Everyone has noticed that Crimson & Clover is not on the download version of the Lotusflow3R album from the website and will only appear on the CD version. I have a theory...

...this is likely to be down to royalties. If the song appears on the physical CD copy then the number of sales can be easily calculated and the appropriate royalty paid to the composer.

Composing royalties are in the region of 30% of wholesale price divided by the number of songs on the album (ie 1/10 if 10 songs).

When it comes to the online version, then this is harder to audit as the $77 is not ONLY for the music downloads on the site.

Just a thought!

I see what you're saying but you would have thought they could have worked out a deal, either a fixed price for the website, or first so and so copies.

Besides with the video up (which you can get the music off) what's the difference?

Its been a while but I think this would fall under compulsory mechanical royalties for the download and prince would only need to pay 8 cents per download.

The video would required a sync license which you need to negotiate.

Someone voiced "your" theory about three days ago - in the Lotusflow3r sticky.

Genesia said:

That's right and that was I.
[Edited 3/28/09 18:31pm]

blacksweat said:

Yes, it was. Forgive me for not remembering our exchange and giving you credit.

Genesia said:

No problem at all.

It's a theory, but I don't think it's right.

It's just a cynical attempt by Prince to annex people into buying both a subscription and a CD. I mean, the cheek to have a digital version of the album(s), which was major selling point of the $77 spend, and not to have the first single included.

That's what we call in Australia 'Taking the piss'.

blacksweat said:

Damn and there was me thinking I was being all clever

jaypotton said:

Well you figured it out on your own, which makes you as clever. Allthough you lose a few points for speed.