs? thus no long versions?

Bring on the vinyl! I

ll be buying it. Looking forwards to a clean Moonbeam Levels. Maybe they´ll release a single with an extra song> That would be nice.

As for PR deluxe... Finally.

A+ positive sign the vault may be handled with care, since the powers that be moved straight away to release one of the most anticipated unreleased Prince songs: 'Moonbeam Levels'. Something Prince stubbornly refused to do for many years, while fans gave him "the side " as songs such as Jughead and Mr. Happy got released instead.

Moonbeam Levels could have been a major hit for Prince, IMO. If promoted as a single, Moonbeam Levels might catch general listeners by surprise, which could generate further interest in Prince's music overall. If the label makes Moonbeam Levels an "album only exclusive" that's gonna annoy hardcore fans who already purchased the "Hits" songs in various formats and configurations.

With ample variations already in circulation of WB era hits releases, I was anticipating something more substantial wih regards to a posthumous compilation release. Was an opportunity to present the market with a quality collector piece, Would have liked to see a package that featured particular tracks on different mediums. For example, previousy unreleased tracks on a CD, classic WB hits tracks on Vinyl, live footage on DVD and an accompanying quality book all in the release. Perhaps that's all too much for a presumed mass price point release, however if such a package is ever likely to sell well...now was that time.

[Edited 10/21/16 0:42am]

RIP OFF!!!! I already have The Hits 3-CD package, as well as the Very Best Of Prince and the Ultimate set, why should I buy YET another greatest hits set, JUST FOR ONE UNRELEASED TRACK???

An excellent example of CASHING IN!!!!!!!

Will 4ever be remastered? Because if not there's really no point, we have 39 of these songs already and

there seems to be nothing post 1993 - so we may as well just keep The Hits series? Oddly the cover shot is from c.2004 even though there is nothing there from that era!

Why no 'Gold' and any of the hundreds of excellent unreleased songs? I'd rather have 'Hard To Get '81' or 'Baby You're A Trip' than another copy of Gotta Stop Messing Around.

It's almost as if they are saying Prince didn't count after he left them / changed his name.

At least things are getting out but concerned this is just a cynical cash in with nothing really new.

Lets hope they do a better job with the PR remaster.

[Edited 10/21/16 1:06am]

This does point to WBR "owning" outtakes recorded during their contract.

BartVanHemelen said:

This does point to WBR "owning" outtakes recorded during their contract.

.

What is the current situation w.r.t. WB owning any masters/stuff?

Wasn't Prince going to receive his masters back?

.

This is relevant because it determines who gets to decide on releases and this crap-looking 4ever release could have been avoided.

fbueller said:

BartVanHemelen said:

laurarichardson said:

fbueller said:

A+ positive sign the vault may be handled with care, since the powers that be moved straight away to release one of the most anticipated unreleased Prince songs: 'Moonbeam Levels'. Something Prince stubbornly refused to do for many years, while fans gave him "the side " as songs such as Jughead and Mr. Happy got released instead.

Moonbeam Levels could have been a major hit for Prince, IMO. If promoted as a single, Moonbeam Levels might catch general listeners by surprise, which could generate further interest in Prince's music overall. If the label makes Moonbeam Levels an "album only exclusive" that's gonna annoy hardcore fans who already purchased the "Hits" songs in various formats and configurations.

-- Jughead and Mr.Happy are just cuts in albums these songs were never singles do why do fans make such big deal out of it.

You can't really be this obtuse. Jughead and Mr. Happy being released on Albums, instead of being Singles?? The point was that lesser "throwaway" songs like Jughead were released, while incredible songs, like Moonbeam Levels, collected dust in Prince's vault for 30+ years.

Nothing to get excited about. Next!!

BartVanHemelen said:

This does point to WBR "owning" outtakes recorded during their contract.

.

Not necessarily.

.

The role of NPG Publishing is to find commercial opportunities.

.

NPG Publishing could have approached Warners or Warners could have approached NPG.

.

Warners can't release anything without collaborating with NPG Publishing.

.

laurarichardson said:

BartVanHemelen said:

This does point to WBR "owning" outtakes recorded during their contract.

// No it does not. Rumors are that this was already in the works before he passed. He may provided Moonbeam levels to Warner Brothers and maybe he was going to actually work with them on getting vault material out.

Where did you hear that rumor? Purple Rain Deluxe Remaster was in the works. Purple Rain Remaster was announced in around May 2014 - yet it's getting released 3 years later. Prince had been making comments before his death that clearly indicated that he and WB were not in a good place and weren't getting along.

Ouch. Only one new song drowned in a weak tracklist for a expensive cd set... This is WB, not Prince style.

fbueller said:

A disappointing selection, and very (probably necessarily so) limited to his first WB stint - but every single song on that list is excellent.

I expect further releases containing more previously unreleased songs will eventually be forthcoming. This one smells like a "quick! get some Prince stuff out for christmas!" release to me.

PurpleSpirit319 said:

fabriziovenerandi said:

fabriziovenerandi said:

Ouch. Only one new song drowned in a weak tracklist for a expensive cd set... This is WB, not Prince style.

.

IF NPG publishing is involved they let this happen.

fbueller said:

laurarichardson said:

BartVanHemelen said: // No it does not. Rumors are that this was already in the works before he passed. He may provided Moonbeam levels to Warner Brothers and maybe he was going to actually work with them on getting vault material out.

Where did you hear that rumor? Purple Rain Deluxe Remaster was in the works. Purple Rain Remaster was announced in around May 2014 - yet it's getting released 3 years later. Prince had been making comments before his death that clearly indicated that he and WB were not in a good place and weren't getting along.

Prince was quoted saying to one journalist at PP that 'it's the same album' indicating there was no extras.

BartVanHemelen said:

This does point to WBR "owning" outtakes recorded during their contract.

If WB owns outtakes is a disaster.

Comparison:

1 1999 [hits 1]
2 Little Red Corvette [hits 2]
3. When Doves Cry [hits 1]
4. Let’s Go Crazy [hits 1]
5. Raspberry Beret [hits 2]
6. I Wanna Be Your Lover [hits 2]
7. Soft and Wet [hits 1]
8. Why You Wanna Treat Me So Bad [hits 1]
9. Uptown [hits 1]
10. When You Were Mine [hits 1]
11. Head [hits 2]
12. Gotta Stop (Messin’ About) [the B sides]
13. Controversy [hits 2]
14. Let’s Work
15. Delirious [hits 2]
16. I Would Die 4 U [hits 2]
17. Take Me With U
18. Paisley Park
19. Pop Life [hits 1]
20. Purple Rain [hits 2]
21. Kiss [hits 2]
22. Sign ‘O’ The Times [hits 1]
23. Alphabet Street [hits 1]
24. Batdance
25. Thieves In The Temple [hits 1]
26. Cream [hits 2]
27. Mountains
28. Girls & Boys
29. If I Was Your Girlfriend [hits 2]
30. U Got The Look [hits 2]
31. I Could Never Take The Place of Your Man [hits 1]
32. Glam Slam
33. Moonbeam Levels
34. Diamonds and Pearls [hits 1]
35. Gett Off [hits 2]
36. Sexy MF [hits 2]
37. My Name Is Prince
38. 7 [hits 1]
39. Peach [hits 2]
40. Nothing Compares 2 U [hits 1]

"The Most Beautiful Girl in the World." is mentioned in the OP but not listed.

[Edited 10/21/16 3:34am]

BartVanHemelen said:

LOL!!! at the negativity.

The greatest hits ain't for us the diehards. It's for Mr. and Mrs. EverybodyElse, and it will help keep the cash coming so we the diehards can have things like a Prince museum, more releases down the line, etc.

I'll gladly get both releases as a matter of supporting the legacy, but of course the PR Deluxe is what I'm really looking forward to.

darkroman said:

laurarichardson said:

laurarichardson said:

fbueller said:

Where did you hear that rumor? Purple Rain Deluxe Remaster was in the works. Purple Rain Remaster was announced in around May 2014 - yet it's getting released 3 years later. Prince had been making comments before his death that clearly indicated that he and WB were not in a good place and weren't getting along.

/- Rumor has been around for a while and even if Prince said the remaster was ready but Warner Brothers was holding it up. Could have been true all along plus with revenue from streaming causing a decline in revenue he may have been more open to working with them.

Uh, yeah... WB was holding up the Purple Rain remaster, because WB wasn't getting along with Prince after they took on Art Official Age and Plectrum Electrum (which the label likely lost money on). Otherwise, the PR remaster would have been released in 2014 as originally announced.

Prince's primary source of revenue was concerts. Prince's focus typically was on releasing his new, current music. What WB didn't want was another of Prince's protege type projects that sold bricks. This I'm sure factored in WB and him being in a sort of stalemate.

fbueller said:

I'm glad we finally gets PR Remaster but the greatest hits feels unnecessary, who will buy it? Everyone already bought The hits, best of and ultimate back in April May

darkroman said:

BartVanHemelen said:

This does point to WBR "owning" outtakes recorded during their contract.

.

Not necessarily.

.

The role of NPG Publishing is to find commercial opportunities.

.

NPG Publishing could have approached Warners or Warners could have approached NPG.

.

Warners can't release anything without collaborating with NPG Publishing.

.

.

After 25+ years Prince fans still don't know the difference between a record deal and a publishing deal.

That tracklist is annoying and oddly insulting to the man. LIke some on this thread said, he did not die 23 years ago. My pet peeve right there--no respect for his later work. Here is what throws me off--there is no way every single one of those 70/80/90's songs were actually "Hits". I imagine some of them are just fan favorites from popular albums. If a fan favorite from a well-selling album is all that is required (in order to be included), then way aren't songs from 3121 and musicology included? Is is because it is heavily influenced by Warner Brothers?

EmmaMcG said:

I'm quite sick at the moment and slightly delirious (no pun intended) but if I'm reading this right, it means there are actually 3 albums on the horizon, not 2. There's the Prince 4ever greatest hits collection, the purple rain remaster and a "second album of previously unreleased material". I'm more interested in that last part than the greatest hits or purple rain.

.

No, the unreleased material is the bonus for PR. A collection of outtakes isn't an album.

KlyphIsBackAgain said:

Be great to have MB in good quality but somethng for the real fans would be nice...they know we're here.

purplerabbithole said:

That tracklist is annoying and oddly insulting to the man. LIke some on this thread said, he did not die 23 years ago. My pet peeve right there--no respect for his later work. Here is what throws me off--there is no way every single one of those 70/80/90's songs were actually "Hits". I imagine some of them are just fan favorites from popular albums. If a fan favorite from a well-selling album is all that is required (in order to be included), then way aren't songs from 3121 and musicology included? Is is because it is heavily influenced by Warner Brothers?

Because this is a Warner Bros. release, hence only songs from his Warner Bros. years. You can't just release stuff you don't have the rights to.

rogifan said:

KlyphIsBackAgain said:

As usual, whiny fans just don't get it. First, Prince had VERY FEW hits after he left WB. Yeah, WE may know he had some good songs after that, but big hits? Nah. Second, this is a WB release. Guess what? That means songs he recorded while under contract with WB. All the other stuff after was on various different labels or self released. Do you really think all the contracts/rights etc. would be worked out that quickly? No. Third. Both of these sets were more than likely in the works before P died, just like the vinyl reissues. Fourth. Welcome to the world of posthumous releases, where one or two songs are tacked on to greatest hits packages so uber-fans will buy them. Fifth. There are people in the world who don't know all these songs! This is also for them, not just YOU!! [Edited 10/21/16 3:04am]

Yep on every point. Though I hope this was something WB was already working on and not an estate thing. I get that Prince didn't have many 'hits' after TMBGITW but a compilation album doesn't have to be just about Billboard hits. Take what are generally considered the best tracks off his 1994-2015 albums and include them with his hits from the 1st WB era. If NPG owns all this stuff they should be able to license it to whomever they want. Why does it matter if the original album was released by WB or Columbia or whoever.

It matters because if something was released on Arista or Columbia or whoever there could be a contract that says "You can't release this on any other label for this number of years" or any other variation. It's a legal issue. NPG, if they are the owners and there are no restrictions could license it..... but who is NPG? The estate is not settled, there are no "owners" of NPG at this time.... so this is definitely NOT an estate thing.

[Edited 10/21/16 4:13am]

I'm just glad to see "Mountains" on a greatest hits comp.

So... Apparently we have to buy the whole album or nothing, is that correct?

A few interesting choices on here.

12. Gotta Stop (Messin' About)

I wonder why they picked that?

24. Batdance
I always thought this was verboten to be on a Prince album. i.e. strictly Batman soundtrack, etc.

33. Moonbeam Levels

The ONLY reason I'm gonna buy this. One of my favorite outtakes.

39. Peach

They put a song on a greatest hits album that was originally released on a greatest hits album.

Now let's get the info on that Purple Rain reissue!

My $0.02

Chas

A rehash greatest hits comp is the obvious first move. A just in time for Christmas cash in. Bowie's estate is releasing another unnecessary greatest comp as well. It happens to the best of them. But if the fans don't support it, then WB will be disinclined to pursure further Prince projects with music that they own. WB is clearly catering to the masses and not the hardcore here. This is just how it works. So, you can hold your nose and scoff at the audacity of WB to try to milk the cow again, or you can support Prince so that Prince lives on, even if that means you're lining the pockets of WB suits. The level of excitement shown for these two releases (4EVER + Purple Rain Deluxe) will set the stage for how WB approaches future endeavours.

Well this isn't great but let's hope that this is more intended for casual fans than reflective of what releases will be like going forward (although the fact that there will only be one bonus disc with the Purple Rain remaster doesn't fill me with confidence.) I'll probably just buy Moonbeam Levels seperately online, hopefully there'll a store where we can get it in lossless quality.

I do love that album cover. Prince has many a greatest hit collection already. They are just cashing in. Although it is nice they have Moonbeam Levels on it, that's a step in the right direction for future releases. I admittingly have Prince Ultimate, The Hits 123 (perhaps the best collection there is avail) and The Very Best Of. They also could make some extra making the B-Sides available as a single disc or re-released on vinyl.

BartVanHemelen said:

CrabalockerFishwife said:

kapo74 said:

Meh. Not that interested in these releases. I will download Moonbeam Levels via iTunes or whatever, the rest I have on CD already. And of course most of us also have that song in more or less ok quality, so I don't see the point of buying it at all. Same goes for the PR album. Will download the unreleased tracks, but no need for PR itself, remastered or not. Btw, is Tidal still a thing? Or is it bankrupt already?

i'm taking a wild guess that Moonbeam Levels will be an 'album only' track and you'll have to buy the full monty

dodger said:

kapo74 said:

Meh. Not that interested in these releases. I will download Moonbeam Levels via iTunes or whatever, the rest I have on CD already. And of course most of us also have that song in more or less ok quality, so I don't see the point of buying it at all. Same goes for the PR album. Will download the unreleased tracks, but no need for PR itself, remastered or not. Btw, is Tidal still a thing? Or is it bankrupt already?

i'm taking a wild guess that Moonbeam Levels will be an 'album only' track and you'll have to buy the full monty

that would be so dumb. having that track available for download on itunes and such might give them
a bit of a scope on how many hardcore fans are out there, willing to pay for new tunes.

as part of the hits package only a few people will buy it. i'm still considering my options to be honest.

i would buy it on it's own. even if it was $ 5,- for just the one track. but i don't want to buy those
hits again, i've got enough compilations plus the original albums, plus the singles.

so i think many people might download moonbeam levels in good quality through other means and
a lot of fairweather fans and the public at large might not buy this hits package anymore since it's
nothing new and people already bought millions of those earlier this year.

i guess they don't care since it probably costs them little to nothing to throw this together, esp if it
isn't remastered. plus it's going to be the 'go to' compilation from now on i guess.

more interested in the PR deluxe. especially what's on that bonus disc. i don't believe for one minute
that it will be full of outtakes. there was a reason warners didn't release it yet. who knows, maybe it
has been padded out recently with warners owned outtake material? we'll see soon enough i guess.
it'll be an interesting release in many ways, especially as an example of what to expect from others
along the road.

Ok this is cool. It'll hopefully introduce Prince to more people. There are songs that have never been on other compilations. That's nice too. I like the cover even if it is one-dimensional.

What I would have wished for this kind of project is a few more unreleased songs, singles that span his entire career which includes the post-Warner years (maybe a second disc) and a different cover image. It looks too "bedroom" for me.

Maybe there will be a Volume 2 at some point which covers the post-Warner years or even a deluxe edition of this volume. If I buy it, I'll only get it for the 12-page booklet of unreleased Herb Ritts photos.

The news on the Purple Rain reissue is very exciting. I will definitely get that.

[Edited 10/21/16 6:02am]

haleno1 said:

CrabalockerFishwife said:

This song is not part of the tracklist.

I think that Warners can only go as far as 1996 on releases Someone can correct me if needed, Most Beautiful Girl has nothing to do with Warners and released independently so that's why it wasn't included they have no rights to it for release. Unless that now changes under any deals that maybe done.

It was also released on The Gold Experience, so they have rights. It could simply be a mistake listing it or they updated the tracklist and forgot to change it.

PurpleSpirit319 said:

RIP OFF!!!! I already have The Hits 3-CD package, as well as the Very Best Of Prince and the Ultimate set, why should I buy YET another greatest hits set, JUST FOR ONE UNRELEASED TRACK???

An excellent example of CASHING IN!!!!!!!

Last time I checked the Rolling Stones had done 27 best of albums so I wouldn't get all shitty about 4!

[Edited 10/21/16 5:56am]

KlyphIsBackAgain said:

haleno1 said:

CrabalockerFishwife said: I think that Warners can only go as far as 1996 on releases Someone can correct me if needed, Most Beautiful Girl has nothing to do with Warners and released independently so that's why it wasn't included they have no rights to it for release. Unless that now changes under any deals that maybe done.

It was also released on The Gold Experience, so they have rights. It could simply be a mistake listing it or they updated the tracklist and forgot to change it.

The Gold Experience was not released under the standard old agreement, but subject to a sub agreement and released as NPG/WB, so the likelihood hood is, WB couldn't go there. It would also explain why it was out of print.

IstenSzek said:

dodger said:

i'm taking a wild guess that Moonbeam Levels will be an 'album only' track and you'll have to buy the full monty

that would be so dumb. having that track available for download on itunes and such might give them
a bit of a scope on how many hardcore fans are out there, willing to pay for new tunes.

as part of the hits package only a few people will buy it. i'm still considering my options to be honest.

i would buy it on it's own. even if it was $ 5,- for just the one track. but i don't want to buy those
hits again, i've got enough compilations plus the original albums, plus the singles.

so i think many people might download moonbeam levels in good quality through other means and
a lot of fairweather fans and the public at large might not buy this hits package anymore since it's
nothing new and people already bought millions of those earlier this year.

i guess they don't care since it probably costs them little to nothing to throw this together, esp if it
isn't remastered. plus it's going to be the 'go to' compilation from now on i guess.

more interested in the PR deluxe. especially what's on that bonus disc. i don't believe for one minute
that it will be full of outtakes. there was a reason warners didn't release it yet. who knows, maybe it
has been padded out recently with warners owned outtake material? we'll see soon enough i guess.
it'll be an interesting release in many ways, especially as an example of what to expect from others
along the road.

P was quoted on the PR remaster as saying something like 'people looking back but I just look forward and it's the same album anyway' hinting there was no extras.

I was expecting (and hoping for) the last concert being issued this holiday season, along with a PR remastur+deluxe. I believe these would have made WB and the estate a whole lot more cash... The casual fans would love the PR and most would go for the last concert theme. IMO

By far the most compelling point is the inclusion of 'Moonbeam Levels', not because of it's quality or rarity, but rather the contractual element. Either:

- The Estate have full control and have chosen to put together a rather strange collection of tracks.

- A one off agreement was made between the Estate and WB to allow it's inclusion (but strangly not TMBGITW).

- Prince already handed WB 'Moonbeam Levels' as part of the 2014 distribution deal to be included in the Purple Rain Deluxe.

- Prince already handed WB 'Moonbeam Levels' as part of the 2014 distrubution deal which stated that the remasters were starting with Purple Rain....suggesting 1999 is on its way.

- Prince already handed WB 'Moonbeam Level's as part of the 2014 distribution deal as a single track for anther 'Hits' package.

- WB still retain rights of all recordings under the original contract, released or otherwise.

I'd like to think it would be part of the 1999 remaster in the can, but my guess is he handed WB the song as part of the 2014 deal and it wouldn't surprise me if it we see it surface of the Purple Rain Deluxe too, as one of the original '100 songs' considered by Magnoli.

WB could be milking the only new thing they have, the Purple Rain Deluxe, by putting one of the unreleased songs out early on Hits package.

KlyphIsBackAgain said:

I'd bet "Electric Intercourse" will be on the PR Deluxe 2nd "unreleased tracks" CD.

Let's see.

[Edited 10/21/16 6:44am]

FUNKNROLL said:

That album cover - shudder. Doesn't really look like him, IMO. Must be the lighting.

.

Ghastly cover art...

.

And so it begins, the posthumous embarrassments and mishandling of P's legacy...

.

This new comp is the least imaginative cash-grab they could come up with...

Come on, people.... any compilation of any artist is more or less a cash-grab.
And we have to live with the sad historical moment we're now. And to some extent accept it.

I'm obviously not amazed by this release, but all in all I find a lot more cash-grabbing the old "The Very Best Of Prince"..... 1CD, no rarities, no unreleased tracks, nothing but the same rehashed hits.

Here I can see a more complete selection of songs with an unreleased song (and one of the best they could choose), and maybe some little surprise in the versions included of some tunes (even if I'm convinced that "Nothing Compares 2 U" is not an unreleased version, if it would why not mention the thing in the announcement?!?).

"The Very Best Of" is the only P CD release still missing from my shelf.... instead "4Ever" will take his place there.

[Edited 10/21/16 6:57am]

Here's what I care about, MOONBEAM LEVELS. Of course a Hits package is not for us. Does make sense from a business standpoint. And having casual fans hear Moonbeam Levels will peak an interest in further material in the vault. Purple Rain is also an obvious first place to start on remastered/unreleased futrue releases. Not suprised to see Warner either, I always believed the material he recorded under contract years ago might not be so easy for him to state ownership of. who knows. Would also believe the family coud put of a "Piano & Mic" show up on Tidal pretty easy too. Atlanta anyone?? Gotta be a soundboard out there someplace.

This is the kind of release that the pessimists on here have said is the only kind of release that will enjoy robust sales. So, the pessimists should be happy as it appears the estate is doing first that which will fund the most money.

Pessimists - are you happy with this release?

"The “Purple Rain” deluxe reissue will be released early next year, and will be based on plans agreed with Prince before his death in April. According to reports, the album may have tracks like "Electric Intercourse," "Father's Song," "All Day, All Night" and "Possessed.""

What are the chances the extended version(s) of Computer Blue make it on there?

PurpleSpirit319 said:

RIP OFF!!!! I already have The Hits 3-CD package, as well as the Very Best Of Prince and the Ultimate set, why should I buy YET another greatest hits set, JUST FOR ONE UNRELEASED TRACK???

An excellent example of CASHING IN!!!!!!!

Yes - that is EXACTLY what it is. And it's the smart thing to do. You may not be aware of this, but Prince's estate owes some amount of estate taxes. Those taxes are due within about a year-and-a-half of Prince's death. Therefore, the estate is under a time pressure to raise the necessary money to pay the estate taxes.

Now, they COULD have sold Prince's catalogue to someone else. I rather imagine this would have made you unhappy. Luckily for you, Prince's estate instead chose the most logical and readily-available way to raise money to pay taxes, while retaining control and ownership of his work.

Feel better now?

.

[Edited 10/21/16 7:06am]

lynx said:

What are the chances the extended version(s) of Computer Blue make it on there?

Now you're talkin'.........................

Although I hate to drop the cash for one song, I'll do it... this time. If this becomes standard operating procedure I won't keep playing. I need previously unreleased material to keep me interested. Remastering alone is not enough for me to invest in as I expect it to be done brickwall style.

fabriziovenerandi said:

"The “Purple Rain” deluxe reissue will be released early next year, and will be based on plans agreed with Prince before his death in April. According to reports, the album may have tracks like "Electric Intercourse," "Father's Song," "All Day, All Night" and "Possessed.""

Given that All Day, All Night was recorded after the Purple Rain sessions and worked on way after, that would be a strange addition.

[Edited 10/21/16 7:10am]

IstenSzek said:

more interested in the PR deluxe. especially what's on that bonus disc. i don't believe for one minute
that it will be full of outtakes. there was a reason warners didn't release it yet. who knows, maybe it
has been padded out recently with warners owned outtake material? we'll see soon enough i guess.
it'll be an interesting release in many ways, especially as an example of what to expect from others
along the road.

.

The more I think about it, the more unlikely it looks that an album's worth of outtakes is just getting added to PR. "Previously unreleased material" can mean a lot, even a live album. In any case, it is wildly insufficient.

CAL3 said:

FUNKNROLL said:

That album cover - shudder. Doesn't really look like him, IMO. Must be the lighting.

.

Ghastly cover art...

.

And so it begins, the posthumous embarrassments and mishandling of P's legacy...

.

This new comp is the least imaginative cash-grab they could come up with...

According to the photographer, he chose that image for the cover before he died. So I guess he was already planning to release a hits compilation this year.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BL0fqFpFDu5/?taken-by=justinewalpolephoto

Purpleone4Eva said:

CAL3 said:

.

Ghastly cover art...

.

And so it begins, the posthumous embarrassments and mishandling of P's legacy...

.

This new comp is the least imaginative cash-grab they could come up with...

According to the photographer, he chose that image for the cover before he died. So I guess he was already planning to release a hits compilation this year.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BL0fqFpFDu5/?taken-by=justinewalpolephoto

This would explain the inclusion of "Moonbeam Level".

But I think we're talkin' of something planned for 2014/2015 (in the vein of PR Deluxe), not something planned for now.

I for one am very excited for these releases.... It's great to see movement and new releases coming. Yes I agree that the new greatest hits is a cash in but I take it as a sign of more releases to come. Personally I think hardcore fans should support the new releases to ensure further future releases but that's just me.Very much looking forward to a high quality version of "Moonbeam Levels."

The album cover of 4ever is pretty wack though... I agree with others that it almost doesn't look like him. It's very Michael Jackson-ish.

Just a suggestion.... maybe the 2nd unreleased album will be "Roadhouse Garden" (the version P worked on at the time of the NPG Music Club).

Well, probably it will turn out really as only suggestion.

Purpleone4Eva said:

CAL3 said:

.

Ghastly cover art...

.

And so it begins, the posthumous embarrassments and mishandling of P's legacy...

.

This new comp is the least imaginative cash-grab they could come up with...

According to the photographer, he chose that image for the cover before he died. So I guess he was already planning to release a hits compilation this year.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BL0fqFpFDu5/?taken-by=justinewalpolephoto

Prince seemed to have agreed an awful lot with many people just before he died....or did he?

I'l punt and say that 'Moonbeam Levels' is on the PR Deluxe. Prince didn't think in 'eras' like fans do. We package everything up nicely to suit official album releases, but the reality is, Prince mixed projects all the time.

I think WB only have a contract for a new Hits package and PR deluxe (which Prince admitted they were sitting on) and this is being done without the estate.

Moonbeam Levels is being put on the Hits to generate sales before we realise its part of the PR unreleased material next year. Double cash in for WB.

1) This isn't for hardcore fans its for joe public.

Nonsense. There are 3 or 5 Prince greatest hits sets on the market already. Joe public is good as far as everything upto 1993... and that's the nice way of saying it. This is the first album to be released since his passing and it's not for fans?

2) TMBGITW - mentioned as being on the album in the blurb, yet doesn't seem to be on the tracklist

That's a good start isn't it? The ONE reason to release another hits package is because of TMBGITW... So is it on the album or not?

3) Gotta stop messing about

Why? it's not even a good song. Erotic City/Gold/Holy River... or another outtake SOMETHING fans might care about.

With over 1000 live shows and upwards of 1,000 unreleased studio tracks and this is the best they could come up with?

Bang a QR code on the album booklet so fans can get an EP or Live show. This is just another pointless compilation.

What's even more annoying is that they have a number of Piano & Mic shows in Ex quality. Why not compile a hits album from these live performances? Something not quite as bland and generic.

[Edited 10/21/16 7:32am]

3rdeyeboy said:

Purpleone4Eva said:

According to the photographer, he chose that image for the cover before he died. So I guess he was already planning to release a hits compilation this year.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BL0fqFpFDu5/?taken-by=justinewalpolephoto

Prince seemed to have agreed an awful lot with many people just before he died....or did he?

Yeah it's funny how agreeable he suddenly seemed to become... after he passed.

CAL3 said:

FUNKNROLL said:

That album cover - shudder. Doesn't really look like him, IMO. Must be the lighting.

.

Ghastly cover art...

.

And so it begins, the posthumous embarrassments and mishandling of P's legacy...

.

This new comp is the least imaginative cash-grab they could come up with...

But surely to God you realize THIS IS HOW IT WORKS? All WB cares about is money. They own the goldmine of Prince songs, so they are going to squeeze every last drop out of it that they can. A stocking stuffer comp relased the same year of his death is a no brainer for them. As far as the cover art, it's easily better than at least the last 10 ACTUAL Prince album covers (excepting AOA- I like that one)...

Surely TMBGITW deserves a place in every P hits compilation, but unfortunately the only version WB could release is the inferior TGE version.

If so, I can live without it on the compilation.

brassneck said:

CAL3 said:

.

Ghastly cover art...

.

And so it begins, the posthumous embarrassments and mishandling of P's legacy...

.

This new comp is the least imaginative cash-grab they could come up with...

But surely to God you realize THIS IS HOW IT WORKS? All WB cares about is money. They own the goldmine of Prince songs, so they are going to squeeze every last drop out of it that they can. A stocking stuffer comp relased the same year of his death is a no brainer for them. As far as the cover art, it's easily better than at least the last 10 ACTUAL Prince album covers (excepting AOA- I like that one)...

Of course it is... but I think what people are saying is that they already have 3 or 5 (depending how you view it) Prince hits compilations... why not re-release one of them? There isn't a huge difference in the tracklist.

With even the slightest bit of creativity they could have put together a decent enough album to appeal to fans & joe public.

Rather than just repackaging the hits (again) use live songs? use acoustic versions? use piano versions... throw in some songs that weren't hit's but are hailed as some of his best work (Joy in Repitition/Sometimes it snows etc

This looks like they popped in the hits/bsides hit shuffle and then whatever comes up next makes the album.

brassneck said:

CAL3 said:

.

Ghastly cover art...

.

And so it begins, the posthumous embarrassments and mishandling of P's legacy...

.

This new comp is the least imaginative cash-grab they could come up with...

But surely to God you realize THIS IS HOW IT WORKS? All WB cares about is money. They own the goldmine of Prince songs, so they are going to squeeze every last drop out of it that they can. A stocking stuffer comp relased the same year of his death is a no brainer for them. As far as the cover art, it's easily better than at least the last 10 ACTUAL Prince album covers (excepting AOA- I like that one)...

Haha, agreed, I don't think the cover's that bad at all.

rebelenterprise said:

I will check it out... but "She's Always In My Hair" should be on there instead of "Gotta Stop (Messin' About). As someone pointed out, they mention "TMBGITW" but it's not even on the tracklist. And instead of "Glam Slam", why not "I Hate U"? It went to #12 on the Billboard Top 100...Maybe they're saving it for another collection that spans the years 1994-2015. Idk.

Don't think so, WB has right only to 4/5 album in that period.

If I'm not wrong TGE, Come, C&D, "The Vault"... and AOA.

Did you folks not read the press release? The bolded sections are what folks are missing. This has nothing to do with the estate, we are still waiting on estate vault release info. Yes, the estate has to approve these releases, but they were both done with Prince's input and approval with WB. What I am talking about when I say official estate release, is the releases that will result from them going through the vault(s) after his passing.

Even more tantalizing is the remastered Purple Rain deluxe edition, slated for release early next year. While details are incomplete, the set will include "a second album of previously unreleased material," according to the press release, which also notes that plans for the set "were agreed with Prince before he passed away." As for what that second album might include, multiple unreleased contemporaneous tracks -- such as "Electric Intercourse," "G-Spot," "Father's Song," "Wednesday," "All Day, All Night" and "Possessed" -- have appeared on bootlegs or were re-recorded with different Prince-related acts.

This also backs up what I speculated earlier in the year in regards to Purple Rain remaining an in tact unaltered album and any extra tracks being put on a 2nd CD. Just makes sense right? Purple Rain is perfect as is, the only difference will be the sound quality, which remains to be seen if it will be better, we all know remasters can be botched to hell.

[Edited 10/21/16 7:58am]

jstar69 said:

Head but no Erotic city

The Sexy Dancer long version would have been enough for me to buy the whole set! My copy stinks

BoraBora said:

rebelenterprise said:

I will check it out... but "She's Always In My Hair" should be on there instead of "Gotta Stop (Messin' About). As someone pointed out, they mention "TMBGITW" but it's not even on the tracklist. And instead of "Glam Slam", why not "I Hate U"? It went to #12 on the Billboard Top 100...Maybe they're saving it for another collection that spans the years 1994-2015. Idk.

Don't think so, WB has right only to 4/5 album in that period.

If I'm not wrong TGE, Come, C&D, "The Vault"... and AOA.

Perhaps, but if WB were working with the estate, they wouldn't have any real problems getting those songs on an album.

dustoff said:

brassneck said:

But surely to God you realize THIS IS HOW IT WORKS? All WB cares about is money. They own the goldmine of Prince songs, so they are going to squeeze every last drop out of it that they can. A stocking stuffer comp relased the same year of his death is a no brainer for them. As far as the cover art, it's easily better than at least the last 10 ACTUAL Prince album covers (excepting AOA- I like that one)...

Haha, agreed, I don't think the cover's that bad at all.

I really like the cover, I remember I saw it on one of the bootlegs back in 2012-13 and loved it.

[Edited 10/21/16 8:22am]

Leopard52 said:

Noodled24 said:

BoraBora said:

Don't think so, WB has right only to 4/5 album in that period.

If I'm not wrong TGE, Come, C&D, "The Vault"... and AOA.

Perhaps, but if WB were working with the estate, they wouldn't have any real problems getting those songs on an album.

Well, yes. This could be possible.

Anyway I'm wondering if the current tracklist was approved by P.

"Head" is not a song I would think P selected.

WB is releasing what it knows it can. I understood that it had not yet been determined what in the vault was owned by WB or the Estate. This is going to be advertised and sold all over the world from (our) Thanksgiving to Christmas. You will see Prince everywhere - print, online, TV. That is a good thing IMO. Keep him out there.

Noodled24 said:

brassneck said:

But surely to God you realize THIS IS HOW IT WORKS? All WB cares about is money. They own the goldmine of Prince songs, so they are going to squeeze every last drop out of it that they can. A stocking stuffer comp relased the same year of his death is a no brainer for them. As far as the cover art, it's easily better than at least the last 10 ACTUAL Prince album covers (excepting AOA- I like that one)...

Of course it is... but I think what people are saying is that they already have 3 or 5 (depending how you view it) Prince hits compilations... why not re-release one of them? There isn't a huge difference in the tracklist.

With even the slightest bit of creativity they could have put together a decent enough album to appeal to fans & joe public.

Rather than just repackaging the hits (again) use live songs? use acoustic versions? use piano versions... throw in some songs that weren't hit's but are hailed as some of his best work (Joy in Repitition/Sometimes it snows etc

This looks like they popped in the hits/bsides hit shuffle and then whatever comes up next makes the album.

.

Yes, agree with Noodled.

.

As for the cover art... "easily better than at least the last 10 ACTUAL Prince album covers"? That claim is, IMHO, the equivalent to a bowel movement.

Noodled24 said:

1) This isn't for hardcore fans its for joe public.

Nonsense. There are 3 or 5 Prince greatest hits sets on the market already. Joe public is good as far as everything upto 1993... and that's the nice way of saying it. This is the first album to be released since his passing and it's not for fans?

Exactly! Considering how many copies of THTBS/TVBOP/UP sold after he passed, this set is really for nobody except WB. I'll pick it up, but expect better in the future...

Someone mentioned this could be a live compilation, a piano/mic set, etc...

How about this: 1 disc of hits by Prince, 1 disc of hits Prince gave to other artists. I bet "the masses" would jump at that.

BoraBora said:

Surely TMBGITW deserves a place in every P hits compilation, but unfortunately the only version WB could release is the inferior TGE version.

If so, I can live without it on the compilation.

Wonder if it has to do with it being an independent release unlike the rest of this Warners only package sans Moonbeam

"Gotta Stop Messin' About"?

Why was that one specificially chosen from the B-sides? Seems pretty damn random. I get the same feeling about its inclusion as with "Money Don't Matter 2nite" being on "The Very Best Of Prince". That someone high up on the hierarchy of the company insisted on having a personal favourite on the compilation.

novabrkr said:

"Gotta Stop Messin' About"?

Why was that one specificially chosen from the B-sides? Seems pretty damn random. I get the same feeling about its inclusion as with "Money Don't Matter 2nite" being on "The Very Best Of Prince". That someone high up on the hierarchy of the company insisted on having a personal favourite on the compilation.

As someone told before me, it was an A-Side in the UK.

djThunderfunk said:

Noodled24 said:

1) This isn't for hardcore fans its for joe public.

Nonsense. There are 3 or 5 Prince greatest hits sets on the market already. Joe public is good as far as everything upto 1993... and that's the nice way of saying it. This is the first album to be released since his passing and it's not for fans?

Exactly! Considering how many copies of THTBS/TVBOP/UP sold after he passed, this set is really for nobody except WB. I'll pick it up, but expect better in the future...

Someone mentioned this could be a live compilation, a piano/mic set, etc...

How about this: 1 disc of hits by Prince, 1 disc of hits Prince gave to other artists. I bet "the masses" would jump at that.

Now thats a compilation for ya. Although there would be a slew of recording right disputes with others like Capitol, EMI, Warner, Columbia. Can't be hard though.

novabrkr said:

"Gotta Stop Messin' About"?

Why was that one specificially chosen from the B-sides? Seems pretty damn random. I get the same feeling about its inclusion as with "Money Don't Matter 2nite" being on "The Very Best Of Prince". That someone high up on the hierarchy of the company insisted on having a personal favourite on the compilation.

Gotta Stop was released a single in the UK

[Edited 10/21/16 8:25am]

lust said:

If Warner and and NPG are teaming up then why the fuck put out such a reductive tracklist. Prince didn't die 23 years ago mother fuckers.

That was my first reaction, too. Then I realised TMBGITW isn't there, when it should.

I assume there are legal reasons behind all this: as of now, and for an unknown amount of time, WB still retains exclusive distribution rights over everything released -and possibly even recorded- between 78 and 96, and if it is true (I haven't followed the details on that) that the estate is shopping P's catalogue to labels, it's therefore possible that they want to keep their options open for TMBGITW and anything not licenced to WB.

However TMBGITW has an unknown status: the single was (p) NPG Records but TGE, on which it is featured, it (p) WB, so IDK what the song status is but most likely it's unclear even for the parties concerned.

I have to say I wouldn't be surprised if we were to discover Moonbeam Levels is being sourced from the recent, good sounding, leak and not the original master, because they haven't been able to catalogue the vault's content yet

BoraBora said:

novabrkr said:

"Gotta Stop Messin' About"?

Why was that one specificially chosen from the B-sides? Seems pretty damn random. I get the same feeling about its inclusion as with "Money Don't Matter 2nite" being on "The Very Best Of Prince". That someone high up on the hierarchy of the company insisted on having a personal favourite on the compilation.

As someone told before me, it was an A-Side in the UK.

All of these tracks were A-Sides in one way or another--whether it be non-U.S. singles like "Gotta Stop (Messin' About)", "Paisley Park" and "Girls & Boys" or promo only singles like "When You Were Mine" and "Head".

[Edited 10/21/16 8:32am]

Thank you for pointing out that "Gotta Stop" was released as a single in the UK. I didn't remember that.

However, its inclusion over tracks like "Scandalous" or "TMBGITW" (TGE version that WB owns) seems rather arbitrary to me in the end.

databank said:

I have to say I wouldn't be surprised if we were to discover Moonbeam Levels is being sourced from the recent, good sounding, leak and not the original master, because they haven't been able to catalogue the vault's content yet

If that were to happen, WB would deserve all the hate and complaints they would get.
What a great way to kill 100% of any goodwill they have with the fans...
Let's hope they do better.

BoraBora said:

novabrkr said:

"Gotta Stop Messin' About"?

Why was that one specificially chosen from the B-sides? Seems pretty damn random. I get the same feeling about its inclusion as with "Money Don't Matter 2nite" being on "The Very Best Of Prince". That someone high up on the hierarchy of the company insisted on having a personal favourite on the compilation.

As someone told before me, it was an A-Side in the UK.

It was, but it didn't chart.

Wiki:

"Gotta Stop (Messin' About)" was released in the UK as two separate 7" singles, one with the Dirty Mind track "Uptown" as a B-side, and the other with "I Wanna Be Your Lover", from Prince. Each single also had an accompanying 12" single, both with the same tracks as the 7" and both including the song "Head", from Dirty Mind. Despite an extensive advertising campaign and promotion, and coinciding with Prince's first UK gig, neither issue of the single charted. The track would later be released in the U.S. as the B-side of the 12" single for "Let's Work", and become a highly sought after collector's item. "Gotta Stop (Messin' About)" was also later released on The Hits/The B-Sides.

[Edited 10/21/16 8:37am]

I'm interested to see the detailed tracklist with the version of any song.

For example, which version can we expect for "Glam Slam"?!?

The normal 4:25 7' edit or the rare promo 4:22 7'' Remix Edit?!?!?

The way "Moonbeam Levels" is placed amids the 90s tracks makes me think it could be a re-recording from the era (think of "Old Friends 4 Sale" from The Vault...).

!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I'm sorry, I'm way too excited for that reissue of Purple Rain with the 2nd disc of unreleased music!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

This is why they don't release anything. You guys. Most Americans haven't heard the stuff. The family is trying to pay off some of the huge tax burdon. PR deluxe should be fine.

BoraBora said:

I'm interested to see the detailed tracklist with the version of any song.

For example, which version can we expect for "Glam Slam"?!?

The normal 4:25 7' edit or the rare promo 4:22 7'' Remix Edit?!?!?

Judging by the structure of the track lists, its two discs of 20 tracks each, so it would have to be the edits of all/most tracks to fit on.

The list certainly looks to have been created for CD, not digital as there is a format to the layout. Each disc starts with the biggest hits, then drops to a chronological order and then squeezes a non chronological anthem on the end of each.

Question: full versions? doubt it.

novabrkr said:

The way "Moonbeam Levels" is placed amids the 90s tracks makes me think it could be a re-recording from the era (think of "Old Friends 4 Sale" from The Vault...).

The chronological order of the middle section of the discs put Moonbeam Levels where the aborted Rave album would have been. So, from one point of view, its in the right place.

Surprised so many people don't rate Gotta Stop (Messin' About)! It's a great track, and has been pointed out it was released as a (non-charting) single in the UK. Sort of twice.

Well deserving of a place on this compliation album.

novabrkr said:

The way "Moonbeam Levels" is placed amids the 90s tracks makes me think it could be a re-recording from the era (think of "Old Friends 4 Sale" from The Vault...).

Nope, it's in the right place chronologically after "Glam Slam" and before "Diamonds And Pearls" as it was considered for the original Rave album in '89.

Although recorded in '82 it was never actually officially considered for 1999 as far as we know.

3rdeyeboy said:

novabrkr said:

The way "Moonbeam Levels" is placed amids the 90s tracks makes me think it could be a re-recording from the era (think of "Old Friends 4 Sale" from The Vault...).

The chronological order of the middle section of the discs put Moonbeam Levels where the aborted Rave album would have been. So, from one point of view, its in the right place.

Good observation. The Batman and GB era tracks are just placed earlier in the tracklist, so I missed this.

[Edited 10/21/16 9:00am]

nonames said:

veronikka said:

Only one unreleased song

Nothing Compares 2 U might be the early version Susanne Rogers talked about a while ago. But altogether I find this very disappointing: not one single song released after The Hits, only one unreleased song (possibly two) which we all have had for years in decent sound... What is the point? Who is going to buy it? A million people just bought The Very Best of, why would they buy another hits collection?

I already have this its called the Hits 1 & 2 and the B-sides, Ultimate Prine and that other Prince Hits cd.

But the 12 page booklet may make it worth my while to purchase.

[Edited 10/21/16 9:02am]

novabrkr said:

3rdeyeboy said:

The chronological order of the middle section of the discs put Moonbeam Levels where the aborted Rave album would have been. So, from one point of view, its in the right place.

Good observation. The Batman and GB era tracks are just placed earlier in the tracklist, so I missed this.

[Edited 10/21/16 9:00am]

It looks like Batdance and Thieves were place in the 'big hits' section at the front of each disc, with the 'lesser tracks' following a chronological order with the exception of an anthem at the end of each disc.

With Moonbeam levels being place correctly from a 'Rave' point of view, it makes me wonder if Prince have involvement.

More speculation:

If "Moonbeam Levels" was on the aborted Rave album from the late-80s, maybe no one from WB had to have an access to the vault tracks, as it was submitted to the company for evaluation, test pressing of the LP etc.? Not sure how the copyright issues would work in that case, but I wouldn't be surprised if they had acquired a master this way.

CAL3 said:

Noodled24 said:

Of course it is... but I think what people are saying is that they already have 3 or 5 (depending how you view it) Prince hits compilations... why not re-release one of them? There isn't a huge difference in the tracklist.

With even the slightest bit of creativity they could have put together a decent enough album to appeal to fans & joe public.

Rather than just repackaging the hits (again) use live songs? use acoustic versions? use piano versions... throw in some songs that weren't hit's but are hailed as some of his best work (Joy in Repitition/Sometimes it snows etc

This looks like they popped in the hits/bsides hit shuffle and then whatever comes up next makes the album.

.

Yes, agree with Noodled.

.

As for the cover art... "easily better than at least the last 10 ACTUAL Prince album covers"? That claim is, IMHO, the equivalent to a bowel movement.

So obviously equal to your taste in design?

Dangelus said:

novabrkr said:

The way "Moonbeam Levels" is placed amids the 90s tracks makes me think it could be a re-recording from the era (think of "Old Friends 4 Sale" from The Vault...).

Nope, it's in the right place chronologically after "Glam Slam" and before "Diamonds And Pearls" as it was considered for the original Rave album in '89.

Although recorded in '82 it was never actually officially considered for 1999 as far as we know.

True that true that. Maybe it is a remixed verison compared to the one that is circulating. Im wondering how that selection of a track went...however we DO KNOW that Susan Rogers batted for this song to be released in the interview not too long ago.

KlyphIsBackAgain said:

As usual, whiny fans just don't get it. First, Prince had VERY FEW hits after he left WB. Yeah, WE may know he had some good songs after that, but big hits? Nah. Second, this is a WB release. Guess what? That means songs he recorded while under contract with WB. All the other stuff after was on various different labels or self released. Do you really think all the contracts/rights etc. would be worked out that quickly? No. Third. Both of these sets were more than likely in the works before P died, just like the vinyl reissues. Fourth. Welcome to the world of posthumous releases, where one or two songs are tacked on to greatest hits packages so uber-fans will buy them. Fifth. There are people in the world who don't know all these songs! This is also for them, not just YOU!! [Edited 10/21/16 3:04am]

THANK YOU. Best post on this thread.

P's legacy can't relied solely on his aging fanbase. The estate have to find creative ways of continue to make money for years and decades to come. Those songs are very good selected to lure new fans into hopefully diehard fans.

novabrkr said:

More speculation:

If "Moonbeam Levels" was on the aborted Rave album from the late-80s, maybe no one from WB had to have an access to the vault tracks, as it was submitted to the company for evaluation, test pressing of the LP etc.? Not sure how the copyright issues would work in that case, but I wouldn't be surprised if they had acquired a master this way.

I can't see them releasing something that is legally grey. I'm sure the track was submitted by Prince in the 2014 deal, either as a single track to go on a new hits package, or as part of the suggested remaster series.

Which means it could also be on the Purple Rain remaster or WB have more than one remastered album in the can (which the press release hinted at). 1999 might be next up.

It would make sense, that when the 2014 deal was struck, WB would at least got to choose which classic albums would get the remastered treatment, esspecially if they were having one last roll of the dice before the remasters fell back to Prince as part of the deal.

brassneck said:

CAL3 said:

.

Yes, agree with Noodled.

.

As for the cover art... "easily better than at least the last 10 ACTUAL Prince album covers"? That claim is, IMHO, the equivalent to a bowel movement.

So obviously equal to your taste in design?

.

Alright, I rescind my complaints about the album cover. I now consider it an instant classic.

3rdeyeboy said:

novabrkr said:

More speculation:

If "Moonbeam Levels" was on the aborted Rave album from the late-80s, maybe no one from WB had to have an access to the vault tracks, as it was submitted to the company for evaluation, test pressing of the LP etc.? Not sure how the copyright issues would work in that case, but I wouldn't be surprised if they had acquired a master this way.

I can't see them releasing something that is legally grey. I'm sure the track was submitted by Prince in the 2014 deal, either as a single track to go on a new hits package, or as part of the suggested remaster series.

Which means it could also be on the Purple Rain remaster or WB have more than one remastered album in the can (which the press release hinted at). 1999 might be next up.

It would make sense, that when the 2014 deal was struck, WB would at least got to choose which classic albums would get the remastered treatment, esspecially if they were having one last roll of the dice before the remasters fell back to Prince as part of the deal.

Sounds like this could be the case. I highly doubt they "just had to have it" from the actual vault and made a deal with the family in order to get it on the record.

Interesting that you brought up the possibility of it being from the PR remaster - yeah, I wouldn't be surprised if Prince himself had chosen the track for the PR remaster and not for the 1999 one.

Dear God, dear God, dear God, dear God, dear God, dear God....

PLEASE let them follow the example of Elvis, etc. and not Micheal Jackson and just RELEASE MOONBEAM LEVELS AS IS WITHOUT ANY CHANGES/ADDITIONS.... or at least make it available....

Even though I have all of the stuff already on the new compilation, I'm excited about it. I see it as an opportunity for the non-fan to casual fan to discover his greatness.

I hope there are discussions to re-release all of the associated artist albums like Madhouse, Jill Jones, Mazaerati, Vanity & Appolonia 6, etc.

I am absolutely looking forward to this. Do I have all the songs already but one yes (unless you count bootz). I just hope they release it on VINYL as well.

However I am very disappointed that noe of the POST WB years are not included PRINCE had PLENTY of material to choose from and a complete Best of or "4ever" package should include all material he has released via internet or otherwise up till his death.

But I would love this on vinyl.

rogifan said:

This is so depressing because no matter what gets released someone is going to complain about it and claim it's not what Prince would have done, it's just gready bastards trying to milk his legacy blah blah blah. I already see people on social media complaining about the PR release even though that release is just fulfilling something Prince had already agreed to with WB. Sigh

Prince dissed the first Hits package & said it was nothing to do with him- the majority of songs on that are on this new hits package, it's a struggle to fathom why he would repeat himself like this. As for PR - this is a cash grab because it was delivered to WB in time for the 30 yrs of PR yet they held back, for reasons unknown which is suspect.

Fans would complain because the hits is not for fans it's for everyone else & everyone should be pissed at WB for holding back on PR instead of releasing it when it was due.

I will definitely get this. By far his best compliation of hits and surely all will be remastered so the sound willl be better than ever. If I could pick one unrealsed song it WOULD be Moonbeam Levels. My hope is that it's released as a single because it always had HIT all over it.

LuxLove said:

rogifan said:

This is so depressing because no matter what gets released someone is going to complain about it and claim it's not what Prince would have done, it's just gready bastards trying to milk his legacy blah blah blah. I already see people on social media complaining about the PR release even though that release is just fulfilling something Prince had already agreed to with WB. Sigh

Prince dissed the first Hits package & said it was nothing to do with him- the majority of songs on that are on this new hits package, it's a struggle to fathom why he would repeat himself like this. As for PR - this is a cash grab because it was delivered to WB in time for the 30 yrs of PR yet they held back, for reasons unknown which is suspect.

Fans would complain because the hits is not for fans it's for everyone else & everyone should be pissed at WB for holding back on PR instead of releasing it when it was due.

I'm thinking that Prince wanted a huge payday upfront for the new Purple Rain remastered. Thus, the delay in it's release. The new deal might be more realistic with the cash up front aspect.

veronikka said:

Only one unreleased song

While I am happy that these releases are happening (especially a remastered version of PR), like most of you, I already have all of these songs (except ML). If WB is releasing these for the 'casual fan', I just can't see a 'casual fan' dropping $30, $40 or $50 bucks for the new Hits set. They can already get a different hits collection(s) cheaper. But, if Prince actually was involved in the selection of these songa, maybe there's going to be another Hits collection with newer (and possibly more unreleased tracks) down the road? I agree that WB is going to test the water and if this release does well then we will see more unreleased material. So, will I buy the collection? Yes.

I think the photo is fantastic. Shows off his classy side.

oliviacamron said:

veronikka said:

Only one unreleased song

I need Electric Intercourse . but seriously, I'm not giving Warner's a dime, bootleg time

Do you steal from all record companies, or just Warner?

Hypothetical:

-

You get to choose the next 40 songs for Prince 4ever: Volume 2. What is on it?

[Edited 10/21/16 11:26am]

skywalker said:

Hypothetical:

-

You get to choose the next 40 songs for Prince 4ever: Volume 2. What is on it?

[Edited 10/21/16 11:26am]

If I wanted to market it properly, the first track on it, and release to radio would be the song '4ever'. That should be a no brainer.

banishedones666 said:

Source : DrFunkenberry.com

NPG RECORDS & WARNER BROS. RECORDS ANNOUNCE TWO NEW PRINCE RELEASES, BOTH WITH PREVIOUSLY UNRELEASED MUSIC FROM THE VAULT

GREATEST HITS COLLECTION PRINCE 4EVER ARRIVES ON NOVEMBER 22

REMASTERED, DELUXE VERSION OF PURPLE RAIN DUE IN EARLY 2017

October 21, 2016 (Burbank, CA) - Today, NPG Records and Warner Bros. Records announced two new Prince releases that will celebrate the iconic artist's music and introduce fans to previously unreleased material from his legendary vault. This will mark the first Prince recordings released since his passing on April 21^st of this year.

Released on November 22^nd in the U.S. and November 25^th around the world, Prince 4Ever will bring together 40 of Prince's best-loved songs, including the blockbuster hits "When Doves Cry," "Let's Go Crazy," "Kiss," "Little Red Corvette," "Purple Rain," "Raspberry Beret," "Sign O' The Times," "Alphabet Street," "Batdance," "Cream," and "The Most Beautiful Girl in the World."

Prince 4Ever includes "Moonbeam Levels" - a previously unreleased song originally recorded in 1982 during the 1999 sessions and later considered for the never released Rave Unto The Joy Fantastic album. Prince 4Ever will also arrive with a 12-page booklet of never-before-seen photos by acclaimed photographer Herb Ritts.

In addition, early next year will see the release of the much-anticipated remastered, deluxe version ofPurple Rain, plans for which were agreed with Prince before he passed away. The remaster of the classic Purple Rain will arrive with a second album of previously unreleased material. More details will be revealed closer to the release date.

The track-listing for Prince 4Ever is as follows:

1. 1999
2. Little Red Corvette
3. When Doves Cry
4. Let's Go Crazy
5. Raspberry Beret
6. I Wanna Be Your Lover
7. Soft and Wet
8. Why You Wanna Treat Me So Bad
9. Uptown
10. When You Were Mine
11. Head
12. Gotta Stop (Messin' About)
13. Controversy
14. Let's Work
15. Delirious
16. I Would Die 4 U
17. Take Me With U
18. Paisley Park
19. Pop Life
20. Purple Rain
21. Kiss
22. Sign 'O' The Times
23. Alphabet Street
24. Batdance
25. Thieves In The Temple
26. Cream
27. Mountains
28. Girls & Boys
29. If I Was Your Girlfriend
30. U Got The Look
31. I Could Never Take The Place of Your Man
32. Glam Slam
33. Moonbeam Levels
34. Diamonds and Pearls
35. Gett Off
36. Sexy MF
37. My Name Is Prince
38. 7
39. Peach
40. Nothing Compares 2 U

why Warner Brothers?

3rdeyeboy said:

gandorb said:

As expected, New hits package redundant and unimaginative. I am glad it included Paisley Park, Boys and Girls, and Mountains, songs that deserve more exposure. Disappointed that the R and B hits Hate U, Partyman, and Adore didn't make the cut when several non-hits did.

You bring up a good point about Adore. Even though it wasn't actually a single, Adore was very popular on radio. Adore being included could have stimulated more sales of the new Hits compilation.

oliviacamron said:

3rdeyeboy said:

 

oliviacamron said:

veronikka said:

Only one unreleased song

I need Electric Intercourse . but seriously, I'm not giving Warner's a dime, bootleg time

Do you steal from all record companies, or just Warner?

never before , it will be just Warners . If you don't think Warners stole from Prince you are an idiot and this is for U

oliviacamron said:

3rdeyeboy said:

Do you steal from all record companies, or just Warner?

never before , it will be just Warners . If you don't think Warners stole from Prince you are an idiot and this is for U

What did Warner steal from Prince? And why would you want to steal this release, when Prince himself recontracted with them out of choice in 2014 and this is the first retrospective release from that deal?

WTH? I already have those songs, all of them, and Moonbeam Levels grates on me like nothing else.

Who the hell are they vying for? Hardcore fans will not buy and it's too expensive for casual fans.

Once again, the most brilliant artist of our time will appear to come up short in the sales dept.

Can someone, anyone get it right??? Londell, i'm looking at you.

3rdeyeboy said:

PurpleTrollster said:

skywalker said:

PurpleTrollster said:

3rdeyeboy said:

What did Warner steal from Prince? And why would you want to steal this release, when Prince himself recontracted with them out of choice in 2014 and this is the first retrospective release from that deal?

Well they stole from Prince when they didn't give him enough money duh! I mean that's obveous theft right there! No faireness at all.. No sarcasm.... Gosh

.

Prince got more than enough money from Warners, after all, many contracts are based on industry standard terms.

.

The issue Prince had was that he wanted MORE!

.

I'd always urge people not to get drawn in Prince's propaganda.

.

Revolution said:

WTH? I already have those songs, all of them, and Moonbeam Levels grates on me like nothing else.

Who the hell are they vying for? Hardcore fans will not buy and it's too expensive for casual fans.

Once again, the most brilliant artist of our time will appear to come up short in the sales dept.

Can someone, anyone get it right??? Londell, i'm looking at you.

You are right. The greatest hits were flying off the shelves but I think this release is a little too late. Most people who wanted it already got it. Now if they were to include it with an issue of Rolling Stone and do another Prince issue, it would sell. Right now though, it seems like the hype after his death is over. They could give it away for free with the announcement of a new Prince website though. And the website could have tons of other stuff for sale. Just a thought. This kinda makes me a little sick for some reason.

Gotta Stop, Paisley Park, Girls & Boys, Peach...all singles in the UK, so worthy of an international greatest hits. They also had Pink Cashmere as a single, but seems to have failed the cut this time round.

leadline said:

This also backs up what I speculated earlier in the year in regards to Purple Rain remaining an in tact unaltered album and any extra tracks being put on a 2nd CD. Just makes sense right? Purple Rain is perfect as is, the only difference will be the sound quality, which remains to be seen if it will be better, we all know remasters can be botched to hell.

I'm not excited about the Purple Rain remaster, for this very reason. I only care about Disc 2.

3rdeyeboy said:

Oh, look, just in time for Xmas.

Weren't most of those songs already on the other GH albums that Prince did not acknowledge? I ask because it's the only release I did not buy.
They are catering for the public as a whole, those that never bought a single Prince album in their lives and now will be geting this one because he's dead and it's the cool thing to do. Also, it's a great gift for Xmas, for those fans that want to get friends that are not into Prince to get into Prince.
That's why there's only one unreleased song on it; only real fans would be interest in those and this release caters for everyone else, imo.

Anyway, I guess we'll just have to wait for the releases intented for the fans. I'm praying for that jazz album he was working on, the live CD of the Piano & a Microphone tour, the collection of songs from the vault by decade (which they can put out one by one, I'll buy them) and any DVDs/CDs of live shows.

rebelenterprise said:

Like many of you I have mixed feelings about the release. At least it is better than some of the bootleg releases that are being sold in record shops.

My take is:

1. Good to see new CD's on the horizon
2. It is reasonably priced at €16 in Europe, so not unreasonable for 40 hits.
3. I will buy it just for my colection (I never bought Ultimate or the Best of, because Prince was away from WB when he released these).
4. Dissapointed it is a hits package, but I understand why they do this. It will be released a month before Christmas
5. I would much prefer a post Warners Hits album (there is a bootleg one out there for the past few months). I think the world needs to discover these more than songs they know by now. Since he died, WB is making all the money. There must be a market for his owned material. I can't understand why Sony doesn't push Musicology or Rainbow Children is still imposisble to buy. This is a crying shame.
6. Prince fought for his right to put out music his own way. I would prefer we get vinyl re-issues of his "Independent" releases and accompany this by a "Slave to Piano" NPG records era Hits Package.
7. I wish they would go after the people selling radio boradcasts in record stores.....
8. I will truly get excited when Montreaux Box set gets releases (2009 2 shows, 2013 3 Shows).
9. They can get this right, milk WB for the Money and casual fans, and get the "Fans" with the stuff they know we will buy regardless of marketing and release this independently. (God, Bowie had so much foresight in how he managed his post-death releases)
10. Let's face it, a Piano Live CD would probably sell to each Orger and the @prince twitter followers. They could shift 100K copies of that without even pushing.
11. The fans are looking for somethinhg to buy, the family need to get deals set up.
12. I think Prince was past selling for numbers, so I hope we get some of what we are looking for. Again, use the HIts as a cash cow, to release the stuff the fans require. Prince just wanted to get music out. I can't believe he wanted to have 4 versions of Greatest Hits in the store. I got too many Hits take on a new flavour.
13. if the number 13 is such a bad luck number, when there's no such thing as luck

I just hope this is a sing of regular Prince music to come. As an afterthought, listening to the live bootlegs is so comfroting as it makes me feel he is alive and I remember those shows as vividely as when I was there. This is why we need more "new" stuff.

p.s. listening to LotusFlow3r while typing this.

skywalker said:

rebelenterprise said:

Not to derail the thread but since the question was asked... Prince 4Ever Vol. 2 (hypothetical ) 1. The Most Beautiful Girl In The World 2. Letitgo 3. Space 4. Endorphinmachine 5. I Hate U 6. Shhh! 7. Gold 8. Dinner With Delores 9. Emancipation 10. Betcha By Golly Wow 11. Somebody's Somebody 12. The Holy River 13. The One 14. Come On 15. The Greatest Romance Ever Sold 16. The Work Pt. 1 17. Musicology 18. Call My Name 19. Cinnamon Girl 20. A Million Days 21. Black Sweat 22. 3121 23. Fury 24. Guitar 25. Somewhere Here On Earth 26. Future Baby Mama 27. 4Ever 28. Dreamer 29. Chocolate Box 30. Dance 4 Me 31. Beginning Endlessly 32. Future Soul Song 33. The Breakdown 34. Clouds 35. Way Back Home 36. Funk N Roll 37. AnotherLove 38. Baltimore 39. Black Muse 40. Revelation One thing about this would be they could re-release one of these as a single, cause alot of the general public have never heard many of these. [Edited 10/21/16 12:36pm]

I like it a lot. Excellent collection!

Exactly, could you add the Love we Make (Live from Montreaux 2013) to this list

OperatingThetan said:

According to the photographer, Prince selected the cover image and approved the set before his passing.

He would say that, right?

OperatingThetan said:

According to the photographer, Prince selected the cover image and approved the set before his passing.

This seems unlikely though, considering the track listing. Head?!? Sexy MF? No.

[Edited 10/21/16 13:04pm]

dance4me3121 said:

Let me ask you naysayers and Debbie Downers something:

Let's say you're in charge of Prince's estate and it owes a large estate tax bill. And it's your duty to raise the money to pay it. So for your first act, are you going to:

1. Market a greatest hits package that will appeal to the most people possible; OR
2. Market unheard songs from the vault that will appeal only to Prince's most dedicated fans?

If you choose #2, then it's a damn good thing you aren't involved in settling Prince's estate. Because if you were, the IRS would own everything about a year from now.

RodeoSchro said:

.

http://www.startribune.com/warner-bros-promises-previously-unreleased-prince-music/397914821/

banishedones666 said:

Source : DrFunkenberry.com

NPG RECORDS & WARNER BROS. RECORDS ANNOUNCE TWO NEW PRINCE RELEASES, BOTH WITH PREVIOUSLY UNRELEASED MUSIC FROM THE VAULT

GREATEST HITS COLLECTION PRINCE 4EVER ARRIVES ON NOVEMBER 22

REMASTERED, DELUXE VERSION OF PURPLE RAIN DUE IN EARLY 2017

October 21, 2016 (Burbank, CA) - Today, NPG Records and Warner Bros. Records announced two new Prince releases that will celebrate the iconic artist's music and introduce fans to previously unreleased material from his legendary vault. This will mark the first Prince recordings released since his passing on April 21^st of this year.

Released on November 22^nd in the U.S. and November 25^th around the world, Prince 4Ever will bring together 40 of Prince's best-loved songs, including the blockbuster hits "When Doves Cry," "Let's Go Crazy," "Kiss," "Little Red Corvette," "Purple Rain," "Raspberry Beret," "Sign O' The Times," "Alphabet Street," "Batdance," "Cream," and "The Most Beautiful Girl in the World."

Prince 4Ever includes "Moonbeam Levels" - a previously unreleased song originally recorded in 1982 during the 1999 sessions and later considered for the never released Rave Unto The Joy Fantastic album. Prince 4Ever will also arrive with a 12-page booklet of never-before-seen photos by acclaimed photographer Herb Ritts.

In addition, early next year will see the release of the much-anticipated remastered, deluxe version ofPurple Rain, plans for which were agreed with Prince before he passed away. The remaster of the classic Purple Rain will arrive with a second album of previously unreleased material. More details will be revealed closer to the release date.

The track-listing for Prince 4Ever is as follows:

1. 1999
2. Little Red Corvette
3. When Doves Cry
4. Let's Go Crazy
5. Raspberry Beret
6. I Wanna Be Your Lover
7. Soft and Wet
8. Why You Wanna Treat Me So Bad
9. Uptown
10. When You Were Mine
11. Head
12. Gotta Stop (Messin' About)
13. Controversy
14. Let's Work
15. Delirious
16. I Would Die 4 U
17. Take Me With U
18. Paisley Park
19. Pop Life
20. Purple Rain
21. Kiss
22. Sign 'O' The Times
23. Alphabet Street
24. Batdance
25. Thieves In The Temple
26. Cream
27. Mountains
28. Girls & Boys
29. If I Was Your Girlfriend
30. U Got The Look
31. I Could Never Take The Place of Your Man
32. Glam Slam
33. Moonbeam Levels
34. Diamonds and Pearls
35. Gett Off
36. Sexy MF
37. My Name Is Prince
38. 7
39. Peach
40. Nothing Compares 2 U

.

I'm not feeling that album cover. Why did they use such an outdated picture? It just seems dark, to me. That picture was taken probably in the mid-late 90s, and Prince has changed so much since then.

.

I'm not sure I will be supporting this album, unfortunately.

RodeoSchro said:

Let me ask you naysayers and Debbie Downers something:

Let's say you're in charge of Prince's estate and it owes a large estate tax bill. And it's your duty to raise the money to pay it. So for your first act, are you going to:

1. Market a greatest hits package that will appeal to the most people possible; OR
2. Market unheard songs from the vault that will appeal only to Prince's most dedicated fans?

If you choose #2, then it's a damn good thing you aren't involved in settling Prince's estate. Because if you were, the IRS would own everything about a year from now.

I'd quickly work a deal out to release a career spanning retrospective that will actually sell a few copies and make some money because it's not a carbon copy of the one anyone half interested in him already has. Any new fan bought one of the earlier compilations back in April, they didn't hear he died and then decide to wait half a year to buy this. Sure it'll shift a few copies at christmas but nowhere near as many as it could have.

[Edited 10/21/16 13:40pm]

dance4me3121 said:

RodeoSchro said:

Let me ask you naysayers and Debbie Downers something:

Let's say you're in charge of Prince's estate and it owes a large estate tax bill. And it's your duty to raise the money to pay it. So for your first act, are you going to:

1. Market a greatest hits package that will appeal to the most people possible; OR
2. Market unheard songs from the vault that will appeal only to Prince's most dedicated fans?

If you choose #2, then it's a damn good thing you aren't involved in settling Prince's estate. Because if you were, the IRS would own everything about a year from now.

Very well said.I just hope this hits CD sells enough so we CAN get vault CDs soon

Thank you!

You're exactly right, I think. This CD needs to sell well enough to satisfy tax debts in order to see the vault opened any time soon.

will this be on vinyl?

anyone know?

thank u

This is cool because I'll be in Japan when it's released wordwide. I get to buy a Japanese version there and a US version when I get home.

Now that's a sequencing we can all get on board with!

Lianachan said:

RodeoSchro said:

Let me ask you naysayers and Debbie Downers something:

Let's say you're in charge of Prince's estate and it owes a large estate tax bill. And it's your duty to raise the money to pay it. So for your first act, are you going to:

1. Market a greatest hits package that will appeal to the most people possible; OR
2. Market unheard songs from the vault that will appeal only to Prince's most dedicated fans?

If you choose #2, then it's a damn good thing you aren't involved in settling Prince's estate. Because if you were, the IRS would own everything about a year from now.

I'd have done neither, a greastest hits already sold millions in April/May, For retail, I'd have put the Purple Rain Deluxe out as the Xmas release.

Before that, to bag those that came back out of the woodwork in 2016, I'd have opened an online subscription Paisley Park Club, with memorial streaming, VVIP tour opportunity and the guarantee of an exlusive CD for initial early sign up.

rusty1 said:

Moonbeam Levels is among Prince's best Unreleased songs ever. The vibe of the song & his Minneapolis Sound in full effect. I don't get the dislike for this gem

Moonbeam Levels should've been on 1999 instead of the song 'Free', and She's Always In My Hair should've been on ATWIAD.

Noodled24 said:

3rdeyeboy said:

Prince seemed to have agreed an awful lot with many people just before he died....or did he?

Yeah it's funny how agreeable he suddenly seemed to become... after he passed.

Oh ffs The man knew what was happening, yet people are constantly throwing shade on what may very well have been his decisions. Neither of you know one way or the other.

rogifan said:

This is so depressing because no matter what gets released someone is going to complain about it and claim it's not what Prince would have done, it's just gready bastards trying to milk his legacy blah blah blah. I already see people on social media complaining about the PR release even though that release is just fulfilling something Prince had already agreed to with WB. Sigh

It's never.fucking.ending. I'm disgusted and can not believe what many of these people are saying. What a slap in Prince's face all this bullshit is.

gandorb said:

SquirrelMeat said:

For retail, I'd have put the Purple Rain Deluxe out as the Xmas release.

[Edited 10/21/16 14:52pm]

I would like to see the track listing for the PR release.

Just remember people: kick and stamp your feet all you want bitching and complaining about everything, ripping everything apart, don't support the music, sales, tours, merchandise, whatthefuckever. When everything fails and everything is sold and his legacy is viewed as nothing like it would/could have been with FAN SUPPORT, you'll all have no one to blame but yourselves.

cloveringold85 said:

I'm not feeling that album cover. Why did they use such an outdated picture? It just seems dark, to me. That picture was taken probably in the mid-late 90s, and Prince has changed so much since then.

.

Agreed about the cover, but the picture is from 2010/11. Still not era appropriate.

-

I will be buying the album with hopes of improved sound quality.

[Edited 10/21/16 14:29pm]

Mumio said:

Noodled24 said:

Yeah it's funny how agreeable he suddenly seemed to become... after he passed.

Oh ffs The man knew what was happening, yet people are constantly throwing shade on what may very well have been his decisions. Neither of you know one way or the other.

And neither do you. Spoken like a true Fam.

Mumio said:

Just remember people: kick and stamp your feet all you want bitching and complaining about everything, ripping everything apart, don't support the music, sales, tours, merchandise, whatthefuckever. When everything fails and everything is sold and his legacy is viewed as nothing like it would/could have been with FAN SUPPORT, you'll all have no one to blame but yourselves.

oh please, they can't even get their own press release to lineup with whats on the album. I'll support whatever they release but they don't get a free pass from criticism with a second rate cash-grab release like this. Prince deserves better.

Mumio said:

Just remember people: kick and stamp your feet all you want bitching and complaining about everything, ripping everything apart, don't support the music, sales, tours, merchandise, whatthefuckever. When everything fails and everything is sold and his legacy is viewed as nothing like it would/could have been with FAN SUPPORT, you'll all have no one to blame but yourselves.

This thread has more people saying they will buy this than won't by far, so, it's hard to tell what you're on about.

Surely it doesn't bother you so much that many of us fanboys will bitch and moan and nitpick and complain? Of course we will. It's to be expected when offered yet another hits compilation when the three prior hits compilations are still readily available and only including one new track to hook the completists and collectors.

Most of us are still buying to get Moonbeam Levels and to show support so more new product will keep coming. That said, we're not going to act like this is what we want or need. If they want our money they'll listen to our comments. No?

databank said:

I have to say I wouldn't be surprised if we were to discover Moonbeam Levels is being sourced from the recent, good sounding, leak and not the original master, because they haven't been able to catalogue the vault's content yet

IIRC, WB did use a 12" vinyl as the source for the extended version of "America" on this official CD:

https://www.discogs.com/Various-Black-Archives-Minneapolis-Funk/release/3027106

So, yeah, nothing would suprise me.

About the 12-page booklet: I remember reading an article years ago (probably in Rolling Stone) when a famous photgrapher was quoted as saying that he had done a photoshoot with Prince and was loving it and when they were finished that Prince walked over to him and said 'Burn those negatives.' and walked out. I wonder if these are those pics?

Interestingly, both of these announcements were already reported by Billboard previously. You know, the mag that put out that "the vault is being shopped around" story that Londell claims isn't true.

olb99 said:

databank said:

I have to say I wouldn't be surprised if we were to discover Moonbeam Levels is being sourced from the recent, good sounding, leak and not the original master, because they haven't been able to catalogue the vault's content yet

IIRC, WB did use a 12" vinyl as the source for the extended version of "America" on this official CD:

https://www.discogs.com/Various-Black-Archives-Minneapolis-Funk/release/3027106

So, yeah, nothing would suprise me.

.

Yeah, the dupes at WB FRANCE did that. Don't pretend that compil was conceived by HQ.

oliviacamron said:

3rdeyeboy said:

Do you steal from all record companies, or just Warner?

never before , it will be just Warners . If you don't think Warners stole from Prince you are an idiot and this is for U

.

Let's see: on his first album Prince ate up the whole recording budget for THREE albums. Want me to go on with the NUMEROUS cases where Warners bent over backwards to suit Prince's fickle demands?

rebelenterprise said:

skywalker said:

Hypothetical:

-

You get to choose the next 40 songs for Prince 4ever: Volume 2. What is on it?

[Edited 10/21/16 11:26am]

Not to derail the thread but since the question was asked... Prince 4Ever Vol. 2 (hypothetical ) 1. The Most Beautiful Girl In The World 2. Letitgo 3. Space 4. Endorphinmachine 5. I Hate U 6. Shhh! 7. Gold 8. Dinner With Delores 9. Emancipation 10. Betcha By Golly Wow 11. Somebody's Somebody 12. The Holy River 13. The One 14. Come On 15. The Greatest Romance Ever Sold 16. The Work Pt. 1 17. Musicology 18. Call My Name 19. Cinnamon Girl 20. A Million Days 21. Black Sweat 22. 3121 23. Fury 24. Guitar 25. Somewhere Here On Earth 26. Future Baby Mama 27. 4Ever 28. Dreamer 29. Chocolate Box 30. Dance 4 Me 31. Beginning Endlessly 32. Future Soul Song 33. The Breakdown 34. Clouds 35. Way Back Home 36. Funk N Roll 37. AnotherLove 38. Baltimore 39. Black Muse 40. Revelation One thing about this would be they could re-release one of these as a single, cause alot of the general public have never heard many of these. [Edited 10/21/16 12:36pm]

Love the idea of a volume 2... and that's a great list.... I would have to think about my list... My 2 cents on this issue... I am happy there will be something, but like most, just in a little disbelief about another hits package and what they're realistic expectations are for the sale of the compiliation. As it has been mentioned b4, a lot of causual fans bought the hits compilation(s) after he passed...so why not come out with something different now? I think a hits collection like listed above, that covers the past 20+ years, (or something like it) is the way to go...to help introduce the average fan to what Prince has been up to since "The Hits 1 and 2".

Iwould love to have the extended version of I Wish You Heaven on disc.

http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/U/US_PRINCE_NEW_SONGS?SITE=WNYC&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT

The Associated Press is also reporting on the 2 albums WB is releasing.

I'm very confused by the sequencing.

From what I can work out, disc 1 opens with 6 big hits, then goes chronologically until the last track where it ends with Purple Rain. Then disc 2 also opens with 6 big hits before returning to the chronological story and ends with Nothing Compares. But some of the songs in the chronological bits were bigger hits than some of the hits section (U Got the Look vs. Thieves in the Temple for example).

Is there any reasoning going on here? And why 6 songs in the first place?

Maybe the sequencing makes perfect sense if you listen to it

Moonbeam said:

Mumio said:

rogifan said:

This is so depressing because no matter what gets released someone is going to complain about it and claim it's not what Prince would have done, it's just gready bastards trying to milk his legacy blah blah blah. I already see people on social media complaining about the PR release even though that release is just fulfilling something Prince had already agreed to with WB. Sigh

It's never.fucking.ending. I'm disgusted and can not believe what many of these people are saying. What a slap in Prince's face all this bullshit is.

I agree and on Nov. 20 another leak will occur.

Guess they dont know that Prince hated those pics of him looking like a vampire and the one they used is one he disliked

He asked us to take those down when he was alive

Nothing like a album release to bring out the true nature of the Org.

DiamondsnPearls44 said:

NinaB said:

DiamondsnPearls44 said:

He asked us to take those down when he was alive

That's right, I remember

yep he asked the Org to take them down

DiamondsnPearls44 said:

Guess they dont know that Prince hated those pics of him looking like a vampire and the one they used is one he disliked

.

I know!! I don't like that picture either.

.

Why they (WB) chose a picture that Prince obviously was not fond of....seems spiteful.

Mumio said:

cloveringold85 said:

DiamondsnPearls44 said:

Guess they dont know that Prince hated those pics of him looking like a vampire and the one they used is one he disliked

.

I know!! I don't like that picture either.

.

Why they (WB) chose a picture that Prince obviously was not fond of....seems spiteful.

shows how much they really knew about him

DiamondsnPearls44 said:

oliviacamron said:

PurpleTrollster said:

Well they stole from Prince when they didn't give him enough money duh! I mean that's obveous theft right there! No faireness at all.. No sarcasm.... Gosh

I wanna say they stole his life but I know for sure they stole his master's and that's why I signed with them to get them back. Don't act stupid 3rdeyeboy. You know Prince wrote SLAE aka SLAVE on his face.

.

.

Now, now, now.....wait just a cotton-picking minute......hold the phone!!

.

Do we know for a FACT that Prince agreed to this release in 2014?

.

Just seems kinda weird that it's coming out now....after he passed.

DiamondsnPearls44 said:

cloveringold85 said:

.

I know!! I don't like that picture either.

.

Why they (WB) chose a picture that Prince obviously was not fond of....seems spiteful.

shows how much they really knew about him

Careful, don't let the truth get in the way of a good fam rant telling everyone how to think.

DiamondsnPearls44 said:

cloveringold85 said:

.

I know!! I don't like that picture either.

.

Why they (WB) chose a picture that Prince obviously was not fond of....seems spiteful.

shows how much they really knew about him

.

Or even "cared"

NinaB said:

DiamondsnPearls44 said:

shows how much they really knew about him

And didn't he tweet that they were holding up PR? Now he's gone they release it?

all about the money

cloveringold85 said:

DiamondsnPearls44 said:

shows how much they really knew about him

.

Or even "cared"

indeed...sad

oliviacamron said:

Mumio said:

Just remember people: kick and stamp your feet all you want bitching and complaining about everything, ripping everything apart, don't support the music, sales, tours, merchandise, whatthefuckever. When everything fails and everything is sold and his legacy is viewed as nothing like it would/could have been with FAN SUPPORT, you'll all have no one to blame but yourselves.

I see your point but PRINCE was in conflict with Warners ba k in February about the reissue of Purple Rain. Prince tweets new people at Warner's don't wanna pay him and it time to picket Warners. I have that tweet as my new avatar but mods are taking along time to approve it. Listen, I love Prince, I would die for Prince, and I want justice for him.

.

Olivia: I second that.

.

Prince was obviously pissed at WB (his tweets), like you said.

.

There was a lot of change at WB, and Prince wasn't happy about that. Why he ever got involved with WB again? I know he wanted his masters back, but now he's gone -- and everything is just a damn mess!! I just miss Prince and wish he was still here.

DiamondsnPearls44 said:

NinaB said:

DiamondsnPearls44 said: And didn't he tweet that they were holding up PR? Now he's gone they release it?

all about the money

.

Yea.......he's gone, and now they release it. All about the money.....KA-CHING!!

.

DiamondsnPearls44 said:

cloveringold85 said:

.

Or even "cared"

indeed...sad

.

All of this is just too much sometimes.....makes me wanna

How about some guesses as to what might be on the second PR disc?

cloveringold85 said:

DiamondsnPearls44 said:

all about the money

.

Yea.......he's gone, and now they release it. All about the money.....KA-CHING!!

.

Six months later too...didnt waste any time. Truly sad. I think Prince knew that when he was gone it would be like this.

cloveringold85 said:

DiamondsnPearls44 said:

indeed...sad

.

All of this is just too much sometimes.....makes me wanna

Thats why I dont post here like I use too...it all just feels wrong.

digitalelectric said:

digitalelectric said:

How about some guesses as to what might be on the second PR disc?

Hmm. We really need a couple of extra discs, but if we have to settle for one, I would like:

Take Me With U (Full version)

The Beautiful Ones (Full Version)

Computer Blue (7min 30 sec version)

Darlin' Nikki (Full Version)

When Doves Cry (Base Version)

I would die 4 U (Studio Version)

Baby I'm a Star (Studio Version)

Purple Rain (Studio Version or full original version)

The Bird (Prince Version)

God (instrumental)

Possessed

Wednesday

G Spot

Electric Intercourse

Fathers Song

Syndicate

3rdeyeboy said:

digitalelectric said:

How about some guesses as to what might be on the second PR disc?

Hmm. We really need a couple of extra discs, but if we have to settle for one, I would like:

Take Me With U (Full version)

The Beautiful Ones (Full Version)

Computer Blue (7min 30 sec version)

Darlin' Nikki (Full Version)

When Doves Cry (Base Version)

I would die 4 U (Studio Version)

Baby I'm a Star (Studio Version)

Purple Rain (Studio Version or full original version)

The Bird (Prince Version)

God (instrumental)

Possessed

Wednesday

G Spot

Electric Intercourse

Fathers Song

Syndicate

No we need the Hallway speech version.

DiamondsnPearls44 said:

cloveringold85 said:

.

Yea.......he's gone, and now they release it. All about the money.....KA-CHING!!

.

Six months later too...didnt waste any time. Truly sad. I think Prince knew that when he was gone it would be like this.

.

Yea, I guess we should have all expected that if Prince ever dies, it certainly won't be drama-free! He lived such an incredible life.....but this is just bordering on insanity now!!

.

.

[Edited 10/21/16 16:52pm]

Lianachan said:

digitalelectric said:

How about some guesses as to what might be on the second PR disc?

The announcement doesn't specifically state that it's a second Purple Rain disc, just that "The remaster of the classic Purple Rain will arrive with a second album of previously unreleased material." I suppose that could be just about anything, until we get more info. Of course, we've been told before that this was coming out and it never materialised, but hopefully this one will actually see the light of day.

I actually wonder if the choice of the word "album" was accidental (i.e. a second CD) or intended (i.e. a properly compiled album of previously unheard PR-era tracks, independently of b-sides and/or alternate mixes - in that case it wouldn't be totally senseless to include the b-sides in such an "album").

djThunderfunk said:

OperatingThetan said:

According to the photographer, Prince selected the cover image and approved the set before his passing.

This seems unlikely though, considering the track listing. Head?!? Sexy MF? No.

[Edited 10/21/16 13:04pm]

Good point. What's the source for the photographer saying this? And why would have WB planned a FOURTH GH compilation while P was still alive?

djThunderfunk said:

muleFunk said:

3rdeyeboy said:

Hmm. We really need a couple of extra discs, but if we have to settle for one, I would like:

Take Me With U (Full version)

The Beautiful Ones (Full Version)

Computer Blue (7min 30 sec version)

Darlin' Nikki (Full Version)

When Doves Cry (Base Version)

I would die 4 U (Studio Version)

Baby I'm a Star (Studio Version)

Purple Rain (Studio Version or full original version)

The Bird (Prince Version)

God (instrumental)

Possessed

Wednesday

G Spot

Electric Intercourse

Fathers Song

Syndicate

No we need the Hallway speech version.

I love all the versions, but I think the 7.30min hits the sweet spot. It doesn't lose sight of the songs power like some of the 12 and 14 min versions do. To me, it sounds like the 7.30 is the definitive version after all the experimenting. Its clearly the longer version of the album release.

My guess is this was the version Prince had on the album before he had to make room for Take Me With U.

databank said:

OperatingThetan said:

djThunderfunk said:

This seems unlikely though, considering the track listing. Head?!? Sexy MF? No.

[Edited 10/21/16 13:04pm]

He did mention a new hits set with Warners in Essence magazine. The tracklist itself is another matter. Depends if Sexy Mf is the Sexy Mutha edit, I guess [Edited 10/21/16 17:02pm]

Head (Instrumental)?

Come to think of it, that sounds pretty good... give me some of that!!

I look forward for Purple Rain remastered version and the second album.

3rdeyeboy said:

muleFunk said:

No we need the Hallway speech version.

I love all the versions, but I think the 7.30min hits the sweet spot. It doesn't lose sight of the songs power like some of the 12 and 14 min versions do. To me, it sounds like the 7.30 is the definitive version after all the experimenting. Its clearly the longer version of the album release.

My guess is this was the version Prince had on the album before he had to make room for Take Me With U.

If the 12 min versions is not on it I am not buying!!!!

Moonbeam said:

I think there's very good coverage of his Warner-era career here: 1 track released from 1978 2 from 1979 3 from 1980 3 from 1981 3 or 4 from 1982 ("Moonbeam Levels" '82?) 5 from 1984 3 from 1985 3 from 1986 4 from 1987 2 from 1988 1 or 2 from 1989 ("Moonbeam Levels" '89?) 1 from 1990 3 from 1991 3 from 1992 2 from 1993 My only complaint is that the album cover is not contemporaneous with the material, but this is far from the shoddy job that The Very Best of Prince is.

The photo isn't that old.

NinaB said:

DiamondsnPearls44 said:

shows how much they really knew about him

And didn't he tweet that they were holding up PR? Now he's gone they release it?

the whole thing feels ooky off in some parallel reality kind of way. warner brothers...??

i'll buy it to benefit his estate (and also, i never heard moonbeam levels... ) but still... oooookkkyy.

muleFunk said:

3rdeyeboy said:

I love all the versions, but I think the 7.30min hits the sweet spot. It doesn't lose sight of the songs power like some of the 12 and 14 min versions do. To me, it sounds like the 7.30 is the definitive version after all the experimenting. Its clearly the longer version of the album release.

My guess is this was the version Prince had on the album before he had to make room for Take Me With U.

If the 12 min versions is not on it I am not buying!!!!

I have a vision of its release, with wonderful unreleased gems listed on the back of the CD, but it states the timing of each track, and when Mule sees 'Computer Blue - Unreleased Full Version 7mins 30 seconds', the CD will tossed aside like a dead spider on a shoe!

BartVanHemelen said:

Interestingly, both of these announcements were already reported by Billboard previously. You know, the mag that put out that "the vault is being shopped around" story that Londell claims isn't true.

I would take Londell's word over yours.

rap said:

BartVanHemelen said:

Interestingly, both of these announcements were already reported by Billboard previously. You know, the mag that put out that "the vault is being shopped around" story that Londell claims isn't true.

I would take Londell's word over yours.

If you looked at history, I'd say Bart's comments were 99% more accurate than Londell's. Politeness doesn't breed truth.

fabriziovenerandi said:

BartVanHemelen said:

This does point to WBR "owning" outtakes recorded during their contract.

If WB owns outtakes is a disaster.

Why?

bluegangsta said:

The part that irritates me most is the "Prince's best-loved songs". If that were the case, it would be a very different track-list.

Mumio said:

WHY is 'Anotherloverholenyohead' not on this compilation???
.

It was a top 40 hit in the UK, for heaven's sake, and was played all over the place! And, unlike TMBGITW, there is no confusion over copyright.

.

I'd add 'Thunder' too. THAT got into the top 30 in the UK charts!!! I do think we did a lot better for single releases than the USA...
.

Regarding the PR Disc 2, I would like it to include (amongst others) 'Electric Intercourse'; 'Moonbeam Levels'; 'G Spot'; P's version of 'Noon Rendezvous'; and an extended 'Computer Blue'.
.

Personally, I am hoping at some point for multi-disc compilations by decade, maybe? I love his 90s stuff and would be wanting to hear 'Days of Wild' and 'Face Down' just for starters!!!
.

By the way, re the artwork, I think it was done in the 2000s, no - by that Justine Walpole person? I love the gothic style photography she created with him. And, yes, P chose this pic himself so it's all good with me. He looks luscious!

.

[Edited 10/21/16 18:44pm]

[Edited 10/21/16 18:55pm]

cannot understand why so many people are dissapointed and sad.... this is something and yall ungrateful people arent happy with this shit very sad

Me and im sure there's other prince fans like me, are not complaining and are happy and grateful that theres a new cd coming out who cares if its his hits??????? an unrealesed track that i haven't heard before and many others havent had the privalege to hear yet.. and the other songs might sound better with nicer quality than what was on the old cds.......... ok im no expert, but im sure some part will sound better than what was released in the 80s, 90s, early 2000s

& theres also a reissue of PURPLE RAIN with bonus tracks coming next year.... be patient, my darlings

XxAxX said:

sonshine said:

gandorb said:

BartVanHemelen said:

IstenSzek said:

more interested in the PR deluxe. especially what's on that bonus disc. i don't believe for one minute
that it will be full of outtakes. there was a reason warners didn't release it yet. who knows, maybe it
has been padded out recently with warners owned outtake material? we'll see soon enough i guess.
it'll be an interesting release in many ways, especially as an example of what to expect from others
along the road.

.

The more I think about it, the more unlikely it looks that an album's worth of outtakes is just getting added to PR. "Previously unreleased material" can mean a lot, even a live album. In any case, it is wildly insufficient.

so much can be lobbed under the term "previously unreleased material". i've seen it with other
artist releases, where they claim a disc full of 'previously unheard/unreleased material' and the
disc ends up being filled 2/3 with different edits of well known tracks, a slightly different/longer
mix, a live version etc.

who knows, prince certainly had enough tracks knocking about for a full disc, i guess. but we'll
see. i'd like to be proven wrong and have 8 tot 10 great unreleased tracks some unknown.

[img:$uid]http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f331/larslimburg/justinewalpole_zpssnaqlk1a.jpg[/img:$uid]

[img:$uid]http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f331/larslimburg/tumblr_no9fxhymkS1qja2cwo1_1280_zpsgtt1yfit.jpg[/img:$uid]

[img:$uid]http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f331/larslimburg/70978f50407ed8d601c4d27736de9947_zpso3zsaowx.jpg[/img:$uid]

here's some other justine walpole prince pics that i think would make for more
beautiful or memorable covers.

but if she says prince picked the current cover. ok. that's all i can say "ok girl,
if that's what you say..."

IstenSzek said:

[img:$uid]http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f331/larslimburg/justinewalpole_zpssnaqlk1a.jpg[/img:$uid]

[img:$uid]http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f331/larslimburg/tumblr_no9fxhymkS1qja2cwo1_1280_zpsgtt1yfit.jpg[/img:$uid]

[img:$uid]http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f331/larslimburg/70978f50407ed8d601c4d27736de9947_zpso3zsaowx.jpg[/img:$uid]

here's some other justine walpole prince pics that i think would make for more
beautiful or memorable covers.

but if she says prince picked the current cover. ok. that's all i can say "ok girl,
if that's what you say..."

U know he hated the middle one too

DiamondsnPearls44 said:

U know he hated the middle one too

i know, i know. but i think it's a cool picture and he looks just great in it.

prince'll just have to agree to disagree with me on that one

my favourite is the top one though

IstenSzek said:

DiamondsnPearls44 said:

U know he hated the middle one too

i know, i know. but i think it's a cool picture and he looks just great in it.

prince'll just have to agree to disagree with me on that one

my favourite is the top one though

I think he's gonna let u have this one I love the top one too

DiamondsnPearls44 said:

IstenSzek said:

i know, i know. but i think it's a cool picture and he looks just great in it.

prince'll just have to agree to disagree with me on that one

my favourite is the top one though

I think he's gonna let u have this one I love the top one too

though, if i stub my toe real hard or something tomorrow, i know who i'll have to thank for it

IstenSzek said:

DiamondsnPearls44 said:

I think he's gonna let u have this one I love the top one too

though, if i stub my toe real hard or something tomorrow, i know who i'll have to thank for it

I cant

"...a 12-page booklet of never-before-seen photos by acclaimed photographer Herb Ritts."

I look forward to seeing those!!

Susan Rogers finally gets her wish!! Moonbeam Levels to be released!!

IstenSzek said:

[img:$uid]http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f331/larslimburg/justinewalpole_zpssnaqlk1a.jpg[/img:$uid]

[img:$uid]http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f331/larslimburg/tumblr_no9fxhymkS1qja2cwo1_1280_zpsgtt1yfit.jpg[/img:$uid]

[img:$uid]http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f331/larslimburg/70978f50407ed8d601c4d27736de9947_zpso3zsaowx.jpg[/img:$uid]

here's some other justine walpole prince pics that i think would make for more
beautiful or memorable covers.

but if she says prince picked the current cover. ok. that's all i can say "ok girl,
if that's what you say..."

Just wanted to add that all of the photos are from the Welcome 2 Chicago tourbook, Sep 2012.

donnyenglish said:

Assuming that Moonbeam Levels will be the single and they will make a video in the tribute format with photos and clips of our Prince. Fitting tribute song and video. Our Prince made this earth a better place to die for all of us. Looking forward to the video.

Assuming this is the version we know, I fail to see how it could make a relevant single for the market of 2016.

Mintchip said:

I'm as unimpressed by the selection as anyone. With a little more bravery, we could have at least had something to peak the interest of fans. Instead of a much needed career overview, like James Brown's 71 song "Star Time" box from 1991 (which was shortened to a more consumer friendly 20 song single set), instead of an overview filled with alternate takes or live cuts, like Dylan's "biograph", we leave "The Hits / B-Sides" as the best compilation on the market, by a mile.

Well contrarily to what some have said, this is not aimed at us fans: why would we want to buy a greatest hits compilation? They know some of us will buy it for the unreleased track regardless of what else is on it, and that some of us won't because we won't buy a 2 CD set for a single song while we can easily get a free download or buy the single track on iTunes.

My take is that this is just for the general public, and that the need for yet a new compilation is just a way of generating some hype while the 3 old comps are unable to do so. And they chose the content based on whatever criteria they feel relevant for that crowd.

So to be honest I couldn't care less for what is or what isn't on a GH package. It's not something I need or that I'd buy.

As for the bonus cut, I'm happy to see ML out but on the other hand I already have that song so it's not like it's gonna be a big day for me to have it with a slightly superior sound quality, unless of course this is a completely different version.

hw3004 said:

fabriziovenerandi said:

If WB owns outtakes is a disaster.

Why?

Because that means they own the best of the vault......all the unreleased 80s material.

[Edited 10/22/16 7:53am]

derrick31 said:

hw3004 said:

Why?

Because that means they own the best of the vault......all the unreleased 80;s material.

For one thing they wouldn't "own" anything: at most they have an exclusive distribution deal for X amount of time.

And I really don't see why they would be worse a distributor for those outtakes than any other label?

Papaj said:

Track Listings

Head (Sound Recording)

What?!?!?!?!?

Yeah, WTF does that mean? No indication on what version of Nothing Compares 2 U it is either.

Here's a link for amazon with the details BTW

[Edited 10/22/16 0:25am]

By the way, I can't figure out how the tracklist above (considering "Album Version" when there's not specification) would fit on 2 CDs.

BoraBora said:

By the way, I can't figure out how the tracklist above (considering "Album Version" when there's not specification) would fit on 2 CDs.

hmm yeah, CD1 might be able to fit at a stretch but I suspect there's few more edits in there than already mentioned. At a guess i'd say any single edits on The Hits / The B-sides will be used here as well.

[Edited 10/22/16 0:43am]

BoraBora said:

Papaj said:

Head (Sound Recording)

What?!?!?!?!?

I'm puzzled, too...

[Edited 10/22/16 1:20am]

jaawwnn said:

Yeah, WTF does that mean? No indication on what version of Nothing Compares 2 U it is either.

Here's a link for amazon with the details BTW

[Edited 10/22/16 0:25am]

Which do u want it to be? It's either the Hits version or its single edit.

databank said:

jaawwnn said:

Yeah, WTF does that mean? No indication on what version of Nothing Compares 2 U it is either.

Here's a link for amazon with the details BTW

[Edited 10/22/16 0:25am]

Which do u want it to be? It's either the Hits version or its single edit.

Oh people have been reading into this Rolling Stone article where Susan Rogers mentions Moonbeam Levels and a Prince vocals version of Nothing Compares so that's me wishing and hoping. If it was that version i'm sure it'd be mentioned by now though.

"We need to approach this with love and care and a high moral compass," Rogers says. "Some of his fans have written to me and begged that his material not be altered in any way." Among the gems Rogers would love to see released are a version of "Nothing Compares 2 U" with Prince singing lead, and the 1982 outtake "Moonbeam Levels," which she calls "poignant and revealing, which is probably why it was both valuable and risky for him."

[Edited 10/22/16 1:31am]

SquirrelMeat said:

RodeoSchro said:

Let me ask you naysayers and Debbie Downers something:

Let's say you're in charge of Prince's estate and it owes a large estate tax bill. And it's your duty to raise the money to pay it. So for your first act, are you going to:

1. Market a greatest hits package that will appeal to the most people possible; OR
2. Market unheard songs from the vault that will appeal only to Prince's most dedicated fans?

If you choose #2, then it's a damn good thing you aren't involved in settling Prince's estate. Because if you were, the IRS would own everything about a year from now.

I'd have done neither, a greastest hits already sold millions in April/May, For retail, I'd have put the Purple Rain Deluxe out as the Xmas release.

Before that, to bag those that came back out of the woodwork in 2016, I'd have opened an online subscription Paisley Park Club, with memorial streaming, VVIP tour opportunity and the guarantee of an exlusive CD for initial early sign up.

I would have the PR Deluxe, but add a super deluxe with DVD/Blue ray. A bit of bonus material, a third CD. Possibly the Syracuse concert on DVD and box it up with a nice poster and book and charge £80-100. Maximise revenue from a small number of die-hards. maybe make it a 'limited edition' to ensure a purchasing frenzy ('Get'em while the gettin' is hot').

jaawwnn said:

databank said:

Which do u want it to be? It's either the Hits version or its single edit.

Oh people have been reading into this Rolling Stone article where Susan Rogers mentions Moonbeam Levels and a Prince vocals version of Nothing Compares so that's me wishing and hoping. If it was that version i'm sure it'd be mentioned by now though.

"We need to approach this with love and care and a high moral compass," Rogers says. "Some of his fans have written to me and begged that his material not be altered in any way." Among the gems Rogers would love to see released are a version of "Nothing Compares 2 U" with Prince singing lead, and the 1982 outtake "Moonbeam Levels," which she calls "poignant and revealing, which is probably why it was both valuable and risky for him."

[Edited 10/22/16 1:31am]

Rumor is Prince's original vocals were erased, but I could never find the source for this rumor so IDK if it's true. However, as you said urself, WB would be fools to have included this and not to brag about the package containing TWO unreleased tracks.

databank said:

jaawwnn said:

Oh people have been reading into this Rolling Stone article where Susan Rogers mentions Moonbeam Levels and a Prince vocals version of Nothing Compares so that's me wishing and hoping. If it was that version i'm sure it'd be mentioned by now though.

"We need to approach this with love and care and a high moral compass," Rogers says. "Some of his fans have written to me and begged that his material not be altered in any way." Among the gems Rogers would love to see released are a version of "Nothing Compares 2 U" with Prince singing lead, and the 1982 outtake "Moonbeam Levels," which she calls "poignant and revealing, which is probably why it was both valuable and risky for him."

[Edited 10/22/16 1:31am]

Rumor is Prince's original vocals were erased, but I could never find the source for this rumor so IDK if it's true. However, as you said urself, WB would be fools to have included this and not to brag about the package containing TWO unreleased tracks.

Alan Leeds said in an interview on Prince's Vault, that in some cases, vocals were erased from the multitracks tapes.

But, I'm sure there were at least mix-downs put onto DATs and whatnot.

This compilation is a mistake commercially and artistically.

1.4EVER will cannibalize the others greatest hits, and god knows they already have serious difficulties to sell the shipments in stores.

.

2. THE HITS/ THE B FACES sold only 126.000 copies in 9 months this year in the USA. ULTIMATE sold only 133.000 copies in the US. It will be tough to sell 4EVER in these conditions.

.

3. Only one unreleased song.

.

4. MOONBEAM LEVELS will NOT be promoted on the radio, or with a video clip. WBR has no interest on releasing that song, so what's the point?

.

5. If it was to release only one unreleased song, why did they wait 7 months to releas that shit?

.

6. If Prince really gave them unreleased material (and I highly doubt it), why in hell did they not released PURPLE RAIN DELUXE in june of that year ?or even in november ?

.

7. 4EVER was supposed to have post warner material on it, there were rumors about it months ago. They even announce TMBGITW . They tried to release it but they failed to make an agreement with NPG, because they didn't want to pay for it.

.

8. WBR forgot they have the rights to issue AOA and PLECTRUM ELECTRUM songs on a greatest hits package. Proof of that is that they still can produce it.

.

9. 4EVER is an another proof that COME is not printed anymore by WBR.

.

10. BATDANCE is a real surprise. The only hope is that they chose an edit version of the song.

.

11. They have the rights to reissue B FACES, long versions that doesn't exist on CD, not even on THE HITS cd 3, not even on ULTIMATE. This would have been commercially more efficient.

12. MOONBEAM LEVELS will be on PURPLE RAIN DELUXE

andymacfunky said:

SquirrelMeat said:

I'd have done neither, a greastest hits already sold millions in April/May, For retail, I'd have put the Purple Rain Deluxe out as the Xmas release.

Before that, to bag those that came back out of the woodwork in 2016, I'd have opened an online subscription Paisley Park Club, with memorial streaming, VVIP tour opportunity and the guarantee of an exlusive CD for initial early sign up.

I would have the PR Deluxe, but add a super deluxe with DVD/Blue ray. A bit of bonus material, a third CD. Possibly the Syracuse concert on DVD and box it up with a nice poster and book and charge £80-100. Maximise revenue from a small number of die-hards. maybe make it a 'limited edition' to ensure a purchasing frenzy ('Get'em while the gettin' is hot').

you are dreaming they are milking these releases and are giving you as little as possible. even purple rain deluxe. 1 extra disc is bare minimum you would expected to get people interested .you see all other peoples deluxe sets with loads of discs. we get 1 extra track on 1 release and 1 extra disc on next.

If found that hits compilation at bol.com.

They ask €19.99 for the discs. Why not make it €31.21?

Most of the bootlegs I buy are cheaper and they offer more surprising stuff in nice quality.

RODSERLING said:

This compilation is a mistake commercially and artistically.

1.4EVER will cannibalize the others greatest hits, and god knows they already have serious difficulties to sell the shipments in stores.

.

2. THE HITS/ THE B FACES sold only 126.000 copies in 9 months this year in the USA. ULTIMATE sold only 133.000 copies in the US. It will be tough to sell 4EVER in these conditions.

.

3. Only one unreleased song.

.

4. MOONBEAM LEVELS will NOT be promoted on the radio, or with a video clip. WBR has no interest on releasing that song, so what's the point?

.

5. If it was to release only one unreleased song, why did they wait 7 months to releas that shit?

.

6. If Prince really gave them unreleased material (and I highly doubt it), why in hell did they not released PURPLE RAIN DELUXE in june of that year ?or even in november ?

.

7. 4EVER was supposed to have post warner material on it, there were rumors about it months ago. They even announce TMBGITW . They tried to release it but they failed to make an agreement with NPG, because they didn't want to pay for it.

.

8. WBR forgot they have the rights to issue AOA and PLECTRUM ELECTRUM songs on a greatest hits package. Proof of that is that they still can produce it.

.

9. 4EVER is an another proof that COME is not printed anymore by WBR.

.

10. BATDANCE is a real surprise. The only hope is that they chose an edit version of the song.

.

11. They have the rights to reissue B FACES, long versions that doesn't exist on CD, not even on THE HITS cd 3, not even on ULTIMATE. This would have been commercially more efficient.

12. MOONBEAM LEVELS will be on PURPLE RAIN DELUXE

.

What in the world is a b face?!

.

"4EVER will cannibalize the others greatest hits, and god knows they already have serious difficulties to sell the shipments in stores. THE HITS/ THE B FACES ( ) sold only 126.000 copies in 9 months this year in the USA. ULTIMATE sold only 133.000 copies in the US. It will be tough to sell 4EVER in these conditions."

Er... you do realize that those compilations were released 23 and 10 years ago respectively, do you? Those figures are in fact pretty impressive all things considered.

.

What sort of proof do u need as to whether Come is still in print or not, either it is or it's not, it's pretty easy to verify and it has nothing to do with its singles being included on a compilation.

.

Why in the world would Moonbeam Levels be on PR deluxe when it's a 1999 outtake, and when it'll already have been released on 4ever?

.

The rest of your post is a bit obscure to me: it's a mix of unsupported speculation (u do not know a thing for fact about the business matters behind this project), confusing demands (why would you care whether Batdance is an edit or not?), and out of place rant (what do you care what's on this package when you are not the target audience, or whether WB saturates the market with it or not when you are not gonna get royalties from it anyway?). And to be honest the tone of your post, overall, is pretty vulgar.

Your posts are usually articulate and relevant IIRC but here, no offence but I'm really disappointed

[Edited 10/22/16 4:18am]

As some might have stated this is a Warner's release. As far as I can see this release make people believe that Prince only made music until 1992. Why not a song of every album including a few unreleased ones. True, it must be a thing to collect money, but will this set help them. I think the other available sets have been sold since his passing, so why anotherone? The inclusion of Moonbeam Levels excites me and makes me affraid. In a way I hope Bart's comments about WBR and the owning of outtakes during Prince's contract are not true!

Well, it's not going to be the same anyway! Prince never did things that pleased all of us, so the ones running things now sure will not either.

Rolling Stone article seems to think 'Nothing Compares 2 U' WILL be Prince's solo studio version!

http://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/unreleased-prince-songs-set-for-greatest-hits-purple-rain-w446053

bluegangsta said:

databank said:

Rumor is Prince's original vocals were erased, but I could never find the source for this rumor so IDK if it's true. However, as you said urself, WB would be fools to have included this and not to brag about the package containing TWO unreleased tracks.

Alan Leeds said in an interview on Prince's Vault, that in some cases, vocals were erased from the multitracks tapes.

But, I'm sure there were at least mix-downs put onto DATs and whatnot.

Thx for clarifying So he didn't say NC2U specifically, did he?

Dangelus said:

Rolling Stone article seems to think 'Nothing Compares 2 U' WILL be Prince's solo studio version!

.

If they are right that means 2 `new` songs.

Actually 1.5 or less since NC2U was released a while ago and we know ML...

Dangelus said:

Rolling Stone article seems to think 'Nothing Compares 2 U' WILL be Prince's solo studio version!

http://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/unreleased-prince-songs-set-for-greatest-hits-purple-rain-w446053

It doesn't say "studio", only "solo", which could pretty much mean everything, including that the journalist overlooked the existence of the live cut from The Hits, and believes this is something new. I wouldn't read too much into this.

databank said:

Dangelus said:

Rolling Stone article seems to think 'Nothing Compares 2 U' WILL be Prince's solo studio version!

http://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/unreleased-prince-songs-set-for-greatest-hits-purple-rain-w446053

It doesn't say "studio", only "solo", which could pretty much mean everything, including that the journalist overlooked the existence of the live cut from The Hits, and believes this is something new. I wouldn't read too much into this.

Yes you are right, perhaps I'm reading what I want to see...

To be fair I'd be happy with a live Prince version of the song. There are some nice live renditions out there.

jaawwnn said:

BoraBora said:

By the way, I can't figure out how the tracklist above (considering "Album Version" when there's not specification) would fit on 2 CDs.

hmm yeah, CD1 might be able to fit at a stretch but I suspect there's few more edits in there than already mentioned. At a guess i'd say any single edits on The Hits / The B-sides will be used here as well.

[Edited 10/22/16 0:43am]

I would really like to see all the single edits, especially the ones never available before on cd/digital. (Not that they are better)