There has been much debate over this whole "giveaway" of the CD at shows and that counting towards record sales and chart positions. But in reality PRINCE should be viewed as trying to save the LIVE performers, the ones that tour and tour and tour and cant get Airplay or any respect because they are viewed as being "has beens" or "heritage" acts. In the last year artists like HALL AND OATES, STYX, PAT BENATAR, RICK SPRINGFIELD all have released their best CDs in their long careers, but with the exception of Hall and Oates none can get airplay, video play, press, u name it. I did some "street team" work for the current Rick springfield record and every email i wrote to radio about adding the single to their list was given the same response "we cannot play a record that holds no chart position or reflects current trends", what a crock, whatever happend to a DJ setting a trend or having a mind. Imagine now if these artists who all are on tour non stop, playing 2,000-5,000 seat venues a few times a week, what if they were to try PRINCE's idea and give out the CD for free and build it into the ticket price, most of them are on giant tours so they would at least get themselves into the Top 100 albums. I think PRINCE's plan is brilliant and is causing a stir because once these acts and many others become hip to it, the day of the "flava of the week" will be over or at least threatened. Maybe then labels will WORK artists again as opposed to setting a trend or looking for that LOOK. To prove how flawed the system is take the latest ROLLING STONE issue, the one with USHER on the cover, the PRINCE article about MUSIC is limited to a half page, where as USHER has a cover and a huge spread talking about his women and relationships, nothing relevant about music. But what else can be said of an industry that couldnt sell Jessica SImpson as a good vocalist so they cashed in on her being dumb and all the fools followed like puppets in the game, and now someone is looking for the next DUMB ass to cash in with. So I applaud PRINCE, on his move to break the chain and by using a Major Label to do it, if thats not brilliant then I dont know what is.

That a was very good read. Thanks lastdecember

I'm with ya when yer right...!

Oh Yeah!!