This box set contain three albums, two by Prince himself and another by his female associate titled Elixer. The first of the three (Elixer) is a poor outing, a series of ballads with little or no soul performed to a reasonable backing track. It would have made a chilled and fine instrumental album. The second album, Lotusflow3r, is a fantastic album. Besides a little slip up with the track '4ever' there is not a bad track to be heard. From the very intro you know that you are in for a true purple treat, each track starts well and really gets its groove on rapidly. This album is best played at loud volume to appreciate the marvellous guitar and beat work. Probably the best Prince album in a good few years. The third album is a bit hit and miss. It starts well and ends well but the tracks in the middle are a little weak. A return to old school music but sometimes missing the fun and passion of his early songs. This album had a lot to live up to after hearing Lotusflow3r, but it misses the satisfaction factor. Overall, a good collection with the shining light of Lotusflow3r.Read full review
I'm hesitant to review it because I never got into him before this. Playful, sensual, devinely sublime. Hot jazz-rock fusion, artfully crafted: tasty! Lotusflow3r makes we wish I had paid more attention. Well, I will now. Thank you, Prince. (This is for Lotusflow3r only. The second cd is where he lost me; Elixer did not mix well with me, either.) So if you are considering buying this 3-cd digipak, make sure that you take into consideration the fact that you may not want to pay top dollar for this offering. Yes, it is just my opinion, but I have seen/read this same sentiment elsewhere. But, I am not sorry for this purchase. This was a great addition to my now growing Prince collection. Just wish I had paid more attention to what music he was making...and I really wish that radio stations in the U.S. would play more variety. Sigh...Read full review
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
Prince is well past his best but still capable of delivering the odd cracker. And there are a few on this record. But true to form these days, Prince has released a diluted three CD set when he could have put out one absolute stonker. The Lotusflow3r is the main attraction here. Everything fits together into a seamless guitar-oriented set with some old NPG band members (Michael B and Sonny T) returning to provide some crunching rock-based rhythms. Mplsound is less focused. This provides a selection of standalone tracks with some funky ideas but nothing particularly new. You can take the good ones off this record and stick them on the same CD as the Lotusflow3r and you'll have a pretty typical, good and varied Prince record.
As a long term fan, It was with mixed emotions that I read about this new "budget" 3 CD set from Prince. Once again, he'd defied convention and was releasing it through an American Chain store(?) I opened an account on their website and get excited as I pre-ordered the CD, then was frustrated that they didn't ship to the UK. Why not? we are the world now, and in a recession , my ( converted) $ was still income.. Still ,their loss was E-bay's gain. This CD set is worth buying just for the Lotusflow3r disc alone- It's Prince at his guitar playing best. He covers a wide spectrum of styles an tones, channelling Hendrix on some tracks, Spanish tones on another, rediscovers the power of a good tune, then does al of the aforementioned in a single track. Play "Dreamers", my favourite today.. OR "Crimson and Clover" ,another cover ,but stamped with the Prince genius DNA straight through the middle (8) "4ever" grows and niggles into your subconscious, as does the hook encapsulated in the up-beat "feel good, feel better, feel wonderful" AS for "MPLSound", the so called "retro" CD, It's that alter ego, Camille reappearing after an enforced absence, Camille's back, older ,wiser and even funkier than before.High light is the retrospect "Ol' Skool Company", with compulsory spelling issues. This tune thumps along, hypnotising the most unclubber of us into thinking, yes sir, I can Boogie...and I'm going to, whether you like it or not! The 3rd CD is his latest trick, i mean "protege" , Bria Valentine. I must confess to this CD being the Quality street variety that is still in the tin come New Year's Eve. It's very nice on it's own, but when mixed with it's other peers, is the one at the back of the queue, slightly embarrassed to be in such illustrious company and lacking the self confidence to demand equal status. "Nice" is an over used term ,but this is that. a Magnolia wall in the house of purple... Don't let my underenthusing for this CD stop you from getting the set ,the other 2 CD's are worth their weight in gold, with a hint of purple of course!Read full review
I absolutely love this 3 CD set. Bria Valiente is amazing on the firat CD. It is a nice "chill out wit yo Boo" sound. The other 2 CD's are rocking out Minneapolis Prince style. Great addition to your Prince CD collection filled with repeat songs. Get it! You will be pleased.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: New
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