THE NEGRO PROBLEM
Welcome Black (Smile Records)
Reviewed by Shaun Dale


Whether it's a solo release or one from his band, The Negro Problem, a new CD from Mark "Stew" Stewart is one at once of the most delightful and confounding events in the life of a music review writer. I mean, I'm never disappointed by what he puts out, but I know I'm gonna get in big trouble with the folks who set deadlines. A new Stew release in either incarnation is almost certain to shove everything else to the side of the desk as he gets repeated spins, with each repeated listening uncovering new musical treats and treasures woven into the mix. Because of those continuing reevaluations, though, everytime I think "I've got it now. I'm ready to write..." something new pops into my ears and I'm listening one more time.

Well, the disc is on the street now, so ready or not, here I go. Welcome Black is Stew's return to The Negro Problem after a pair of solo releases and it's a joyous homecoming indeed. Stew's voice isn't heard until well into track two, with the sudden exclamation "Don't want to put you in a pop coma!" There's little risk of that. Along with co-producer Heidi Rodewald, Stew has crafted another set of songs that are always interesting at bare minimum, and astonishing at their best. Rodewald looms larger than ever, not only as bassist, vocalist and co-producer and arranger, but as a writer, contributing the music behind Stew's lyrics for "Watering Hole" and "Out Now." As Stew himself says of "Watering Hole," "...you could sing the directions for instant mashed potatoes to that melody of hers and nobody would blink." "Is This The Single?" is the title of another standout track, but, no, it isn't, or shouldn't be. The whole world needs to hear "Watering Hole."

Actually, the whole world needs to hear the whole damned album. Over and over. And I need to turn this in and listen to something else before I get fired. Oops, that was the replay button, wasn't it....

Track List:

Fox Hills * Father Popcorn * Lime Green Sweater * Is This The Single? Watering Hole * The Teardrop Explodes * Astro Sister * In Time All Time * Out Now * I'm Sebastian Cabot * Bong Song * Bermuda Love Triangle (The Waterbed)

© 2002 - Shaun Dale