Information Society

“_Hello World”

HAKATAK

“_Hello World” feels like a holdover, and with good reason. This is only Information Society’s second album in the 21st century, and the first time in more than two decades that the band has released material with its original lineup. The result is something that feels very familiar to fans of the Minneapolis-baced act’s more seminal work, such as their 1988 self-titled debut and its 1990 follow up, “Hack.” If all you’re looking for is a bit of a high-energy nostalgia trip, tracks like “The Prize” and “Dancing With Strangers” will fit the bill. But if you’re looking to see where Information Society is headed as an artistic endeavor, you’re going to be a little disappointed; everything on the album sounds like things techno acts have been doing for 20 years now. Returning to the original lineup: great. Returning to 1990: less so. CV

Prince

“Art Official Age”

Warner Bros.

After a separation that was as entertaining as it was acrimonious, Prince is back with Warner Bros, the label that saw him release literally everything good he’s ever done. To celebrate the reunion, The Artist Formerly Known As Prince has decided to drop two albums on the same day. “Art Official Age” is Prince’s newest solo effort, and it is, for better or worse, vintage Purple One. After nearly 15 years of esoteric, rather half-assed efforts, Prince gets back to what he does best: funky beats, serious guitar work and vocals with an amazing amount of range. “Breakfast Can Wait” is the best example of everything happening all at once, but from beginning to end, this is the most complete, best sounding album Prince has released this century. CV