1-800-FUNK

Originally released in 1994, this album was supposed to be a hint of things to come from Prince and his new NPG label, but we're still waiting for the actual albums that feature some of the fabulous, no-nonsense funk found here. Tracks by George Clinton and Mavis Staples (who samples "Positivity" from Prince's Lovesexy album) can be found on other albums, but the phenomenal tracks by dance-funk act MPLS (cosisting of Prince, Margie Cox, Levi Seacer Jr. and Statik) and the manic jazz-funk of my beloved Madhouse are worth the price of admission alone. Still, "Love Sign" by Prince and Nona Gaye and Mayte's cover of Mica Paris' "If I Love U 2Nite" (written by Prince) round out a superb release. This is your second chance to experience the divine, so don't miss out!

Ten Years and Still ON HOLD??? There's no wonder why!

The enigmatic and highly prolific Prince is responsible for this collaborative effort between a myriad of others and himself, resulting in a release that is simultaneously rewarding and disappointing. Most of the ten tracks sound like "throwaways" that shouldn't have seen the light of day, let alone a recording studio. Even the great George Clinton couldn't save "Hollywood," a truly horrible ditty about "Tinsel Town."



The best cuts are the ones with the female vocalists taking the lead. "Standing at the Altar" by Margie Cox, Mavis Staples' gospel-tinged "You Will Be Moved" and Nona Gaye's reworking of "A Woman's Gotta Have It" are worth repeated visits, but the remainder of the album is mediocre.



Perhaps, "The Artist" should've concentrated on working with those three ladies only. The album would probably have generated some interest, as well as better sales.