BALTIMORE (Map, News) -  New Kids on the Block ignited a flame in 30-somethings (and their 20-something little sisters) across the nation when they announced they were reuniting to record a new album and then tour the world. But should Donny, Danny, Jordan, Joey and Jonathan — pushing 40 and eras removed from their glory days — return to the stage?

THAT’S WHAT SHE SAID

Emily: I don’t think I can express the excitement with which I anticipate NKOTB’s new tour — I’ll be road-tripping it if they don’t come to Baltimore. I want to hear live (in no particular order) “Hangin’ Tough,” “I’ll Be Loving You Forever,” “Step By Step,” “Didn’t I Blow Your Mind,” “Please Don’t Go Girl” and “You Got It (The Right Stuff).” I was too young to go to a concert when they were really popular. And yes, I have all those songs on my iPod.

Jessica: Aaaaahh!! I love you Donnie!!

Emily: Their new song, “Click Click Click,” available on their Web site, is more than enough reason why New Kids should stick with the old hits. I suppose it’s a bit catchy, but come on — the chorus actually is “click click click, pose for me, pose for me, my camera loves you.” Then again, the Kids were never really known for intelligent lyrics — i.e. “Oh oh oh oh oh ... hangin’ tough.”

Jessica: Aaaaahh!! I love you Jordan!!

Emily: Jessica! Stop freaking out! It’s hurting my ears.

Jessica: I promise the shrieking is out of my system ... at least for the next three minutes so that I can tell you you’re wrong about the lyrics. It doesn’t matter that they aren’t exactly “she walks in beauty like the night.” Jordan and Joey’s soft, sexy voices don’t have to say much for old fans starved for New Kids to listen. Yes, they’re whispering and talk-singing to possibly hide lost falsettos or powerhouse pipes, but it carries them through the good-enough melody and beat.

 If “Click, Click, Click” foreshadows future recordings, they’re on the right track. Their success hinges on whether or not they can create a new sound that satisfies their matured fans and catches college-age club-goers. More than enough time has passed to let them return to today’s boom boxes and bedroom walls. The sting from the “Dirty Dawg” disaster should have subsided by now. I’m hoping they sell another 50 million and spark a new generation of New Editions and *NSYNCs.

Lastly, I have to mention, they’re looking sleek and chic in their latest publicity shots. Their image consultant hit the jackpot with shiny, mod suits.

CATCH US IF YOU CAN

n What screams “warm weather” more than a block party? Federal Hill hosts its annual Spring Block Party on Sunday, and we’ll be there eating, drinking and dancing our way through the crowd.

n We’re more excited than a 7-year-old kid scarfing pizza at a bowling birthday party to see “Walking With Dinosaurs” on April 30 at the 1st Mariner Arena. Jurassic Park, here we come!

n Ben Taylor — who thankfully has inherited his father James Taylor’s golden pipes — lights up the stage at Rams Head Tavern on May 2,  just like he’ll be lighting up Emily’s heart while she sways in the audience. Jess is skipping the show for the Maryland Film Fest based at the Charles Theatre, May 1-4.

panandpraise@baltimoreexaminer.com