[Sorry, both Phil Go (Gofelgo@aol.com) and John Donnelly (JDonnelly@socal.rr.com) actually sent this in first... my bad. -Ben]

http://www.calendarlive.c...11,00.html

"PRINCE
"The Rainbow Children"
NPG

Leave it to the erstwhile Artist to get you on your feet while turning your head inside-out. This 70-minute "concept" album has a lot of cool grooves, but they are somewhat scattered, and the collection's lyrical stance, though intriguingly provocative, drags the whole thing down.

"U know, this is funky but I just wish he'd play like he used 2," goes a criticism-anticipating line in the dense narrative. Well, maybe not just like he used to, but ... how about putting a teeny bit more effort into finishing a song?

The sprawling story involves a neo-apocalyptic myth (possibly aimed at the music biz) that mixes spirituality and sexuality as Prince has always done, but in a preachier manner, with parables involving social and racial concerns and calls for everyone to come together. Whatever. Musically, this latest dispatch from Prince's little purple world recalls last spring's Palladium concert in its freewheeling-yet-precise jamming, and on-a-dime segues among funk, soul, rock, and hip-hip.

Such crisp, danceable selections as "The Work Pt. 1" recall his '80s heyday, but he also moves forward, playing with jazzy elements on such tracks as "Rainbow Children." Those who really love Prince will love this, but the lack of really transcendent moments might leave discerning fans hungering for more."
Natalie Nichols