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Rating: 
Summary: The best biography on Prince EVER
Review: "DanceMusicSexRomance" is something different, however. It's, as Per himself describes it, 'a serious study, or something, since it combines a biography-style approach with an in-depth examination of his lyrics and music.' A tremendous amount of research was done for the book, spanning six years and including over 300 hours of interviews with people that were around during this period in Prince's career. One of them, sound engineer Susan Rogers, sat through 15 hours of questions about her studio work with Prince. Per's new book uncovers many previously unknown details about Prince's working habits, and makes you wonder how he and his entourage can keep their sanity intact while working impossible hours. The book contains numerous tales of birthdays and holidays spent performing, rehearsing or recording, sometimes all at once. Prince often demands the impossible from those working with him, and the accounts of the break-ups in both his professional and personal life are often damning. Per also uncovers the truth about many rumours and provides some surprises about Prince's music. The first few pages of Chapter Ten are breathtaking, as Per describes how Prince enters the Sunset Sound recording studios in Los Angeles ten days after finishing the Purple Rain tour, and records the first four songs of "Parade" in one go. The reality behind the decision to shelve the legendary "Black Album" in late 1987, a mere week before it was supposed to hit the stores, is exposed as being far more prosaic than Prince's explanations. Thankfully, unlike many other traditional biographies, "DanceMusicSexRomance" concentrates on Prince's music and not his personal life, even though that part inevitably interacts with his music. It is well known that several songs on "Sign O' The Times", like "Forever In My Life" and "If I Was Your Girlfriend", are about his relationship with Susannah Melvoin (twin sister of Wendy Melvoin of Wendy & Lisa fame), but I was surprised to learn that "The Beautiful Ones" (on "Purple Rain") is also about her. Apparently, a lot of his other songs have a basis in real life, and aren't just the result of a very sharp imagination. It's also this aspect of the book that's most unflattering for Prince: he's seemingly incapable of maintaining just one relationship at a time (it is true that Prince has regularly shared both his studio as well as his bed with the female 'artists' he's worked with), he 'borrows' ideas from people and fails to credit them for it, he's unfaithful yet demands absolute loyalty from those around him. Among the more disturbing revelations, Prince's concept of 'friendship' is one that leaves a lasting impression. 'He doesn't trust you unless you're on his payroll,' says one of those interviewed for the book. You don't have to be a Prince fan to enjoy "DanceMusicSexRomance", and as far as music biographies go, this one belongs at the top, alongside books like Michael Azerrad's "Come As You Are: The Story Of Nirvana". Granted, the book isn't without its faults: it would greatly benefit from an alphabetical index of names, song titles and places, and the photo section is somewhat disappointing. A second volume, dealing with Prince's post-1987 career, is planned, but only if the first book is successful: 'I can't spend another four, five, six years and invest a lot of money, which I've done, if the book only sells a few hundred copies,' says Per. 'Hopefully, it'll do better than that.' It certainly deserves to, and actually, Prince deserves to; it would be a shame if that period of Prince's career were only covered by cut'n'paste jobs such as Liz Jones' "Slave To The Rhythm". Perhaps Alan Leeds, who has worked closely with Prince and won a Grammy Award for his liner notes to the James Brown box set "Star Trax", says it best in his foreword to "DanceMusicSexRomance": 'If every artist as worthwhile as Prince has a historian as fastidious as Per, the future of this genre of musicology is safe and sound.'
Rating:
Summary: Not just the usual Prince Biography !
Review: After many Prince biographies that merely scratch the surface of such an amazing career, "DMSR" goes to new levels of detail and insight. This book includes quotes from almost every person who worked with Prince in the late 70s and 80s and chronicles previously unknown record projects and the meaning behind great albums such as "The Black Album". The forward by Alan Leeds (the writer of the liner notes for "The Hits" album) just about sums up Per Nilsen and includes the quote: "If every artist as worthwhile as Prince has a historian as fastidious as Per, the future of this genre of musicology is safe and sound. The bookshelvels will be singing." I found this book to be both fascinating and a great read. Every chapter brought to light many factors that have influenced Prince's music, things that I had never beeen aware of, even though I have followed his career for more than 16 years. If you're a Prince fan, or just remotely intersted in what shaped his career then go buy this book ! Can't wait for Prince: The Second Decade !!! :-)
Rating: 
Summary: From the Outside In
Review: For any Prince loyalist this will probably be a review of the many other books,articles or interviews done before.There are a few interesting inside stories outside the music that I found interesting. I have followed Prince's career since it started over 20 years ago. For any true musical artist on any level this is a must read.It serves as a blueprint of sorts that lays out a career and life guided by one thing, music. Whether a curse or a blessing, the exhaustive work ethic and the effect it has on the people who work with Prince, was obviously everlasting.The book will make anyone who loves music, appreciate the incredible dedication and need Prince has for his craft.Media hype and perceived imaged aside, Prince is truly one of a kind. There hasn't been anything close to him since he started his career over 20 years ago and as witness to today's state of music there won't be anytime soon. You must respect and appreciate that if nothing else.
Rating:
Summary: For anyone interested in quality music
Review: I know this is rather premature as the book hasn't been published yet, but having read large chunks featured in the independent fanzine called Uptown - I know this book will surpass all others concerning Prince, the Artist or whatever you want to call him. Indeed, regardless of how you feel about him and his music today, there is no doubt that Prince was the most exciting, invigorating, influential and innovative musician / performer throughout the 80's. No one came close, not Madonna, and certainly not Mr M Jackson. So if you have gone off him of late, don't worry, this book covers up until the end of the 80's. Having gained unprecedented access to band members, recording engineers and collaborators from that period, this book takes you behind the scenes of Prince's world into Minneapolis, 1st Avenue, Sunset Sound and Paisley Park; providing insights into Prince's recordings, released and unreleased, side projects and tours. I could go on, perhaps I will repost once I've read the entire book, and it's obvious I am a fan but whatever you think of the person - just don't dismiss the sounds he's given to us.
Rating:
Summary: SIMPLY OUTSTANDING!!
Review: I'd give this book seven stars if I could. It's simply that good. Informative and sharp, this book dispels the myths, lies, and folklore that surrounded Prince from the beginning of his career to around the Lovesexy period. Above all, it paints the artist as a creative genius who is sometimes kind, sometimes cruel, but always human and definitely talented beyond belief. My only critique was that there wasn't an immediate follow-up book that I could read that detailed Prince's second decade, his name change, marriage, etc.
Rating:
Summary: Hard to Find, But Well Worth The Hunt!
Review: If I could give this book more than 5 stars I would! I bought this book on a Friday, and could NOT put it down! It chronicles the life and times of one of the most prolific musicians of modern times. Being a long time Prince fan (from his very first album to the later years), it was difficult to read about some of the negative aspects of the Purple One's personality, but hey, he's human and errs like the rest of us. If you are an aspiring musician, consider this book the Bible on everthing concerning the music business. If you're a long time Prince fan such as myself, it's a must have. If you're neither and still interested, you'll find it a testament to the fact that we are, and become, what we think we are. The previous poster who said that it will make you want to "go out and do something bold with your life" is RIGHT ON TARGET! Only one question remains: WHEN'S THE SEQUEL?
Rating:
Summary: Definitive to the date it was published.
Review: Per Nilsen is the renowned expert on Prince. Combined with "Days Of Wild" (ISBN 91-630-9225-5), you'll be up to date on everything that this artist has given to us. A Prince fan for the last nineteen years, both fanatical, and blas?, I've grown to appreciate the music more because of these writings. Other than the Uptown Fanzines that come out about once every two months, there's really nothing else that is worth reading when it comes to this artist other than other fans writings. All of the critics either love or hate him, always have, and always will (minus the two critics in Minneapolis, who have always been honest about his current output.) While most of the fans are fanatics, who can't find a thing wrong with his work, there are those out there that are subjective, and intelligent. While Per Nilsen is an author himself, he is obviously an admirer of Prince's art as well. It's impossible to find the insight that he provides us elsewhere.
Rating:
Summary: a real eye opener
Review: this book captures so much.prince is one of my all-time favorite artists ever.but i prefer his work more in the first decade than now.which is what the author presents.finally a book that talks about his music.separating the fact from fiction.the importance of wendy&lisa and his personnel thing.somehow the book evens things out with what he has become and said.true he had battles with warner brothers but he was in turn taking ideas from others and not crediting them.on stage and what have you he seemed cool and confident but he was very insecure off.which has come up in this decade.with alot of his musical choices.the black album chapter which the last reviewer hit perfectly on the head was a real eye opener.my mouth dropped to the floor in surprise. call it ironic or not prince brought back the linn drum machine for the rave album? the linn gets alot of mentions and props in the book.this book shows him following the james brown path of being the hardest working man in show business.making up to 3 albums in a six month time period never mind side songs.it's the best and most complete reading on prince.prince a pop life by dave hill was a good b+ book but this is a A.it talks about uptown in full detail.this book sheds light on the good,bad&scary in the life of prince rogers nelson.a must have.cuz whether you love him or you hate him you have to respect his impact on music and any music fan should have this book.
Rating:
Summary: from the outside in
Review: When I purchased this book, I expected great. After all, it was by the author of 'The Prince Bible', Per Nilsen who wrote the outstanding "Prince: A Documentary". Even so, I was absolutely floored by Dancemusicsexromance. It kept me riveted. I consumed the book in less than 2 days, and I'm anxious to read it again. Anyone who considers themselves a fan of Prince is sure to enjoy this book. Additionally, it should be read by all music fans, as it details the first decade of the career of a musician who has forever changed the face of modern music.
Rating:
Summary: Fantastic
Review: While Per Nilsen's first book was a more all encompasing look at Prince through the early 1990s, DanceMusicSexRomance offers a much more in depth look, focusing on the years 1977-1987. The book offers a lot of insight into Prince as a person, as well as his music. There is also in depth information on all of his side projects, which I found quite useful. In addition to the incredible 255 pages of the book itself, there are also extensively researched appendices including dates and cities for all of Prince's tours, personell and tracks for all recording sessions, as well as a discography of released material, all through 1987. This book is absolutely essential to any major Prince fan!!!!
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