Moonraker
Catalog # 129 Release Year 1996 CD Length 71:48 Date/Venue 6 December 1990 Rehearsal Source Soundboard Recording Quality VG+ / EX |
Fink's Comments (rates this release 3.75/5.0)
An
extremely interesting rehearsal in preparation for the upcoming January 1991
South American concerts. This rehearsal is unique in the respect that the
majority of songs rehearsed are very early versions of Diamonds & Pearls tracks,
and certainly the earliest circulating "live" versions we have.
The mood throughout is light-hearted with Prince and the band laughing, joking
and often fooling around. The rehearsal starts off with a break-neck speed
'Something Funky (This House Comes)' before segueing into the unusual
arrangement of 'Let's Go Crazy' which was performed at the Rio/Buenos Aires
shows. 'Horny Pony' is up next and includes a rap from Robin Power. 'Diamonds &
Pearls' is performed slightly different to the later tour version with added
vocals from Rosie Gaines, and a slightly different musical arrangement.
The highlight of the rehearsal comes in the form of 'Live 4 Love' which is the
much more sedate early version and not the later re-recording with changed
lyrics which made it's way on to the Diamonds & Pearls album. 'Daddy Pop'
contains various lyrics from both 'Release It and 'The Latest Fashion' and is a
very lengthy jam before flowing (no pun intended) in to 'The Flow', and on to a
short instrumental take on 'Do Me, Baby'. The rehearsal then appears to begin
all over again from the start. I'm not exactly convinced that the running order
of this rehearsal is correct as there are a number of cuts throughout. There are
a few sound drop-outs on the opening songs, however nothing major.
The recording is a nice clear soundboard with little or no hiss, and everything
is upfront and loud. Overall the content alone would make this rehearsal very
important. Add to that the fact it is an extremely nice quality soundboard, and
you have a very impressive release from Moonraker.