He’s odd but not out of touch

NEW YORK — 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.

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, regardless of criminal charges. This wouldn’t get him out of his current trouble, but success is the greatest deodorant, as Elizabeth Taylor once said.