Got my ONA Live set today. If you live close by and are also a member, it might be an indication yours is coming soon too

My own little mini review:

The packaging looks like a really top notch bootleg set. Herb Ritts or Terry Geydesen it certainly is not. Its a bad case of auto levels, genuine fractals, guassian blur, and "I cant get this damn camera to focus in low light!". The layout looks like Prince was paying someone $8 an hour to do it. But nontheless the package is very complete with a lengthy book of photos and quotes from both fans and bandmembers. Sturdy plastic jewel cases, a mini poster, and a big full color photo box round it off.

Musically, I don't think this selection of live stuff will convert casual listeners to diehard fans the way the bootlegs did simply because most of ONA Live sounds "tame" when compared to the likes of Small Club and Chickengrease, or even Lovesexy live. Its also missing some really wild moments like Prince's covers of Whole Lotta Love and Love Rollercoaster, which were absolutely amazing.

His performance of the title track was one of the standout moments for me. Its only two minutes but very dreamy. The version of "1+1+3" is not the version he previewed on the site with the flash animation.

I hardly noticed any overdubs, only the occasional echo and abrupt fade at the end of a song. The sound quality is fantastic, and Prince's voice and piano really take center stage, not some bitch next to the tape recorder screaming. The amount of audience noise is just enough.

The bulk of disc two is a lenthy piano medley. The songs flow much better that on disc one which is a very awkward grouping of songs.

The bonus disc is my favorite of the three because of the extended instrumental jams. The Musiq part is obnoxious, but the rest is very fun. Prince also loosens up more on this CD.
[This message was edited Wed Nov 27 17:17:44 PST 2002 by Tom]

Good review on the discs!