Prince: Thief in the Temple by Brian Morton

Whatever happened to Prince Rogers Nelson? In the 1980s he was pop's most critically lauded darling, his purple and peach sex grooves evolving at a frightening pace. In the decade that followed, as his legion of followers dwindled, he became a "Symbol" and considered himself a slave to the record label which had once nurtured him. Today, he pops up every couple of years, as if to remind the world of his former glory, usually accompanied by an album of insipid and bland pop-funk. Whatever happened to him?

Morton's critical biography aims to show why Prince still matters today. Unfortunately wrapped in a cover that seems to present a quick-fix knock-off biog, this slim volume is an insightful appraisal of Prince's work through album releases and side projects. Understandably, Morton concentrates heavily on early breakthrough albums (Dirty Mind, 1999, Parade) while swiftly skimming over the troubled and uninspired later work (Chaos and Disorder, pretty much everything from 1995 onwards). This leads to later chapters having a rushed feel, as if Morton is finding it difficult to present his case for Prince's continued importance when the music proves the opposite.

Little is revealed of the man himself, beyond the usual "paranoid control freak" accusations. The denizens of Paisley Park have clearly closed ranks around their famously guarded employer. Still, as an album-by-album guide book, this is a useful reminder of why The Artist once mattered and simply doesn't now. [Euan Andrews]