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The Negro Problem: Heidi Rodewald (vocals, guitar, harmonica, recorder, piano, string synthesizer); Mark "Stew" Stewart (vocals, guitar, piano, organ, string synthesizer); Charles Pagano (vocals, drums, percussion, loops). Additional personnel includes: Probyn Gregory (guitar, banjo, horns); Lisa Jenio (flute); Carolyn Edwards, Adam Marswald (synthesizer). The Negro Problem's second album, JOYS AND CONCERNS, is at least the equal of the band's phenomenal debut, 1997's POST-MINSTREL SYNDROME. The focal point remains the tension between the provocative lyrics delivered by singer/guitarist Mark "Stew" Stewart in his raspy, soul-influenced voice and the baroque pop melodies and lush production perfected by Stew, bassist Heidi Rodewald, and drummer Charles Pagano. Described by Stew as "a hidden concept album," JOYS AND CONCERNS even revives the old prog-pop trick of multi-part songs. "Comikbuchland" and "The Rain In Leimert Park Last Tuesday" are basically two halves of the same song, as are the quieter, more emotionally direct "Bleed" and "Come Down Now." Other songs concern the sexual preferences of toys, the appeal of degradation, and Stew's usual favorite media targets. POST-MINSTREL SYNDROME's Jimmy Webb, Arthur Lee and Stephen Sondheim influences are still here, but JOYS AND CONCERNS sounds like no one but The Negro Problem.

The Negro Problem: Heidi Rodewald (vocals, guitar, harmonica, recorder, piano, string synthesizer); Mark "Stew" Stewart (vocals, g