Entertainment For Lively Minds
I love Randy Newman's Music...
Posted by bricameron on 25 January 2010 - 6:24am.
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So do I
There have been several attempts to start an ongoing Randy thread here - can we keep this one going?
Yes
Please could all the Randyphiles (good word!) keep this thread going.
I've been aware of him for donkeys but know little of his work other than the expected 'Short People', and the fact that 'Strange Things' is one of the highlights of Toy Story.
I'll follow this one and await the usual enlightenment from the good folk around these parts.
Hooray for Randy!
He's one of my very favourites, and his music frequently reduces me to a pile of weeping mush (hey, that's a good thing).
lil boast: I can play a pretty mean version of "Simon Smith". although, admittedly, I do a lousy job of singing it.
You're booked
For a live show at the next Beerfest!
So, what would you recommend to get us all in similar states of mush?
We really should have a Word Bloggers jam...
I understand Mr. Twangothan and Mr Lunaman are stars on the guitar, and I know there are other musicians amongst us...
As for Randy Newman sniffle songs... oh crikey, so many...
When She Loved Me
Marie
(blimey I'm tearing up just typing the titles in)
Sail Away
That'll Do
I Think It's Going to Rain Today
(I have to stop there before I dissolve. I am ridiculously sentimental)
Good call, Hannah
I'd forgotten about this. Tears me up like nothing else.
*blub*
ohhhhhhhhh pass the tissues...
You are hereby urged to splash out on
the boxed set Guilty - 30 Years of Randy Newman.
I personally guarantee it'll be the best £30 (available on Amazon at that price as I type) you spend on a boxed set this decade. If you're disappointed by it, I hereby promise to buy it off you for what you paid. I'll just give it to my brother; he'll love it. It IS that good.
Thanks Vulpes
I may do just that.
And if I don't like it you can simply have it, sir.
Though from what I've heard so far I don't think that's likely!
Best. Box set. Ever.
Opened me up to the pleasures of his soundtrack albums. I'd never bothered before. The whole set is an infinite world of pleasure.
Jon Ronson's
amazing 2002 Channel 4 doc about Randy Newman got me into him:
http://arts.wowtv.tv/episodes/the-art-show-i-am-unfortunately-randy-newm...
If you're a fan and you haven't seen it, stop what you're doing for 25 minutes.
Good morning!
Ps that's a stream not a dodgy download link by the way in case anyone kicks off.
I just watched that film....
....and it confirmed me in my opinion that the world is mad and Randy Newman is immensely sane. The basic premise of Jon Ronson's film is "look, I'm making a film for Channel 4 about a sixty year old bloke who doesn't have hits but I admire him nonetheless". He even says, they thought I was mad to want to make the film. Well, that just shows how stupid TV has become. If you'd suggested making such a film at any point in the last 30 years people would have understood that Randy Newman is a great artist, albeit he can't sell records because most people don't like his voice and mistrust the shifty look in his eye. And as for the clip from Mastermind where John Humphreys says "isn't he a bit of a bigot?"... The fact that the world wilfully misunderstands him gives him an excuse to make every conversation about how the world doesn't understand him, which is really the least interesting thing about him and his music.
I suppose....
.....most people who listen to music, especially pop music just look out for a hook in the song. An artist such as Newman needs to be listened to properly and that's just too much like hard work for folks in general.
He's misunderstood because his music is slightly high-brow and because of his voice and piano/orchestral style. It's hardly bubble gum pop. He was sent death threats when he released "Short People"! I remember reading a review of a concert by the young bluegrass band Nickel Creek. During their set, they played Randy's "Sail Away" and the reviewer was laughing inwardly to himself when all the kids had their hands in the air singing along "oh it's great to be an American". Misunderstood indeed!
He's actually written quite a few hits...
...but they tend to be performed by other people.
One of his
I've always quite liked this. I know, I know. It's Cilla Black. But still. Great song.
I was going to join this thread,
but Momma Told Me Not To Come. And anyway, I Think It's Going To Rain Today. etc.
Just remembered
how much I love this:
The fact that Humphreys says that
has just made my day. I've always thought he was a pompous twat, and that's just put the tin lid on it. Bring back Magnus.
Ronson falls for it
Randy's schtick about how he didn't get hits whereas others didn't is just part of his act. The whole thing about how Joe Cocker did You Can Leave Your Hat on in B rather than G, and if only Randy had pitched it higher... etc. I am surprised Ronson doesn't get the irony. Randy could never sing it any other way.
That's great
thanks!
Love this
I too love his music....especially the lyrics.
There's plenty of room for thought in his work....does anyone really know what he's talking about half the time? I love the irony and self deprecation! There are some things that he does that I just don't get. Maybe you need to be American or religious or simply better educated than me for it to click.
bricameron.....great choice of song! I hope you are up to date with his latest *real* record..."Harps and Angels". It's much more of the same in the sense that it's funny, sad and thought provoking all at once. He's just written the music for the film/cartoon (?) "The Princess And The Frog". I haven't got round to that one yet.
I love this
I just discovered this...
and had no idea that there would be an introduction.
Roll on the Royal Festival Hall show...
Was there ever a better rhyme than...
'Surprise 'em'
with...
'Pulverize 'em'?
I think not.
I was lucky enough to see Randy Newman .......
last time he toured, at Gateshead Sage - what a performance!
Just checked, and there are still good seats available for his next visit in May. I would urge anyone within travelling distance to check him out.
There are lots of delights on You Tube ....
I don't love Randy Newman
Yet come May 16th I will be sitting in the front row at The Sage awaiting his appearance, because Mr Janice does. I shall try to look attentive. You can await my 'night out with' report to see if he manages to win me round.
Left foot right foot left foot right foot
Family Guy's classic lost Randy Newman song.
Why is your You Tube clip smaller...
or am I seeing things?
in Youtube
when you click on the Embedding reference, it gives you a choice of the size of embedded item
smaller ones don't take up as much room!
I love his early work.
Are any of the later records any good?
Yes...
... try Harps & Angels - you won't be disappointed.
Seconded, it's marvellous.
My 'car copy' hasn't left the CD changer in 6 months. In recent times, only Ry's Chavez Ravine can match that for M4 longevity.
Thirded....
and his previous non-soundtrack/compilation album Bad Love,from 10 years earlier,is great. Less than a fiver on Amazon.
savage
It's not one of his nicer albums, I'd say it's almost as savage as Trouble in Paradise.
It depends what you like.
He's only made 3 or 4 *records* in the last 25 years.
He's probably done a dozen movie soundtracks in that time too though.
Yes, Harps and Angels is well worth checking out.
There are half a dozen *real* albums on spotify and another half a dozen soundtracks. 537 tracks in total....dive in!
Off to see Mr. Newman...
... at SageGateshead on the 16th May this year. I've been aware of him for a long time, but it was a Word cover CD that actually got me listening to him.
Only heard
this chilling song for the first time late last year, and it's quite wonderful...
excellent choice...
..I came across through reading Gary Mullholland's excellent Fear of Music...
I Want You To Hurt Like I Do
is my fave by him. It was heavily criticised at the time in the press for it's cruelty but as he explains in this interview from 'The Late Show' in '89 there was obviously more going on in the song than most crits managed to work out:
Tracy Mac was ace wasn't she? Probably still is.
Disappointed when he cancelled
hsi live dates last year but rebooked for later this year - yahoo
This performance from German TV 1974 is so basic. Sit him in the dark and just let him play - its ace
unfortunately the subtitler didn't get a written setlist for 'Dayton Ohio 1903'
Aaaaaaaahhhhhhh!
I didn't know he was playing!
Must get tickets....
I just went completely bonkers
and spent far too much on a pair of Randy Newman tickets, in the stalls, on ebay.
My husband is going to kill me.
You have made a wise decision...
I'm sure he'll come around.
We're in the stalls too
I'm presuming you're going to the RFH. We could have a mini-Massive meet with partners beforehand.
Oooh brilliant!
Top idea. Definitely up for that.
Don't know how much you spent...
but whatever it is, neither of you will regret it. I'm extremely jealous. Saw him years ago and he was just great. And of course very funny. I'm kicking myself for not buying a ticket this time around.
Monk is one of my favourite recent TV shows
and I love the Randy Newman theme. On reflection though you may need to be a fan of the show (and know what the title character is like) to appreciate how good the theme actually is, "It's a jungle out there"
Monk is cool...
a very unusual and original premise for a TV show, and all the better for it. Good theme tune too.
Absolutely love "Trouble In Paradise"....
which includes 'I Love LA' as you-tubed above, but it has loads more acidic classics in there.
Couldn't get my head or tastebuds around the later sound-tracky stuff, but have to admit I haven't bothered with Harps And Angels. Looks like I have to try now.
I'm Different
There is a lot of fine stuff on Trouble In Paradise. One of my favourites, yet one of his least mentioned songs, is I'm Different. I don't think he's ever done it live. It's so light and bouncy but I think the character in the song is a real psychopath, making it intensely sinister.
I'm a Randy virgin
But this thread makes me want to give him a try.
However: is there anyone out there who has tried Randy Newman and decided they are not a fan? Want to give a more balance opinion? There's a bit too much unbridled praise going on here for my liking!
You tube is your friend....
....just check him out.
Get hold of a copy of 'Lonely At The Top'...
his best of CD. It's brilliant, and you won't be disappointed.
Given that the thread's called "I Love Randy Newman's music"
...you're probably not going to find many dissenters here!
but seriously, I think there are a number of people who just can't stand the actual sound of his voice*, it's quite distinctive. personally, I love it.
more than anything else though, he is a phenomenal songwriter. lyrics, tune... all wonderful.
please try this: http://open.spotify.com/album/5MMJhx8yTVqWpxwaqCalgO
it's his 2007 american songbook album, basically him rerecording some of his best-loved songs.
if you like it, you're in for life.
if not, no worries, he's not to everyone's tastes!
enjoy
*and fair play to them, there are a number of singers that I can't stand purely because of their voice, regardless of how good their material is.
Isn't The American songbook album...
....simply him doing some of his older songs but with only a piano?
I love it too....just can't remember if that's the case.
That's the one
Utterly marvellous.
Sorry
Didn't mean to sound like a grouch! Just stirring I suppose. I'll report back her once I've checked out Mr Newman's work. Thanks for the pointers.
Land of Dreams
is not generally held as being his best album but I love it. It has a couple of songs that will, in Hannahs words, turn you to mush ie. 'Something special' and 'I want you to hurt more than I do'. It is also purportedly autobiographical so gives you an insight into the great man. Also echo Patricks sentiments re Lonely at the top which has most of his best early songs including the majestic 'I think its going to rain tonight'
Land of Dreams
My favourite is Dixie Flyer. A great train song and autobiographical as well.
my favourite song
Of all time.
and complemented on the original recording
by M. Knopfler. It's one of my favourites too.
Little Criminals
My favourite Randy Newman album, with so much good stuff on it, including 'Short People', 'Jolly Coppers On Parade', 'Baltimore' and "Rider In The Rain' (where he is backed up by The Eagles).
Born Again
Also worth a listen with the wonderful 'Mr. Sheep' and the incomparable 'Pants'. But the highlight is 'The Story Of A Rock and Roll Band' an imaginative piss-take of an homage to the Electric Light Orchestra.
I love their Mr Blue Skies!
I recall that Jeff Lynne got the job of producing Falling In Love (from Land of Dreams) by sitting at the piano and playing that song back at Randy.
No P taking
The assumption my one and all (including myself) was that he was taking the P. However he declared he really did like ELO and it was an honest hommage.
not quite
I think it's a P take of their fans.
But that's not what he said
He said he really does like ELO and as I recall said nothing about it being aimed at their fans.
Don't you think it's just Randy being Randy?
He's a riddle and he contradicts himself regularly so who really knows what he means...or if he actually means anything at all.
He sings a lot of his songs in the 1st person which makes us think that they're his views. He then tells us the songs are written from the perspective of an *unreliable narrator*. This lets him say anything he likes because he's got a get out of jail free card by then telling us that the song was written from the perspective of someone else who may or may not have their facts straight.
In the song "Piece Of The Pie" on Harps and Angels he seems to slag of John Cougar Mellencamp for doing Chevrolet ads on tv. In concert he says (in my view, sarcastically) that he loves Johhny Cougar and that he has all his records. On Desert Island Discs he tells Kirsty Young that he's only ever bought a handful of records that weren't classical.
In concert he'll say something like "Nothihg I've said tonight is true....I swear it". (geddit)
Randy Newman's music can't really be danced to. The only people who like his stuff are folks who are capable of sitting down for a bit and actually listening to all the lyrics. Some make you laugh while others make you sad.....all are thought provoking. The only person who knows what they're really about(assuming that they are about something)is Randy and if he were to tell me what they were about, I'd take it all with a bucketfull of salt anyway.
As an interviewee
I always think Randy gives straight answers. He doesn't try to be clever and make the interviewer look stupid. He treats it as a business and his business is to sell records.
Strangely enough I have noticed that Randy adopts differing personae when he records songs and yes, I've even noticed that he uses such literary devices as pathos, bathos, hyperbole and irony. Even when he addresses a live audience. I certainly do geddit.
However to say that the only Randy knows what his songs are really about is somewhat disingenuous. Are you trying to suggest that there's a hidden meaning to say Louisiana 1927? That it's not about the Mississippi bursting it's banks and forcing a great migration north? Does In Germany Before The War have hidden layers of meaning beyond a murderer meditating upon his crime?
I'm glad you geddit!
It provokes interesting discussion.
Personally, I like to think of Randy as an artist....expressing his feelings through his medium, ie piano/lyrics.....rather than a businessman trying to sell records. We've all got to make a living but since Newman's family is full of doctors and composers, I can't imagine him starving as a youngster.
I wasn't trying to suggest anything but maybe I was generalising too much. He tells us often the meanings of some of his straighter songs...I love that...and I do believe him.
The songs you mention -
Louisiana 1927 - It's a historical piece. What do you think the lyrics "they're trying to wash us away" mean?
In Germany Before The War - I've never understood this. Hitler was obviously the boss by this time (1934) in Germany and Randy is Jewish.
There are many theories written about this one but I don't know.
Like I wrote somewhere earlier in this thread....maybe I need to be more religious, more American or simply more educated to really geddit.
I love it all nonetheless.
Louisiana 1927
The specific setting of that is after a flood (obviously) but he uses that to frame the real point of the song. The fact that we humans always need to find someone to blame for something even if it is clearly an 'act of God'.
In Germany Before the War
That one has always bothered me. The song is about someone who has committed a terrible crime, and I suspect the implication is that he gets away with it because the rise of Hitler and the war sweeps everything away.
It's not a nice song.
further thoughts
I never really believe anything he says in interviews, as they are an extension of his character in song (and hence very entertaining and perhaps distracting too).
The way I read that song is that it is from the point of view of a newly-converted young fan who is very excited about this new band he's discovered, he's bought into the whole story, and maybe has got it a bit wrong. I was exactly like that when I discovered ELO!
I think Randy picked ELO as the subject of the fan's attention because he fancied doing a pastiche of their music, not to make any value judgement. It could just as easily have been Journey or REO Speedwagon he was picking on, but it wouldn't have been as funny or distinctive. ELO's music is preposterous and silly and hence fits perfectly.
The attitude of the young fan, in general, is parodied very well here:
http://www.realultimatepower.net/
That's what Randy was doing I think.
I love those little songs
Randy Newman's albums often feature very tiny vignette type songs which sound a bit knocked off and don't get talked about that much. There are two songs like that on the underrated "Born Again" album. One is William Brown and the other is Ghosts, which is brilliantly observed and incredibly poignant :
Stay with me for a little while
You've nowhere to go
And I've nowhere to go
It makes me so happy
When you smile At me
Work all your life
And you end up with nothing
Live in one room like a bum
Once I flew in a plane
And I fought in a war
We lived in a castle
And slept on the floor
And I don't want to be
All alone anymore I'm sorry
Out in the street
There's little colored kids playing
Where my own little boy used to play
So I sit in this chair
And I ache with the gout
And I talk to myself
'Cause I'm scared to go out
And I just want to know
What was it all about I'm sorry
Oh, and can I also say...
"Rand, I'm tired, how would you like to be the boss for a while ?"
And while I'm at it, can I also say "whatever happened to the fuckin' Duke of Earl?"
my turn
Backing singers: Shame, Shame, Shame, Shame, Sh...
Randy: SHUT UP!
The song Shame from Bad Love is achingly funny.
Joey...
GET THE ROPE !!!
Political Science Pt II
He still got it
this ones my favourite
It's been mentioned but I don't think a vids been posted:
That said I find Randy Newman really hit and miss. Sometimes I really "get" him other times he leaves me cold.
Texas Girl at the Funeral of her Father
Absolutely astonishing song. The last line - 'poppa we'll go sailing' and the way the song falls away with the recognition of and the shock of loss gets me everytime.
oh, that made me cry
I don't think one thread has ever made me sniffle so much.
*honk*
*honk*...
just made me laugh. Thank you for that!
There are some artists who
There are some artists who are too clever for their own good and randy's one of em. he displays the same kind of superior 'i'm above all this shit' cynicism that gets becker and fagen (and dylan too) into trouble too - maybe it's that jewish sensibility (to paraphrase partridge 'don't write in and say that's anti-semitic BECAUSE IT'S NOT!) that treats the whole 'pop' industry as uttely frivolous and beneath contempt and yet they're a part of it whether they like it or not - however, when he's on form randy can put some fine tunes together - here's my favourite of his by scott walker
Ah well...
if Partridge says so...........
I prefer Randy singing about ELO
to the actual ELO:
Guilty
Surprised no-one has yet mentioned this one. They are some great covers of this around (especially Bonnie Raitt), but here is the original in all its glory.
"It takes a whole lot of medicine
For me to pretend I'm somebody else"
Thanks for suggesting
Harps and Angels. Am enjoying it a great deal.
Hi
I am listening to it here
http://www.tv243.com
Mojo interview
I always remember a great quote from him in Mojo in about 1998. He was saying that he wished he could write a song of pure, simple adoration like Just The Way You Are; but that he'd never be able to. If he'd written it, it would have come out something like, "I love you just the way you are...you c*nt".
yes I remember
that interview and that quote.
Brilliant!
Louisiana 1927
I saw the Drive-By Truckers in King Tut's, Glasgow, days after Katrina had devastated Louisiana. They played a fantastic rambling rocking two hour set, and finished with a short speech about the floods, their worries about the folks back home, and then played Louisiana 1927. There wasn't a dry eye in the house. What a song!!