Paulie's Hangin' Tough with NKOTB

By The Real Todd Harrison | June 05, 2009 | 6:04 PM |

Many of you know Paul Baiocchi as greenfaucet's Asian markets guru. I know Paul or "Paulie" as he prefers to be called, as the only 20-something guy who loves boy bands and wears mustard-colored sport coats. Paulie just returned from what he calls "a dream come true on the high seas." Initially, I thought he must have taken someone special on a cruise with him. It turned out to be five special people...and hundreds of their fans. NKOTB baby! NKOTB stands for New Kids On The Block if you didn't already know.

NKOTB was the original boy band of the late 80's and early 90's. They sold over 80 million records with hits like: "Hangin' Tough," "You Got The Right Stuff" and "Please Don't Go Girl." By the way, Paulie has been telling the ladies "Please Don't Go Girl" since the 80's. They also had hits like "Step By Step" and Paulie's anthem, "Didn't I Blow Your Mind This Time." Unfortunately for Paulie, the answer has always been, "No!"

Paulie expressed the following during our interview:

"I've been a big NKOTB fan ever since the release of their Hangin' Tough album. Before that I didn't really understand any of their work. Too artsy, too intellectual. It was "Hangin' Tough" where Joey McIntyre's presence became more apparent. I think "You Got The Right Stuff" was the group's undisputed masterpiece. It's an epic meditation on intangibility. At the same time, it deepens and enriches the meaning of their preceding songs. "Please Don't Go Girl" is the most moving pop song of the 1980s, about monogamy and commitment. The song is extremely uplifting. Their lyrics are as positive and affirmative as anything I've heard in rock.

"Jordon Knight's solo career seemed to be more commercial and therefore more satisfying, in a narrower way. But I also think Jordon works best within the confines of the group than a solo artist, and I stress the word artist."

In anticipation to this trip, Paulie pulled out all the stops. He retrieved his Z Cavarricci double belt parachute pants, Guess 3/4 boots and a bolo tie from storage. He rolled up the pristine NKOTB posters hanging above his bed in hopes of getting it autographed. He even broke out the D-Kwon's Dance Grooves instructional video on beta to brush up his skills. It is pretty much the worst video ever.

On May 15, 2009, Paulie set sail aboard the Carnival Imagination on his way for what can only be described as the lamest vacation ever! Carnival's Imagination left Miami, FL to the Bahamas with hundreds of screaming grown teenage girls--and Paulie--all hoping to get closer to their idols. Paulie would not reveal how he paid for this extravagant trip, but he's what his package entails:

• 3 Nights Accommodations onboard Carnival Imagination
• All meals included
• NKOTB Welcome Cocktail Party (for those over 21 of course)
• NKOTB Experience with all band members (What the heck does that mean!?)
• A full concert by NKOTB and photo session
• Question & Answer Session with NKOTB
• Deck Parties with the group

Oh, I almost forgot--they also held karaoke competitions for those who could sing NKOTB tunes. You guessed it, Paul was up front and center.

The ship left the Bahamas and arrived back in Miami on May 18, 2009. Paul has now re-hung his autographed posters. In fact, he vows never to store his Cavaricci's again and has D-Kwon's Dance Groove on continuous loop at home. God bless him. Paulie says the new album, The Block, could go Gold soon.

Just prior to publishing this article, Paulie informed me that he is taking his love for boy bands to a new level. He has assembled a group of boys to start his own band. Recently, they had a secret meeting in Shanghai to discuss the musical direction of the group. Oh yeah, in case you are wondering, Paulie's band is named, "Paulie and the Walnuts."

For Tour Dates:

http://www.nkotb.com/tour

http://www.greenfaucet.com/lifestyle/paulies-hangin-tough-with-nkotb/39480

*nkotbgirl.from.peru*