Welcome Black
The third album by L.A.'s Negro Problem (and the first since golden-throated singer-guitarist Mark "Stew" Stewart took a three-year break to work on his solo career) is a delight on every level. These lyrics-driven songs memorably mutate funk, baroque '60s pop, lounge music, '80s synth pop, classic Tin Pan Alley, and psychedelic rock. The disc sounds like theBonzo Dog Band,Vernon Reid,Cole Porter, andArthur Leecollaborating on a tribute toJacques Brel. The lyrics drop serious the-personal-is-political science while still exhibiting humor. The only problem lies with the album's eclecticism; an artist can betootalented and versatile for his own good (seeCardinalandChocolate Genius). However, in an alternate universe where the charts teem with literate pop, "I'm Sebastian Cabot," "Astro Sister," and "Is This the Single?" rule the airwaves.--Mike McGonigal