Embattled Comptroller John Liu tried to hit the restart button on his career yesterday by delivering an unusual “State of the City” speech.

In a full-blown production at City College that featured a gospel choir and dancers in lion suits, Liu called for lowering the sales tax; raising the city income tax on earners of $500,000 or more; preserving current government-worker pension levels; and increasing minority contracting.

One topic not mentioned in Liu’s 45-minute address was the federal probe of his campaign that, so far, has led to one contributor’s indictment.