Prince & The Revolution's "Purple Rain" Gets a "One Step" Single LP—This One Cut From 192/24 File Transferred From Original EQ'd Analog Master Tape

spectacular 3 dimensionality, precise transient definition, creates sonic splendor from a difficult-to-listen to bright, glossy 80's era production

Purple Rain arrived in 1984 two years after 1999, Prince's first big critical and commercial success. With songs like "Little Red Corvette" and the title track, It was the record that established his stardom and eventually in the year 1999, it was certified quadruple Platinum. Following his passing in 2016 it again charted, peaking at number 7—better than when it was originally released.

Quick aside: I was in Minneapolis the day Prince died. I'd visited Audio Research for a factory tour video and on the way to the airport on April 21st, 2016 as we drove past First Avenue, the club where Prince built his career, my host asked if he should stop so I can get out and take a photo in front of the club. I said "next time". There was no "next time" posing there while Prince was alive. He was discovered around 10:00 in the morning just about when we drove by. It was kind of creepy to find this out later in the afternoon after arriving in Newark.

Purple Rain, his sixth studio album, was next up, the soundtrack to a movie he insisted his manager Rob Cavallo produce for him as a condition for renewing his contract. Weak plot, clunky direction, an undistinguished "local quality" vanity project, but with a spectacular soundtrack that became Prince's first number one on the Billboard Top 200. By 1996 it was certified a ridiculous 13X Platinum seller with total sales in excess of 25 million copies.

At this point in time is there any reason to go over the memorable tunes? Or the monumental, audacious arranging and production values? Not really. Prince & The Revolution reached for the stars and they achieved lift off.

Unfortunately the recording, and especially the mix, though all analog (as best as I can tell) had that unbearable heavily processed sheen that like a lot of what was produced in the mid '80s spelled "c-o-c-a-i-n-e"—not saying that was involved or that Bernie Grundman, that mild mannered mastering engineer who worked for a great metropolitan mastering house, who first mastered and cut lacquers for the record was sniffing but, the original's top end, and midrange, was so godawful hard, bright and "sheeny", it made listening to a great record very difficult. I tried a Japanese original (P-13021) and that was just a better pressed version of same. In 2008 Kevin Gray cut lacquers for a reissue (R125110) that was no better: sheen in the mids on up, not much bass and and soft kind of lower midrange/upper bass. Simultaneously sizzle and flaccid.

However by far the best sound from a song from this record is the specially-priced 2-cut 45rpm Maxi-Single of "When Doves Cry" (LP version)/"17 Days....." (Warner Brothers 0-20228). There's no edge, no harsh brightness, Prince's voice sounds warm and present yet that synth kick drum (?) sounds perfectly aggressive. I play this track loud at shows and people go nuts. It's a sonic spectacular. Difficult to believe it's the LP version and not a remix.

So, what about this "One Step" and why cut from a file? Tom Biery who is in charge of all of these Because Sound Matters One Steps told me that the one and only tape had been repeatedly used since 1984 and though it wasn't in terrible shape, it would have to be run multiple times to produce lacquers for a 6000 edition run and he didn't want to be the one responsible for destroying or damaging the tape, so a one-off 192/24 bit file was produced and that was used and.....?

And though it's still bright, it is fundamentally even-keeled bright with the sheen and haze somehow removed. The sound is "tight" and transparent in a way that reveals details formerly caught in the haze. Yes, Prince's voice has that 80's era processing but it's doesn't smear over everything so his voice sits solidly in a three dimensional space as I've never before heard it. Production details hidden are now in plain audible sight and you can crank the shit out of if and your ears won't bleed. I don't know how Mr. Seitz did what no one else has managed cutting from tape but there it is. Even the big ending blast with the guitar solo now sings.

A few bars into "take me with you" you'll completely understand how spectacular this is: the right channel synth accents pop with precision in startling 3 dimensionality well away from the speaker. All of the centered vocal overdubs are easily discernible, the drums across the stage are well separated, and the for the first time the mix makes complete sense! You don't have to play it loud. At reasonable levels it still sounds inviting. The kick drum pops. There's an enormous sense of space across the soundstage and I can honestly say for the first time in 40 plus years I can sit back, listen and enjoy Purple Rain. And from a digital file. So go figure.

Limited to 6000 copies, $99.98. One-Step, pressed on Neotech VR900-D2 180g High Performance Vinyl, gatefold jacket, all original inserts, outstanding purple outer slipcase, all deluxe. It is one of the greatest rock/funk/soul whatever you want to call it albums and finally it sounds as it should. And no I haven't heard the Blu-ray or other special editions. But when Lisa asks Wendy if the water is warm enough, you'll know you made the right choice! The lacquer cut goes almost all the way to the label so there's that!