1. Droppo

   8

   I feel like this is a return to form for TMBG. I have not purchased every albums as much as collected them because I've been a fan since they hit the scene in the mid-80's. After a few off years and one previous album that only had two songs worth listening to (which is painful to say about The Else being such a fan - but honesty here...), Join Us got the band back on track with a full album of music that is all worth listening to. Voices sound a little strained at times, but not to detrimental effect with a band that creates so many strange and humorous voices. The presence of dark lyrics among the weird and bouncy music is always welcome and something TMGB has been good at many times over many albums. "When Will You Die" may be the most directly dark song lyrically they have ever produced and the bitter streak in me loves it. Fans who may have strayed can come back and "Join Us" without worry. TMBG are definitely back in form.… Expand

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2. bonnin40

   8

   This album from TMBG for me, is the perfect mixture in the 2 johns creativity style. the perfect balance of quirky, and great songs. This album had some lousy songs on it, but its completely outweighed by the good songs, like: cant keep johnny down, you probobly get that alot, old pin box, canahjore, celebration, never knew love, let your hair hang down, when will you die, judy is your vietnam, and the awesome duet, spoiler alert. Like i mentioned before, theres a few songs that are duds, but songs like lady and the tiger, and cloisonne, are quirky and fun, and dont feel forced. This is a good return for TMBG, i honestly really dont like the childrens albums, ofcourse im not a child either, but they just sound so... weird. This is by far TMBG best album in the last decade, its one of my favorite tmbg abums, and hopefully their new albums in the future will have the same innovation and polish as this one. A great return to form for the johns.… Expand

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3. SanjeevBery

   8

   I've really enjoyed listening to this album. I'm a long time fan who took a break a few albums back, only to return. A "9" or "10" would be reserved for TMBG's seminal albums -- the ones that stumbled their way into pop culture ... like "Flood" or some of their children's album work. For me this album was a "7.5" -- fun, well-made, though not at the top of their best album list.
   
   Of course, no band can make every album their "best album." U2 only has one Achtung Baby, and even Bono acknowledges this. I liked "Join Us," and I'm glad I bought it. And I'm glad TMBG is still making music.… Expand

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4. an_smj

   7

   It's fun. Some are calling this a 'return to form' and for the most part I can see why. 'Can't keep Jonny Down', the album's opener, is my favourite TMBG tune. For me, however, rather than run out of energy the album tries to be too weird by the end. Not bad by any stretch of the imagination though.… Expand

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