Last month it was announced that Prince fans would soon have the opportunity to hear previously unreleased music on a new greatest hits album entitled Prince 4Ever. The album, which was released on November 22, features 39 tracks considered to be “the best of” Prince. Only one track, “Moonbeam Levels” is “new;” but only new to some of us, as there has been a bootleg version of the track circulating for many years.
The majority of the featured tracks are being called “fan favorites,” although I have seen several fan comments that have been critical of the choice of tracks. Some of the truly favorites have not been included. The selections have NOT been remastered, merely “cleaned up;” but even the whiners said, they would still buy the album.
On the morning of November 22, ABC-TV had the honor of premiering “Moonbeam Levels” to their audience and a small group of Prince fans who were hearing the track for the very first time. The previously unreleased single was recorded in 1982 while Prince was working on his fifth studio album, 1999. The track was part of another album that was shelved when Prince began work on the Batman sound track. Prince performed the track in concert, but it was never officially released.
I have listened to the new “Moonbeam Levels” and it is excellent. It would definitely have been an instant hit had it been released when it was first recorded.
The good news is: Warner Bros./NPG has announced an “early 2017” release date for a remastered, repackaged edition of “Purple Rain” — Prince’s most beloved album. The LP is being released in accordance with arrangements agreed to by Prince before he passed. The package will also contain a second album of previously unreleased material.
According to those in the know: There is enough new material in the vaults in Paisley Park, to be able to release a new album every year for the next 100 years. Prince’s music really will be 4Ever.
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