A thread on Prince's most influential album 1999.
INTRO 1 #1999
1999 is about space & time travel, metaphoric transportation, the colour purple & hippies.
INTRO 1 #1999
1999 is about space & time travel, metaphoric transportation, the colour purple & hippies.
INTRO 2 #1999
The album cover sets the scene as what appears to be a Purple Galaxy & Prince time travelling to 1999.
The album cover sets the scene as what appears to be a Purple Galaxy & Prince time travelling to 1999.
INTRO 3 #1999
An album that is Pop, Rock, Gospel, Funk, Electronic, New Wave & Rockabilly. Only thing that comes near the sound of this album in 82 is Clinton’s “Computer Games” which is pretty much rooted in just Electronic Funk & lacks the diversity that this album has.
An album that is Pop, Rock, Gospel, Funk, Electronic, New Wave & Rockabilly. Only thing that comes near the sound of this album in 82 is Clinton’s “Computer Games” which is pretty much rooted in just Electronic Funk & lacks the diversity that this album has.
INTRO 4 #1999
1999 sets out to conquer worlds. Its vision is expansive. There are reoccurring themes that embrace this world, envisage a future world and journey to a distant world.
Humans, aliens, robots, digital sex, replicants, purple planes, trains & automobiles & hippies!
1999 sets out to conquer worlds. Its vision is expansive. There are reoccurring themes that embrace this world, envisage a future world and journey to a distant world.
Humans, aliens, robots, digital sex, replicants, purple planes, trains & automobiles & hippies!
INTRO 5 #1999
Females become a metaphor for modes of transport & modes of transport become a metaphor for sexual acts and sexual acts become a metaphor for transcendence. Sexual transcendence into the future & other worlds.
Females become a metaphor for modes of transport & modes of transport become a metaphor for sexual acts and sexual acts become a metaphor for transcendence. Sexual transcendence into the future & other worlds.
PURPLE 1 #1999
This is the album where “Purple” comes to the fore. From its Purple galactic cover through 2 references to it throughout in the songs.
This is the album where “Purple” comes to the fore. From its Purple galactic cover through 2 references to it throughout in the songs.
PURPLE 2 #1999
1999-The Sky was all purple
DMSR-You can all take a bite of my Purple Rock
Automatic-Baby, you're the purple star in the night supreme
All the critics-Purple love-amour is all you're headed for, but don't show it
All the critics-We need a purple high
1999-The Sky was all purple
DMSR-You can all take a bite of my Purple Rock
Automatic-Baby, you're the purple star in the night supreme
All the critics-Purple love-amour is all you're headed for, but don't show it
All the critics-We need a purple high
HIPPIES 1 #1999
He has a dig at Hippies twice on this record as a clap back to the Rolling Stones gig a year earlier in 81’. The experience of that gig haunted him to such an extent that he pours out his emotion about it on this album.
He has a dig at Hippies twice on this record as a clap back to the Rolling Stones gig a year earlier in 81’. The experience of that gig haunted him to such an extent that he pours out his emotion about it on this album.
HIPPIES 2 #1999
LPWM - Ooh-we-sha-sha-coo-coo-yeah
All the hippies sing together
All the critics- Look out all U hippies, U ain't as sharp as me. It ain't about the trippin', but the sexuality - turn it up
All the critics - Take a bath, hippies!
LPWM - Ooh-we-sha-sha-coo-coo-yeah
All the hippies sing together
All the critics- Look out all U hippies, U ain't as sharp as me. It ain't about the trippin', but the sexuality - turn it up
All the critics - Take a bath, hippies!
JOURNEY 1 #1999
This is also an album about journeying in different modes of transportation often times metaphorically. Every track on the album reflects this.
This is also an album about journeying in different modes of transportation often times metaphorically. Every track on the album reflects this.
JOURNEY 2 #1999
1999 is about the apocalypse & time travel into a dystopian future
LRC is about one night stands where the corvette is a metaphor for a woman.
1999 is about the apocalypse & time travel into a dystopian future
LRC is about one night stands where the corvette is a metaphor for a woman.
JOURNEY 3 #1999
In Delirious his body becomes the vehicle for his lust & desire.
LPWM sounds like a runaway train as he revels in sexual abandonment cause his girl just walked out the door.
In Delirious his body becomes the vehicle for his lust & desire.
LPWM sounds like a runaway train as he revels in sexual abandonment cause his girl just walked out the door.
JOURNEY 4 #1999
DMSR is about engaging people from the world over to join in a transnational party.
In Automatic he is preparing to take- off to journey distant worlds.
SITW has him on some alien planet searching for digital emotion.
DMSR is about engaging people from the world over to join in a transnational party.
In Automatic he is preparing to take- off to journey distant worlds.
SITW has him on some alien planet searching for digital emotion.
JOURNEY 5 #1999
Free is where he travels back in time 2 appreciate the present
L Cab D is about trying 2 reaching a destination 2 nowhere set in a rain soaked bladerunneresque NYC - evoked by the inside cover image of Prince lying on his bed in a space age pod.
Free is where he travels back in time 2 appreciate the present
L Cab D is about trying 2 reaching a destination 2 nowhere set in a rain soaked bladerunneresque NYC - evoked by the inside cover image of Prince lying on his bed in a space age pod.
JOURNEY 6 #1999
All the Critics is about reaching a utopia where you can do anything & it will be appreciated.
International Lover describes a lustful journey on board Seduction 747 where satisfaction is guaranteed.
All the Critics is about reaching a utopia where you can do anything & it will be appreciated.
International Lover describes a lustful journey on board Seduction 747 where satisfaction is guaranteed.
THE SONGS-#1999
Track #1: "1999" (1)
The intro sounds like an alien invasion is trying to connect with the human race. Those massive purple synth riffs kick in & infect one with synaesthesia, now I can see that Purple sky.
The intro sounds like an alien invasion is trying to connect with the human race. Those massive purple synth riffs kick in & infect one with synaesthesia, now I can see that Purple sky.
Track #1: "1999" (2)
Apocalyptic in sound, in word & in vibe. That’s why little girl, everybody who owns this track has a bomb.
Apocalyptic in sound, in word & in vibe. That’s why little girl, everybody who owns this track has a bomb.
Track #1: "1999" (3)
@anildash has cleverly observed that this is the song that led directly to the creation of a worldwide monster - MJ’s Thriller. It is arguable no 1999, no massive opening synths in Thriller.
@anildash has cleverly observed that this is the song that led directly to the creation of a worldwide monster - MJ’s Thriller. It is arguable no 1999, no massive opening synths in Thriller.
Track #1: "1999" (4)
His most famous party song and we’re still trying to catch up to its dystopian future.
His most famous party song and we’re still trying to catch up to its dystopian future.
Track #2: "LITTLE RED CORVETTE" (1)
Opening melancholic synth lines just hit you in the 💜 Syracuse 85’ contains an additional beautiful motif running over the synth lines accompanied by footage of Wendy handing out flowers 2 a spellbound audience. It’s mesmeric & transcendental
Opening melancholic synth lines just hit you in the 💜 Syracuse 85’ contains an additional beautiful motif running over the synth lines accompanied by footage of Wendy handing out flowers 2 a spellbound audience. It’s mesmeric & transcendental
Track #2: "LITTLE RED CORVETTE" (2)
Then that beautiful fragile vocal kicks in & he never sounded as vulnerable and unsure as he did in this.
Horses, Cars, Jockeys, Rides, Bodies, Speed, a broken heart & a plea to SLOW DOWN.
Then that beautiful fragile vocal kicks in & he never sounded as vulnerable and unsure as he did in this.
Horses, Cars, Jockeys, Rides, Bodies, Speed, a broken heart & a plea to SLOW DOWN.
Track #2: "LITTLE RED CORVETTE" (3)
The ultimate Saturday Night song that you pour your heart out to on a Friday night.
The ultimate Saturday Night song that you pour your heart out to on a Friday night.
Track #3: "DELIRIOUS" (1)
Conjures up imagery of a forgotten age - the 50’s but still managing to sound so contemporary with hints of Rockabilly & New Wave. A throwback in time but strangely timeless. A squeaky synth line that is simultaneously comedic & alien.
Conjures up imagery of a forgotten age - the 50’s but still managing to sound so contemporary with hints of Rockabilly & New Wave. A throwback in time but strangely timeless. A squeaky synth line that is simultaneously comedic & alien.
Track #3: "DELIRIOUS" (2)
That closest thing I have heard to that squeaky synth line from around the same time is “Libertango” by Grace Jones which was released a year b4 Delirious and which is used in a more melancholic effect on that much more beautiful & superior track.
That closest thing I have heard to that squeaky synth line from around the same time is “Libertango” by Grace Jones which was released a year b4 Delirious and which is used in a more melancholic effect on that much more beautiful & superior track.
Track #3: "DELIRIOUS" (3)
And that baby cooing at the end is pure genius.
And that baby cooing at the end is pure genius.
Track #4: "LPWM" (1)
Excuse me but a broken heart leads to promiscuity, don’t you want 2 b my fantasy. In this song he don’t care at all, so what, c’mon baby let’s b-b-ball.
Excuse me but a broken heart leads to promiscuity, don’t you want 2 b my fantasy. In this song he don’t care at all, so what, c’mon baby let’s b-b-ball.
Track #4: "LPWM" (2)
If you had the vinyl, Side 1 is the more commercial part of this record. You flip over to side 2 and you hit the underground, a whole new Purple Galaxy unveils itself.
If you had the vinyl, Side 1 is the more commercial part of this record. You flip over to side 2 and you hit the underground, a whole new Purple Galaxy unveils itself.
Track #4: "LPWM" (3)
This is the track that defined 1999 for me for so many, many years. This is 1982 people! 82’ and he drops an almost 8 minute electronic opus, so club oriented & so underground on an album so diverse & one that reached the masses.
This is the track that defined 1999 for me for so many, many years. This is 1982 people! 82’ and he drops an almost 8 minute electronic opus, so club oriented & so underground on an album so diverse & one that reached the masses.
Track #4: "LPWM" (4)
From the innovation in sound that inspired the Detroit Proto-Techno massive to the lyrical content that sincerely fucks the taste out of your mouth.
This song is a tour de force that redefines & emboldens the word EPIC.
From the innovation in sound that inspired the Detroit Proto-Techno massive to the lyrical content that sincerely fucks the taste out of your mouth.
This song is a tour de force that redefines & emboldens the word EPIC.
Track #5: "DMSR" (1)
Kraftwerk meets George Clinton meets Prince.
Electronic Funk is refined & redefined on this track. His longest funk jam up to this point & it doesn’t disappoint.
Kraftwerk meets George Clinton meets Prince.
Electronic Funk is refined & redefined on this track. His longest funk jam up to this point & it doesn’t disappoint.
Track #5: "DMSR" (2)
An “anthem” about unity, rebellion, freedom, losing your inhibitions & stripping away your feelings of being self conscious.
This is not for the faint hearted as the lady pleading to the police for help testifies towards the end.
An “anthem” about unity, rebellion, freedom, losing your inhibitions & stripping away your feelings of being self conscious.
This is not for the faint hearted as the lady pleading to the police for help testifies towards the end.
Track #6: "AUTOMATIC" (1)
Welcome aboard the Space Shuttle of Love. The recurrent themes throughout this album of space & travel & love & lust continue on this track as Prince goes into hyper space.
Welcome aboard the Space Shuttle of Love. The recurrent themes throughout this album of space & travel & love & lust continue on this track as Prince goes into hyper space.
Track #6: "AUTOMATIC" (2)
You can just envisage an animated space age Prince fuelling his rocket ship and boarding it with a bevy of animated space age Purple babes in tow ready to explore the Purple Galaxy.
You can just envisage an animated space age Prince fuelling his rocket ship and boarding it with a bevy of animated space age Purple babes in tow ready to explore the Purple Galaxy.
Track #6: "AUTOMATIC" (3)
Along the way they make a fuel stop cause Prince has emptied out his pocket & ran out of juice. Time to refuel to enable that organ to pump again.
Along the way they make a fuel stop cause Prince has emptied out his pocket & ran out of juice. Time to refuel to enable that organ to pump again.
Track #6: "AUTOMATIC" (4)
Another anthemic track that is a behemoth both in sound & in scope.
Another anthemic track that is a behemoth both in sound & in scope.
Track #7: "SITW" (1)
The title of the track per se conjures up futuristic cinematic themes of a dystopian technological apocalypse in 82’; it is an alien life force coming to bloom.
The title of the track per se conjures up futuristic cinematic themes of a dystopian technological apocalypse in 82’; it is an alien life force coming to bloom.
Track #7: "SITW" (2)
It’s the lost bastard replicant love song that should have appeared in Blade Runner.
It’s the lost bastard replicant love song that should have appeared in Blade Runner.
Track #7: "SITW" (3)
Coldness, isolation, pain, longing, melancholy, rejection, manipulation, hurt & love are some of the contrasting moods that enter one’s dream.
Coldness, isolation, pain, longing, melancholy, rejection, manipulation, hurt & love are some of the contrasting moods that enter one’s dream.
Track #7: "SITW" (4)
A track that sounds like no other, this occupies a world of its own. The closest sound resembling it at that time would have been Cybotron who were also championed by the Electrifying Mojo.
A track that sounds like no other, this occupies a world of its own. The closest sound resembling it at that time would have been Cybotron who were also championed by the Electrifying Mojo.
Track #7: "SITW" (5)
SITW is one of the first Alternative/Leftfield RnB numbers as well as being a precursor to DnB via the innovative Linn drum programming.
SITW is one of the first Alternative/Leftfield RnB numbers as well as being a precursor to DnB via the innovative Linn drum programming.
Track #8: "FREE" (1)
Free is where he travels back in time to appreciate the present.
Sound of people marching but what are they marching for? For Freedom.
Free is where he travels back in time to appreciate the present.
Sound of people marching but what are they marching for? For Freedom.
Track #8: "FREE" (2)
An acknowledgment that we have certain freedoms but that we take them for granted. We must take a step back & be appreciative of them.
Society can imprison you in so many ways but nobody can quell the spirit to be free.
An acknowledgment that we have certain freedoms but that we take them for granted. We must take a step back & be appreciative of them.
Society can imprison you in so many ways but nobody can quell the spirit to be free.
Track #8: "FREE" (3)
This is heart melting Purple Gospel & the gospel is the truth.
This is heart melting Purple Gospel & the gospel is the truth.
Track #9: "LADY CAB DRIVER" (1)
LCD is about trying 2 reaching a destination to nowhere set in a rain soaked bladerunneresque NYC.
This is a song that just creeps up on you & takes over your world.
LCD is about trying 2 reaching a destination to nowhere set in a rain soaked bladerunneresque NYC.
This is a song that just creeps up on you & takes over your world.
Track #9: "LADY CAB DRIVER" (2)
2 b seduced by a beautiful woman is every man’s dream & this is 4 the women, so beautifully complex.
2 b seduced by a beautiful woman is every man’s dream & this is 4 the women, so beautifully complex.
Track #9: "LADY CAB DRIVER" (3)
I can’t think of a track b4 this one where P has sounded so completely nonchalant. It’s one of those moods where you just don’t care or can’t feel any emotion for anything. Hence, why there is sex without any emotional attachment.
I can’t think of a track b4 this one where P has sounded so completely nonchalant. It’s one of those moods where you just don’t care or can’t feel any emotion for anything. Hence, why there is sex without any emotional attachment.
Track #9: "LADY CAB DRIVER" (4)
This mood carries you 4ward into a state of bliss but then a spate of consciousness instils you and you remember things that you wish you could change about yourself and about the world.
This mood carries you 4ward into a state of bliss but then a spate of consciousness instils you and you remember things that you wish you could change about yourself and about the world.
Track #9: "LADY CAB DRIVER" (5)
You return to that state of bliss but it seems 2 4ever remain in limbo as you search for the creator of man.
That's 4- that's 4 the- the creator of man
You return to that state of bliss but it seems 2 4ever remain in limbo as you search for the creator of man.
That's 4- that's 4 the- the creator of man
Track #10: "CRITICS" (1)
The most understated song on this album & also 1 of the best. There isn’t another track anywhere that quite sounds like this.
The most understated song on this album & also 1 of the best. There isn’t another track anywhere that quite sounds like this.
Track #10: "CRITICS" (2)
The interplay between the vocals, synths, bass & guitar and that driving drum program herald an onslaught of immense magnitude & ear worm majesty.
The interplay between the vocals, synths, bass & guitar and that driving drum program herald an onslaught of immense magnitude & ear worm majesty.
Track #10: "CRITICS" (3)
I don’t want this to quit, I gotta get another hit. This song is like a drug, once you hear it you become addicted 2 it 4 life.
I don’t want this to quit, I gotta get another hit. This song is like a drug, once you hear it you become addicted 2 it 4 life.
Track #10: "CRITICS" (4)
A deceptive song, upon 1st listen it is easy 2 overlook/ dismiss it as nothing more than a song containing sketches of raw ideas & sound. On repeated play, the picture becomes clearer as it all blends together 2 form a single melding finished symphony.
A deceptive song, upon 1st listen it is easy 2 overlook/ dismiss it as nothing more than a song containing sketches of raw ideas & sound. On repeated play, the picture becomes clearer as it all blends together 2 form a single melding finished symphony.
Track #11: "INTERNATIONAL LOVER" (1)
International Lover describes a lustful journey on board Prince International where satisfaction is guaranteed.
International Lover describes a lustful journey on board Prince International where satisfaction is guaranteed.
Track #11: "INTERNATIONAL LOVER" (2)
When I first heard this album I was disappointed with how the album ended with this track. To end such a futuristic record with a song that felt so rooted in the past, part comedy & part broadway.
When I first heard this album I was disappointed with how the album ended with this track. To end such a futuristic record with a song that felt so rooted in the past, part comedy & part broadway.
Track #11: "INTERNATIONAL LOVER" (3)
It starts of sounding like one of those late 70’s cheesy American soap opera tunes & I really didn’t like it and it put my guard up.
I thought what a waste, to end such a magnificent album with this.
It starts of sounding like one of those late 70’s cheesy American soap opera tunes & I really didn’t like it and it put my guard up.
I thought what a waste, to end such a magnificent album with this.
Track #11: "INTERNATIONAL LOVER" (4)
I didn’t get the track until years later and now it has become one of my firm favourites not just on this album, which just wouldn’t be the same without it, but overall.
I didn’t get the track until years later and now it has become one of my firm favourites not just on this album, which just wouldn’t be the same without it, but overall.
Track #11: "INTERNATIONAL LOVER" (5)
Perhaps it had something to do with being too young (13) to appreciate its beauty & having to be more mature to recognise its brilliance. I mean it wasn’t what I was after aged 13 as I was searching for new riddims/beats & sounds.
Perhaps it had something to do with being too young (13) to appreciate its beauty & having to be more mature to recognise its brilliance. I mean it wasn’t what I was after aged 13 as I was searching for new riddims/beats & sounds.
Track #11: "INTERNATIONAL LOVER" (6)
But all the things I didn’t like it about are now the same things that endear it to my heart.
But all the things I didn’t like it about are now the same things that endear it to my heart.
Track #11: "INTERNATIONAL LOVER" (7)
I climbed aboard the Seduction 747 on Prince International & I have firmly remained rooted 2 my seat ever since.
Now this song warms my heart & breaks it at the same time and it is true, satisfaction is guaranteed.
I climbed aboard the Seduction 747 on Prince International & I have firmly remained rooted 2 my seat ever since.
Now this song warms my heart & breaks it at the same time and it is true, satisfaction is guaranteed.
END 1 #1999
This album contains not just space exploration but also musical exploration as there’s so much experimentation going on this album with the Oberheim synth & Linn Drum.
This album contains not just space exploration but also musical exploration as there’s so much experimentation going on this album with the Oberheim synth & Linn Drum.
END 2 #1999
Many of the experimental tracks set the tone for the future of dance music in the 80’s from Techno, House, Alternative RnB thru 2 Electro & DnB.
Many of the experimental tracks set the tone for the future of dance music in the 80’s from Techno, House, Alternative RnB thru 2 Electro & DnB.
