Free Boot Generation Catalog # FBG 03 Release Year 2006 2CD Length 61:21 / 73:00 Date/Venue Coliseum, Hampton, 8th October 1988 Source Audience Recording Quality VG+/EX- |
Comments
Fink's
Comments (rates this release 4.5/5.0)
Previously
circulating on the fan release 'Hampton 1988'. Anyone not familiar with the
previous release will probably see this as nothing more than an excellent
quality audience recording - the people who have previous experience of the
Hampton 1988 release will be the one's who will surely appreciate this the most
for the vast improvement it is.
Considering this is the same audience recording as the Hampton 1988 release is
quite a stretch of the imagination as the quality of this release is a million
miles removed. The previous release descended into a painful listening
experience as the recording went along and towards the end was pretty woeful.
Added to that parts of the recording were incomplete - eagle eyed people will
notice this release is a whole 10 minutes longer and one listen tells you it is
a more complete recording with Sheila's complete drum solo, the beginning of the
piano medley and the opening of 'Alphabet St' all being on here. The sound
quality throughout is much more powerful with far less audience intrusion than
before, and whilst it is certainly a marked improvement, it's not without it's
own problems and walks the fine line between a VG+ and an EX- rating. The
audible hiss which plagued the previous release is also on here, however whilst
it is reserved for the second half of the show, it would be fair to say it is
very noticeable during quieter parts of the show such as the piano medley and
I'm a little surprised (considering the improvements which have been made on
other recent releases) it hasn't been reduced a little more. There are also a
few small clicks towards the end of the show which again are easily picked up on
- however I'm no "audio guy" and there are obviously limitations to what one can
do. Those issues aside, this is still an excellent release of a very enjoyable
Lovesexy show.
For the most part it is a fairly straightforward run-through with very little
unusual taking place. The second half of the show is where the treats lie with
an appearance by Toni, Tony, Toné during 'Take This Beat' which also features
the 2 gospel favourites 'Wade In The Water' and 'Precious Lord' (sung by Boni).
The piano medley is always a nice addition to the show, and on this occasion a
rare outing for 'Do Me, Baby' is the only real surprise. 'Purple Rain' is also
notable for being slightly longer than normal (lasting approx 6 minutes) and
proves the point that there is no sweeter sound than the audience singing the
"Ooh ooh ooh ooh" part whilst Prince thrashes out a solo. So, to sum up - to
really appreciate the vast improvement in quality of this release I'd suggest
giving the previous inferior Hampton 1988 a spin. This is more complete, far
superior quality and a fantastic show - that speaks for itself.