Fans of The Artist Formerly Signed to EMI might have a difficult time finding his new release in Canada. The multiple-album set, The Crystal Ball, is only available online, through mail order and selected retail outlets in the U.S. To date, no Canadian retailers have definite plans to carry the album, due out March 1.

Jackie, head of retail at The Artist's NPG Records, doesn't know of any retail stores distributing the album in Canada, but mentions that those wishing to do so can simply order it directly through the Wayzata, Minneapolis-based label.

"We distribute it, right now, in the States," says Jackie. "It will be in some of the retail stores, but also through the Internet www.1800newfunk.com and the 800 line (1-800-NEW-FUNK). We've released a special five-CD disc through the Internet with different packaging and, in retail, it's three discs plus The Truth, so the total is four. The retail one isn't out until March 1. The Internet (version) came out a week ago."

With just two weeks to go before The Crystal Ball's official release date, Bruce Mackenzie, buyer at Pindoff Record Sales, which services Music World and Eatons, among other accounts, says, "No one has approached us on it. Probably, it's going to be on import only." Tim Baker, buyer at the Sunrise Records chain, echoes almost the exact same comment. "I haven't been approached by anyone to carry it."

HMV appears to be the only Canadian retailer with the ball set in motion. "I read about it in the trades, that it's an exclusive deal done with some of the major retailers in the U.S. (Best Buy, Blockbuster, Musicland) through his artist management," says Roger Whiteman, VP of product support, at HMV Canada. "So we've actually contacted them. Since making that call, we may have the opportunity to bring it up.

"We're in the process of soliciting our stores to see what kind of quantities they would take,' explains Whiteman, noting that the return policy of major labels, if an album does not sell through, might not be honoured in this unusual case, where the middle man has been omitted.

"These deals are done on the basis of taking and committing to huge quantities and paying a premium upfront on these things, so I'm not sure if that's going to be something that is going to be palatable to us. But failing that, we know we can get it through our HMV U.S.A. operation.

"Hopefully, it will available through HMV in Canada. We just have to dot a few 'I' and cross a few 'T's. The only unfortunate thing is this may escalate the price to the consumer."