Still Waiting: Six years of The Estate

In 2022 we passed, as will do every year until forever, the sixth anniversary of Prince’s death. Since 2016, his fantastic musical legacy has been managed by The Prince Estate but with six years having past how have the posthumous releases fared and did they met hopes?

There were stellar releases to say the least: two Super Deluxe Editions 1999 and Sign O’ The Times, both Grammy nominated, plus three ‘original’ albums Welcome 2 America, Piano & A Microphone 1983, and Originals – Prince’s demos of the hits he gave to other artists. The estate has produced a rich crop of releases in these six years, dominated by an era that looms large, Purple Rain, for reasons commercial and sentimental. It produced Purple Rain Deluxe, which will no doubt yet see a Super Deluxe, and a three-time reissued Prince And The Revolution Live. The latter, just as lovingly presented as previous major releases from the estate hint, however, those calling the shots do not command complete understanding of the scope and value of Prince’s astounding vaulted catalogue. 1999, Purple Rain, Sign O’ The Times as brilliant remasters they are, left fans wondering when would the Super Deluxe Editions extend to Prince’s 1990s catalogue.

The non-appearance of Diamonds And Pearls in its 30th anniversary year drew wide criticism on twitter, if not incredulity, that a massive opportunity was missed. Then the Record Store Day releases which feature (perhaps too) centrally in the annual release schedule. Limiting the release of beautifully packaged and much awaited LPs whiff of unsound decision making.

Posting a tweet on 31 December 2021 cock-a-hoop the estate’s reissue of 1998’s The Truth was the best selling record on Discogs that year (let’s remind ourselves Discogs is a secondary marketplace where records are savagely marked-up by the very independent sellers RSD intends to support) left many fans feeling ripped off and disappointed. The tweet unwittingly revealed the wider picture. The fact The Truth was “the most sold record” begged the question: why would the estate restrict a release that could enjoy far greater success as a general release – adding more money to the estate’s coffers. There was also the similar scramble in 2022 with The Gold Experience vinyl pressing – charting on Billboard as the week’s fourth top-selling vinyl (the CD general release re-entered the album a hair’s breadth off the top-40). So why expend so much effort to produce sought-after releases so beautifully packaged and then limit their distribution? If there was ever a lack of confidence in Prince’s commercial appeal today, surely the fact their £150 Super Deluxe Editions are able to chart, as have done, where are the grounds for concern?

U better wake up and release it

Quality is not the issue here, indeed this website has repeatedly rated Prince’s posthumous releases above 4 out of 5. It is the method of distribution many question. “Missed opportunity” clouds the past six years. Sign O’ The Times singles collection is a fine example: the release was limited to 1,987 units and, sold exclusively from the estate’s website buyers could grab multiple copies per order – to keep a copy and eBay the other – it disenchanted the many who missed the chance to own it.

Then in February 2022 the reissue of 12 of Prince’s Warner era albums which created a golden opportunity to retouch and/or digitally rescan – not necessarily a full remaster master, were merely re-logoed Sony Legacy. Let’s not even mention its typo on Come misstating Prince’s birth year as 1953 (ok consider it duly mentioned). When some releases are lavished so much care and beautiful presentation, the typo and the safe low-volume distribution leaves the persistent question: do those in control ‘know’ Prince? Their hovering around 1984/5 suggests: ‘a little, not much’.

Surely Prince’s commercial value is at its highest today than will be 50 years down the line. Parade remains in Warner’s hands and let us not fret it and Diamonds And Pearls Super Deluxe Editions will see light of day. But time and milestone anniversaries are passing. This July, following the court settlement of the estate’s final valuation, The Prince Estate is due to become Prince Legacy LLC and under new leadership. So with this prospect of fresh direction, could they be more imaginative in their selections and distribution. Of course, a Super Deluxe Lovesexy would wash all these complaints away. No one is ungrateful for the wonderful releases already but do please will the next custodians get a move on.