Sign O The Times

Ok, first of all I may be biased because I love almost everything he ever did and love quite a bit of bootlegged material as much as the official releases, but this is quite simply the most exciting Estate release so far. First, the box is awesome and normal vinyl record sized, so it fits nicely in my collection. The book and pictures are great, many of the essays are interesting (barring one that interjected too much opinion instead of facts), and of course, whether you’re an 80’s only kind of ridiculous fan or a whole career enthusiast, it’s hard to argue that SOTT isn’t the most complete awesome representation of Prince, and a must have for any true music fan. Definitely the best of his first decade in the industry. 2nd decade o(+> (the love symbol) gets my vote, 3rd The Rainbow Children, and probably Art Official Age for latter career, but really it’s all worth listening to… So, the original album isn’t flawless, perhaps due to the forced editing to a 2 record set, but that editing brought highlight U Got The Look to the album, so...anyway, album 1 could stand alone as a fantastic album, album 2 definitely needs the anchor of the other album to feel complete, again, probably because of the forced editing down from the original triple record. BUT MAN ALIVE this box is the best dip into the vault yet, it will be hard to out do this, except when they perhaps get to the post-1996 vault stuff, as that stuff has very little in the way of bootlegs, whereas the Purple Rain, 1999 & SOTT reissues have many previously bootlegged things on them. However, even with the previously leaked material, it’s so nice to have quality releases of this stuff! Just wonderful revelations... my only complaint is I’d like to see more album formatted sequencing. One, who wants to have the same song repeated in different form one after another, or tracks that don’t flow well? That’s been a huge damper on any thought of getting the vinyl, at least a digital version can be programmed or playlisted into something enjoyable. Could’ve done all the 7” versions together, all the remixes as a set without running Hot Thing after Hot Thing. Could’ve even saved some space by adding the non-album b-sides to the end of the main album.... oh well, I suppose the chronological order is the simplest way, but again, I’ll be sticking with CDs. Anyway, beautiful set, amazing material, even the mailing box is so fun with its giant peace symbol... A MUST HAVE COLLECTION

I was a bit afraid before and nervous before opening this because it's the first time i got a super deluxe album. Most of the CDs i have are either in jewel cases and in gatefold sleeve packaging. The case is really sturdy and the book as well. Got this from importcds through amazon and they were able to ship the item fast and safely too! One thing that I noticed (and this is not the sellers fault) about the book that comes with the album is its spine seems like it isn't sturdy enough. I hope that future releases of the Prince estate as well as Warner Music will take note of this problem because books as big as this one will put on most of the weight at the spine especially when you're going to read them out flat (which at most times, you do since it is a big, hardbound book that has full spread pictures in it), it's not really safe for the binding of the book if the spine isn't sturdy enough (noticing that i can wiggle the spine of the book and there's a big enough space at the spine and the back cover because its bulk is being eaten up by the CD sleeves)... so I hope that the shelf life of this book will not end up with a broken spine. The CDs that came with it are top notch and all play, didn't noticed any scratches so far after a few days of playing the records but in a way, the CD sleeves do not sit well enough and feels like if you accidentally put them back on the sleeve you might end up getting your CD a scratch or two. For the books content itself, really love the text, images and the lyrics contained in this super deluxe album. Really gives an insight on how Prince honed his craft and he really earned his merit as a musical genius.

Sign O The Times was a compilation of three abandoned album concepts: a Revolution backed album called The Dream Factory, an album based on a female alter ego known as Camille, and a larger concept album encompassing material from the abandoned concepts with additional songs called The Crystal Ball (but NOT the Crystal Ball that was eventually released in the NPG era). Most of that material is here across four discs of this set- a highlight being the restoration of the Revolution’s performances that were removed or altered from the final, released versions. Plus a two disc live show compiled from the filming of the Sign O The Times concert (sort of) film. And finally a DVD featuring the Paisley Park New Years Eve benefit show. So. What’s not here? The Camille material is spread out between this album, the Black Album, and Lovesexy (and best not to place odds on seeing the Black Album again- but it’s entirely possible you might get the remaining demos via an expanded Lovesexy reissue). Also, the Live stuff that is included here is meant to substitute for the Sign O The Times concert film which is not, due some complicated rights issues. Basically, you’re swapping the weird U Got The Look video cut in for CCTV footage of the show that Miles Davis appeared at. Much like the PPV show included in the Purple Rain set, a restoration job would have been nice, but its still good to have as an archive for this era. It’s a really impressive release covering a key creative period in Prince’s career. Die hard fans might quibble with a thing or two missing, but even they’ll admit it sounds way better than their bootlegs of some of this material. History fans will appreciate the deep dive. Casuals will probably be happy with just the remastered album and the B sides from the three disc version.

I've not listened to the entire edition yet (just got it today). Even though I've owned the original album since its release, I was totally unprepared for the sonic quality of this one. Boom! through my Bose SoundTouch system. Very impressive and kudos to Grundman, the engineer of the re-master. I actually shed a tear or two, and I only played Disc 2. There are 8 CDs and a DVD which purportedly has the late Miles Davis sitting in. Prince Rogers Nelson was quite an interesting fellow and I wish I'd had the pleasure of meeting him, just to draw a bead on his line of thinking. My daughter lives in Minneapolis and it was no big deal for her to see Prince out and about. My daughter would see Prince and say, "Hey, Prince" and keep on stepping. Everywhere else, women would throw their bras and panties at him. I agree with the dissenters insofar as packaging. The CDs should have been placed in individual sleeves instead of the way they were arranged in the otherwise very impressive hardcover book. Is that a quibble or a trifle? I'm not sure, because mine play fine, but I also understand why some people are unhappy and report scratches. At this price point, it is reasonable to expect some care in the packaging of this product. Am I unhappy? No.

I just got this set in the mail today. I also purchased the Super Deluxe version of 1999 when it came out, and was expecting something similar to that. OK, well that's not anything like what you get here. When I got home, I saw an Amazon box in my front porch swing, and I thought "oh no, I accidentally ordered the LP version" because the box was so BIG. When I lifted it off the swing, I wasn't prepared for the weight. I was then convinced that I had indeed mistakenly ordered the wrong set. I get in the house, and can't wait to get it open. What's inside is nothing compared to what I was expecting. I was really hesitant to order this because of the price. Let me just say that the price is well worth what you get. What I had gotten was indeed the CD set, but it is in a box the size of an LP. Inside is a hardcover book that is beautifully designed. The book contains many insightful essays about Prince's life and music from people who actually knew him. There is also a section of many pages of photographs, which is followed by the lyrics to the songs. Now this is not typed lyrics, oh no, what you have are photos of the various forms of paper where Prince originally wrote the lyrics. This is a fascinating look into his thought process, where you can see where he crosses things out and adds other words instead. Perhaps my favorite part was the last part where we're given the history of each song, including songs from the Vault. Of course, finally in the back are the 8 cd's and the DVD concert. CD1 is the remastered edition of SOTT. CD's 2-3 are the different edits and mixes of some of the songs. CD's 4-6 are filled with new material from the Vault. CD's 7-8 is the live concert. The DVD is the entire Paisley Park concert. Bottom line. If you're a fan of Prince and of this album, you MUST get it. I was overblown by what I actually received. After seeing everything that was included, it is well worth the price.

SIGN O' THE TIMES is just repeating what we are STILL living. Prince's song reverberates all over in my mind and on the news daily. Such a prolific tune. I purchased this for my brother because he wanted it. He got it and kept it in his truck. Recently, I asked to have it for my car. Wise move. SIGN, IF I WAS YOUR GIRLFRIEND, I'LL NEVER TAKE THE PLACE OF YOUR MAN, and my personal favs, HOUSEQUAKE & ADORE....MMMAAANNN.....These tune brought back the sunshine and the memories when they first dropped on the radio and I was in Purple Heaven! The rest of the tracks, while sounding a bit retro, still had bits of fun and lots of talent, and my fav in the remaining tracks was STARFISH AND COFFEE. Just one of those songs that romped in my head at home and work. Prince was the consummate performer and his music WILL remain timeless. This album is proof positive. His genius was unmatched, and as time moves on, so will his musical legend.

I LOVED the experience of unboxing it. It was packaged nicely and there was no damage. The pages were all in it. It came with the DVD and the 8 CDS that it was supposed to come with. I am sad I can’t do a trillion stars as a rating… but I gave it the highest possible rating. BUY THIS, YOU HAVE TO!

This is how you do a Superdeluxe album by Prince. The sound is EXCELLENT. The way they package this deluxe is BEAUTIFUL. When you open it up the 1st thing you see is a book and at the back of it is the cds and DVD. I was reluctant to buy this because of the price tag but once I received it I was like WOW. This is AMAZING how they did this. I am so HAPPY I bought this because I have been a Prince fan for 37 years now and still going strong. I really miss him alot but am thankful that the Estate is releasing his music. I'm glad I brought this now because I know the price is definitely going to go up later as with the 1999 album. My favorite but I definitely can't afford it now and didn't want to experience that with this album. I'm very happy with this purchase. Thankyou

Zu Prince ist eigentlich alles gesagt - der geniale Mozart unserer Zeit, schöpferisch ohne Ende, immer herausfordernd. Da ist er eher der Schostakowitch unserer Zeit. Und selbst die -- damit hat er seinen Ruhm begründet, auch wenn es nur ein kleiner Teil seines Schaffens ist -- oftmals wiederkehrenden Funkrythmen werden mit überraschender Musik hinterlegt und nie langweilig. Fast jede Band und jeder Solokünstler überleben sich selbst, weil ihnen nach ein paar Alben nichts wirklich Neues mehr einfällt. Bei Prince ist es auf hohem Niveau völlig anders. Dieses Album zeigt genau das eindrucksvoll: Ein Klangabenteuer nach dem anderen. Die DVD zeigt ein Konzert, dass Prince 1987 gegeben hat. Für mich ist das die Scheibe, die hier verzichtbar ist. Die Bildtechnik aus den 80ern macht keinen Spaß - so war es damals eben, aber es geht um die Musik. Ja, die ist gut. Man sieht aber eine Show, weniger ein Konzert. Und eine Show aus den 80ern mit naiver Laszivität hat heute irgendwie keinen Reiz mehr. Prince ist Sänger und "Tänzer", aber von seiner Virtuosität an den Instrumenten, insbesondere an der Gitarre, aber auch Bass und Klavier, bekommt man nicht so sehr viel zu sehen. Zum Inhalt ist eigentlich fast alles von anderen Rezensenten gesagt. Persönlich meine ich: Wer Prince als den Mozart unerer Zeit versteht, der wird hier wieder bestätigt. Als Liebhaber muss man dieses Album haben. Es gibt einfach wieder viel Geniales zu hören, viel Überraschendes, und auch ein wenig Schrott. Aber wer will ihm das vorwerfen? Es ist nicht Schrott, weil er zu wenig gemacht hat, sondern er hat sich beim Experimentieren ein wenig verhoben. Das passiert nur denen nicht, die nicht experimentieren. Und das nennt man dann wohl Mainstream. Lieferung war gut. Die Silberlinge haben teilweise Fingerabdrücke, was man verstehen kann, wenn man das Buch in der Hand hat. Man kann die CD's nicht maschinell einschieben. Sie werden in Schlitzen von starker Pappe eingeschoben, die zudem vertieft sitzen, damit die Scheibe nicht rausrutschen kann. Gut durchdacht und sehr stabil. Das aber geht nur mit der Hand einzulegen. Mit Handschuhen wird es schwer. Und dann passiert's halt. Ja, einige Scheiben haben ganz leichte Kratzer. Das ist nicht so recht zu entschuldigen, gilt aber für fast jeden CD-Kauf. Die Funktion ist nicht beeinträchtigt.

Estas ediciones son increíbles. La cantidad de contenido extra tanto visual como auditivo hacen que valga completamente la pena tenerlo en tu colección de Prince.

Sign o' the Times is the ninth studio album from the multi-talented purple Prince. The record was originally released as a double album on March 30th, 1987 and features a number of Prince's finest recordings. The record was originally produced by Prince himself and was released as a joint effort by Paisley Park Records and Warner Bros. Records. The album was originally suppose to be an album titled Dream Factory, released under Prince's alter ego Camille. When that album project was scrapped, Prince proceeded to use the music for a triple album titled, Crystal Ball. Unfortunately, this idea fell through and the project was shortened into what is now considered one of the Prince's most memorable albums. With the release (and quick disappearance) of the 1999 deluxe edition, I didn't hesitate to purchase this one. The previously released Purple Rain deluxe had some questionable remastering done and the bonus tracks weren't exactly quality sound. 1999 sadly went out of stock before I could get my paws on it. This was due to the abnormally high price that they generally asked. Unfortunately, I didn't notice the price drop and eventually it disappeared. Only to re-appear as a horrendously expensive collectors item. So, I was glad that I managed to pick this one up on time and I certainly haven't regretted it. I honestly didn't expect this book to be as big and heavy as it was. I was considerably impressed with the overall quality when I took it out of the box. The actual cardboard box it arrived in featured the album logo on it. A nice little touch. The outer case is fairly sturdy and I can't see it being damaged at all. It looks great with lots of bright colours bursting out of the album cover. The book inside with all the discs and pictures etc is also very well put together. The photographs are all nice and clear. The text is a good size and is very easy to read. I would have preferred that the discs were held in small slip cases instead of being slotted into a little pouch. Sometimes this can cause scratches to the discs. But that's just a little gripe and I wouldn't say it takes away from the overall product. According to the sources online, this Sign o' the Times deluxe box-set collects all the available recordings that Prince made in 1987. There's a total of forty five previously unreleased studio recordings and a complete two hour double disc live show recorded on June 20th, 1987 in Utrecht during the albums European tour. The super deluxe edition features eight CDs in total. The original album is on discs one and two. Disc three features album singles and extended 12" renditions. Discs four, five and six features all of the unreleased extras. These three discs themselves are the real gem of the box-set. There's a few duds in there but the majority of the four hours of music is to die for. The live show, The final performance of the Sign o' the Times tour, it's spread over discs seven and eight. It's a New Years Eve benefit concert at Paisley Park. The book features a mass of fantastic photos from Jeff Katz and Prince's archives. There's also a lot of liner notes from the likes of Dave Chappelle, Lenny Kravitz, engineer Susan Rogers and many more. It's an impressive looking beast of a set. All the music in this box-set was remastered by Bernie Grundman. He has clearly put a lot of effort into making sure the that album, all the b-sides, 12" singles, dub mixes etc are all of the highest quality. Until I acquired this box-set, I honestly didn't think Sign 'o the Times needed a remaster. But after hearing what Bernie has done for the album, I am glad they went ahead with it. The music has been given a nice subtle kick up the rear. The guitar has more bite, the bass and drums are clearer with a bit more lower end to them. It gives the music a little extra kick. Of course, the real die hard fan will be concerned about whether the music has been brick walled or not. Thankfully, it has not and not just that, it's considerably nicer on the ears than the original CDs. Gone are the little tape hisses etc found on the original prints. This is about as immaculate as music can get. You'll find this sign copy is a hair louder than the old copy but subtle enough that it makes no real difference. The live album on discs seven and eight is a little quiet than the album itself. I'm not sure if that's down to the recording itself or if it was a choice during the remastering process. The live show is really good. It's a warts and all performance, sounding good and consistent through out. I have been listening to Prince for just over fifteen years now. I'm not what you'd call a die hard fan. I don't know the history, all the information on everything released here. That isn't my thing. But from a purely listening experience, this collection is an easy 10/10. It's beautifully packaged, superbly remastered and all the unreleased goodies are to die for. If you're looking for more '80s Prince to add to your collection, this Sign o' the Times box-set isn't even worth questioning. It's a must buy, end of. Don't question it. You'll love it!

Play Sign O'the Times alongside some other big LPs with a 1987 release date.. The Joshua Tree, Hysteria, Faith, Whitney, Bete Noire, Cloud Nine, Paid In Full, Bad and BAD; perhaps only The Cure's Kiss Me, Kiss Me, Kiss Me approaches it in sheer volume of material but Prince beats Smith and company for variety. Serious fans know the original album is possibly Prince's greatest. They also would've heard a lot of the b-sides and remixes, which are interesting at least, and brilliant at best. Of the extra tracks, the best ones appeared in the 1990s on Crystal Ball, but there are still plenty of riches. Get this before it disappears.

I just received the set this afternoon (October 6, 2020). I have not yet listened to the CDs or watched the DVD (I will add more to this review after I have listened and watched) - but I am absolutely overjoyed simply reading the lavish and lovingly-created hardback book that is included in the set. It has loads of magnificent photos that I neve remember seeing before. It also has pages of photos of Prince's hand-written lyrics. It also has several essays and interviews with key people involved in the making of the original album. So often these greatly-anticipated Box Sets can be a bit of a disappointment, but I'd say that this is quite possibly the best Box Set of the many that I own. The set arrived very safely packaged in sturdy cardboard inside a box, all surrounded by those little protective air-bags that Amazon and other shippers use.. I have examined the condition of the set very carefully, both inside and out. I checked each individual disc. Everything is in absolutely pristine condition. The exterior (LP-record size) box containing the Box Set itself has no scratches, marks or dents. I am absolutely delighted everything is in such perfect condition. To all fans of this magnificent and iconic album: if you are able (admittedly this is a very expensive set), please grab this wonderful set before it becomes unavailable or the price shoots up to absurd levels. I hesitated with Prince's other deluxe box sets (1999 and Purple Rain) and I now regret that decision. This set is absolutely magnificent and (I feel) is very worthy even of Prince's own perfectionism and legendary selectiveness when it came to issuing his music.