Prince surprised his NPGMusicClub.com subscribers on New Year's Eve by posting
online nine new songs all beginning with the letter X. His fans, in turn,
reportedly surprised him with rumors based on the new tunes that he and his wife,
Mani, are expecting their first child. The reasons add up like a true "Paul Is
Dead" rock 'n' roll conspiracy: The number of new songs allegedly symbolizes
nine months; one is called "Xpectation;" another, "Xpand," is the seventh on the
list (pregnant women often expand most at seven months); and the final song, "Xpedition,"
ends with the sound of a baby crying. Prince's publicist took the 10-foot-pole
approach ("I could never comment on something like that") but said I.W.'s query
was a first. No comment from the Man has come down from Higheth since then. (C.R.)
Why the name change from "Xenophobia" to "Xpectation"?
The collection of songs called "Xpectation" is identical to the announced album "Xenophobia". The only
song that was kicked off is the original titletrack "Xenophobia". This tune was release in a live version
on "One Nite Alone Live EP" (5 track promo CD) and finally on the box set "One Nite Alone... Live!" in
2002.
The material was recorded in the first quarter of 2002. The NPG Music Club made all 9 songs available
online - as '01 Jan 2003 Web only MP3 release' - xclusively to all members of the club!
The following 'press release' was offered on the
Vanessa Mae Web (www.vanessamae.com):
Candy records again with Prince
(December 17th 2001)
Candy has recorded again with Prince. Earlier this month Candy was invited by Prince to come
to Minneapolis to record saxophone parts and solos for his upcoming album. In just two days
Candy performed on eight tracks. It is not known at this time when this album will be released.
Candy previously recorded with Prince on his 'Partyman' single and 'Grafitti Bridge' album and
appeared as a special guest on his 1998 American and European tours.
It is possible that this album is identical with / the retitled album
"Madrid 2 Chicago".
