Customer Reviews

Joys & Concerns

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

This was the first Negro Problem album I ever listened to, and I was definetly impressed. This fusion of alterna/power/lounge pop definetly makes ths album solid. As a bonus, Probyn Gregory, of Wondermints fame, is responsible for the album's smooth horn arrangement. Lisa Jenio (Candypants) also has a guest apearance. Really one to own.

Fans of L.A. popsters, The Negro Problem needn't worry... their sophomore followup, Joys and Concerns matches the originality of their superb debut, Post-Minstrel Syndrome song-for-song. Despite the exodus of accordianist Jill, chief songwriter Stew veers the Negro's sound toward a fuller '60s pop production (Think 5th Dimension, Jimmy Webb, Grassroots, Emmitt Rhodes) but avoiding the retro gimmickry that seems to signal too many bad pop bands nowadays. Lyrics are intelligent and cryptic, and drummer Pagano has never sounded better. Look for 4 bonus cuts not credited on CD sleeve that are exceptional. Absolutely one of 1999's finest works. Miss at your peril.

I was almost cetain that this followup to Post Minstrel Syndrome would be a letdown, having loved that collection's updating of 60's pop. But Stew has proven again that those great songforms can still be transformed in new and valid ways, given musicians who believe in the magic.Bleed is an almost perfect ballad and in a better world, Ken would haunt the MTV playlists as an antidote to Ricky Martin. If the Turtles hadn't devolved into self parody they might have gotten this good(if they'd found Stew).

Despite the funky name, TNP is a fabulous band with a great visionary and songwriter talent as frontman (Stew). The songs are catchy and will grow on you the more you hear them. The lyrics are meaningful, clever, and hip. Very strong melodies. There's (I hate to say it, but) something of a Mamas & Papas sound to this stuff, which is not what you'd expect from the band's name... very pop, very FM... very enjoyable. Give it a try!

WORTH IT...One early winter night, I was driving in Upper State New York and I heard "Bleed" on the radio. I had to find out who the artist(s) was and launched an all-out search. When I found out the name was "The Negro Problem", I had a further problem of being taken seriously when I asked for the CD at local stores. Amazon solved both problems for me. And it was worth the effort. The lyrics evoke the perfect word picture for whatever mood you are in-whatever crisis you are facing. If you are on top of the world, the songs are joyful. If you are depressed (especially after Sept. 11), these songs offer hope. You need to reward yourself with this album.

Stew understands what makes great pop music. The Negro Problem was the most underrated band in decades.

If you like intelligent, hook-laden music that you'll find yourself singing to yourself at odd times, it's imperative you buy this CD.

This CD rarely leaves my rotation. Melodic pop songs with interesting twists and lyrics you will love. Amazing songwriting here. You will like it more if you see them live.

The group name was enough to get me interested. It reminds me of XTC & the Hello People (60s group) with a dash of the Turtles.There are enough hooks for all tastes with extremely snarky lyrics...Amazon should put this cd on their front page.It's an amazing cd, leave the top 10 alone, forget Brittany...hear songs about Peter Jennings & Ken(yes, that Ken).If you like SMASHMOUTH you'll love TNP...not one bad cut.

The title "Bleed" appears to be the favorite from this album (at least that's the one my local station plays) and this song is melancholy and great. The remainder of the album is also worth several listens, and leave the CD playing for the full effect. I haven't decided on a favorite cut, possibly because many of the songs have a similar feel. However, I did have "Comikbuchland" stuck in my head for several days.

Ever since they changed managers several years ago, this band has begun a steady decline. If they stopped surrounding themselves with "yes" men and groupies, the essence of this band could be saved. Stew is highly entertaining and can write a pop tune second to none but this effort leaves me indifferent. If they ever returned to the original lineup and LISTENED to credible advisors, they could be as big as the B-52's or Blues Traveller.