rpk@mit-eddie.UUCP (Robert Krajewski) (04/25/85)
Being a fan of Prince, I went out and bought the album the day it was released (Monday). ``Around the World In A Day'' is Prince's try at a more Sgt. Pepper/psychedelic sound (there are hints at it as early as ``1999''), with mixed results. A lot of the dichotomies in his public image are played off against each other. Most of the better songs still have a funk base. They all have pretty melodies, too. Prince tries some strange vocal parts -- it works on ``Tambourine,'' but not on the harmonies for ``Condition of the Heart,'' his attempt at an old-fashioned art song. On the other hand, I'd like to see Michael Jackson or Sting even think of trying it... Cello arrangements and acoustic guitars abound. The title cut leads off the album with a gentle, Middle Eastern feel. There's light pop (Raspberry Beret, Pop Life), heavy philosophising (The Ladder), and burlesque meets God (Temptation). People will have a lot of fun trying to figure out what he's trying to say, especially on a cut like ``America.'' The album hasn't blown me away like all his earlier stuff (and I am a big fan of 60s music as well). However, it's got its good points, and will probably get better with more listening. It would be interesting if album broke open the psychedelic revival currently happening at the local level all over the country.... Fun facts: Prince's father co-wrote two songs. Susannah Hoffs from the Bangles appears on two songs. The label says ``Paisley Park,'' which I suppose will be the new label for him and the rest of the Minnesota Mafia. Prince does not want any singles released from the album. -- ``Bob'' (Robert P. Krajewski) ARPA: RpK@MC MIT Local: RpK@OZ UUCP: genradbo!miteddie!rpk