16 - New Directions

In Garage Music. A Jazz-Funk Instrumental Odyssey

released in the US on November 18, 1987, on Paisley Park Records (catalogue: 9 25658-1 / 1-25658). Madhouse’s 16 (New Directions In Garage Music) album was a Prince-led instrumental jazz-funk side-project — featuring Eric Leeds (sax/flute), Levi Seacer Jr. (bass), Dr. Fink (keyboards), John Lewis (drums) — delivered eight numbered tracks of sophisticated groove. Allied Record Company pressing with printed inner sleeve, also issued in Specialty pressing.

A cult favourite with no chart impact, it’s pure late-’80s Paisley Park cool.

Album Overview

Release Details

Label: Paisley Park Records (US).

Formats: Vinyl LP (Allied/Specialty cassette (AR/SR), CD (jewel case & long box).

℗ & ©: 1987 Paisley Park Records / Warner Bros. Records Inc.

Mastered at Bernie Grundman Mastering / Sheffield Lab Matrix.

Published By: Parisongs ASCAP (US), Warner Bros. Music Ltd.

US Release Formats and Track Listings

Vinyl LP, AR & SR Company Pressings (9 25658-1 / 1-25658)

Side A

1. Nine (2:06)

2. Ten (5:04)

3. Eleven (6:14)

4. Twelve (5:14)

Side B

1. Thirteen (4:46)

2. Fourteen (5:12)

3. Fifteen (3:49)

4. Sixteen (4:17)

Vinyl LP, Test Pressing (1-25658)

(hand-written white labels)

Side A

1. Nine (2:06)

2. Ten (5:04)

3. Eleven (6:14)

4. Twelve (5:14)

Side B

1. Thirteen (4:46)

2. Fourteen (5:12)

3. Fifteen (3:49)

4. Sixteen (4:17)

Cassette Album AR & SR (9 25658-4 / 4-25658)

Side A

1. Nine

2. Ten

3. Eleven

4. Twelve

Side B

1. Thirteen

2. Fourteen

3. Fifteen

4. Sixteen

CD Album, Standard Jewel Case / Long Box (9 25658-2)

1. Nine (2:06)

2. Ten (5:04)

3. Eleven (6:14)

4. Twelve (5:14)

5. Thirteen (4:46)

6. Fourteen (5:12)

7. Fifteen (3:49)

8. Sixteen (4:17)

Production and Context

Art Direction and Design – Laura LiPuma

Costume Design – Lisa Elliott, Neo 80

Engineering – Eddie Garcia, Eddie Miller

Hair and Make-Up – Rosha

Mixing – Eddie Garcia, Eric Leeds

Model (Madhouse Cover Girl) – Maneca Lightner

Bass – Levi Seacer, Jr.

Drums – John Lewis

Keyboards – Dr. Fink

Tenor Saxophone, Baritone Saxophone, Keyboards, Flute – Eric Leeds

Photography – Richard Litt

Producer and Songwriter – Madhouse

Styling – Carol James

Singles Released and Chart Performance

"10" with "Ten And ½"

Released on September 28, 1987

USA: Billboard R&B Chart

14 November 1987 - Position: 66

"13" with "Four"

Released on March 18, 1988

Legacy and Collectability

16 is Prince’s hidden jazz-funk masterpiece, beloved by crate-diggers. Original US Allied/Specialty vinyls fetch £20–£50 on eBay/Discogs, European Alsdorf £15–£35, test pressings £100+. Verify catalogue 9 25658-1.

This LP is a must-have for Prince completists and jazz-funk collectors.

Do you have 16 in your vinyl stack? Which number grooves you? Share in the comments!

Sources

Information is drawn from my personal knowledge and supplemented by web sources, including Prince Vault, Discogs, 45cat, AllMusic, Rate Your Music, Wikipedia, BBC Official Charts Company, Billboard Chart History and YouTube