Prince agrees album release deal

The three-disc set will be sold only through Target stores in the US

Rock star Prince has agreed a deal to release his latest album through US retail chain Target.

The three-disc set, recorded without the help of a major label, has two original studio albums called LOtUSFLOW3R and MPLSoUND.

A third disc, titled Elixer, by his protege Bria Valente, is also included in the deal.

The collection of songs will be available from 29 March priced at $11.98 (£8.49).

Prince showcased four new songs on Los Angeles radio station Indie 103 shortly before Christmas and previewed others on the internet.

It is the latest instance of a recording artist partnering with a major retailer to release an album.

AC/DC released their album Black Ice in October exclusively through retail giant Wal-Mart and rock icon Bruce Springsteen gave the retailer exclusive rights to release an anthology of his greatest hits in January.

Prince has previously tried out alternative ways to distribute his music - his last album, Planet Earth, was given away free in the UK with The Mail On Sunday newspaper in 2007.