Neil Young's 70s vs Prince's 80s

[masterofsparks]

I like Prince, but this one isn't even close - it's Neil by a fucking mile.

[Andy]

Neil never stole my car.

[Pat K]

Years back I frequented the ILM (I Love Music) boards. 

Ha. I saw this thread title, and right away thought "Hey, what is this, ILM?"

On topic, I'm torn. My heart wants to say Neil knocks this one out of the park, but my head agrees with Grimlock - they're each amazing in their own amazing way, but they don't speak the same language.

Then again, Prince gets points off for that filth parade of a halftime show with that dick-guitar.





(Then again, Neil gets points off for performing in The Last Waltz with that huge bit of cocaine hanging in his nose that they had to rotoscope out in post. Damn, this IS a draw...)

[Andy]

you seriously like Neil Young but don't like the Band at least a little?  This seems to be a popular opinion on the board, but I've always wondered about this.

[yesno]

I kind of like the Band.  At least, I don't hate them. 

I used to think that I hated a bunch of classic rock bands that it turns out aren't bad.

[Andy]

I kind of like the Band.  At least, I don't hate them. 

I used to think that I hated a bunch of classic rock bands that it turns out aren't bad.

me too.  I think it's because we saw older incarnations and didn't give it a chance.  Two really obvious examples of me doing this: The Rolling Stones and Iggy Pop.

[Emerson]

Prince's music had more of a personal effect on me. I'd also say his '80s output was more "important" - he was a narcissistic, self-reliant leader, and Neil was always more of a collaborator and a weatherman - but, like all music nerd debates, it has to hinge on subjective criteria.

I'm also old enough for my parents to have loathed Prince, but young enough to have known Neil only as the embarassing dinosaur who convinced St. Kurt to blow his skull open.

Does Prince have a good all-encompassing book about him like Neil does with Shakey? That would be a pretty interesting read.

Prince is shy about interviews, which is explained in this book-length hit piece, by a guy who represented one of the many people he's sued:

http://www.amazon.com/Possessed-Rise-Prince-Alex-Hahn/dp/0823077497/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1212029528&sr=8-1

It's slanted to make Prince look like a selfish FWD, but it's still informative and riveting, particularly when it describes the psychedelic freakout that spawned LoveSexy. I'd certainly rather hang out with Neil.

[Pat K]

you seriously like Neil Young but don't like the Band at least a little?  This seems to be a popular opinion on the board, but I've always wondered about this.

I've got a lot fewer problems with The Band than Tom does, I'll say that. I was more just referring to the bad form of performing in a huge concert/film with drugs hanging off your face.

[Stan]

 I dare anyone to come up with a Prince story involving trespassing as good as this.

[bruce]

I dare anyone to come up with a Prince story involving trespassing as good as this.

Ha I knew exactly what link Stan posted.

[Laurie]

Prince, and it's not even close.

[Laurie]

I like Neil, but this one isn't even close - it's Prince by a fucking mile.

Fixed!

[Spoony]

Prince's music had more of a personal effect on me. I'd also say his '80s output was more "important" - he was a narcissistic, self-reliant leader, and Neil was always more of a collaborator and a weatherman - but, like all music nerd debates, it has to hinge on subjective criteria.

I'm with you. I was alive during Prince's zenith, so if course I'm going to side with The Purple One.

But again, this is pretty evenly matched and it's like comparing fingerprints and trying to say which one is cooler.

C

[masterofsparks]

I was alive during both of their zeniths (well, for part of Neil's). Although, in the interest of full disclosure, I never really got the whole "Prince is a genius" thing. Yeah, I think he's talented and has some amazing singles, but nothing on the level that the press seems to think. To my way of thinking, he's made a bunch of great singles but only one end-to-end great album. Neil Young, on the other hand, has made probably 10 albums that I would consider great.

On the other hand, Neil has CSN&Y to answer for.

[yesno]

mos

What do you think the overall good prince album is? I really like Parade.