>I think what we're hearing with this record, however, is
>validation from those who felt that Prince had good reason to
>be "afraid" of the band, the fact that the comment was made to
>build their collective "mystique" notwithstanding. Instead of
>a group of dudes meant to front Prince's occasional forays
>into comedic R&B, funk, and erstwhile "party" music... they
>seem and sound a lot less like Pretender Shells for Prince and
>more like the various musicians we've heard as producers,
>singers, and songwriters for the last 25 or so years. The kind
>of thing that finally shuts up the "they wouldn't be anything
>without Prince" knock.


But here's the rub...They wouldn't be anywhere without Prince...That's the thing I'm getting across....They are able to release this album because of the legacy that Prince built for the Time...People who pick up this album are doing so because of the first two classic Time albums, works that basically was Prince's segue into hardcore R&B/Funk...

That's why some of the new songs come off as triumphant...In spite of it all, The Time in 2011 were able to rise above all of that...To me, that shit was damn near impossible...

>A lot of us doubted (and I was worried a little about what we
>were going to hear w/regards to 2011 "concessions"). The boys
>delivered as well as I had hoped. Great songwriting, great
>production, and a great overall record.

Yep...I said the same thing...I'm happy for those guys...Can't wait to see them live when they come to NYC...

I'm just trying to put shit in perspective...lol...That said, Morris and the guys should be proud...Very strong album...