The version on the Rave album is really laborious. It could have been a great track. The chorus really rocks but I don't like the "swish" noise in the background, like he's playing space invaders in the background.

I know parts of this song were included on a Batman b-side, which one was it?. When I heard he was resurrecting it for Rave I was excited because I thought it would be a funky rocker, but it's so slow.

Anyone got any thoughts in the original version and the released one.

ConsciousContact said:

check the prince discussion board; there was a discussion about this song a week or so ago..

I find the song one long yawn-fest - very little of merit at all - should've left it unreleased.

MiaBocca said:

don't agree. love it to death. especially the original version with the extended ending.

Is your copy listenable, Purpleone?

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I have a studio version from '88. The quality ain't that hot though if i remember. I can't even recall if its any different!

WildheartXXX said:

Which is precisely what I was driving at.

As far as I know the original studio demo of this song is currently doing the rounds in two forms. One version of 'Rave Unto The Joy Fantastic' (to give it its proper title)is muddy and virtually unlistenable and the other is fairly good quality. The latter, however, is full of clicks and is very frustrating to listen to.

There really is no difference between the above unreleased version and the '99 version, except for the fact that the officially released one has a different intro and does not fade in like the original demo. Also, the official track is approximately one minute shorter since the really cool string section near the end was removed, making the '99 release inferior to the original demo.

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giotto said:

The one i have fades in, im pretty sure it does. Ill go spin it later.

WildheartXXX said:

If you can actually hear anything when you spin it do get back to me.


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ConsciousContact said:

It wasn't a b-side, but a Batdance remix. I like what he did with the "Rave" elements in that better than what was released as Rave Un2.
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I ADORE this song. It is the best song he has released in years. As for the Batman reference, a snippet of the chorus appears in "200 Balloons."

The song sounds weak in my mind, I just can't feel it. The vocals/lyrical delivery is almost laughable, and the minimalistic beat surprisingly loses any semblance of funk.

Anji said:

funny, that's exactly what i dig about the song; besides that made chorus, the verses are just crazy! the vocal/lyrical delivery, that repetitive little funky synthesizer tune, the little guitar and horn lines inbetween sentences and just the "RAVE!" cries.. damn!

hmm, i think it's a monotonous groove, but that doesn't mean it ain't funky. i'm diggin' it! like i said, especially with the extended ending and the extra orchestration. damn! too bad it's a shitty recording..

purpleone said:

I guess I relate more when Prince gets less comical/simple (cheesy ). The Camille attitude is more my groove. That there is the funk!

Anji said:

i can relate.. that, i like too.

After only having the 'Small Club' rendition of Rave to listen to for years, the album version was a real let down.

If you're gonna call a song 'Rave Unto The Joy Fantastic' it ought to reflect that spirit musically, which 'Rave' didn't. The minimal groove thing just doesn't go with the lyrics. It should have beeen a loud funky party monster of a song, like It's Gonna Be A Beautiful Night, Baby I'm A Star, America or 1999.

'Rave In2' is at least a step in the right direction, even though I'm not overly keen on it, it's a big improvement on the original.

purpleone said:

This song is as funky as shit. A great piece of Electro funk which Clinton or Zapp would've been proud of. Listen to this with the lights off man, that groove is hypnotic.

BorisFishpaw said:

My sentiments, almost; I don't think Rave In2 is a big improvement. But you're right about the album version, the lyrics/vocal delivery are so upbeat yet the groove is distinctly out of place; I don't actually feel there is much in the way of a hook. Completely unlike Kiss, for example.

giotto said:

Just gave it a spin. There are a couple of slightly different moments. Namely Prince multitracks some his vocals, like hes backing himself up. Theres more sound effects and slightly more guitar. The intro is missing, the song comes in as that whooshing sound begins.

Yeah theres more strings too. If you want to hear it, orgnote me.

The song (this version) is too weak to open an album. Fishpaw was right, this track should have been 'party over here' but wasn't.