Difference between revisions of "Album: Crystal Ball"
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|length = 49:43 / 49:48 / 49:41 | |length = 49:43 / 49:48 / 49:41 | ||
|label = [[NPG Records]] | |label = [[NPG Records]] | ||
− | |studios = [[Paisley Park Studios]], Chanhassen, MN, USA; [ | + | |studios = [[Paisley Park Studios]], Chanhassen, MN, USA; [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Record_Plant Record Plant], Los Angeles, CA, USA; [[Sunset Sound]], Hollywood, CA, USA; [http://www.larrabeestudios.com/ Larrabee Sound Studios], North Hollywood, CA, USA; Guillaume Tell, Paris, France |
<!------ ALBUM CHRONOLOGY --------> | <!------ ALBUM CHRONOLOGY --------> | ||
|previous year = 1996 | |previous year = 1996 | ||
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|next album link = [[Album: The Truth|The Truth]] | |next album link = [[Album: The Truth|The Truth]] | ||
<!-------ALBUM TEXT -------> | <!-------ALBUM TEXT -------> | ||
− | |introduction = <b>Crystal Ball</b> is [[Prince]] | + | |introduction = <b>Crystal Ball</b> is [[Prince]]’s 20th full-length studio album, the fourth to be credited to [[File: SymbolSmallerBlue.png|link=Alias: Symbol]], and the second triple album in succession (following [[Album: Emancipation|Emancipation]]). It was shipped to customers who had pre-ordered in January 1998 (14 months after the release of his previous album, [[Album: Emancipation|Emancipation]]), with a retail release following on [[Prince_Vault:Selected_anniversaries/March_3|3 March 1998]]. It was his first album to be released and distributed independently of any record label. |
− | It is the first full collection of outtakes and songs from [[Prince]] | + | It is the first full collection of outtakes and songs from [[Prince]]’s legendary "vault", and contains tracks recorded under the name [[Prince]] as well as under the then-current moniker [[File: SymbolSmallerBlue.png|link=Alias: Symbol]]. The full album was credited to [[File: SymbolSmallerBlue.png|link=Alias: Symbol]], however. The album package (titled only as '''Crystal Ball''') also included the album [[Album: The Truth|The Truth]] (the direct-order edition also included the album [[Album: Kamasutra|Kamasutra]] by [[The NPG Orchestra]]). |
− | Each of the | + | Each of the album’s three CDs contains 10 tracks and lasts almost exactly 50:00 (mirroring [[Album: Emancipation|Emancipation]]’s 12-song, 60:00 disc lengths). This means the material could have fit on only two CDs. |
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A few short samples of tracks (including [[Days Of Wild]]) were posted on the website during the summer of 1997, and the packaging was hyped as an innovative design. Customers who had placed orders several months before release showed frustration online with the delays, and [[Love4OneAnother.com]] announced that [[Album: The Truth|The Truth]] and [[Album: Kamasutra|Kamasutra]] would be included to reward customers' patience. | A few short samples of tracks (including [[Days Of Wild]]) were posted on the website during the summer of 1997, and the packaging was hyped as an innovative design. Customers who had placed orders several months before release showed frustration online with the delays, and [[Love4OneAnother.com]] announced that [[Album: The Truth|The Truth]] and [[Album: Kamasutra|Kamasutra]] would be included to reward customers' patience. | ||
− | In addition, several customers reported receiving a t-shirt with their order (exact t-shirt varied by customer), and a copy of the | + | In addition, several customers reported receiving a t-shirt with their order (exact t-shirt varied by customer), and a copy of the [[Book: Emancipation|Emancipation]] lyric book. Several customers received a follow-up in August 1998, of a cassette copy of [[Single: The War|The War]], credited to the [[New Power Generation]]. Some customers did not receive this, however, and some people who did receive it did not order [[Album: Crystal Ball|Crystal Ball]], so it is unclear how the mailing list was created. |
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The album is largely made up of tracks recorded in two periods: 1985-6 and 1993-6. The only exception is [[Cloreen Bacon Skin]], recorded in March 1983. | The album is largely made up of tracks recorded in two periods: 1985-6 and 1993-6. The only exception is [[Cloreen Bacon Skin]], recorded in March 1983. | ||
− | No tracks were recorded especially for this album (although [[2morrow]] was recorded after his last album, [[Album: Emancipation|Emancipation]], was completed, so '''Crystal Ball''' was the first album for which it could be considered). Additionally, the album contains seven remixes or alternate versions of previously-released tracks, [[Love Sign]] (Shock | + | No tracks were recorded especially for this album (although [[2morrow]] was recorded after his last album, [[Album: Emancipation|Emancipation]], was completed, so '''Crystal Ball''' was the first album for which it could be considered). Additionally, the album contains seven remixes or alternate versions of previously-released tracks, [[Love Sign]] (Shock G’s Silky Remix), [[Dark|So Dark]] (a remix of [[Dark]]), [[The Continental|Tell Me How U Wanna B Done]] (a remix of [[The Continental]]), [[Interactive]], [[Good Love]], [[Loose!|Get Loose]] (a remix of [[Loose!]]), and [[P. Control]] (Remix). |
As such, this album marks the first time material has been re-used from one album to another, although this album should perhaps not be viewed as a cohesive, canonical piece in the way others could. | As such, this album marks the first time material has been re-used from one album to another, although this album should perhaps not be viewed as a cohesive, canonical piece in the way others could. | ||
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<b>Promotion</b> | <b>Promotion</b> | ||
− | No singles were released from the album, although [[Single: Love Sign|Love Sign]] and [[Single: P. Control|P. Control]] had both previously been available as promo-only singles connected to their original albums, [[Album:_1-800_New_Funk|1-800 New Funk]] and [[Album: The Gold Experience|The Gold Experience]] respectively. [[Single: Days Of Wild|Days Of Wild]] was released as a limited-release single in 2002, using a different live version than included here. [[File: SymbolSmallerBlue.png|link=Alias: Symbol]] did not tour or make any TV appearances to support the album. | + | No singles were released from the album, although [[Single: Love Sign|Love Sign]] and [[Single: P. Control|P. Control]] had both previously been available as promo-only singles connected to their original albums, [[Album:_1-800_New_Funk|1-800 New Funk]] and [[Album: The Gold Experience|The Gold Experience]] respectively. Although videos for [[Video: Acknowledge Me|Acknowledge Me]], [[Video: Interactive|Interactive]] and [[Video: 18 & Over|18 & Over]] were made a few years before this release (and not connected to any albums), they were not used as promotional tools for '''Crystal Ball'''. [[Single: Days Of Wild|Days Of Wild]] was released as a limited-release single in 2002, using a different live version than included here. [[File: SymbolSmallerBlue.png|link=Alias: Symbol]] did not tour or make any TV appearances to support the album. |
The album reached number 62 on [[The Billboard 200]], and number 59 on the [[Billboard Top R&B Albums]] chart. | The album reached number 62 on [[The Billboard 200]], and number 59 on the [[Billboard Top R&B Albums]] chart. | ||
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# <b> [[Acknowledge Me]]</b> (5:27) | # <b> [[Acknowledge Me]]</b> (5:27) | ||
# <b> [[Ripopgodazippa]]</b> (4:39) | # <b> [[Ripopgodazippa]]</b> (4:39) | ||
− | # <b> [[Love Sign]] (Shock | + | # <b> [[Love Sign]] (Shock G’s Silky Remix)</b> (3:53) |
# <b> [[Hide The Bone]]</b> (5:04) <small><sup>1</sup> </small> | # <b> [[Hide The Bone]]</b> (5:04) <small><sup>1</sup> </small> | ||
# <b> [[2morrow]]</b> (4:14) | # <b> [[2morrow]]</b> (4:14) | ||
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# <b> [[Da Bang]]</b> (3:20) | # <b> [[Da Bang]]</b> (3:20) | ||
# <b> [[Calhoun Square]]</b> (4:47) | # <b> [[Calhoun Square]]</b> (4:47) | ||
− | # <b> [[ | + | # <b> [[What’s My Name]]</b> (3:04) |
# <b> [[Crucial]]</b> (5:06) | # <b> [[Crucial]]</b> (5:06) | ||
# <b> [[An Honest Man]]</b> (1:13) | # <b> [[An Honest Man]]</b> (1:13) | ||
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# <b> [[Acknowledge Me]]</b> (5:27) | # <b> [[Acknowledge Me]]</b> (5:27) | ||
# <b> [[Ripopgodazippa]]</b> (4:39) | # <b> [[Ripopgodazippa]]</b> (4:39) | ||
− | # <b> [[Love Sign]] (Shock | + | # <b> [[Love Sign]] (Shock G’s Silky Remix)</b> (3:53) |
# <b> [[Hide The Bone]]</b> (5:04) <small><sup>1</sup> </small> | # <b> [[Hide The Bone]]</b> (5:04) <small><sup>1</sup> </small> | ||
# <b> [[2morrow]]</b> (4:14) | # <b> [[2morrow]]</b> (4:14) | ||
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# <b> [[Da Bang]]</b> (3:20) | # <b> [[Da Bang]]</b> (3:20) | ||
# <b> [[Calhoun Square]]</b> (4:47) | # <b> [[Calhoun Square]]</b> (4:47) | ||
− | # <b> [[ | + | # <b> [[What’s My Name]]</b> (3:04) |
# <b> [[Crucial]]</b> (5:06) | # <b> [[Crucial]]</b> (5:06) | ||
# <b> [[An Honest Man]]</b> (1:13) | # <b> [[An Honest Man]]</b> (1:13) | ||
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* [[Brian Gallagher]] - saxophone on [[Ripopgodazippa]] (credited as [[NPG Hornz]]) | * [[Brian Gallagher]] - saxophone on [[Ripopgodazippa]] (credited as [[NPG Hornz]]) | ||
* [[Kathy Jensen]] - clarinet on [[Ripopgodazippa]] | * [[Kathy Jensen]] - clarinet on [[Ripopgodazippa]] | ||
− | * [[Michael B.]] - drums on [[Ripopgodazippa]], [[Hide The Bone]], [[Interactive]] (uncredited), [[Calhoun Square]], [[ | + | * [[Michael B.]] - drums on [[Ripopgodazippa]], [[Hide The Bone]], [[Interactive]] (uncredited), [[Calhoun Square]], [[What’s My Name]], [[Strays Of The World]], [[Days Of Wild]] and [[The Ride]] |
− | * [[Sonny T.]] - bass on [[Ripopgodazippa]], [[Hide The Bone]], [[Interactive]] (uncredited), [[Calhoun Square]], [[ | + | * [[Sonny T.]] - bass on [[Ripopgodazippa]], [[Hide The Bone]], [[Interactive]] (uncredited), [[Calhoun Square]], [[What’s My Name]], [[Strays Of The World]], [[Days Of Wild]] and [[The Ride]] |
* [[Tommy Barbarella]] - keyboards on [[Hide The Bone]], [[Interactive]] (uncredited), [[Calhoun Square]], [[Strays Of The World]], [[Days Of Wild]] and [[The Ride]] | * [[Tommy Barbarella]] - keyboards on [[Hide The Bone]], [[Interactive]] (uncredited), [[Calhoun Square]], [[Strays Of The World]], [[Days Of Wild]] and [[The Ride]] | ||
* [[Carmen Electra]] - vocals on [[The Continental|Tell Me How U Wanna B Done]] | * [[Carmen Electra]] - vocals on [[The Continental|Tell Me How U Wanna B Done]] | ||
* [[Mayte]] - background vocals on [[Interactive]] | * [[Mayte]] - background vocals on [[Interactive]] | ||
− | * [[Mr. Hayes]] - keyboards on [[Interactive]] (uncredited), [[Calhoun Square]], [[ | + | * [[Mr. Hayes]] - keyboards on [[Interactive]] (uncredited), [[Calhoun Square]], [[What’s My Name]], [[Strays Of The World]], [[Days Of Wild]] and [[The Ride]] |
* [[Rain Ivana]] - NPG Operator (uncredited) on [[Interactive]] and [[Days Of Wild]] | * [[Rain Ivana]] - NPG Operator (uncredited) on [[Interactive]] and [[Days Of Wild]] | ||
* [[Wendy Melvoin]] - "either [[Wendy Melvoin|Wendy]] or [[Susannah Melvoin|Susannah]] are on background vocals" on [[Sexual Suicide]] | * [[Wendy Melvoin]] - "either [[Wendy Melvoin|Wendy]] or [[Susannah Melvoin|Susannah]] are on background vocals" on [[Sexual Suicide]] | ||
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* [[Ricky Peterson]] - additional production | * [[Ricky Peterson]] - additional production | ||
* [[Clare Fischer]] - orchestra arranger and conductor on [[Crystal Ball]], [[Strays Of The World]] and [[Goodbye]] | * [[Clare Fischer]] - orchestra arranger and conductor on [[Crystal Ball]], [[Strays Of The World]] and [[Goodbye]] | ||
− | * [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shock_G Shock G.] - remix on [[Love Sign]] (Shock | + | * [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shock_G Shock G.] - remix on [[Love Sign]] (Shock G’s Silky Remix) |
* [[Steve Parke]] - package concept and design | * [[Steve Parke]] - package concept and design | ||
|thanks = "'' [[Morris Day]], [[Eric Leeds]], [[Atlanta Bliss]], [[Miko Weaver]], [[Levi Seacer, Jr.]], [[Matt Fink]], [[Boni Boyer|Bonni Boyer]], [[Sheila E.]], [[Rosie Gaines]], [[Mr. Hayes]], [[Michael B.]], [[Sonny T.]], [[Tommy Barbarella]], [[Kirk Johnson]], [[NPG Hornz]]: [[Steve Strand]], [[Kathy Jensen]], [[Dave Jensen]], [[Michael B. Nelson]], [[Brian Gallagher]], [[Susannah Melvoin]], [[Carmen Electra]], Sunny, Steve, [[Hans-Martin Buff|Hans]].''" | |thanks = "'' [[Morris Day]], [[Eric Leeds]], [[Atlanta Bliss]], [[Miko Weaver]], [[Levi Seacer, Jr.]], [[Matt Fink]], [[Boni Boyer|Bonni Boyer]], [[Sheila E.]], [[Rosie Gaines]], [[Mr. Hayes]], [[Michael B.]], [[Sonny T.]], [[Tommy Barbarella]], [[Kirk Johnson]], [[NPG Hornz]]: [[Steve Strand]], [[Kathy Jensen]], [[Dave Jensen]], [[Michael B. Nelson]], [[Brian Gallagher]], [[Susannah Melvoin]], [[Carmen Electra]], Sunny, Steve, [[Hans-Martin Buff|Hans]].''" | ||
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|see also = | |see also = | ||
{{SeeAlso| | {{SeeAlso| | ||
− | |item1 = [[Website:_Crystalballcd|Crystal Ball CD<br>(website) | + | |item1 = [[Website:_Crystalballcd|Crystal Ball CD]]<br>(website) |
|image1 = [[File:Crystalballcd-thumb.jpg|80px|border|link=Website: Crystalballcd]] | |image1 = [[File:Crystalballcd-thumb.jpg|80px|border|link=Website: Crystalballcd]] | ||
− | |item2 = | + | |item2 = [[Album: Kamasutra|Kamasutra]]<br>(album) |
− | |image2 = | + | |image2 = [[File:Kamasutra album.jpg|80px|border|link=Album: Kamasutra]] |
}} | }} | ||
|charts = | |charts = | ||
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}} | }} | ||
|album promotion = The album was written about in newspapers a lot at the time of production (from late 1996 to early 1998) as an example of a new model of selling music. | |album promotion = The album was written about in newspapers a lot at the time of production (from late 1996 to early 1998) as an example of a new model of selling music. | ||
− | *Press | + | *Press adverts for this release:<br> [[file:CrystalBall-flyer.jpg|x200px]]<br> |
+ | *[[File:CrystalBall-flyer2.jpg|x200px]] | ||
|trivia = The initial 5CD set of [[Album: Crystal Ball|Crystal Ball]] came in a round plastic case, designed to emulate a crystal ball. An inner case contained slots for the five CDs, but no booklet, artwork or credits, which were instead available online at [[www.crystalballcd.com]]. A booklet was included in the 4CD jewel-case set which was available in retail outlets, however. | |trivia = The initial 5CD set of [[Album: Crystal Ball|Crystal Ball]] came in a round plastic case, designed to emulate a crystal ball. An inner case contained slots for the five CDs, but no booklet, artwork or credits, which were instead available online at [[www.crystalballcd.com]]. A booklet was included in the 4CD jewel-case set which was available in retail outlets, however. | ||
− | * [[File:Crystalball_alternate.GIF|right|150px|Initial 1-800-New-Funk packaging (incorrectly shown with booklet)]]<b>Crystal Ball</b> was only available to purchase as part of the [[Album: Crystal Ball|Crystal Ball]] package, along with [[Album: The Truth|The Truth]]. No separate 3CD set was available. The initial [[1-800 New Funk]] orders also included a fifth CD, [[The NPG Orchestra]] | + | * [[File:Crystalball_alternate.GIF|right|150px|Initial 1-800-New-Funk packaging (incorrectly shown with booklet)]]<b>Crystal Ball</b> was only available to purchase as part of the [[Album: Crystal Ball|Crystal Ball]] package, along with [[Album: The Truth|The Truth]]. No separate 3CD set was available. The initial [[1-800 New Funk]] orders also included a fifth CD, [[The NPG Orchestra]]’s [[Album: Kamasutra|Kamasutra]] inserted in the round plastic case (see picture), designed to emulate a crystal ball. |
* Several customers reported problems with their orders, including multiple credit card charges (on occasion up to five times the order price of $50), a requirement to pay taxes on international orders when the package was received and lost orders. The length of time that the project took between taking pre-orders and customers receiving their copy, as well as the customer service issues associated with the project, are often referred to online as "the Crystal Ball fiasco". This is often referenced online if a contemporary project faces delays or setbacks. | * Several customers reported problems with their orders, including multiple credit card charges (on occasion up to five times the order price of $50), a requirement to pay taxes on international orders when the package was received and lost orders. The length of time that the project took between taking pre-orders and customers receiving their copy, as well as the customer service issues associated with the project, are often referred to online as "the Crystal Ball fiasco". This is often referenced online if a contemporary project faces delays or setbacks. | ||
* When [[Album: Crystal Ball Volume II|Crystal Ball Volume II]], a follow-up to [[Album: Crystal Ball|Crystal Ball]] was planned in 2000, the two 'new' CDs were going to be mailed out with jewel cases for [[Album: The Truth|The Truth]] and [[Album: Kamasutra|Kamasutra]]. The two 'new' CDs would then take the place of these discs in the [[Album: Crystal Ball|Crystal Ball]] 5CD case. | * When [[Album: Crystal Ball Volume II|Crystal Ball Volume II]], a follow-up to [[Album: Crystal Ball|Crystal Ball]] was planned in 2000, the two 'new' CDs were going to be mailed out with jewel cases for [[Album: The Truth|The Truth]] and [[Album: Kamasutra|Kamasutra]]. The two 'new' CDs would then take the place of these discs in the [[Album: Crystal Ball|Crystal Ball]] 5CD case. |
Revision as of 06:48, 1 February 2021
1996: Emancipation ◄ | All Prince Albums | All Related Artists Albums | ► 1998: The Truth |
Crystal Ball |
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Additional Information
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1996 Emancipation |
All Albums | All Related Artists Albums | 1998 The Truth |