Every Tuesday, the Analog Kid blog goes back in time and features some groovy R&B/soul songs from a specific year. Sometimes you’ll hear songs from individual artists, and other times you’ll get an entire full-length classic LP ripped directly from the Analog Kid’s vast vinyl vault. Warning: by R&B/soul, I also mean disco. I could go Patrick Hernandez on your ass at any given moment, so just be ready!
You knew this one was coming at some point, didn’t you?
The Black Album was supposed to be Prince’s follow-up to 1987’s Sign O’ The Times, but Prince changed his mind and pulled the release at the last moment. Some promotional copies had already been distributed, though, and The Black Album soon became one of the most infamous bootlegs in music history.
I remember taping a vinyl copy from my friend Dave in the late ’80s, and to say that the sound quality was poor would be an insult to poor people. Still, I played that cassette until I wore it out. Luckily for me, Warner Brothers decided to legitimately release The Black Album in 1994. Is it a coincidence that Prince changed his name and started wearing the word SLAVE imprinted on his face around this time? Probably not.
The CD version of The Black Album was only in print for about a year, so copies are now very hard to come by. I purchased an extra about five years ago when I found a used copy at my local record store, and that was the last copy I’ve seen for sale. If you see one, BUY IT. If not, just come back to the Analog Kid blog for future listenings– it will be here until Prince sends me a cease and desist order. Rockhard in a funky place!
Prince: The Black Album
Warner Brothers Records, 1987
1. “Le Grind” (Prince)
2. “Cindy C” (Prince)
3. “Dead On It” (Prince)
4. “When 2 R In Love” (Prince)
5. “Bob George” (Prince)
6. “Superfunkycalifragisexy” (Prince)
7. “2 Nigs United 4 West Compton” (Prince)
8. “Rockhard In A Funky Place” (Prince/Leeds)
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Bonus Tracks!
The first rule of The Analog Kid blog is that if you write about a song on the Analog Kid blog, you share the song on the Analog Kid blog. Sometimes, you add tracks that you didn’t even mention just because you’re one hell of a nice guy…
Prince: “Good Love” (Prince)
From the soundtrack Bright Lights, Big City
Warner Brothers Records, 1988
Prince: “Alphabet St. (this is not music, this is a trip)” (Prince)
From the 12″ single Alphabet St.
Warner Brothers Records, 1988
Vinyl rip courtesy of the Analog Kid (and Prince, of course. Please don’t sue me!)
Alphabet St “this is not music, this is a trip”
Prince: “Sexual Suicide” (Prince)
From the album Crystal Ball
NPG Records, 1998
The Analog Kid 
Yet another great Groovy Tuesday post. Too bad there’s only one Tuesday a week. How about Groovy Two-Fer Tuesday???
Had no idea the legitimate CD release was in such demand.
[grabs his two copies and goes into Gollum mode]
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Oh my goodness! Ask the internet and u shall receive! Thank u!! This album is so damn funky.
Happy to be of service! Thanks for reading (and listening!).
Ahhhh – Could not be happier – thank you so much – always wanted to hear the legendary album – thank you!!!
Cindy C is the best bad (dirty,naughty) song ever💕💕💕💕