Customer Reviews

Vault: Old Friends 4 Sale

5 star:		(42)
4 star:		(22)
3 star:		(15)
2 star:		(5)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

When I bought this CD, I was expecting to hear some tunes randomly slapped together from the Prince archives. I was very wrong. This CD is, artistically speaking, perhaps some of the best stuff from Prince I've heard since Sign O' The Times. Sometimes B.B. King-like blues, sometimes Miles Davis-like jazz, Prince takes a cool stroll down music history lane and does it in his unmistakable style. I put this CD on during a dinner party and even my traditionally Prince non-fan friends were impressed. The quality of what Prince has in his vaults is better than a lot of what we're hearing on the radio today. The Artist never ceases to amaze me. Give it a listen.

Ok, so we all now know of WB's intentions in releasing this album...to disturb the pending release of O+>'s "Rave" in November. But, don't believe the hype regarding "The Vault" being a "throw away" contract filler. This compilation has some seriously formitable music within its walls. One only has to look so far as the 1st 2 tracks to see where this journey will take you. "The Rest of my Life" is as much jazzy as it is slightly spiced with classic "Prince" funk. As is "It's About That Walk"...with it's "Earth, Wind, & Fire" inspired horn arrangement and it's playful "Prince" attitude. And if it's funk you looking for, the heavy-hitting "Sarah" will satisfy...with it's signature strumming funk guitar and once again, excellent horn parts, this number will keep that ass shakin'!! But, if your looking for those ballads that Prince is most known for, then there's some of that on here too!! Silky smooth, and eager to please, joints like "Extraordinary", "There is Lonely" (Arguably one of his best ever), and the title track, "Old Friends 4 Sale" are as good as they come. They move you in a way that few others can, which again shows the true power and talent Prince has; showing that his so-called "Outtakes" are as good or even better then most all others best stuff. And hell, just for good measure, there's some great blues on this disc as well. "5 Women" get's down & dirty, expressing the fact that if she ain't gonna be with him, he has to fill that time with something else...trying to get her out his head and heart. With that B.B. King style guitar, you can almost feel the pain. I'm sure a favorite with those who find themselves in a similliar situation. Which brings me to my final point...

Don't be fooled by it's linear note: "Intended 4 private use only", this album was intended to be heard (and loved) by all music lovers, not just die-hard fans of either "Prince" or "0(+>". All-in all, a very enjoyable journey through his vast "Vault"

man, I'll tell you want. Prince never ceases to amaze me. you have to love this man for his orginality and innovation. What many people try to do is trap Prince (like you can do to so many other artists) into a typecast as strictly a funk/rock/slow jam/r&b/ or whatever artist. But you can't do that, and if you try you'll inevitably end up not liking Prince, like so many people do, for no other reason than he's not what they what him to be. anyhow, this album is fire. listen to me, this album is totally blazing, I love. It's vying in my mind for the top Prince album to me. But be warned, there's no Purple rain or 1999 types songs on here, this is what I believe to be Prince in the transition stage from his Prince ablum to Controvesy. overall, it has a real bluesly,jazzy-pop kind of feel.like my title says, you've seen peeps and glances of this Prince but I bet you never knew he could do what he does on this "album".simpy freaking amazing.you just have to kinda go with Prince (real fans know what I mean) if you are an sometimes fan of Prince, when he is only rock or funk, or dance or whatever then truthfully you probably won't like this album.but this is for true fans of Prince, or even those who don't like him or are indifferent this is a new genre of Prince.smooth, jazzy, a slight blues feel with a covering of pop. lovely. buy it, and love it.

Fantastic album probably one of the best Prince albums versatile, from funk, rock, pop to jazz with hard and smooth grooves. I think this album contain a fantastic range of styles.
ABSOLUTELY AMAZING !!!!

Simply Purple greatness from his majesty Prince. I am glad that Warner Bros. chose to delight old and new Prince fans with this Jazzy collection of music. From the opening track The Rest of My Life to the ending track Extraordinary, Prince delivers a soul stirring musical deliverance. If you like jazz and blues this is the cd for you. There is nothing like the sound of a live band conducted and lead the by the Artist himself. Tracks like When the Lights Go Down and There is Lonely will set the mood for a romantic evening. The rest of the songs are just wonderful. Special applause to She Spoke to Me and 5 Women. It is worth the purchase and will definately become an all time classic.

I have been a long time fan of Prince, and own all of his albums. Whenever he moves into new territory, it takes me a bit to get used to the music. Such is the case with this album. It took a little while for me to truly appreciate this album. A lot of people still yearn for his Purple Rain era, and are missing out on some great music. Why be afraid to expand your listening styles? I believe Prince is responsible for my eclectic CD collection. His contribution to the Jazz world is welcome, since it was one of the final styles he had yet to touch on. The CD is great for listening in any mood. There is a song on here for everyone... slow, fast, upbeat, love, etc. Pop it in and find your favorite. Expand your styles, it's great!

Don't be deceived by Warner Bros. putting out the 10-track "Vault." You know there are more gems out there; this is a mere sampling! Before there was The Artist, there was a man named Prince delving into jazz, Latin-funk, and plain 'ol jammin. "The Vault" is a taste of where Prince left off before The Artist started rapping and raving about the industry that betrayed him. ANY new Prince release is good for any fan missing the true artist. This album lacks so much synth sound found on records made with NPG, and is more filled with real horns, bass, and genuine blues (similar to the Truth CD). "Rest of My Life" & "It's About That Walk" are band-based jams. "She Spoke to Me" was a song included in the Girl 6 soundtrack. "5 Women" & "Old Friends For Sale" speak lyrically to the listener... something The Artist's music of lately has been lacking. This shows some edge! 'From Nick Mischel, Denver, CO.

Possibly one of the best jazz/funk CD's released by HIS PURPLE MAJESTY. These songs are definitely not throw aways nor do I think Warner Brothers released it as a sabotage as one person said. These are very good songs which I think deserve to be available on a CD. You can't even begin to imagine how much music there must be in the VAULT. The song "She Spoke 2 Me" is available here for the first time in Long Form and has such an excellent sax solo in it it leaves you faint. The shorter version of this song wound up on the "Girl 6" soundtrack. "When The Lights Go Out" is relaxing Jazz as well. "5 Women" is the definite gem here. A true blues song that was also recorded by Joe Cocker on a Prince Tribute CD. "Sarah" is the rocker on here and "It's About That Walk" is the funk with the famous Earth Wind and Fire horn sound. Prince CD's like this are interesting because you're always itching to find out what he's gonna dig up in the Vault and release to the long awaited fans who wanna hear it.

As a long time Prince fan, I must say, I was extremely pleased at the depth of the songs on this release and how COMPLETELY different this is than anything he has put out commercially. It is full of musicianship, creativity and just genious writing that I as a Prince fan come to expect. I think my favorites, though hard to pick, are "5 Women" and "When the Lights Go Down". It is obvious who the influences are on these cuts with their BB King and Miles Davis flavor, but still 100% unique Prince.

If you're a commercial Prince fan, this may not be for you. But if you love GREAT jazzy/bluesy/pop music all in one, this is a must have for your collection.

While it is true this album could arguably be called "The Worst of Prince," understand that Prince's "worst" is still far better than many artists achieve in a lifetime.

Being a recording artist myself, I'm uncomfortable with the fact that these are cuts Prince never intended to release. I wouldn't like somebody going behind my back and putting stuff I didn't want heard out on the airwaves. Then again, I also understand that sometimes we are our own worst critics, and when you have as much talent and genius as Prince...maybe it's best to let it go and see what happens.

This isn't a bad album. Fans of Prince's older, pop-oriented stuff will surely devour this CD and come back for seconds. I liked it. If you're comparing it to most of Prince's other work, you may find it lacking. Taken on its own merit, however, it is...well, Prince!