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 09/2006

    WISE IN TIME
    The Ballad of Den the Men

  • reviewed 09/2005

    Setzer, Brian
    Rockabilly Riot vol. 1 A Tribute to Sun Records

  • reviewed 01/2006

    SIA
    Colour the Small One

  • reviewed 02/2017

    Jocelyn & Chris Arndt
    30,000 Miles

  • reviewed 11/2010

    DONAVON FRANKENREITER
    GLOW

  • reviewed 12/1969

    Robyn Hitchcock
    I Wanna Go Backwards BOXSET

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.