Ok y’all, we have to talk. If you would have told me earlier this year that Madonna’s new album would be available in ten or so different unique physical editions including multiple colored vinyl, different cassettes, 3 CD editions, and a box set, I would have called you a liar and punched you in the face. But, here we are! It’s all happening! The loss of the physical single has made me sad in recent years, but if the rise of the collector’s formats for albums has taken its place, then I am happy with that! What a treasure trove of releases! I still can’t believe it. Looks like Universal music has finally realized that many of Madonna’s fans are ravenous collectors foaming at the mouth for any colored vinyl and will throw money at them for such items. That’s what we’ve been trying to get them to realize since the release of MDNA! Anyway, let’s talk about what we are getting come June 14th!
So, as usual, we are getting a Standard Edition CD, and a Deluxe Edition CD (with 2 bonus tracks). As of now (with the exception of Japan), these Deluxe Edition CD’s appear to be available exclusively as digital editions, as well as store exclusives for different countries (Target in the USA, Fnac in France, HMV in the UK). In Japan, this version is considered the Standard Edition. Just like with Rebel Heart, we are also getting a Super Deluxe 2-CD Edition with 3 more bonus tracks (18 tracks total). This hardcover book edition appears to only be available as an import in the USA (which is stupid). I’m glad they are going back to the hardcover book style packaging like they did for Music and GHV2. Japanese versions of the CD and Super Deluxe CD will include a bonus Offer Nissim remix of “Medellin” as a bonus track.
Alright, let’s talk vinyl. Everyone loves vinyl these days, and they’ve given us not one, not two, not three, but FOUR different vinyl versions! The standard black version will be available worldwide. A special clear vinyl edition is available as a Madonna web store exclusive. I love clear vinyl! Last week, the collector’s community went into a frenzy when a Limited Edition translucent light blue version appeared as a USA exclusive on the Universal music site The Sound Of Vinyl. Only 1,000 copies will be pressed and it completely sold out in hours. Glad I got mine! The light blue color is gorgeous and is complimented by Madonna’s blue eyes on the cover. Can we push for a RED vinyl edition? (Ok, Ok, just a thought! Let’s not be greedy, right?). Anyway, this light blue edition is bound to become the Madame X collectible that will be worth a lot of money. It’s already on ebay for inflated prices. If you didn’t get one…good luck! The fourth edition is the much speculated-about ‘Rainbow’ picture disc which is being released in honor of Gay Pride month. It’s not my favorite edition. I wish they could have incorporated at least one picture of Madonna on one of the sides. Regardless, I’ll take it!
The release of Madame X also marks the grand return of the CASSETTE! Fuck YES. Everyone knows I love a cassette. This will be Madonna’s first since Hard Candy, which was only released in a couple of countries in 2008 and is now quite scarce. Not only are we getting a regular cassette tape (the color of the actual cartridge remains to be seen, but I’m thinking it will be clear), but a blue GLITTER edition was added to Madonna’s UK site yesterday! This is fucking awesome. Both of these will apparently only be available in the USA as imports.
Update: After I posted this blog entry, the regular cassette was added to Madonna’s USA shop. Also, yet another edition (this time a transparent blue cassette) was released for pre-order as a UK exclusive!
Last, but certainly not least, Madame X will be released as a Deluxe Box set. It will include a copy of the Super Deluxe 2-CD edition, a double-sided poster, a tattoo sheet, a 7″ vinyl picture disc of “I Rise”, and a cassette (which looks like it will have an alternate cover!)…all in a custom box. Looks like this one will also only be available as an import in the USA (booo), but I’m just glad to be getting it. This is Madonna’s first TRUE box set since probably The Royal Box in 1990! (we had that mini one for American Life but it wasn’t as great as this one).
Bravo Madonna, Universal Music, and whoever else was involved in the planning of these releases. I am super excited for this album and I can’t fucking wait to have all of these goodies in my hands!
Albert's Madonna Collection 