Prince Alla - Sweet Sensation

[kalcidis]

[cover=1005,1160]

I'vet got some questions about this set. Is it a recent compilation or was it released during the 80's? Even more important though. How is the pressing? I'm quite unhappy with the Corner Stone LP's I've had yet. Are any of the songs available as singles? There are some fantastic songs on it (such as the Jah Love Music-classic »Oh Carol« which I guess must have been available on single).

[kalcidis]

I realise now that it's more or less it's his Evil Forces LP that was released on Calabash in 1984. Man would I love to have that album.

[Rootsman]

Got the "Sweet Sensation" on a cornerstone CD and the sound on that is really good if thats anything to go by.

[gunosantos]

Greetings Kalcidis,

I'm hearing this LP on corner stone repress right now, been a while I didn't spin it...

As far as I know it's an 80's release and not a compilation... perhaps anothers press for the Evil Forces LP you've mentioned, can't confirm as I've never heard this one...

It's a very good LP imo, the tuffest tunes are "In My Father's House", "Captive Bird", "Jah Jah Make My Days" and the classic "Young Wings". Some soft tunes also.

Regarding the pressing... well... as you can expect, it's the very same (lack of) quality for the Corner Stone issues... Not as bad as some VA compilations I have on the same label, but still the same issues (i.e. bad mastering/pressing, a few distortions and/or volume variations, etc).

Overall, a great LP and a regular Corner Stone re-press.

Blessings,

[Bellyman]

@kalcidis

Yep, this is the repress of the 'Evil Forces' album. Alterations are only marginal.

[kalcidis]

Guess I'll stick with the mp3's then. I can't really get bother with buying vinyl that sounds bad.

And also thanks for the answers, guys.

[ACEtone]

On a trip to JA with my brother - this was one of the albums he bought - I was out of cash - he bought it from Prince Alla himself! It was an honour to meet the man, and a very nice man he is too.

Anyway, I thought this was an early 80s original album - but then I don't know the Evil Forces version of it. The pressing which my brother got - I promptly digitized - and have always found it to be a fairly decent pressing - a bit crackly but clear and with a pretty full dynamic range. A bit 'fizzy' on the high-hats - not sure if that is intentional or the pressing. Not exceptional but good for what you buy in a sandy back yard in Greenwich Town.

As to the quality of the tracks - some I have always liked a lot, others I find a bit weak. I think it is the music that is not always top notch as the Prince's voice is in good form throughout.
There is definitely a marked difference in the music if you compare the Freedom Sounds releases to the Cornerstone releases by Prince Alla. The musicianship and production on the Freedom Sounds releases is just so great it's not fair to make the comparison!
I do have a soft spot for a few of the tracks though:
Chatty Woman is great!
Captive Bird
In My Father's House is just such a nice track. Great lyrics even if they are recycled!
Promise is nice.

Nice to see a bit of chat about the mighty Prince Alla...

[Bellyman]

Ernie B has a copy of the 'Evil Forces' album on sale. But like you might guess it has its price

[skizm]

Ernie B has a copy of the 'Evil Forces' album on sale. But like you might guess it has its price

If I may just quickly sidestep the topic for a second, I always found Ernie B's pricing a "bit" on the ridiculous side for old/first pressings. For example he charges $149.99 for I-Roy's 'The General' LP, which I purchased for €20 last week, same pressing, same grading (from what i can tell). I mean some records were pressed in insane amounts and are really not that rare just cause they're old.

Back to topic: Yes I have the 'Sweet Sensation' LP from Cornerstone, and I too agree that it sounds cornerstony. The sound it fat but it sounds like there's a lot of shite in the grooves even though it's clean as a whistle.