[Lots of NPGMC members are starting to get their CDs, and this is the first "review" we've received. Enough to make the mouths of rest of us who haven't received our copy yet, water! -Ben]

I'm a premium music club member in the LA area, and I received my Rave SE CD on 5/03/01. Here is a description of the CD for everyone:

The packaging is slightly different. It's in a regular jewel case with the same photos on front and back. The lamb in the cotton field and "Respect all of God's creatures" message are included. However, there is a new booklet of photos and lyrics the opens like a regular book (not like the one-sheet poster included in the first Rave). There are some new photos (my favorite being the one of Prince in a longshot outside in the fall and the leaves are turning -- it's really a beautiful photo). The CD itself has "Rave in2 the joy fantastic" written on it as opposed to the purple Habibi guitar silhouette.

The tracks and descriptions:
1. Rave in2 the Joy Fantastic (5:15 vs. 4:20) - A completely different version. This one is remixed as a techno dance song. Also includes different lyrics. I think it's really good. I like it.

2. Undisputed (The Moneyopolis Mix) (5:46 vs. 4:20) - A different remix of the song. Prince dropped the "NPG get rowdy, get rowdy now" shout. He also seemed to tone down the drum mix in this version, and it's not so base heavy. Includes new lyrics. I like this mix better than the first. It seems more funky, like he's not trying to prove anything.

3. The Greatest Romance Ever Sold (8:08 vs. 5:41) - This is a combo of the Adam and Eve remix with Eve's rap and the regular song. (It does not include the "One day you'll get outside the do right" rap that Prince put into "Ropes of Silicon." However it still includes the unfortunate line "2together we make the remix a big seller." If Prince was changing lyrics, couldn't he have changed that, too?) Also there is an extended bit of music at the end that lasts about a minute.

4. Hot Wit U (Nasty Girl Remix) (4:23 vs. 5:10) - The remix that everyone probably already knows. Although it's a better sound mix/quality than what was on the Bro. Jules Remix Experience CD. You can actually hear all the various musical sounds.

5. Tangerine (2:14 vs. 1:33) - This is an extended version of the song. No new lyrics, just an extended musical beat at the end.

6. So Far, So Pleased - Nothing changed. The same song.

7. The Sun, the Moon and Stars - Nothing changed. The same song.

8. Man'O'War (Remix) (5:13 vs. 5:15) - A different mix of the song. The same mix that was included on the Bro. Jules Remix Experience CD, but it's a better sound mix/quality. If you haven't heard this mix, Prince drops the lush ballad aspects of the original and makes it more of a funky ballad. There is a new bass line, and some vocals seem to have been re-recorded. I like this version much more than the original.

9. Baby Knows (3:54 vs. 3:19) - Same as the original, but this has a little bit of an extended musical beat at the end.

10. Eye Love U But Eye Don't Trust U Anymore - Nothing changed. The same song.

11. Beautiful Strange (4:56) - Different than the Beautiful Strange video. In this version the guitar seems more metal-like, searing and dirty than in the video version. I really like this song. I think it's a great addition to the CD.

12. Silly Game - Nothing changed. The same song.

13. Wherever U Go, Whatever U Do - Nothing changed. The same song.

14. Pretty Man (5:36 vs. 4:24) - Same as the original, but this also has an extended musical beat at the end.

"Everyday is a Winding Road" and "Strange But True" were left off the SE, as were all the segues, the five minutes of silence at the end of "Wherever U Go," and the NPG ad. Overall, I really like this album better than the first "Rave" album. I think it is worth eventually getting. Hope you guys enjoy it!