Prince – The Rainbow Children

Hi all,

I saw some beautiful and expensive Mint sealed copies listed here. Just want to warn you about my story...

A friend of mine picked-up for me a so called "Mint sealed" copy of a Japanese press in Paris () from a store which is listing here and many others "Mint sealed" nice records.

My friend is not a collector/expert and despite the shrink had been opened and the record checked, he didn't see the very light hairlines and spindle marks difficult to see at day light.

The record is more or less NM all around and an insert was missing. It costed me probably twice the price I should have been paying for. It's not bad grading, it's simply robbery.

So, be careful, famous old records still sealed are pretty rare on the market. Only real collectors and very serious stores like some I'm in touch with in Japan and the US can be trusted. And unfortunately more and more robbers like that shop in Paris are re-sealing records to make more money faster. I gave it a try. Too bad for me. A second try is not necessary, just don't buy anything from that guy.

One of the most underrated Prince records out there. The pressing is great, I have slight surface noise on two tracks only the rest is perfection.

Absolutamente genial. Quizá le mejor etapa de Prince. Muy bien grabado y con precio decente, no la locura de buscar una primera edición. Prensado totalmente silencioso y disco transparente. Un detalle el mat psicodélico de regalo.

Sistema: Technics SL1200-MK5 + Philips GP401-III + Pro Ject Phono Box DS2

"muse 2 the pharoah" is the absolute smooth jam.. my favorite on the album by far...underrated release otherwise...

I’ve recently acquired this pressing. As others have mentioned, it’s true, there are some visible fine scratches (rash marks) in areas, likely from the original paper sleeves, and Side D in particular looks poorly pressed with marks and undulations in the vinyl BUT none of this significantly affects the sound quality…generally quiet, clear and dynamic throughout on my copy. I’d suggest placing the LPs in some poly lined sleeves asap to avoid any further damage from those paper sleeves and don’t dismiss this pressing just based on appearance…listen…this is one of my favourite Prince albums ☮️

Go buy the clear version. This one doesn't sound better or anything.

Entered the prize draw for this, wasn't one of the winners... *sad trombone sound* I guess I'll have to spray-paint my clear version. Livid

This album is highly underrated, therefore I have given it five stars, which I believe it deserves. I hope to see the rating go up on this beautiful and brilliant album.

By this time of his life, "Prince" (as he reclaimed his rightful name), was going through a lot of changes...

He was studying the Bible with "Larry Graham" for some time (who is known to be of the "Jehovah Witness" faith)....And through those studies, "Prince" found himself at a crossroads....He made a lot a changes in his life, because he experience a lot of tragedies (losing his child, and his divorce from "Mayte")...

But the one thing that didn't change is his resolve to make Stunning Music....That's where "The Rainbow Children" comes into play...Initially, it was released by a small company called "Redline Entertainment", but you could still find it everywhere (I'm sure because it was "Prince")....

His personnel on here was small....You had newcomer "John Blackwell" (Drums) along with classic Saxophone and Flute player "Najee", with "Prince" doing the others instruments himself....

The "Title Track" ushers in where "Prince" was coming from Spiritually, that way there was no confusion...The music is loose but tight at the same time, with room to breath....

Other songs that help with that is "The Work Pt. 1" (talking about Field Service), "1+1+1 Is 3", the FANTASTIC and "FUNKY" "The Everlasting Now", and the terrific album closer "Last December"...

Not all the songs talk about the faith....

"Mellow" is labeled just as it sounds....

"Family Name" is straight "Funk" to your brain....

And "She Loves Me 4 Me" is a smooth Slow Jam, even though I feel like it's too short....

I bought this one on Vinyl and it sounds terrific...I do understand that some didn't agree with his choice of Faith (as I share the same Faith), but I am glad that people do appreciate this body of work as it truly is, a body of work...

After getting his Spiritual focus, then he got his Musical focus back, and that is what we loved about him.....

*****/5
An outstanding album, filled with a wild storyline about a man who banished those who have sinned out of his kingdom and fell in love with a new muse under God. Through the story we hear some incredible music versatility from gospel, funk, soul, rock and experimental musings. Prince sounds very inspired and creative lyrically especially on songs like "Family Name" speaking about the plight of systemic racism with African American last names. The album is best enjoyed as a whole and ends on a high note with "The Everlasting Now" and "The Last December". The Estate released a beautiful vinyl re-release with a rainbow slipmat and clear colored wax. The album has held up today with the likes of creations by Thundercat or Kamasi Washington and does not sound dated at all