Hi gang, I've recently purchased the Australian Black Album cd that came with a numbered slipcase exclusively in the Brisbane, Adelaide and Sydney Virgin Megastores in the 90's. I was wondering if anyone can tell me anything about the release, how many copies were made? Was it heavily promoted or not? I've searched the net for more info but I've come across nothing. I've found many posts about the Symbol limited edition gold case but I've never seen one on this. Any help would great!

player said:

Hi gang, I've recently purchased the Australian Black Album cd that came with a numbered slipcase exclusively in the Brisbane, Adelaide and Sydney Virgin Megastores in the 90's. I was wondering if anyone can tell me anything about the release, how many copies were made? Was it heavily promoted or not? I've searched the net for more info but I've come across nothing. I've found many posts about the Symbol limited edition gold case but I've never seen one on this. Any help would great!

I have a copy - #1157. Bought on e-bay a couple of years ago and have yet to see anything that confirms it to be legit.

Compare the disc to the official 1994 release. Looks kinda shady in comparison

player said:

Hi gang, I've recently purchased the Australian Black Album cd that came with a numbered slipcase exclusively in the Brisbane, Adelaide and Sydney Virgin Megastores in the 90's. I was wondering if anyone can tell me anything about the release, how many copies were made? Was it heavily promoted or not? I've searched the net for more info but I've come across nothing. I've found many posts about the Symbol limited edition gold case but I've never seen one on this. Any help would great!

This from Uptown magazine issue #18. (Australia discography special)

November 1994 saw the official release of The Black Album. This is a limited release, only available for two months, or until stocks run out (Australia only). A special "Worldwide 1st Release" slipcase was issued with initial copies sold at Virgin Megastores Australia wide. The item is sure to attract a lot of attention from collectors.

The article does not state how many copies were made.

Hope this helps.

I have no clue cuz I have lucky #0013. The font is way different than all the other releases I have in my collection. I heard they only made 2000 of those. Anybody have past 2000?

At least It comes with the Slipcase to identify it. I like that alot instead of plain black slip of paper.

I also have the (US Promo Stamp with Sticker, Japanese that comes with a Booklet not just a glossy sheet, Tawainese that that is a glossy sheet that is white on the other side, and South African that comes with a white sticker instead of black)

MikeyB71 said:

This from Uptown magazine issue #18. (Australia discography special)

November 1994 saw the official release of The Black Album. This is a limited release, only available for two months, or until stocks run out (Australia only). A special "Worldwide 1st Release" slipcase was issued with initial copies sold at Virgin Megastores Australia wide. The item is sure to attract a lot of attention from collectors.

The article does not state how many copies were made.

Hope this helps.

Why didn't i think of looking there.

Thanks MikeyB71.

boscho said:

MikeyB71 said:

This from Uptown magazine issue #18. (Australia discography special)

November 1994 saw the official release of The Black Album. This is a limited release, only available for two months, or until stocks run out (Australia only). A special "Worldwide 1st Release" slipcase was issued with initial copies sold at Virgin Megastores Australia wide. The item is sure to attract a lot of attention from collectors.

The article does not state how many copies were made.

Hope this helps.

Why didn't i think of looking there.

Thanks MikeyB71.

I never usually doubt anything that's printed in Uptown, but there's still something dodgy about this release, IMO. For a start, why hasn't there been many copies floating around on Ebay? I always have a search on for the Black Album, but rarely have i seen this release come up (I think only once since I acquired a copy). Surely with at least an estimate of 2000 copies, there'd be a few coming up here and there. Also, the printed spine, and the print of the disc, don't look as defined as compared to the regualr release. And, if i recall correctly, the sequencing of the music is a little out of synch.

boscho I must admit that my first thought when I received it was that it's a fake. The packaging just doesn't... fit. However, the printed spine on mine is just as the standard release, same with the music which is synched fine. If it is a fake, it appears they just stuck an extra slipcase on to the official release. Thanks for the help as well Mikey, I'm not well up on Uptown magazine at all. I guess the only way to confirm its authenticity is if any Australian orgers can confirm its appearance at one of the Virgin Megastores.... Anyone?

Post photos of the disc & packaging up.

dalsh327 said:

Post photos of the disc & packaging up.

Unfortunately I don't have a scanner, but I've found it on this site http://www.aprilsnow.be/c...prince.htm (which is great by the way)

direct link to Black Album in question: http://aprilsnow050.ueuo....k/4058.htm

I was working in music retail at the time of the Black Album release in 94. From what I remember there wasn't any massive promotion around this, and it's release timed with the launch of Come.

I grabbed a vinyl and cd copy when it was released and was told by the music reps at Warners they were only doing a limited production run and that its release would only be for 2 months.

The slip case you speak of - sadly I didn't know about it, but it looks like the kind of Virgin Exclusive the megastores would try to have to increase sales.

Hope that helps

^ Thanks Swa. Any info is helpful.

Thanks for your help Swa. Still don't feel like I know whether it's definitely legit or definitely fake though Other than contacting WB directly, does anyone know how or where we could try to get a definite answer? I'd believe the Uptown article but I can't help but see where Boscho's coming from. Oh and mines no. 083 by the way

dalsh327 said:

Post photos of the disc & packaging up.

Trickology said:

dalsh327 said:

Post photos of the disc & packaging up.

As I've said, I don't have a scanner or camera (and my mobile's terrible) but it's the exact same as the one I've posted a link to on the Prince Collector's Reference website http://aprilsnow050.ueuo....k/4058.htm

Just click on the disc and packaging to enlarge.