Search - Romanovsky & Phillips :: Trouble in Paradise

Is it "Ron and Paul" or "Romanovsky & Phillips"?

J. Collins | 07/18/2000

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I joke that this album should have been called "A Fleetwood Mac Moment," considering that Ron Romanovsky and Paul Phillips were having marital woes as this disc went to press. I don't think this is the "real" breakup album, but the edgy and candid lyrics of a few songs here suggest it wasn't long in coming. Did Stevie and Christine suffer needlessly, guys?People may scoff if I liken "Trouble In Paradise" to Fleetwood Mac's "Rumours," but both highlight alternate sides to the same human drama. Even the music shows slight similarities: piano/keyboard-centered melodies, slightly "sweetened" vocals and simple straightforward Pop arrangements. Producer/performer Teresa Trull adds just the right (albeit spare) musical accompaniment, at just the right mix level. Since neither Ron or Paul project their vocals, they are brought up in the mix, which is prudent since you have to hear the lyrics to fully appreciate the songs.R&P trade off musical valentines and "dear johns," questioning their own individual worth as often as they consider the value of their relationships, real and imagined. Strangely, this album is not a downer, even though it's likely to remind listeners of their own heartaches.There is politics here too. "Homophobia", like the best kind of "message" song, is short, to the point, and just a bit sassy. The real gem in this category is "Don't Use Your P*nis (For A Brain)". The 'message' is a bit broader, but the performance is irresistable. The Latin musical accents and the unforgettable chorus produce one of the funniest songs you could ever love.There are more laughs and chuckles: "Guilt Trip" is exactly what it says, "Wimp" needs a kick in the butt, "Must've Been Drunk" wants to explain. The jokes aren't all obvious, and some of the lyrics are pretty sharp sentiments. My favorite track here also qualifies as a 'funny' tune: "What Kind Of Self-Respecting Faggot Am I?" Great vocal arrangement, great 50s-feel arrangement, very memorable lyric.I guess the reason I prefer this album of the five or so in their catalog is because it sounds so un-affected. Though they had toured extensively by the time of this recording, they were still fairly straightforward performers...no ad-libbing and few diva-esque vocal moments. That kind of simplicity was what made Ron & Paul so loveable in the first place.I should also mention this is a great "all purpose" disc, if you play it in moderation. It's nice for car trips, a laugh or two on the bus, or maybe played for friends after dinner. If the slightly fey cover graphic doesn't scare your mom or roommate away, they might get a chuckle or two out of this recording. The great thing is, the music and melodies stick with you. You'll want to sing along, long after you've memorized all the funny bits.-Mic"

Gay men making jokes instead of being the but of them.

Charles May | Springfield, IL | 06/11/2000

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Trouble in Paradise is a must have for any gay man or lesbain with a wicked sense of humor. Romanovsky and Phillips take aim at everything from stereotypes in "What Kind Of Self-Respecting Faggot Am I." They focus on how we would all like to see happen to our exes in Guilt Trip.The songs range from funny to serious and thought provolking with "To Myself" which explores the feelings we've all felt when we realized the person we are enamoured with doesn't share the same feelings.If you are a fan of R&P pick up this classic. It will be a welcome and well used addition to you CD collection."