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 03/2013

    ALPHA REV
    Bloom

  • reviewed 03/2016

    Jimmy and the Mustangs
    Another Round

  • reviewed 02/2008

    KEVIN DREW
    Spirit If...

  • reviewed 01/2006

    ROB DICKINSON
    Fresh Wine for the Horses

  • reviewed 09/2005

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

  • reviewed 05/2006

    Stereophonics
    Live From Dakota

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.