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From the Vault...
06/19/2016
#1521 |
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info
Randy Newman
"Good Old Boys"
© Reprise Records
Year of Release: 1974
Rating:
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track listing
Rednecks
Birmingham
Marie
Mr. President (Have Pity On The Working Man)
Guilty
Louisiana 1927
Every Man A King
Kingfish
Naked Man
A Wedding In Cherokee County
Back On My Feet Again
Rollin'
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WSVNRadio Archives
Randy Newman related sites:
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Randy Newman "Good Old Boys"
Randy Newman has always been a unique musical individual -- His songwriting has been covered (and most famous) by other artists. His songs
have been covered by many; to name a few -- Gene Pitney, Dusty Springfield, The O'Jays, and Three Dog Night. He also achieved stardom as a movie
music arranger. His distinctive singing voice has been recognized as unique and different as well. He may not have had an outstanding singing
voice, but yet, his singing style has become as true as his songwriting lyrical style. A storyteller in his own right, his music as a performer
has always brought attention. That is, you just have to admire his songwriting ability, and if no one else would record his songs, he would on his
own, with outstanding results.
One of his most popular hits was "Short People" (from his Little Criminals album). My first introduction of him, was his appearance
on Saturday Night Live, and one song in particular, "Pants" (from his Born Again album). It was strange, very strange.
Yet his music has been admired, and on this album, Good Old Boys, the title does have its own meaning, these are "good old" tunes.
And, this album was based on the American South.
"Rednecks" focuses on segregationist Lester Maddox, being a "smart-ass New York jew" on a TV show. Southern racism and biotgry of the South.
Other related songs from this album were "Kingfish" and "Every Man A King." Also featured were the historical events. The Great Mississippi
Flood of 1927, on the track "Louisiana 1927, and a plea to Richard Nixon to alleviate poverty as a result of the mid-1970s recession on the track
"Mr. President (Have Pity On The Working Man)." "Every Man A King" is based on Louisiana Governor Huey P. Long. Members of the band the
Eagles helped out on this track.
Often heard on tracks of Good Old Boys is compared to old-time Jazz. "Birmingham" is one of them. "Marie" however, has a
somewhat sad atmosphere. Old-time Jazz definitely on "Mr. President."
"Guilty" is a song that was recorded by another, in this case, the Blues Brothers, from their Made In America album. "Louisiana
1927" can be compared to songs by Van Morrison. Not by voice, but musical style. Old-time Jazz returns on "Every Man A King."
"Kingfish" has the "unique style of Randy Newman." Also on "Naked Man." "A Wedding In Cherokee County" has the same atmosphere
as "Guilty" -- sounding like Randy on the piano, in a small, smoky (jazz) bar. Where his voice and piano just takes over. (Tom Waits also
had this particular style; yet Newman's voice isn't as rough as Waits.) The "unique Randy Newman" gets "Back On My Feet Again," and ends with the old-time Jazz Rollin.'"
New Orleans Jazz has most of the tracks here on Good Old Boys. A fine album by Newman, telling songs of the American South. No major big
hits here; the only one that stood out from my mind, was "Guilty," which I remembered by the Blues Brothers. Its a very good album, and we have
to remember, Randy Newman's albums are unique and different, and gifted. Just as Tom Waits. Both in musical style, and their distinctive musical voices.
But for easy relaxation, Good Old Boys would be a good one to listen to. Randy Newman has a gift for songwriting. And this album has
a great distinctive sound, away from the common Rock (and other genres) you're normally used to. Good Old Boys is a good ol' album. I'm sure
you will all enjoy it, for a relaxing and enjoyable music listening pleasure.
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