http://www.acadiananow.co...915D.shtml

Prince Musicology (NPG Records/Columbia)


April 23, 2004

Though Prince has been releasing new music at a steady pace for years, he’s done so in relatively obscurity — at least for someone who used to be a multiplatinum superstar. By eschewing major record labels to dole out his music his way on his terms, he’s fallen out of the pop spotlight — a spotlight he’s now trying to reclaim.

The normally reclusive singer has embarked on a media blitz that’s included a nationwide tour, television appearances, and an album release on Columbia Records. But he won’t call it a comeback attempt. Instead, the newest member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame sees his latest CD, “Musicology,” as his opportunity to school the kids on true music in an era of sampling, lip-synching and nebulous talent.

Problem is, there isn’t much new — or inspiring — in his teachings. Instead, it seems as if he’s dusted off his old lesson plans to try and reach out to a new generation.

Of course, given that Prince basically rewrote the textbook for funk, rock and soul over his 25-years-and-counting career, any lesson he gives is worthy and relevant. But it’s not terribly exciting.

The title track, while engaging, is a retread of those same James Brown-inspired funk grooves he’s done in the past; “Life of the Party,” “Illusion, Coma, Pimp and Circumstance,” about an ugly, rich woman and the man teaching her to groove, sounds disjointed and silly, and lacks the lyrical wit we’ve come to expect from the Purple One.

Certainly, there are some gems here. “Call My Name” is yet another luscious ballad that shows Prince is still the master of intoxicating pillow talk, even as the Jehovah’s Witness has cleaned up his previously naughty act.

But it’s rare his new work reaches the artistic peaks of his previous material — and that’s his conundrum.

Those old hits, and even misses, are still dynamic and innovative for today’s musical landscape, and you can’t get them out of your mind.

After the first track, he makes the mistake of interloping snippets of his past hits as a testament to his musical greatness. But it just makes you want to pull out those old tunes and listen to them instead.

— Nekesa Mumbi Moody, AP Music Writer


©The Lafayette Daily Advertiser
April 23, 2004