Just read on another thread that in Oz the single was released today (the rest of us get the album today - weird) and they get the album next week.

The single has two trax, Musicology and On The Couch.

With all the 100s of trax Prince has recorded surely he could have dug out a previously unreleased one for the "b-side" of the single or even put on a Musicology remix (though personally I hate remixes).

I think that is poor especially as the theme of the tour and album is about educating the next generation of musicians on how to approach their music (should therefore include not ripping your fans).

Anyway, I got the album today and I'm very happy to see TV ads and posters all over the place. It's cool being a Prince fan again.

"On The Couch" is the "b-side". B-side doesn't originally really mean anything else than the second side of a vinyl 7" single and there was never any indication that the b-side has to be a non-album track. In fact, B-sides were always included as just something that they thought would advance the sales of the single release and make it chart higher.

Concerning the "Musicology" single however: I personally think it's brilliant that Prince doesn't expect his fans to pay 6-11$/€ for a two track CD just to get hold of one new exclusive track; instead, he has his internet distribution methods arranged for such material. That I would call fan-friendliness.

To be honest I hadn't considered that. You're right - his website can be used to release new material/demoes etc for just 77/99 cents rather than buy the single.

I guess I'm still stuck back in the days when I would buy my 7inch vinyl with a proper unreleased B-Side and be full of anticipation. I was so excited the day I heard Shockadelica or La La La He He Hee or before that 17 Days, Erotic City, Hello, Love Or Money etc etc

I will still buy the single because I am a collector and want everything (sad perhaps) so having a B Side would suit me.

But you're right. We have moved on and the website performs this function.

Now if he could just make artwork available online for download as well

jaypotton said:

i'd settle for some decent artwork on the actual released-to-stores albums/singles

Hey, I remember what it was still like when we had actual VINYL RELEASES. As a teenager, I used to raid the exchange stores for the 12" maxi-singles for like 2£ and was so proud when I could get my hands finally on something like the extended version of "La La La He He Hee" (I mean really!). So I agree - them were the magical times, I guess...

Now, somebody please comment this post of mine with one of those smileys that will signify "Time to wake up, grandpa!" or something. Quick.