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Lovesexy Tour

Hilton Coliseum, Ames

21st November 1988

*Review*

It still amazes me even today that new/better source recordings can suddenly surface out of nowhere more than twenty years after the event itself. This latest effort from NPR is one such occasion and anyone who owns the previous version Lovesexy Radio In Ames will be scampering to get a hold of this one. The old recording was woeful to say the least, very muddied and distant sounding almost as if the taper had been a little over-exuberant when hiding his equipment.  In fact, at times it sounded almost like it would if you were outside the venue.

No matter, the important thing here is the quality of this new version and it is certainly an improvement in terms of the clarity and overall atmosphere. The vocal area is particularly crisp and I’m quite impressed by the differences here. It doesn’t appear to have over-worked, thankfully, which has allowed it to shine a little more and when compared back to back with the old source, it really does show. Unfortunately, there are problems but thankfully not too many to ruin it. The opening minute or so is distorted somewhat (tape chewed I’ve been reliably informed) and there are a number of drop-outs throughout. Attempts have been made to correct these but some are more noticeable than others and there are some volume inconsistencies during a few tracks, particularly on The Cross and I Wish U Heaven. I also think it could have benefited from a little more ‘boost’ in the overall volume as, like NPR’s last release, I’m having to turn the speakers up more than I’d have expected to. Ordinarily, bearing these faults in mind, I’d be inclined to rate this a VG but I feel that a little harsh on this occasion, especially as it is a Lovesexy show we’re getting here and it is, after all, a marked improvement over the original.

That said, there’s little out of the ordinary in the performance itself. It’s a fairly standard example from the tour but no less enjoyable for it, I might add. You know what your getting with these shows and it’s very rare you don’t have fun listening to one and at least now we can actually enjoy this one, which can only be a good thing.

So, a step in the right direction for NPR Records after what seems to be quite a number of releases (judging by the cat. no.) and I’m always thankful whenever a good Lovesexy recording pop ups. Yes, it’s not perfect but I know which copy I’d rather have so grab it and enjoy.

2 CDR

Label: NPR Records

Cat No:  # NPR 031

Running Time: 61:25 / 62:13

Source: Audience Recording

Quality: VG+

Released: February 2010

Disc 1

1. Intro  2. Erotic City   3. Housequake (including Take The A-Train)   4. Slow Love   5. Adore   6. Delirious   7. Jack U Off   

8. Sister   9. Do Me, Baby - Adore   10. I Wanna Be Your Lover   11. Head   12. A Love Bizarre   13. When You Were Mine

14. Blues In C (If I Had A Harem)   15. When You Were Mine   16. Little Red Corvette   17. Controversy   18. U Got The Look

19. Superfunkycalifragisexy   20. Controversy   21. Bob George   22. Anna Stesia

Disc 2

1. Cross The Line   2. Eye No   3. Lovesexy   4. Glam Slam   5. The Cross   6. I Wish I Heaven   7. Take This Beat   8. Kiss  9. Interlude  10. Dance On  11.Sheila E Drum Solo (including Transmississippirap)   12. Let's Go Crazy   13. When Doves Cry   14. Purple Rain   15. 1999   16. Alphabet St.  17. Outro