Hey,how do the One Nite Alone ... live, versions of the songs on the Rainbow Children compare to the studio album. Better, worse? Any comments? Thanks

Hard to be objective Prince was on top form for the ONA concerts, Like it or not Prince was inspired around this time and was giving some passionate peformances.

Rainbow Children - Live or Studio can't decied
Muse 2 The Pharoh - More passion Live
The Work - Live better hands down
Mellow Mellow - Studio
1+1+1=3 - Kicked live
She Loves Me For Me - Studio is better although the acoustic live version is still good
Family Name - Studio although some great live guitar work
Everlasting Now - Live it had the edge
Last December - Studio

chopingard said:

hell yes-amen to that

does that robotic voice appear in any of the live recordings? THanks

ONA was one of the best tours I saw. I liked it a lot. The music, the concerts, the songs and Prince was very relaxed.
ONA and Lovesexy tours are mine favorites.

and don't forget the sick ONA aftershows: joy in rep/calhoun sq./a love bizarre/peach...i was the-re. but why leave SO'TT off the box set...tsk tsk!
[Edited 2/21/10 13:46pm]

I like them both, however, I prefer listening to "The Rainbow Children," album from beginning to end.

chopingard said:

Gotta disagree witchoo there, for me The Work is one of Prince's ALL-TIME classic funky tracks. It's perfect. (Studio vers, that is...)
[Edited 2/21/10 19:04pm]

Hatman said:

Oh don't get me wrong no disrespect to the studio version. I love the bit at the end when he plays the guitar solo with one hand and the piano with the other. Does anybody else remember that being mentioned on NPGMC?

Like Hatman: I love - and prefer - the studio versions on TRC, this album is a 8 or 9 / 10.

the "jazzy-funky" versions on ONA... live ain't my cup of tea.... nope.

just imo. I can't hear what some of you can,

I really dislike ONA... Live.

I love almost every song from ONA. The piano album, the live concerts and the aftershow. And yes, I was particularly surprised how the TRC songs came out live. Very funky, edgy, swinging... Several have mentioned how Prince was inspired around this time and how he interacted with the audiance/fans. It might be why it feels so vibrant - at least to my ears

Tame said:

You should try playing it backwards, there's tons of hidden messages in there.