| Purple Rain Deluxe Expanded Edition is an elaborated remastered re-issue of Prince’s best known, sixth full-length studio album Purple Rain (the motion picture soundtrack to the movie Purple Rain) and the second official posthoumous release.
In the 2CD version Deluxe Edition the remastered original album is augmented with a From The Vault & Previously Unreleased disc with eleven previously unreleased songs or versions, recorded between April 1983 and September 1984.
The more elaborate Deluxe Expanded Edition has third disc Single Edits & B-Sides with b-sides, extended versions and edits from the Purple Rain era as well as a DVD release of the concert Prince and the Revolution gave on 30 March 1985 in the Carrier Dome, Syracuse, NY, USA, which was previously released on video Prince And The Revolution: Live VHS/laserdisc.
Sessions and compiling
See Purple Rain for details on recording of the nine original tracks.
The original album was remastered at Paisley Park Studios in 2015, overseen by Prince. Originally a remastered edition was already expected and (at some point) planned to be released in 2014, when in April of that year Warner Bros. announced they signed a deal with Prince for a new album or album(s) by Prince to be released through them. At the same time it was announced a 30-year anniversary of Purple Rain was in the making.
After the end of 2014, with the momentum gone, the impression was that this re-issue would not come to fruition after all. But with its release in 2017 it became clear the original album was in fact remastered at Paisley Park Studios in 2015, said to be done under Prince’s supervision, which would have been too late for a timely 30-year anniversary release.
The second disc, From The Vault & Previously Unreleased, contains material purportedly from the sessions of the original Purple Rain album, although in fact some songs were never considered for the Purple Rain album, or are even from sessions that took place after the original album’s release.
- Love And Sex is from February 1984 and was recorded by Prince alone at Sunset Sound in Hollywood, California. The title was in fact found on a handwritten sequence for the album, although it was crossed out on there and was likely never seriously considered to be featured on the album.
- Computer Blue from August 1983 is the full take of the song on Purple Rain, which was then edited down to accommodate the inclusion of Take Me With U on the original album. This version was dubbed “Hallway Speech” version by fans, to indicate it includes a segment where Prince relates a story of a man living in a mansion, escorting a woman to his bedroom, naming the hallways after emotions including lust, fear, insecurity, hate and pain as they pass them. Oddly, the unofficial “Hallway Speech” name is also attributed to the track on this release. There is an even longer, over 14-minute version of the track, but the extra length in that comes from the “crashing guitar-feedback” sounds at the end (on the released original version segueing into Darling Nikki), running for two more minutes.
- Electric Intercourse (attributed here as “Studio Version,” presumably to distinguish it from a much bootlegged live/rehearsal version) was originally recorded in January 1983 at Sunset Sound in Hollywood, California. The studio version here appears to be somewhat sparse and seemingly unfinished. A live version of the song was recorded on 3 August 1983 at First Avenue, Minneapolis, MN, USA (during the same concert where overdubbed live versions of I Would Die 4 U, Baby I’m A Star and Purple Rain featured on Purple Rain were recorded). This live rendition of Electric Intercourse was also overdubbed in September 1983, a few days prior to Prince recording The Beautiful Ones, which ultimately replaced Electric Intercourse on the album. It is likely that Prince not only chose to replace it because The Beautiful Ones is arguably a better song, but also because the raw sexual lyrics of Electric Intercourse fitted (being sung to) the persona of Vanity, but not so much her replacement Apollonia.
- Our Destiny and Roadhouse Garden, segued together as one track were never considered for Purple Rain, as the album’s release date in June 1984 conflicts with the recording of these songs. They were played live together at a 7 June 1984 birthday show, but were initially worked on in the studio as separate tracks. Our Destiny was recorded by Prince alone in early June 1984. The version here uses the basic tracks recorded on 7 June 1984, albeit seemingly overdubbed so extensively that elements of the live version are very hard to distinguish. Overdubs, including a string and horn section on Our Destiny were done at Sunset Sound in September 1984, when the lead vox by Lisa Coleman (who is not credited for singing lead on the version here) was also recorded. The version of Roadhouse Garden used here was cut from scratch in the Flying Cloud Drive Warehouse studio, Eden Prairie, Minnesota in June 1984 and was among the first songs recorded there.
- Possessed is the version recorded in March 1984 at Sunset Sound in Hollywood, California. Part of this 1984 version can be heard as an instrumental in the movie Purple Rain. An earlier version was recorded in 1983 at The Warehouse in St. Louis Park, Minnesota. The track on this release is incorrectly attributed to be the 1983 version.
- Wonderful Ass dates from November 1982 or January 1983 and was recorded at Prince’s Kiowa Trail Home Studio in Chanhassen. The song was written about Vanity and while it may have been considered for the movie at some point, it never made it to any configuration, possibly in part due to the fact Vanity left the Prince camp and would no longer be in the movie. The liner notes attribute this song as being from September 1984, but this seems to indicate the time Wendy & Lisa recorded overdubs onto the song.
- Initially recorded in April 1983 at Sunset Sound in Hollywood, California, Velvet Kitty Cat was originally created for Vanity 6’s second album and later also considered for the Apollonia 6 album, but was never placed on any Purple Rain configuration. In May 1985, Prince re-recorded the track from scratch, making it a more rock-a-billy style vamp, but the version here is the original 1983 recording.
- Katrina’s Paper Dolls is another song that might have been written with Vanity in mind (Vanity’s real name was Denise Katrina Matthews). It was likely recorded on 1 March 1983 in Chicago, Illinois, while on the road on the 1999 Tour. It is not known if it was ever linked to, or considered for the film.
- The last track Father’s Song is an instrumental, the motive of which can be heard as a melody in Computer Blue. The recording here is a solo recording by Prince from late October 1983 at Kiowa Trail Home Studio in Chanhassen. Part of the song can also be heard in the movie Purple Rain, where Prince’s character "The Kid" storms in the house looking for his father and finds him playing the song on piano, although that is a different recording.
Promotion
Although no true singles were issued, Electric Intercourse was released as a “digital single” ahead of the album on 28 April 2017. On 12 May it was followed by a 'digital single' of Our Destiny / Roadhouse Garden. And on 16 June 2017 Father’s Song was released as a last download ahead of the album.
Charts
The album reached number 3 on the Billboard Top R&B/Hip Hop Albums chart and number 4 on the The Billboard 200.
Certifications
Certification for this Deluxe edition will be noted as if it were a new release and not linked to the certification of Purple Rain.
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Track listing
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Vinyl
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Original Album (2015 Paisley Park Remaster)
- Let’s Go Crazy (4:39)
- Take Me With U (3:54)
- The Beautiful Ones (5:13)
- Computer Blue (3:59) 1
- Darling Nikki (4:13)
- When Doves Cry (5:52)
- I Would Die 4 U (2:51)
- Baby I’m A Star (4:20)
- Purple Rain (8:41)
From The Vault & Previously Unreleased
- The Dance Electric (11:29)
- Love And Sex (5:00)
- Computer Blue (“Hallway Speech” Version) (12:18) 1
- Electric Intercourse (Studio Version) (4:57)
- Our Destiny / Roadhouse Garden (6:25)
- Possessed (7:56)
- Wonderful Ass (6:24) 2
- Velvet Kitty Cat (2:42)
- Katrina’s Paper Dolls (3:30)
- We Can F**k (10:17)
- Father’s Song (5:30) 3
Single Edits & B-Sides
- When Doves Cry (7" Single Edit) (3:49)
- 17 Days (B-Side Edit) (3:58) 4
- Let’s Go Crazy (7" Single Edit) (3:49)
- Let’s Go Crazy (Special Dance Mix) (7:36)
- Erotic City (7" B-Side Edit) (3:57)
- Erotic City ("Make Love Not War Erotic City Come Alive") (7:25)
- Purple Rain (7" Single Edit) (4:08)
- God (7" B-Side Edit) (4:04)
- God (Love Theme From Purple Rain) (UK 12" B-Side Edit) (7:57)
- Another Lonely Christmas (7" B-Side Edit) (4:56)
- Another Lonely Christmas (Extended Version) (6:52)
- I Would Die 4 U (7" Single Edit) (2:59)
- I Would Die 4 U (7" Single Extended Version) (10:20)
- Baby I’m A Star (7" B-Side Edit) (2:52)
- Take Me With U (7" Single Edit) (3:43)
Prince And The Revolution, Live at the Carrier Dome, Syracuse, NY, March 30 1985 (DVD)
- Let’s Go Crazy (6:03)
- Delirious (2:51)
- 1999 (5:51)
- Little Red Corvette (3:38)
- Take Me With U (4:56)
- "Interlude" (6:46) 5 (unlisted)
- Do Me, Baby (2:00) 6
- Irresistible Bitch (1:53)
- Possessed (4:24)
- How Come U Don’t Call Me Anymore (5:10)
- Let’s Pretend We’re Married (4:19)
- International Lover (1:49)
- God (7:43)
- Computer Blue (4:27) 1
- Darling Nikki (5:01)
- The Beautiful Ones (5:17)
- When Doves Cry (9:29)
- I Would Die 4 U (3:26)
- Baby I’m A Star (10:56)
- Purple Rain (19:24)
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- Let’s Go Crazy (4:39)
- Take Me With U (3:54)
- The Beautiful Ones (5:13)
- Computer Blue (3:59) 1
- Darling Nikki (4:13)
- When Doves Cry (5:52)
- I Would Die 4 U (2:51)
- Baby I’m A Star (4:20)
- Purple Rain (8:41)
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All songs written by Prince (credited to Prince and the Revolution) except where noted.
1 Written by John L. Nelson, Lisa Coleman, Wendy Melvoin and Prince
2 Written by Prince and Jill Jones (lyrics), Prince (music) (credited to Prince)
3 Written by John L. Nelson and Prince
4 Written by Prince, Lisa Coleman, Dr. Fink, Wendy Melvoin (credited to Prince and the Revolution)
5 traditional, standard, ca. 1775
6 Written by André Cymone (music (assumed, uncredited)) & Prince (lyrics)
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Personnel
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| Musicians
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- Prince - all vocals and instruments, except where noted
- Bobby Z. - drums and percussion on Let’s Go Crazy, Take Me With U, Computer Blue, I Would Die 4 U, Purple Rain and Our Destiny / Roadhouse Garden
- Brown Mark - bass guitar and vocals on Let’s Go Crazy, Take Me With U, Computer Blue, I Would Die 4 U, Purple Rain and Our Destiny / Roadhouse Garden
- Wendy Melvoin - guitar and vocals on Let’s Go Crazy, Take Me With U, Computer Blue, I Would Die 4 U, Purple Rain, Wonderful Ass, Our Destiny / Roadhouse Garden and We Can Fuck, backgound vocals on The Dance Electric
- Lisa Coleman - keyboards and vocals on Let’s Go Crazy, Take Me With U, Computer Blue, I Would Die 4 U, Purple Rain, Wonderful Ass, Our Destiny / Roadhouse Garden and We Can Fuck, backgound vocals on The Dance Electric
- Matt Fink - keyboards and vocals on Let’s Go Crazy, Take Me With U, Computer Blue, I Would Die 4 U, Purple Rain and Our Destiny / Roadhouse Garden
- David Coleman - cello on Take Me With U, Baby I’m A Star, Purple Rain and Our Destiny, oud and finger cymbals on We Can Fuck
- Apollonia - co-lead vocals on Take Me With U
- Jill Jones - vox on Baby I’m A Star, 17 Days, The Dance Electric and We Can Fuck (uncredited)
- Novi Novog - violin and viola on Take Me With U, Baby I’m A Star and Purple Rain
- Suzie Katayama - cello on Take Me With U, Baby I’m A Star, Purple Rain and Our Destiny
- Brenda Bennett - background vocals on 17 Days (uncredited)
- Sheila E. - co-lead vocals on Erotic City, drums on God (Love Theme From Purple Rain) (UK 12" B-Side Edit), percussion on I Would Die 4 U (7" Single Extended Version)
- Eddie M. - saxophone on I Would Die 4 U (7" Single Extended Version)
- Miko Weaver - guitar on I Would Die 4 U (7" Single Extended Version)
- Susie Davis - keyboards on I Would Die 4 U (7" Single Extended Version)
- Sid Page - violin on Our Destiny
- Marcy Dicterow-Vaj - violin on Our Destiny
- Denyse Buffum - viola on Our Destiny
- Laury Woods - viola on Our Destiny
- Tim Barr - stand-up bass on Our Destiny
- Annette Atkinson - stand-up bass on Our Destiny
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| Production
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- Prince - producer and arranger, clothing (credited for "rags"), art direction
- David Leonard- engineer (The Warehouse, St. Louis Park, MN, USA; Sunset Sound, Hollywood, CA, USA; First Avenue, Minneapolis, MN, USA and Record Plant Remote - Black Truck (from New York, NY in Minneapolis, MN USA)
- Susan Rogers - engineer (The Warehouse, St. Louis Park, MN, USA), Sunset Sound, Hollywood, CA, USA
- Peggy McCreary - engineer (Sunset Sound, Hollywood, CA, USA)
- David Rivkin - engineer (First Avenue, Minneapolis, MN, USA in Record Plant Remote - Black Truck (from New York, NY, USA)
- PRODUCED, ARRANGED, COMPOSED & PERFORMED BY PRINCE AND THE REVOLUTION
Lisa Coleman: Keyboards and Voice. Wendy: Guitar and Voice. Bobby Z.: Percussion. Brown Mark: Bass and Voice. Matt Fink: Keyboards and Voice.
- “The Beautiful Ones,” “When Doves Cry” & “Darling Nikki” produced, arranged, composed and performed by Prince. "Let’s Go Crazy” & “Computer Blue” were recorded at The Warehouse in the summer of ’83 by David Leonard & Susan Rogers. “Take Me With U,” “The Beautiful Ones” & “When Doves Cry” were recorded at Sunset Sound by Peggy Mac & David Leonard. All overdubs as well. “I Would Die 4 You,” “Baby I’m A Star,” “Purple Rain” recorded live at 1st Avenue in the summer of ’83 by David Rivkin, David Leonard & Record Plant, New York. Strings on "Take Me With U," "Baby I’m A Star, " & " Purple Rain" by David Coleman – cello, Novi Novog – violin & viola, Suzie Katayama – cello – arranged by Lisa & Prince, conducted by Lisa & Wendy. “Darling Nikki” was recorded at a place very close 2 where u live.
All words and music by Prince except “Computer Blue” written by John L. Nelson, Lisa & Wendy and Prince
All songs published by Controversy Music
Originally mastered by Bernie Grundman
Art Direction: Prince
Design: Laura LiPuma
Front cover photo: Ed Thrasher & Associates/Slenzak
Additional photography: Larry Williams
Painting: Doug Henders
Photos by Larry Williams and Ron Slenzak
On the hair side – Earl Jones
Make-up by Jayson Jefferys
Rags by Louis & Vaughn, Marie France & Prince
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| Thanks
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- "All thanks 2 God – the light, Lisa & Wendy, Bobby, Mark & Matt – the Revolution, Big Chick – the protector, Steve, Bob & Joe Ruffalo – the producers, Albert Magnoli – the director, Peggy Mac – the patience, Fred Moultrie – the money, Lee Phillips – the brains, Warner Bros. Records & Film – belief, God 4 the "rain", Sandy – the care, The Time – "chicken grease", Apollonia 6: Susan, Brenda & Apollonia – patience, wisdom & beauty, Jill – love, Roy Bennett – loyalty, David Leonard – the blade, Susan Rogers – energy, Carol McGovney – devotion, God – 4 the rainbow, William Blinn – the story, Alan Leeds – the expert. Thanks 2 Don Thorin and all the cast & crew of Purple Rain: Clarence Williams, Olga Karlatos, Kim – hi, Morris & Jerome, Katy, Billy Sparks – what up 'tho? Richard Arrington – God – 4 the sun, Wally Gator, Dez Dickerson & the Modernaires – Steve & everybody at 1st Avenue – all the extras & anybody else we foolhardedly forgot 2 mention."
"Thank u all-may u live 2 see the Dawn."
Executive Producer: Michael Howe
Thanks to: Cameron Strang, Dan McCarroll, Lenny Waronker, Tim Fraser Harding, Charles Hamilton, Emio Zizza, Hildi Snodgrass, Larry Mattera, Lynn M. Scott, Mike Sherwood, Jack Yslas, Kate Haffenden, Michael Nance, Kirdis Postelle, Phylicia Fant, Alex Tenta, Sheryl Farber, Norman Wonderly, Jonna Terrasi, Daniele Taska, Cheryl Jenets, Dion Singer, Jesse Coolbroth, George Lydecker, Garrick Kobylarz, Justin Smith, Scott Levitin, Tal Miller, Carlos Montes, Brigette Boyle, Francesca Del Regno, Kathy Malloy, Wil Wesley, Lisa Glines, Mike Wilson, Ali Johnson, David Dieckmann, Craig Anderson, Bernie Grundman, Jack Doutt, Randee St. Nicholas.
Very special thanks for their invaluable contributions to
Alfred Frank, Alonzo Jackson, John R. Nelson, Norrine P. Nelson, Sharon L. Nelson, Tyka, Kirk Johnson, Trevor Guy, Dr. Susan Rogers, David Z, Geoff Neal, Wendy Melvoin, Lisa Coleman, Dr. Fink, Brownmark, Bobby Z., Angelo Schifano, Julian Stockton, Mathieu Bitton, and all Prince fans worldwide
Most of all, thanks to
Prince and the Revolution for the music.
Photographs
Larry Williams ©2017 Doulbe L. Ranch Productions, Inc. All Rights reserved
Nancy Bundt © 1984 Nancy Bundt/Photographer
Rain Image: James Gobel
Art Direction & Design: Alex Tenta
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2016: 4Ever ◄
