NKOTB - Back on The Block
Monday, September 8th, 2008Back in the late 80s and early 90s, a decade before ‘Nsync, The Backstreet Boys, or their derivatives graced us with their pop/RnB crooning, we had the New Kids on The Block.
My favourite member was Jordan Knight. I’m not ashamed to say that I was a member of their official fan club for a while. So when a friend of mine recently sent an email around that pre-ordering their new album, The Block, would give me access to priority booking for their UK tour, I was all over it. Just after midnight this morning the album was ready for download, and I transferred it to my ipod for my journey to work.
(Pic courtesy of nkotbofficial)
Of course there were certain tracks which really appealed to me straight away, such as Grown Man; Big Girl Now; and Lights, Camera, Action; and Twisted, but there weren’t any duds. I loved that their vocal sound was similar to the old days (the harmonies, and Jordan’s unmistakable falsetto), but the production brought up to date. Dance tracks, mid-tempos, funky grinds, ballads - it’s all there.
Now I can’t wait til I can book my concert ticket. Time to dig out my vinyl Step by Step single to sneak it onto my dad’s turntable. 
Here’s my favourite track of all, no doubt I’ll be playing this on the ipod constantly for the next few weeks.
NKOTB (featuring Pussycat Dolls & Teddy Riley): Grown Man
My only slight disappointment is that the iTunes download doesn’t include the accompanying album artwork, song info, etc., so I’ll probably end up buying the CD anyway.
12:53 am on 9-Sep-08
You’re very comfortable in your age. Congrats, grandma.
9:49 am on 9-Sep-08
Age brings wisdom. Think about it, foetus.
3:32 pm on 9-Sep-08
These guys were always the butt of many many jokes in my circles. Just goes to show you how different people’s music tastes can be, rock on my young friend.
6:37 pm on 9-Sep-08
Egads! How come they took the oldest looking guy and the one with the worst suit and put them up front? Seriously, was this the day before prom and all Rent-A-Tux had left?
12:29 am on 10-Sep-08
I love the new Agent Smith look they’re sporting now.
I was never a fan, but I sure as heck know at least five of their songs. (and sing them when I want to be goofy)
I’m now going to Youtube and searching for their cartoon show.
9:21 am on 10-Sep-08
Dr M: Each to their own, I guess.
Tim Maguire: That’s cold. I quite like the suited ensemble look.
Semaj: I’d forgotten about the cartoon show! Thanks for reminding me.
11:16 pm on 10-Sep-08
I loved this post. And all right I’ll admit, by the time the ‘Kids’ were hot I was old enough to roll my eyes at the young’uns, having already grown up with the Jackson 5. I can still do ALL their moves…well, when my joints are behaving.
Found you in the black box.
5:31 pm on 12-Sep-08
Yeah, it’s fun to make fun of the New Kids again. I haven’t been able to hate on them in years! But while I am a fan of class and sharp dark suits, the suits don’t fit. Who’s their tailor?
9:33 pm on 12-Sep-08
I kinda liked them too. And that ageist comment from Tim McGuire was cold, man! What’s wrong with having the oldest up front? SHEESH!
PJ, you just won a copy of my novel! Congrats! E-mail me with a postal address where I can send it and I’ll be on it right away. [lianespicer at gmail etc.] Thanks for joining in the craziness over on my blog - I had a great time!
Liane
12:36 am on 6-Oct-08
[...] NKOTB - Back on The Block [...]
8:06 pm on 17-Dec-08
[...] flaky cousin has flaked out on me, so I’m left with a spare ticket for the sold-out New Kids on The Block concert at the London O2 next month. They’re very good tickets (in block B2), so I could [...]