Back in '04, "School's in session!" First time on vinyl. After a hiatus of sorts throughout the mid-to-late '90's and early '00's, Prince released his 28th studio album Musicology in 2004. After dealing with the quagmire of licensing issues Prince had with previous labels, Musicology was his first major label release in five years ('99's The Vault ... Old Friends 4 Sale was the previous for those unfamiliar). The album presents a refreshing sense of song-craft to Prince's signature writing / composing / production style. Prince fans know the tell-tale sounds: funk/rock beats, sly metaphors, dinky keyboard hooks paired with awe-inspiring guitar solos, and a whole array of voices and harmonies are all present throughout Musicology. What separates this album from his earlier outings is how controlled the album sounds and how Prince balances the quantity with quality, reminding me of the Miles Davis quote, "It's not the notes you play, it's the notes you don't play." Pleasant shocks rest just under the surface of the tracks, and the more you return for repeat listens the more this album opens up. It's an easygoing and inclusive outing, the sort of album anyone (even the non-Prince fans) will dig. Tracks to check out are the James Brown rip of a lead track "Musicology," the smoother-than-smooth "What Do U Want Me 2 Do?," the bluesy lament of "On the Couch," the straight rock track "Cinnamon Girl" (with a name borrowed from Neil Young), and the certified slab of loverman soul "Call My Name." 12 tracks in all pressed on limited edition purple vinyl housed in a gatefold sleeve. Comes with printed inner sleeves and download code. Released by Sony Legacy. Recommended.

• first time vinyl release
• 2 LP on limited edition purple vinyl
• includes printed inner sleeves
• download code included
• music label: Sony Legacy 2019

reviewed by Ralphy Corduroy 2/2019