This is by columnist Liz Smith (April 23, 2004)
http://www.newsday.com/ne...columnists

(It's nestled in with some talk about Streisand, the Queen, and Bruce Willis. No pictures.)


PRINCE! He's back. Cover stories ... rave reviews for his "Musicology" CD ... concert sell-outs. Musing on all this, a friend of mine asked, "Isn't Prince as weird as Michael Jackson? Why is he back, and Michael isn't?"

Well, aside from the fact that Prince is not indicted on charges relating to child molestation - and a bigger aside I can hardly imagine - the compact singer has remained relevant, musically. True, he's produced too much material at times. He's produced some second-rate stuff. He was ridiculous with the word "slave" etched across his face and turning his name into an unpronounceable symbol. He remains - despite his Jehovah's Witness conversion - as big an egomaniac as Michael. Or Little Richard. Prince wears funny clothes and eye makeup. He often speaks, publicly, in a hushed, mysterious whisper.

But he has not lost touch with his genius. His work still soars. He is electric and innovative. And his faithful stay faithful.

If Michael made another thrilling record, he'd also be on top again professionally, criminal charges be damned. This wouldn't get him out of his current trouble, but success is the greatest deodorant, as

Elizabeth Taylor once said. And many people have a basic sense of affection for Michael, what with him starting out as an adorable child star. (Prince began as a sexy shocker with songs about masturbation. Now he says, "The envelope has been pushed too far!") But Michael is too busy with legal woes and drenching himself in his own self-destructive, self-created mythology to concentrate on his art.

Prince, reveling in his revival, says, "You know that old lady in 'Sunset Boulevard,' trapped in her mansion and past glories. Getting ready for her close-up? I don't run with that."

Or as Norma Desmond herself said, "It's not a comeback. I hate that word. It's a return!"