International sales launch for Prince's "Planet Earth" was July 16. The U.S. launch took place on July 24. - File Photo image:31821:0::0

Criticized by the music industry (which is already suffering severe declines in album sales) and his British-label (Sony BMG U.K.), plans for a proper launch and release have been nixed. The international street date for "Planet Earth" is set for July 16, followed by a U.S. street date of July 24.

Paul Quirk, co-chairman of the Entertainment Retailers Association, was quoted as saying "The Artist Formerly Known As Prince should know that with behavior like this he will soon be the Artist Formerly Available In Record Stores." Mr. Quirk is referring to the era in time (1994-2000) when Prince was referred to as "The Symbol" or "T.A.F.K.A.P" in response to what the artist felt was "slavery" and a contract with Warner Brothers that "limited artistic freedom"

Music retailers are up in arms because they supported Prince during this troubled time and had hoped that the release would generate traffic to their stores. Another reason music retailers are upset is over HMV's decision to carry The Mail in all of their 400 stores (or more). HMV, typically, has never carried newspapers. An HMV spokesman said "Like it or not, selling the newspaper is the only way to make the Prince album available to our customers."

Anticipation is high for this album because there is wide speculation that it will be the return of Wendy & Lisa to the mix. Wendy & Lisa were a high profile tandem that appeared with The Revolution, Prince's backing band, throughout the 80s. The use of the "covermount" where a free CD or DVD is attached to the newspaper in hopes of catching the attention of the customer, is a practice that is widepsread in Britain.

Many newspapers, like music retailers, are struggling to retain readers who have opted to turn to online news and entertainment websites. Most of the previous giveaways have been compilations of previous material and older films. In their Sunday edition, The Mail has given away music from Dolly Parton, Peter Gabriel and Duran Duran.

"Planet Earth" contains 10 new songs, featuring the popular single "Guitar". Prince has already sold 400,000 tickets to his 21-day residency at London's O2 Arena and will be giving away a free copy of the album to each ticketholder.


Recommended Reading :

Prince/musician
foxnews.com