Search - Romanovsky & Phillips :: Brave Boys: Best of & More

"Best" is a very relative term

J. Collins | 06/24/2000

(3 out of 5 stars)

"Ron Romanovsky and Paul Phillips issued a handful of releases on their own Fresh Fruit record label, beginning in the mid-80s with "I Thought You'd Be Taller." Though they toured throughout the U.S. and received great word-of-mouth reviews from fans, their success was almost entirely centered in the Gay Community. Their unique brand of gay-positive music is a cross between cabaret, folk, and novelty, with Pop/Rock leanings. Though many of their original (and best) songs were colored by camp sensibility and gay-friendly humor/pathos, their attempt to broaden their appeal with 'meaningful' political commentary was a washout. Though never strident or humorless, they nevertheless became emblematic of the same Politically Correct mindset that they made fun of in earlier compositions. By the time they released "Be Political, Not Polite", they were largely preaching to the converted.I was fortunate enough to see R&P in concert at least a half dozen times, and must admit that their recorded work tends to pale in comparison to the treatment their material receives in concert. Like fellow troubadour (and peer) Lynn Lavner, the expressiveness and physical humor of their live shows generally makes their albums sound flat, despite the fact that these recordings had better instrumentation and benefitted from studio overdubbing.This "best of" seems to favor R&P's latter day material, and substitutes a few re-recorded versions of their signature tunes for the album originals. These reworked songs are generally inferior to the originals; endless touring seems to have brought about a desire in R&P to "re-interpret" themselves, but the changes in arrangements and vocal emphasis are little more than artful affectation.Of the songs that appear on this album, "Don't Use Your Penis...", "Womb Envy," "To Myself," "Guilt Trip" and "What Kind Of Self-Respecting Faggot..." are standouts. Since most of these tunes originally appeared on R&P's (out of print) album, "Trouble In Paradise," I'd suggest that you hunt down a copy of that recording before buying this compilation. The original album releases "I Thought You'd Be Taller" and "Emotional Rollercoaster" have their share of classic R&P as well, and are also preferable to this collection.If you are simply interested in locating gay-positive music that isn't commercial or cloaked with gender-inspecific pronouns, this collection is probably a safe bet. If you are sufficiently "out" to appreciate the spectrum of gay-friendly entertainment, you may wish to avoid the pat sentiments and PC truisms that pop up throughout this album. With all due respect to Ron and Paul, their best was generally more incisive and funny than this album would indicate.-Mic"

THE BEST OF "R&P".

Boz | 10/27/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"When I heard them in concert I was consumed with laughter and moved to tears; roused to anger and filled with resolve. All gay and gay friendly people need to buy this album."

A Number One Album!!!

Boz | 11/06/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"You Go Girls...i mean boys...this is an awesome album from some awesome artists! A must have in any eclectic music collection! I certainly get peoples attention whenever I play it and I'm straight!"