Scan barcode
nickscoby's review against another edition
4.0
admittedly, I am one of those annoying Prince fans who was onboard prior to 1984 and, accordingly, I tend to look down on those who jumped on the Purple Rain bandwagon. I was bummed that so many people knew about Prince, that he was on the cover of People magazine, that everything was colored purple and that my seats to the show were now in the back of the stadium instead of down on the floor. This fastidiously detailed chronology affirms many of the feelings that I have about this era, namely that this version of Prince was a bit watered down and too radio friendly. Or as Duane puts it, "what had started as a revolution was now routine."
But I did learn some new things from this book:
1. Prince was kind of an asshole but people put up with his crap because he also was kind of a genius whose work ethic was unmatched.
2. The Time fell apart earlier than I thought, i.e., during the 1999 Triple Threat tour. Morris' ego was bruised and Jesse Johnson was holding things together. Also, Morris acted like a dick toward the new band members. (To be fair, Prince was acting like a dick toward Morris. Seriously, these people needed Jesus)
3. Vanity/Denise Matthews was more assertive than I ever thought. Apparently, she bounced and didn't look back twice.
4. On the other hand, Jill Jones is the tragic heroine in this tale. Faithful, dedicated, always available. Poor thing kept getting shoved aside for more inferior singers (Sheena Easton??) but was right there contributing her hand claps, finger snaps and background--sometimes lead--vocals on projects spanning from 1999 to Around The World and a Day. I want to give her a hug.
Overall, a great read for casual or long-time fan alike. Because of the chronology format, the narrative does get repetitive at times, but I salute the author for his effort.
But I did learn some new things from this book:
1. Prince was kind of an asshole but people put up with his crap because he also was kind of a genius whose work ethic was unmatched.
2. The Time fell apart earlier than I thought, i.e., during the 1999 Triple Threat tour. Morris' ego was bruised and Jesse Johnson was holding things together. Also, Morris acted like a dick toward the new band members. (To be fair, Prince was acting like a dick toward Morris. Seriously, these people needed Jesus)
3. Vanity/Denise Matthews was more assertive than I ever thought. Apparently, she bounced and didn't look back twice.
4. On the other hand, Jill Jones is the tragic heroine in this tale. Faithful, dedicated, always available. Poor thing kept getting shoved aside for more inferior singers (Sheena Easton??) but was right there contributing her hand claps, finger snaps and background--sometimes lead--vocals on projects spanning from 1999 to Around The World and a Day. I want to give her a hug.
Overall, a great read for casual or long-time fan alike. Because of the chronology format, the narrative does get repetitive at times, but I salute the author for his effort.
whether's review against another edition
informative
inspiring
medium-paced
5.0
The journalistic sleuthing necessary to assemble a volume like this is staggering. Aside from conducting his own personal interviews with essential characters from the period, Tudahl examined studio logs, work orders, and over 2000 podcasts, articles, and other interviews to nail down dates and content for each studio session. That raw data is woven with personal recollections from the relevant personnel to form a collage that contained insights and revelations I haven't found in any of the other dozen-or-so books about Prince I've read. This is one of a kind.
I listened to this as an audiobook, but even though Ron Butler narrates it perfectly, I think the print version would be superior for two reasons:
1. There are points at which the lists of venues / studios are not intertwined with story, and, if reading, I would have just skipped to the next section. Instead, I had to spend a couple minutes listening to dry information that didn't interest me.
2. The audiobook seems to be based on the hardcover edition, but the paperback edition is apparently much expanded and improved, to the point that it's almost a different book (according to reviews I've read). For that reason, I'll probably buy that version.
I listened to this as an audiobook, but even though Ron Butler narrates it perfectly, I think the print version would be superior for two reasons:
1. There are points at which the lists of venues / studios are not intertwined with story, and, if reading, I would have just skipped to the next section. Instead, I had to spend a couple minutes listening to dry information that didn't interest me.
2. The audiobook seems to be based on the hardcover edition, but the paperback edition is apparently much expanded and improved, to the point that it's almost a different book (according to reviews I've read). For that reason, I'll probably buy that version.
marknyy's review against another edition
5.0
This is the perfect biography for Prince. His fans (fams) want to know how their favorite tracks and albums were created. At the height of his success, Prince wasn't jet setting around the world and partying with the beautiful people. He was hard at work in the studio every day, working on the next great song or new direction. Unless, of course, he was filming his movie or rehearsing for a grueling tour. The man never stopped working to achieve his goals. How can one not be inspired? The only disappointing part of this book is having to wait for the sequel to read about the next phase of his incredible journey.
More...