April 20, 2004 at 11:39 AM

Prince: New album not a comeback, but a return to 'what's good and funky

Star Tribune

April 20, 2004

http://www.startribune.co...32298.html

While denying he's in the midst of a career comeback, Prince today acknowledged that his new album is something of a return to his hitmaking roots.

"Musicology" is being released across the country today.

In an interview with Matt Lauer on NBC-TV's "Today," Prince said the title song was the first one he recorded for the album, and he felt it summed up the intent of the recording.

"It's a pop record," Prince said. "It's sort of a return to real music and all that's good and funky."

Asked whether his new album and current concert tour could be considered a comeback, Prince reacted with surprise.

"What am I coming back to?" Prince asked. "I've been touring extensively for the past five years."

The Musicology tour is in the southeastern part of the country this week; Prince will play three dates in St. Paul this June.

Album coverNew York TimesThe Chanhassen-based musician said he pays attention to published reviews of his live shows, "because sometimes they're really funny." But, he said, he doesn't think much of reviews of his records, nor of the critics who write them.

"They're usually written by popsicle salesmen," Prince said, derisively.

Prince has been critical of the entertainment media in the past. He was asked specifically about his statement in a recent magazine interview in which he suggested that some younger musicians had not paid their dues.

"I notice that a lot of these acts, they're thrust into the spotlight so quickly they don't have time to hone their craft," Prince said. "We played in clubs a lot when I started out...It was a harder, more adult audience."

So, did he think current acts are being set up for a hard fall? You'd have to ask someone else, Prince replied.

"I'm just a little old guitar-playing man, trying to get my thing together."

July said:

awwww, that's the best quote EVER!

I sent this in ten minutes after it showed up on Star Trib.

I was hoping to be on the home page of the org for once.

It's the kind a quote someone who knows they have nothing left to prove can say. He knows his place in music history is assured - He doesn't need to 'big-up' himself.

way2funky said:

don' worry, funky...you'll be on the homepage someday.

endorphin74 said:

CO-SIGN!!!

Great quote!

Handclapsfingasnapz said:

Thanks dansa! I will hold you to that!

Better be funky, P, or you and me are gonna scrap.