I've been waiting for this record to come out for so long, I almost got sick. This band is so stinkin' great, it's just insane that they're not all over the radio, MTV, and people's t-shirts. If you haven't heard this creative new sound, just imagine the serious rock of Zeppelin with the flighty and cute female vocals of Olivia Newton-John on top. The cute little girl starts the album off with an a capella performance of "Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star," which sounds like it could've come from a Dictaphone a goof thirty years ago. "I'm So Small" kicks in next and makes being quirky cool. "Sssh!" comes romping up next, with a big phat disco type sound behind the song. Imagine The Beatles doing disco on LSD. This is probably what would've happened (minus the falsetto vocals). The first single, "Pearl," effectively mixes a flat-out pop melody with all the fresh elements that sets Fleming & John apart. While the band's debut album seemed to immediately grab my musical attention and make me fall in love at first listen, this album takes more than just a few casual listens to experience what's really here. Did I mention that I like this band? Oh, I did? Well, I like this record a lot, too. It's taking me longer to appreciate than the first one, and the remake of "Rain All Day" doesn't sound like an improvement to me, this will stay glued in my stereo for a while. \
Other coverage for this album
The Phantom Tollbooth 1999Reviewed by Josh SpencerFleming and John's debut four years ago on REX (re-released shortly after on Universal) was one heck of a unique alterna-pop/rock album, with Fleming's gorgeously freaky voice stunning many music-lovers into unabashed slobbering. Few bands could sustain the loving anticipation on the strength of one album that this one has. Understandably, it's been torture waiting so long for a follow-up, teased…The Phantom Tollbooth 1999Reviewed by Shari LloydAfter four years Fleming and John have released their second effort. My first listen was a little disappointing but Fleming's gorgeous voice along with lots of relationship songs with plenty of hooks keep drawing me in. Is there a song like Sixpence's "Kiss Me" to push them into the big time? Unfortunately, only time will tell. In the meanwhile, pick up this gem and decide for yourself. 4 tocksThe Phantom Tollbooth 1999Reviewed by Steven S. BaldwinSometimes lightning really does strike twice--even if it has to take different forms. The Way We Are is chock-full of lavish mid-tempo numbers, lush ballads and bombastic rockers. Regrettably, John Painter's impressive guitar work is more muted this time. Instead we get to hear him use a list of instruments longer than this review, raising the question is there nothing he can't play? Fleming's…The Phantom Tollbooth 1999Reviewed by James StewartFleming and John's debut release established them as one of the most interesting rock outfits with Christian connections. It's taken too long for this follow-up to hit the shelves, but it's a gem nevertheless. Intricate pop with influences from all over the western musical landscape and occasionally beyond, this album may take some time to grow on listeners but is well worth the concentration.…Similar sounding releases
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