RANDY NEWMAN

Harps and Angels

2008-08-09

Bullseye! Randy Newman is back and in fine form as he skewers immigration policy, embarrassing national leaders, rock stars with causes, people without consciences, bad parents, views of the afterlife -- in other words, Randy where have you been? We've desperately needed your surgical skill with musical satire! Now we have 10 new tunes, eight of which are meant to instruct through his Newmanesque humor and New Orleans orchestral style. "A Few Words in Defense of Our Country" is the classic example, as Newman "defends" our nation's leaders by comparing them to the worst leaders of all time. It is so well done, The New York Times actually printed the words as an op-ed piece. I wish we could play "A Piece of the Pie" (can't thanks to the FCC), but bringing Jackson Browne, "Johnny Cougar" and Bono into the conversation is priceless. And just when you think he's all about comedy, he delivers the closing song, "Feels Like Home," an absolutely gorgeous love song. Welcome back, Randy. 08/08 MJVD R-Esoteric NO PLAY #5.

Quick Links:

More reviews tagged #Rock

  • reviewed 10/2013

    THE DISMEMBERMENT PLAN
    Uncanney Valley

  • reviewed 04/2009

    PAPERCUTS
    You Can Have What You Want

  • reviewed 08/2006

    The Damnwells
    Air Stereo

  • reviewed 01/2006

    ROBERT POLLARD
    From a Compound Eye

  • reviewed 06/2007

    DOLORES O'RIORDAN
    Are You Listening?

  • reviewed 03/2010

    BO DEANS
    Mr. Sad Clown

Compiled by the WYCE Journalism Club

The opinions expressed in these reviews are those of the individual volunteers that submitted the article and do not necessarily reflect the views of WYCE or GRCMC; nor its staff, donors, or affiliates.