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 09/2005

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

  • reviewed 12/2004

    Luna
    Rendezvous

  • reviewed 01/2009

    TORONTOSAURUS REX
    Torontosaurus Rex

  • reviewed 04/2008

    The Raconteurs
    Consolers of The Lonely

  • reviewed 10/2013

    PATRICIA VONNE
    RATTLE MY CAGE

  • reviewed 06/2012

    THE BACON BROTHERS
    Philadelphia Road - The Best of The Bacon Brothers

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.