Prince dropping a new song on the internet isn't exactly as big of news this year as it would have been in previous years, what with the handful of tracks that have already surfaced. However, the single he issued today, "Fixurlifeup," is newsworthy for two reasons: 1) It has a rather grungy, almost Nirvana-like vibe to it; 2) and it's the first track he has released under his just-announced deal with the new industry-buzzing company Kobalt Music Group.

An article in Billboard repeatedly refers to the deal as a "partnership," and Prince apparently will be granted all the freedom he has so publicly sought over the years, but he will also have the marketing and sales power of an international entertainment corporation (this one with an especially large European reach). Word is a full new album is in the works. Other artists that have signed up with Kobalt include Nick Cave, New Kids on the Block and the Pet Shop Boys. Prince also discussed his new game plan in the interview with Jon Bream last week.

As for the song, it's another heavy rocker with the muscular new all-female backing trio 3rdEyeGirl, with whom Prince will perform two shows Saturday at Myth nightclub in Maplewood. No doubt, you'll hear "Fixurlifeup" at those gigs (he also played it a few nights ago at the Billboard Music Awards). With a lyrical nod to his new bandmates, Prince's lines in the song include, "A girl with a guitar is 12 times better than another crazy band of guys / Trying to be a star when you're just another brick in the misogynist wall of boys."

You can sample "Fixurlifeup" and buy a download of it via iTunes.