Ok before I start I know the actual answer to this question is "with Prince there is no strategy!" but I gotta wonder as this year is shaping up to be interesting but highly confusing (but also, for a hardcore fan very exciting with bags of potential - hopefully we won't be too disappointed).

So 2014:

1. Early in the year Prince & 3rdEyeGirl do a hit n run tour of UK and Mojo magazine article with all focus on the imminent Plectrumelectrum release.
2. He returns to the States and does the Arsenio Hall takeover but it is a real mix not just focusing on 3rdEyeGirl but also full NPG and songs from the back catalogue (Mutiny).
3. There is stories of listening parties for Plectrum... and meetings with various record execs
4. He releases the FallInLove... single with Zooey... through Epic
5. Surprise announcement of linking up with Warner Bros for remastered albums (starting with PR to exploit 30th anniv) that also talks about unreleased material AND a new album through WB
6. Single download release of The Breakdown which is clearly solo Prince and not 3rdEyeGirl
7. Second hand confirmation of an actual "Prince" solo album rather than "Prince & 3rdEyeGirl" Plectrum album through WB (via Nik West bassplayer)
8. Prince & 3rdEyeGirl suddenly announce (with 2 weeks notice) a new hit n run tour of UK, Holland and Belgium

WTF

So could mean all sorts of things including:

1. Plectrum Electrum is coming out on WB
2. Plectrum Electrum is still with Kobalt and will be a "competing" product with the WB releases (while I am glad to get as much music as possible this does seem like madness from a marketing POV)
3. Plectrum Electrum is imminent (at last) and the PR deluxe will be later in the year...
4. Not sure about what that means for the "Prince" solo album - same time or soon after PR?
5. Are we really getting three albums this year = Plectrum, New solo Prince, PR deluxe!?!?!?!

The ride always stays interesting with Prince even if sometimes people are tempted to get off!

The strategy is as follows:

- There is no strategy

Nice summation and, yes, this will be an interesting year.

My guess:

Prince is trying all he can to stir things up,

But since his new songs has been met with disappointment he is still holding back Plectrum Electrum.

I guess WB is ready soon with a purple campaign with those beauty remasters,

I really hope 2014 will be purple --- hopefully this summer.

The same as always.. bait and switch. Though one of those new songs seems to say some things about a lesbian or something who didn't repent??? I only listened to a bit of it so I don't remember, but I thought it sounded like a shot at Wendy and Lisa. If so then Prince reaally is still tripping HARD and we aren't ever going to see any more GREAT music out him. The Breakdown is kind of good though the piano part at the beginning makes me want to sing Janet's "When I Think Of You". My belief is that WB's would have to have asked about inclusion of The Revolution, Time and Family over 3EG, and Prince has said no to doing it. It's the epitome of crazy that reunion plans weren't announced for what should be remasters of all the PR era albums.

Probably he will do a surprise release of PlectrumElectrum the next weeks...but under the name 3rdeyegirl, not Prince& 3rdeyegirl....

Maybe during the hype for his European/UK concerts...

Then he will release the "PR Remaster" in the summer and in the fall a new Prince album....

Or maybe the other way around

I think for Prince, the "Purple Rain Remasters" is for the improved sonic quality of the original album and outtakes from that era in deluxe edition packaging. It looks like he's content with playing older music with 3RDEYRGIRL and the NPG. I just want him to release "PlectrumElectrum" and tour behind the new music. 3RDEYEGIRL has been playing the same number of tunes for a year and half. Damn the greatest hits. Prince reminds fans all the time that he doesn't like living in the past and likes playing with different musicians. Keep doing it.

Marco81 said:

The strategy is as follows:

- There is no strategy

Yup. Beat me to it.

There is never a strategy.

these new uk show set lists will define his latest strategy

could it be...

PR remaster WB

plectrum kobalt

Prince epic

he never said Prince album would be with warners....

[Edited 5/5/14 8:16am]

luvsexy4all said:

Marco81 said:

The strategy is as follows:

- There is no strategy

This is my guess also.

Why does he need a strategy? He hasn't had one for the last several years and it seems to me like he's done quite well - especially financially.

What I see with Prince is an artist that is totally free, and totally set for life financially. So he's decided that he will do exactly - and only - what he wants to do, when he wants to do it.

I am the same age as Prince, and from a 55-year-old's perspective, I wouldn't want to have to plan a whole year of activity any more. I would much rather do stuff with little planning, and follow what whims may come up.

I've said this many times before but it's the truest thing I've ever observed about Prince - just go along for the ride. When new music comes, it comes. When a tour or concert appearance comes, it comes.

I don't expect a lot of advance notice for anything.

RodeoSchro said:

Why does he need a strategy? He hasn't had one for the last several years ever...

Strategy is for who has something to lose...

To go purify yourself in the waters of lake minnetonka of course.