The Toy Box: The Time

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Retro Spins: Morris Day - Daydreaming

After successfully launching his solo career with 1985's Color Of Success, Morris Day hit the road for a support tour which wrapped up in September 1986. From there, he returned to the studio to record and release his follow-up album, 1987's Daydreaming.

With it would come his greatest hit single, Fishnet, which shot up to the number one spot on the R&B charts that same year. It would also land at number twenty-three on the Billboard Hot 100. As a whole, the album would mirror the success of its predecessor, reaching number seven on the R&B charts, but falter a bit on the Billboard 200, where it would fall a couple steps behind, reaching number forty-one (in comparison to Color Of Success clocking in at number thirty-seven).

Despite its success, Spin Magazine would provide a harsh critique of the album, calling it "musical Chinese food without the fortune cookie. As soon as they're finished, you don't remember if you heard 'em or not." Ouchie! That's mean! But is it accurate?

Kind of. It's a decent album. I wouldn't say I heard anything bad, and I did manage to hear two standout, Are You Ready, and Standing On The Line. However, the remainder was relatively forgettable. Truthfully, I wasn't even all that intrigued with the number one single, Fishnets. In fact, as I type this, I couldn't even tell you how that song goes.

As I said above, it's decent, but forgettable. Beyond that, there's not much to say about it. Truthfully, I doubt I'll remember the two standouts noted above past today.

While Morris hoped to launch a consecutive film career alongside his musical one, this didn't translate to well for him. He would appear in small roles, such as for Richard Prior's Moving (1988), as well as Andrew Dice Clay's The Adventures of Ford Fairlane (1990), the latter which will always invoke Booty Time in my head!

Um...where was I? Oh, right, Morris Day's acting career.

He would later reprise his role in Prince's Graffiti Bridge and show up with The Time in Kevin Smith's Jay And Silent Bob Strike Back. Mind you, these are just the noteworthy ones for me. In total, he's appeared in nine movies, including Purple Rain. He's also played roles in half a dozen television shows, which included main casting for 1990's New Attitude, and 2004's Da Boom Crew.

Day also reunited with the time several times and continued to perform with them as Morris Day And The Time until the 2022 dispute from Prince's estate. Purportedly, upon his death, Prince's estate issued notice to Day that if he wished to continue using the name that he would be required to pay them a fee for said use. There's no record that shows he agreed to do so, but as of this writing, they do have shows scheduled throughout the year.

On a totally unrelated note, my 80's movie collection has filled out quite nicely.

Watching John Carpenter's The Thing for the first time.
Great movie!

A few years ago, I gave up streaming and went back to physical media. But in doing so, I made sure that I stuck closely to a strict criteria. For the most part, I stick to movies from the 80's. These consist of either ones which meant a lot to me growing up, or which I never got the chance to see but are considered iconic to the era.

Admittedly, this has been a mixed bag of movies I have and have not enjoyed. However, when a disc costs you between a dollar or two, it's not tragic when it doesn't pan out for the better.

While I will buy movies from prior to or after the 80's, these are very specific and have to be films I have not only seen and enjoyed, but which I would watch again. These don't get incorporated into my 80's collection, unless they're part of a multi-disc or box set, where separating them isn't a feasible option. A good example of this is the Die Hard box set below.

That said, if a film series includes predecessors or sequels that came before or fell after the 80's, but were in their own package, they don't get to be on the shelf. Such as the case with Star Trek.

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Disclaimer: They Toy Box does not endorse or contribute to piracy. Retro Spins posts are intended for educational and entertainment purposes only. None of the music discussed here is available for sale, downloading or distribution.

Retro Spins: Morris Day - Color Of Success

What time is it?!?!

Well, not time for The Time. I've already gone through all of their albums of the 80's. In fact, the title track of Morris Day's first solo outing, Color Of Success has a vocal narration that not only informs the listeners The Time has disbanded, but that he won't be saying "What time is it" anymore. It further goes on to state that he's now a solo artist who will produce his own albums and films. Basically, don't come around here looking for The Time. This is a new era, and it's all about Morris Day.

The album would hit both the Billboard 200 and R&B charts, peaking at number thirty-seven, and seven, respectively. As a whole, singles would fare better on the R&B singles charts, where The Oak Tree (peaking at number 15), The Character (34), and The Color Of Success (the song, landing at 15) would all chart. Only The Oak Tree would cross over to the Billboard Hot 100, but in doing so, would only reach number sixty-five.

Diving in, it somewhat picks up where The Time's Ice Cream Castle left off. It features the same musical style, and even caps out at six tracks, mirroring the now defunct band's previous song limit. To further push the similarities home, Color Of Success also takes a page from the hit, The Bird for Day's new hit dance, The Oak Tree. Unfortunately, it's not as catchy as The Bird.

While Prince isn't involved with this record, Day seems to have retained poor habits from his mentor. By this, I mean that while songs are limited in number, they have excessive runtimes. All but one are under the five-minute mark, with half of them pushing six plus minutes. One would expect this would be particularly painful when said song is a ballad, such as the case with the seven minute, thirteen second, Don't Wait For Me. However, it's actually one of the best on the album.

Fortunately, as a whole, the album is enjoyable, and while it does feel drawn out at times because of each song's length, it still manages to provide a solid listening session. Ultimately though, it's just more of Morris, and depending on how you feel about him or The Time, that could be a good or bad thing. For me, it was good.

Morris produced one final album for the decade, that being 1987's Daydreaming. From it would come his most successful solo single, Fishnet. However, from there, he'd return briefly to The Time before going back to his solo career. But more on all of that tomorrow.

Before I go though, check out my awesome Fallout collection!

Most of this is from my girl, who has masterfully selected every piece.

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Retro Spins: The Time - What Time Is It

What time is it?!?! It's the opening line to the album of the same name, and the second overall studio album for The Time. Prince once again takes full creative control, writing and recording all tracks, essentially creating another album for himself, but allowing his friend, Morris Day, to sing on it. However, this time, he'd also bring Vanity along for the ride, who provided spoken vocals throughout a handful of songs.

Whereas their debut sounded very 1978 / 1979 Prince, this one takes a page from 1981 / 1982 Prince. It starts to move more in a pop direction, but it's that early 80's funk pop. Much like their debut, it doesn't really resonate with me.

As noted above, Prince once again took full creative control, so the end result is the same as its predecessor, wherein it just sounds like another one of his albums. What Time Is It? is fine if you look at it from a perspective of hooray, more Prince, but beyond that, it really doesn't stand on many of its own merits.

The only tracks which really stood out to me were I Don't Wanna Leave You, and 777-9311. Much like many phone number songs, it was actually that of a real person. That person being Prince's guitarist, Dez Dickerson's. As you'd expect, he had to change it once the calls started coming in.

Prince launched his 1999 / Triple Threat tour, which featured both The Time and Vanity as supporting acts. For this, he'd pay members of Day's band to perform behind the curtain for Vanity followed by their own hour-long set.

Unfortunately for Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, it was during one of these shows that they were stranded in Atlanta from a blizzard. This resulted in both Prince and Lisa Coleman having to stand in for them, and their subsequent firing. As to who fired them, Prince stated in a 1990 Rolling Stone interview that it was Morris Day's band, and his only involvement was when Day asked him what he would do.

While one might find their dismissal to be harsh, the context was that their stranding occurred because they were away producing an album for the S.O.S. Band, which was a breach of the rules they agreed to follow. However, this turned out to be a blessing in disguise for them as this ushered in their legendary production empire, Flyte Tyme Productions. Monte Moir would also depart the band, opting to go work with the two.

Flyte Tyme went on to produce smash albums for Klymaxx, Alexander O'Neal, Mariah Carey, Janet Jackson, and Michael Jackson, just to name a very select few. So, like I said, a blessing in disguise. Clearly, they got the better opportunity as a result.

Mark Cardenas, Paul Peterson, and Rocky Harris would replace the three, but then Harris would be replaced by Jerry Hubbard. It would be Cardenas, Peterson, and Hubbard, alongside Morris Day, Jesse Johnson, Jerome Benton, and Jellybean Johnson who would appear in 1984's Purple Rain, and then release the album, Ice Cream Castle a month after.

The relationship between Morris and Prince would hit a turbulent period, and the end result of ongoing arguments was Day quitting The Time to pursue a solo career, launching it with 1985's Color Of Success. He'd finish out the decade with 1987's Daydreaming.

Meanwhile, the remaining members (Benton, Jellybean Johnson and Peterson) were reformed into a new short-lived project called the Family. However, their 1985 self-titled debut would be their only one until 2011's Gaslight. This was followed by their latest to date, 2014's AM Static.

Though professional friction remained between Day and Prince, he would rejoin The Time for the 1990 film, Graffiti Bridge. This was followed by their first new album since the split, Pandemonium. In a rare Retro Spin twist, I actually dipped a toe into the new decade and reviewed that album.

The Time would once again disband, but reform with some new members, making an appearance in the 1995 film, Jay And Silent Bob Strike Back. During this time, and into the new millennium, Day returned to his solo career.

They'd once again reunite in 2008 with all original members, aptly calling themselves Original 7ven, with their first appearance being at that year's Grammy Awards. They'd continue to perform shows from there, eventually releasing 2011's Condensate.

Prince's death in 2016 would shock the world, and in its wake several tribute concerts would occur. This included Morris Day and The Time. Following this, they would make one-off appearances, with some members departing between 2017 and 2022.

However, it would be in this latter year that Day would receive notice from Prince's estate that he was not permitted to use the name, Morris Day And The Time. This was because of the original agreement, wherein Prince owned the name. This would all come about from Day's attempt to trademark the name but ultimately be settled out of court. Long story short, he can use the name but needs to pay the estate a fee for said use. They remain active to this day.

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Retro Spins: The Time - The Time

Has it really been since 2023 since I last jumped into The Time? Jay and Silent Bob get it.

In the early 80's, Prince wanted to explore other areas of music, while retaining the styles he had built the foundation of his career on. For this, he exercised a clause in his contract with Warner Brothers to recruit and produce new talent, forming The Time.

They were formed from the foundation of existing group, Flyte Tyme, which consisted of Alexander O'Neal, Anton (Tony) Johnson, David Eiland, Jellybean Johnson, Jimmy Jam, Monte Moir, and Terry Lewis. However, after asking too many questions about the business and finances during a contract meeting, Prince would end up firing O'Neal, replacing him with childhood friend, Morris Day. Around this time, Jesse Johnson also joined.

Jerome Benton would be the final member to join the band, but not as a musician. Instead, he served as Day's onstage comedic foil. He famously got the role when during a rehearsal or show (it's not been confirmed which), Day asked for a mirror. Benton ripped one off the wall in the club's restroom and brought it onstage to him.

Since this was merely an offshoot for him, Prince's fingerprints are all over this album. He not only played the majority of the instruments on it but recorded most of the guide tracks for Day, while remaining heavily on backing vocals. Not to mention that all the songs were written by him. Basically, this was just another Prince album, but one from an era that I'm personally not too fond of.

This is why, unfortunately, I didn't really get into it. I don't particularly like his first two albums, For You (1978), and Prince (1979). Further, 1980's Dirty Mind, and 1981's Controversy are pretty hit or miss for me. Basically, I'm more of a pop Prince fan, which this album has none of.

I did not hear any songs that necessarily stood out, and this was disappointing because I really wanted another Ice Cream Castle. Not getting that left me in a 50 / 50 scenario. I want to jump into their follow-up, 1982's What Time Is It? However, at the same time, I don't. I mean, I will, but I'm not really feeling all that enthusiastic about it.

The Time were invited to open for Prince And The Revolution in 1982 for the Controversy tour. However, a rivalry soon spurred, with Day trying to get his band to outperform Prince's band. This was all sparked by the group's frustration with lack of input on their albums and being underpaid. Ever the comedian, Prince responded by throwing eggs at them from offstage, and then handcuffing Johnson to a coatrack backstage.

When Prince took the stage, he demanded no interruptions, which was met by a food fight. When the "battle" continued at the hotel, Prince held Morris personally responsible, making him pay for all damages.

Despite all of this, Prince and Morris remained good friends. Sure, the competitive music rivalry was still there, but they were still friends, nonetheless.

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Retro Spins: The Time - Pandemonium

The majority of my exposure to The Time is via Prince's Purple Rain and Graffiti Bridge. While I'm sure in 2023 I wrote a post about an 80's The Time album, the truth of the matter is I wrote all the 2024 posts before any of those. This makes Panedmonium the first album from The Time I've actually heard.

Panemonium starts out on a really strong note, and I found myself really enjoying the album title track of the same name, Jerk Out and Blondie. However, that's were things really stopped for me. As the album kept going, I was expecting to hear something as good as what these first few tracks offered, but it never came. I even went back when the album was done and played sections of the aforementioned songs to make sure I did actually enjoy them just to be sure. I did.

So, what happened? Why did the tracks suddenly drop off for me?

I think part of it was that the remaining songs turned more serious in tone from that of the ones I mentioned before. That niche comedy styling that The Time has become known for just wasn't there for these remaining tracks.

Additionally, I think the album suffers from the same issue a lot of albums from the 90's do - It's too long. At one hour five minutes, that's just too much material for any record. Some of the best albums I've ever heard have been around the thirty-five to forty minute mark. I think this "forces" musicians to pack in only the strongest of their tracks, while leaving the filler out.

I'm pretty disappointed that Pandimonium set the bar so high when it first started, but then continued to lower and lower and lower and lower the bar until it was dragging on the ground. I really had high hopes based on my first impression.

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Disclaimer: They Toy Box does not endorse or contribute to piracy. Retro Spins posts are intended for educational and entertainment purposes only. None of the music discussed here is available for sale, downloading or distribution.

Retro Spins: The Time - Ice Cream Castle

I'd been intrigued with The Time since first seeing them in Prince's Purple Rain, but never really bothered digging into them. I then got reintroduced to them in 1990 when they appeared not only on the album soundtrack, but in the film, Graffiti Bridge - Another Prince movie. Despite enjoying their music from the film, I still never bothered to dig any deeper into them.

It wasn't until 2019 that the band would once again get on my radar, and this time I would rectify ignoring them for almost thirty-five years. In one fell swoop, I nabbed up four of their five albums; 1981's The Time, 1982's What Time Is It, 1984's Ice Cream Castle and 1990's Pandemonium. Truth be told, Ice Cream Castle was really the only one on my "want" list, but I figured I'd go ahead and just take the plunge when the opportunity arose out of the blue.

When I first played Ice Cream Castle, I actually didn't really have any intentions of listening to it. I really just wanted to sample some sounds for a few seconds to see if it was going to have potential. I clicked on track two, My Drawers, and immediately got hooked on the guitar riff. After making it about halfway through the song, I decided I'd just go back to the beginning of the album and have a full play. I'm glad I did.

The album opens with the title track, Ice Cream Castle, and oddly enough, out of all the songs on this disc, it's the one of the two I didn't care for. From there, it went into three great back to back tracks. Of course, I've already mentioned My Drawers. This was followed up by the incredibly funny spoken track, Chili Sauce, then the song Jungle Love - The song I actually wanted the album for in the first place.

Track five, If The Kid Can't Make You Come, was the second track I didn't particularly care for. However, track six, which was the last track on the album, aimed to please with The Bird.

Overall, I really like Ice Cream Castle (the album), and I look forward to digging in more to The Time. It's a shame it's taken so many years to find out what I've been missing, but hey, better late than never.

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