In a tale that just keep getting weirder, the Artist Formerly Known As Prince has released details of a new box set, with a twist.

The Artist - who just weeks ago was fighting web sites over copyright infringement (publishing his songs and likeness without permission) - is now forging plans to release a ambitious seven CD collection of samples from his entire catalogue, scheduled for a fall release.

The set, to be released on his own NPG label, will consist of elements from Prince songs, broken down and isolated, ready for use in loops and samples.

This move follows a similar two CD set issued by George Clinton in 1993. With the seven discs, usage of samples will require no sample clearance. Songwriting credits and royalty payments, however, will most likely still be required.

Prince's web site, www.love4oneanother.com urges readers to call the order line 1-800-NEWFUNK4 "NOW!", but when reached, operators had no information regarding the package .

Many questions still remain - like price, or a firm release date - but the most pressing is whether any Warner-owned material (ie the bulk of Prince's work) will be included in this set.

There's probably a good deal of burgeoning musicians who would bite at the chance to include, say the guitar solo from 'Let's Go Crazy' in their own tune. It's a likely situation that Warner will have at least something to say regarding this offering.

Until the fall, all we can do is listen to MC Hammer's early 90s hit 'Pray' - which samples 'When Doves Cry' - and hope someone else can sample Prince better.