So Prince was releasing Rave. Warner Bros released The Vault just before it happened. Obviously, trying to cash in on the hype Prince was creating for one of his "post-slavery" albums. They tried to do it again with 3121, with the Ultimate being released around the same time figuring all the heads and/or casual fans might be inclined to pick up two albums instead of one anyway.
Then Ultimate was pushed back for its release. Now, if I remember correctly, wasn't SEXY MF on the original track list? Now, it's not. Now, he's giving away a song to a WARNER BROS movie.
Given his new JW beliefs how much ya'll wanna bet that he asked them to change the track list(to reflect those beliefs) and release date (so it wouldn't cut into 3121's hype)?
"Why should we?", they no doubt replied.
Because, my friends, his next album is going to be on Warner Bro's. You remember Warner Bros, don't you? The label he spent years bitching about, changing his name and conning us all (and even Oprah! DAMN!) into believing it was a spiritual thang, and writin' all up on his face with a Sharpie marker?

I ain't bitchin, I ain't bitter, I just think the cat is funny as hell. Does more wafflin' than an IHOP waitress!

As I said, just a theory.
Thoughts?

It's well known and well discussed (if you were around here at the time of the original release date) that there was a proposed tracklist and then Prince requested a few changes, such as Erotic City being removed. They needed to keep Prince on board since they needed his permission to remaster some of the tracks, so they complied. However, it seemed a last-minute decision to put the album release date back 6 months, since copies had been pressed and even reached stores, one can only think this was due to some block Prince put on the project. With all the trouble Prince had given Warners, it is hardly likely they would welcome him back with open arms, and hardly likely he would return to the label until his dispute over the masters is resolved. People have read far too much into the Happy Feet soundtrack being on Warners, it was just a case of Prince being inspired and generous, nothing more.
[Edited 1/3/07 5:46am]

Pizzat said: