Target has announced that they have teamed up with Prince to be the exclusive retailer of his new albums LOTUSFLOW3R and MPLSOUND as well as the debut album, Elixir, by his new musical protégé Bria Valente. In fact, Target will sell all 3 albums together for the low, low prince of $11.98:

Prince has found an outlet for his latest collection of songs, recorded without a major label, by partnering with Target for a three-disc set, the retail chain said on Monday. The album will be available at Target stores March 29. The collection has two original studio albums called “LOTUSFLOW3R” and “MPLSOUND” and a third disc titled “Elixer” by his latest protege, the singer Bria Valente. The three-disc set from Prince, which will sell for $11.98 at Target, is the latest instance of a recording artist partnering with a major retailer to release an album. Anglo-Australian rock band AC/DC released their chart-topping album “Black Ice” in October exclusively through Wal-Mart stores and rock icon Bruce Springsteen gave the retailer exclusive rights to release an anthology of his greatest hits in January. Prince in recent months sought to showcase his latest recordings as he worked without a major label, as he premiered songs for a Los Angeles radio station and on the Internet. Prince has previously tried out alternative ways to distribute his music. Copies of his 2007 CD “Planet Earth” were delivered with British newspaper The Mail on Sunday. Prince, whose hits include “Purple Rain” and “When Doves Cry,” was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2004 and he has won six Grammy Awards.

Now this is a great deal. I had a feeling that Prince would be working out an exclusive deal with a retailer but I guessed it would be Amazon.com. I LOVE that he’s chosen to work with Target — my fave store ever. I really didn’t anticipate that all three albums would be bundled together and for such a low price! Altho he gave away his previous album, Planet Earth, for free in the UK I am not at all bummed he is not doing the same thing here. Three albums for $12 is a pretty good deal. Woot!! I can’t wait to pick up this new bundle of Prince music at my friendly neighborhood Target store come March 29.

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