Erotic City
"Erotic City" | ||||
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Single by Prince and The Revolution | ||||
B-side | "I Would Die 4 U (Extended Version)" | |||
Released | 1989 | |||
Recorded | March 25-April 4 1984[1] | |||
Studio | Sunset Sound, Hollywood, California | |||
Genre |
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Length |
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Label |
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Songwriter(s) | Prince | |||
Producer(s) | Prince | |||
Prince and The Revolution singles chronology | ||||
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"Erotic City ("make love not war Erotic City come alive")" is a song by the musician
"Erotic City" was re-released on
While delivering his speech prior to the induction of the Funk collective known as Parliament-Funkadelic into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in May 1997, Prince explained that "Erotic City" was recorded directly after seeing Parliament-Funkadelic at the Beverly Theatre in Los Angeles in 1983.
The song starts with a guitar string plucked and whammied, before dropping into the drum track (which sounds as if he may have reversed on the 4/8 like a computer). The experimental number relies on a strong bass line and a simple keyboard riff. The song features Prince's voice both sped up and slowed down at various times to sound like different singers. Also featured is Sheila E., in her recording debut (with Prince), who became a close associate with Prince and worked with him extensively over the years. Even though the song was a B-side to a #1 hit, it received significant radio play.
The song was notable for its sexual references, and the use of the word
Track listing
1984
7" Single: Warner Bros. Records 7-29216 (US, Canada & Australia)
- A. "Let’s Go Crazy" (Edit) (3:46)
- B. "Erotic City" (Edit) (3:53)
12" Single: Warner Bros. Records 0-20246 (US, Canada & Australia)
- A. "Let’s Go Crazy" (Special Dance Mix) (7:35)
- B. "Erotic City (Make Love Not War Erotic City Come Alive)" (7:24)
12" Single: Warner Bros. Records W2000T (UK)
- A1. "Let’s Go Crazy" (Special Dance Mix) (7:35)
- A2. "Take Me With U" (3:51)
- B. "Erotic City (Make Love Not War Erotic City Come Alive)" (7:24)
12" Promo: Warner Bros. Records SAM 217 (UK)
- A. "The Erotic City" (Full Length Version) (7:24) (credited to Prince and the Revolution with Sheila E.)
- B. "I Feel For You" (7:12) - Chaka Khan
1986
12" Single: Warner Bros. Records W8586T/920 532-0 (UK & Europe)
- A1. "Girls & Boys" (LP Version) (5:30)
- A2 "Under The Cherry Moon" (2:57)
- B. "Erotic City" ("Make Love Not War Erotic City Come Alive") (7:24)[6]
1989 Reissue
CD maxi-single: Paisley Park/Warner Bros. Records 21185 (Germany)
- 1. "Erotic City" (Dance Mix) – 7:24
- 2. "I Would Die 4 U" (extended version) – 10:15
Also available as a 3" Mini CD
Personnel
Credits sourced from Duane Tudahl, Benoît Clerc, and Guitarcloud[7][8][9]
- Prince – lead and backing vocals, electric and acoustic guitars, Oberheim OB-8, bass guitar, LinnDrum
- Sheila E. – lead and backing vocals
References
- ^ "Erotic City - Prince Vault". princevault.com. Retrieved 2018-10-18.
- ^ "PRINCE". musicline.de. Retrieved 2012-01-07.
- ^ "Prince - Erotic City Lyrics". Lyricstime.com. Archived from the original on 2011-08-19. Retrieved 2012-01-07.
- ^ "Leykis Leads Counterattack Against FCC Fines : Radio: KFI afternoon drive-time personality says he'll probably dedicate several shows to indecency issue. - Los Angeles Times". Articles.latimes.com. 1989-10-28. Archived from the original on 2012-07-15. Retrieved 2012-01-07.
- ^ "Indecent Links". Ruf.rice.edu. Retrieved 2012-01-07.
- ^ "Single: Girls & Boys - Prince Vault".
- ISBN 9781538116432.
- ISBN 9781784728816.
- ^ "Linn LinnDrum". guitarcloud.org. Retrieved 2023-04-12.