Pearls B4 the Swine vs. Beauty and the Beast

Song:  Pearls B4 the Swine
Album:  One Nite Alone . . . Solo piano and voice by Prince
Year:  2002

First off, this track obviously contains percussion and guitar, so it's presence on an album purporting to be solo piano and voice is puzzling.  Secondly, it's forgettable.  Princevault indicates that it was released in "a special show posted in response" to the 9/11/01 US terror attacks.  OK, I can read some relevance into the lyrics if I try hard enough.  Still, it's obtuse, boring and unnecessary.

Verdict:  1/5 stars

Would I sing it at karaoke?  No.

Song:  Beauty and the Beast
Album:  Heroes
Year:  1977

I will admit that the lyrics to this one are equally vague, though I suppose you could read into them something about the dualistic nature of a person.  Whatever . . . it's a strong opening track to Heroes with some excellent Robert Fripp guitar work, a driving beat and an extended remix that I could imagine being played in some elite warehouse Manhattan disco circa 1978.  I don't believe this track has been included on any of Bowie's greatest hit compilations (and I really don't feel like checking), but it should be.

Verdict:  4/5 stars

Would I sing it at karaoke?  Yes!  Yes!  Yes!

Winner:  Beauty and the Beast

Running Score:  Bowie 9, Prince 6