New Kids on the Block?

This morning is rainy and Meg and I haven't anything to do (no classes or plans) so we are being lazy: laying around and drinking coffee/milk and switching between the news and Noggin. When who should appear? New Kids on the Block on the Today Show? I started laughing and Meg joined in even though she didn't know what was funny which made me laugh more of course. So, the "Kids" started to sing--their first arrangement was a medley of the good old songs from way back when. I sang along, pleased to remember every word. I taught Meg the "Hangin' Tough" arm swing--who can give me a shout out that they know what that is? So, Meg enjoyed the New Kids very much and danced with them, and here is proof.

My official coffee-induced review, just cause I have time on my hands:
New Kids on the Block paid a visit to the Today Show in Manhattan this morning and blessed the crowds of thirty-something dedicated female fans who stood in the rain to catch a moment of nostalgia with a little bit of throw-back music, complete with the dance moves that brought back better left-behind memories of many a prom and homecoming mis-haps. The songs sounded the same as they did way back, and the moves, while rusty and performed with a little less bounce, were well coordinated and evoked a little shoulder-hip action from even the embarrassed male or two tried to keep his laughing face tucked and turned from the cameras. The boys are all grown up but they seem to be friends, glad to be together again and singing/dancing/creating together. The memories seemed to be fun even for the guys as they switched formations and turned their hats swankily to the side, grinning at one another and high-fiving. There was even a coordinated removal of jackets! The old music was fun, this reviewer may even be inspired to dig up her old cassette tapes to play for her daughter who also enjoyed the show. But not sure if I'll be tempted enough to lay down 99 cents for an iTunes song or two. Of course, the Boys have pulled together a new album and performed a few new songs. These, I am sad to say, could have been mistaken for throw back tunes as well, albeit bad ones, as the sound was old and the lyrics strained. "Trying to hard" is the phrase that comes to mind. At least the effort was made, but I would have actually been interested in a "new "New Kids on the Block sound. They have nice harmonies, and might be pleasing if they could pull together a more modern vibe. Maybe their producer will read my little blog and come up with something!
One more note on the subject. One would think that given the maturity of the New Kids audience there would be a certain, um, grown-up-ness about the event. But this reviewer has just received the inside scoop (from her husband who walked by the scene on his way to work) that the "streets are trashed." Since several folks were said to have slep on the streets last night or longer, I guess they couldn't be bothered to pick up after themselves. Or maybe New Kids just conjures up the teenager mentality in all of us on several levels!
Rating: *** out of ***** "Enjoy the oldies, don't buy the new album."