Like in my subject header, how can I spot a fake version of Rave In2 The Joy Fantastic?

I'm looking to buy this online, but I'm a tad concerned with shelling out a big wad of greenbacks for a bootleg or just poop-tastic copy.

Are there any tell-tale signs? Or do I just have to blindly trust the seller's word?

Any help would be appreciated.

the real version has a clear jewel case and a full-length professionally printed color liner notes booklet. that's a starter.

really though, the first thing you do is just come out and ask them, "is this a genuine, original copy that was obtained from prince's fan site?"

lots of folks on ebay will include pics of the item in their listings, sometimes even including close-ups of the UPC area and the spine. that's usually a good indicator that you're looking at the real deal.

So the original had a UPC? I've seen that on some photos of online sellers.

FirstCircle said:

now that you mention it, i'm not sure...i'm at work right now, but i can check my copy when i get home. maybe it doesn't have a UPC. the packaging and art design is very professionally done, though. sometimes, NPG product could look a little dodgy. i liked the packaging of rave in2 better than the packaging of the original arista album. good point about the UPC, though. i'll check it out and post later.

Yes theres a bar code on the bottom left corner

Just a note : there is a a cover and booklet included with the cd

.
[Edited 11/13/08 22:36pm]

afaik there are NO bootleg version circulating .....

2 version exist btw :

PRINCE RAVE IN2 THE JOY FANTASTIC 2001-04-29

Prince CD USA NPGMC Rave In2 The Joy Fantastic
Prince CD USA NPGMC Rave In2 The Joy Fantastic - spine says Rave Un2 The Joy Fantastic -
[Edited 11/13/08 23:57pm]

Go to Amazon, it's cheaper.

Dayclear said:

amazon actually has copies???

xenophobia2002 said:

So there is a version with a misspelling on the CD case spine? Interesting.

Dayclear said:

Certainly not at the moment. One retailer is selling through Amazon's site for a whopping $250.00. The average price on eBay for the past few months has been roughly $125.

Amazon itself has never had copies as far as I know.

Pics of originals please

FirstCircle said:

i think the only way you could buy it directly was via NPGMC. i never heard of it being sold through any other retail outlet. so if you are going through amazon, you're probably dealing with used copies, which puts you in the same predicament of not knowing if it's an original or a knockoff.

i checked gemm.com and found a copy at madhouse music for $72 bucks and some change:

http://www1.gemm.com/c/se...Go!=Search

Check eBay.

I think it's fairly easy to get hold of.

Thanks for all the help!

I really appreciate it.

I went with a copy off of eBay for 35.00 GBP.

FirstCircle said:

not a terrible price for a collectible. i had no idea prices on this had soared so much, though i guess it makes sense.

Anxiety said:

it was given away free as an incentive to purchase the perminum meber status
/or/
to gain access to all year one premium files at the npg music club back in in 2002
and then was later sold for $20 us dollars at the club

So, in a manner of speaking, it was always expensive.

FirstCircle said:

i guess you could say that.

I should sell mine. It is just sitting in a box.