Randy Newman | ||
| Allmusic Biography : An anomaly among early-70s singer/songwriters, Randy Newman may have been slightly influenced by Bob Dylan, but his music owed more to New Orleans R&B; and traditional pop than folk. Newman developed an idiosyncratic style that alternated between sweeping, cinematic pop and rolling R&B;, which were tied together by his nasty sense of humor. Where his peers concentrated on confessional songwriting, Newman drew characters, creating a world filled with misfits, outcasts, charlatans, and con men. Though he occasionally showed sympathy for his characters, he became well known for his biting sense of satire, highlighted by his fluke 1978 hit "Short People" and his parody of 80s yuppies, "I Love L.A." While Newmans records consistently received strongly positive reviews, he made his money through composing film scores for films like Ragtime and The Natural. His albums may never have sold in large amounts, but his work influenced several generations of songwriters, including Lyle Lovett and Mark Knopfler. Born into a musical family -- his uncles Alfred and Lionel were both noted film composers -- Randy Newman had become a professional songwriter by the time he was 17, working for a California publishing house. Newman pursued a B.A. in music from UCLA, but he dropped out of college when his friend Lenny Waronker landed him a record contract with Reprise Records. His eponymous debut album received little attention upon its 1968 release, but over the next few years, his reputation as a songwriter grew as Judy Collins, Dusty Springfield, and Peggy Lee recorded his songs. Three Dog Night took his "Mama Told Me Not to Come" to number one in 1970, the same year Harry Nilsson recorded an entire album of Randys songs, Nilsson Sings Newman. Newmans second album, 1970s 12 Songs, was widely praised upon its release, but the record failed to sell. Live repeated the same pattern in 1971, but 1972s Sail Away became a moderate hit, due to positive reviews and Newmans constant touring. He followed the record album in 1974 with Good Old Boys, an ambitious concept album about the South that received considerable controversy over its song "Rednecks," whose ironic sense of humor was misunderstood by many. The song set the stage for 1977s "Short People," a simple satire of bigotry and prejudice taken from Little Criminals. While the irony in "Short People" was barely hidden, the song offended many listeners, and the ensuing furor helped the single reach number two on the charts. Newman supported the album with his first tour since 1974. In 1979, he returned with Born Again, which received mixed reviews, and Newman began a career as a film composer two years after its release. His first score was for Milos Formans Ragtime, and his work was nominated for two Academy Awards. Newman released Trouble in Paradise to strong reviews in 1983, and the album spawned "I Love L.A.," a parody of shallow yuppie culture that was misinterpreted and became an anthem for 80s greed. Newman didnt release another album until 1988s Land of Dreams, which contained his first attempts at personal songwriting. Like most of his records, the album was greeted warmly by the critics, yet it failed to sell; "Its Money That Matters," a rewrite of "I Love L.A.," did become a minor hit. Newman spent most of the 90s composing film scores and working on a musical adaptation of Dr. Faust. The resulting musical, Faust, was initially released as a concept album in the fall of 1995 to mixed reviews. A stage version of Faust opened the same month as the albums release, and it received better reviews. Newman garnered another Oscar nomination in 1996 for "Youve Got a Friend," which was featured in the Disney computer-animated film Toy Story. His career was celebrated in 1998 with the release of the four-disc box set Guilty: 30 Years of Randy Newman. Newman split with his longtime record company Reprise in early 1999. He signed with DreamWorks and released Bad Love, his first proper album since 1988s Land of Dreams, in the summer of 1999. A number of film projects followed, and Newman once again put his solo career on hiatus while composing music for several movies. In 2003, Newman signed with the artist-friendly Nonesuch label, and that year he released his label debut, The Randy Newman Songbook, in which he performed new solo piano and vocal arrangements of some of his most celebrated songs. (A second Songbook album was released in 2011, and Vol. 3 appeared in 2016.) Newman returned in 2008 with Harps and Angels, an album that revisited the biographical approach first attempted with Land of Dreams. In 2009 and 2010, Newman focused his creative energies on film music, scoring The Princess and the Frog and Toy Story 3; both earned Oscar and Grammy nods, and in the case of Toy Story 3, wins. He returned in 2017 with yet another Pixar soundtrack, Cars 3. Later the same year, Newman also released Dark Matter, a witty and often topical set that was his first album of new songs in nine years. | ||
 | Album: 1 of 44 Title: Randy Newman Released: Tracks: 12 Duration: 38:37 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify TrackSamples Allmusic AlbumCover | 1 You Cant Fool the Fat Man (02:47) 2 Texas Girl at the Funeral of Her Father (02:43) 3 In Germany Before the War (03:42) 4 Baltimore (04:05) 5 Rider in the Rain (03:54) 6 Old Man on the Farm (02:16) 7 Short People (02:58) 8 Little Criminals (03:06) 9 Jolly Coppers on Parade (03:49) 10 Sigmund Freuds Impersonation of Albert Einstein in America (02:53) 11 Ill Be Home (02:48) 12 Kathleen (Catholicism Made Easier) (03:34) |
| Randy Newman : Allmusic album Review : "Randy Newman creates something new under the sun," read the banner on the back of Newmans debut album, but it was more that, in keeping with the intended irony of the statement, Newman was intent upon taking clichés and using them to satirize social conventions, a popular parlor game in the late 60s. Thus, we have "Love Story" (predating the sappy book/movie of the same title), in which the lovers retire to Florida and pass away, "So Long Dad," in which a son squares things with his old man, and "Davy the Fat Boy," in which an affectionate friend exploits the title character. But there were also songs like "Living Without You" and "I Think Its Gonna Rain Today," which were so painfully lonely you wished they werent so sincere. Taken together, this was an audacious first album by a major, if extremely quirky, talent. | ||
 | Album: 2 of 44 Title: Live in London Released: Tracks: 25 Duration: 1:15:45 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify Allmusic AlbumCover | 1 The Great Nations of Europe (03:35) 2 Marie (02:59) 3 Its Money That I Love (02:28) 4 Mama Told Me Not to Come (02:09) 5 Rollin (02:48) 6 Losing You (02:49) 7 Simon Smith and His Amazing Dancing Bear (02:13) 8 Short People (02:57) 9 Gods Song (Thats Why I Love Mankind) (02:55) 10 Intro (02:45) 11 The World Isnt Fair (03:02) 12 Intro (01:29) 13 Louisiana 1927 (03:15) 14 You Can Leave Your Hat On (02:43) 15 Intro (03:08) 16 Im Dead (But I Dont Know It) (03:56) 17 Real Emotional Girl (02:32) 18 I Miss You (03:59) 19 Laugh and Be Happy (02:30) 20 Political Science (02:16) 21 Love Story (You and Me) (03:47) 22 Feels Like Home (05:05) 23 A Few Words in Defense of Our Country (04:16) 24 Sail Away (02:57) 25 I Think Its Going to Rain Today (03:00) |
| Live in London : Allmusic album Review : Through most of his first decade as a recording artist, Randy Newman was a critics darling known to the mainstream pop audience only through the songs he wrote that were recorded by artists such as Dusty Springfield, Three Dog Night, and Harry Nilsson, his own records often being too lyrically blunt (and his vocals too froggy) for radio. Newman finally scored a hit of his own with "Short People" in 1978, but his greatest success came in the 1990s; his profitable sideline in writing film scores eventually grew into his primary occupation, and the theme songs he wrote for movies like Toy Story, Monsters Inc., Cars, and The Princess and the Frog earned him a reputation for composing warm but clever pop tunes that overshadowed his more personal work in the public eye. In recent years, Newman appears to have gone on a low-key campaign to remind folks about the music he made before hitting pay dirt with Pixar and Disney; hes recorded two volumes of The Randy Newman Songbook in which he revisits gems from his back catalog with only his piano accompanying his vocals, and now hes released Live in London, which documents a show from a 2008 British tour in support of the album Harps and Angels. The 22-song set list spans the whole of Newmans recording career, including one tune from his 1968 debut LP ("Love Story") as well as several selections from Harps and Angels, and while Newman performs eight numbers solo at the piano, on the rest hes accompanied by the BBC Concert Orchestra, offering a generous reminder that Newmans skill as an arranger is on a par with his gift as a composer. Newman has never possessed a traditionally "great" voice, and his instrument wavers a bit on several of these selections, but his sense of phrasing and his ability to inhabit a character is still impressive, and his piano work, perhaps the only thing Fats Domino and Aaron Copland will ever have in common, is excellent. The tone of Live in London is relaxed but confident, and Newmans between-song patter offers a witty look into the wealth of ideas and influences that inform his songwriting, from Americas stature in the eyes of the world to his sons report cards. Live in London doesnt quite catch Randy Newman at his best as a performer, but he clearly knows how to make his great songs connect with an audience, and as an overview of his career as one of Americas best and most intelligent songwriters, its well worth investigating for longtime fans as well as those who know little of him beyond "Youve Got a Friend in Me." | ||
 | Album: 3 of 44 Title: Randy Newman Creates Something New Under the Sun Released: 1968-06 Tracks: 11 Duration: 28:02 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Wikipedia AlbumCover | 1 Love Story (You and Me) (03:22) 2 Bet No One Ever Hurt This Bad (02:06) 3 Living Without You (02:23) 4 So Long Dad (02:14) 5 I Think Hes Hiding (03:07) 6 Linda (02:29) 7 Laughing Boy (01:59) 8 Cowboy (02:41) 9 The Beehive State (01:52) 10 I Think Its Going to Rain Today (02:58) 11 Davy the Fat Boy (02:47) |
 | Album: 4 of 44 Title: 12 Songs Released: 1970-02 Tracks: 12 Duration: 29:51 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify TrackSamples Wikipedia Allmusic AlbumCover | 1 Have You Seen My Baby? (02:34) 2 Let’s Burn Down the Cornfield (03:05) 3 Mama Told Me Not to Come (02:12) 4 Suzanne (03:07) 5 Lover’s Prayer (01:58) 6 Lucinda (02:44) 7 Underneath the Harlem Moon (01:53) 8 Yellow Man (02:23) 9 Old Kentucky Home (02:39) 10 Rosemary (02:10) 11 If You Need Oil (02:59) 12 Uncle Bob’s Midnight Blues (02:01) |
| 12 Songs : Allmusic album Review : On his debut album, Randy Newman sounded as if he was still getting used to the notion of performing his own songs in the studio (despite years of cutting songwriting demos), but apparently he was a pretty quick study, and his second long-player, 12 Songs, was a striking step forward for Newman as a recording artist. While much of Randy Newman was heavily orchestrated, 12 Songs was cut with a small combo (Ry Cooder and Clarence White take turns on guitar), leaving a lot more room for Newmans Fats Domino-gone-cynical piano and the bluesier side of his vocal style, and Randy sounds far more confident and comfortable in this context. And Newmans second batch of songs were even stronger than his first (no small accomplishment), rocking more and grooving harder but losing none of their intelligence and careful craft in the process. "Have You Seen My Baby?" and "Mama Told Me Not to Come" are a pair of sly, updated New Orleans-style rockers (both of which would be much-covered in the coming years); "Lets Burn Down the Cornfield" and "Suzanne" are subtly ominous tales of love and sex; "Yellow Man" was an early meditation on one of Newmans favorite themes, the absurdity of racial prejudice (which he would also glance at in his straight-but-twisted cover of "Underneath the Harlem Moon"); and "My Old Kentucky Home" is a hilarious and quite uncharitable look at life in the deep South (another theme that would pop up in his later work). Newmans humor started getting more acidic with 12 Songs, but here even his most mordant character studies boast a recognizable humanity, which often make his subjects both pitiable and all the more loathsome. Superb material brilliantly executed, 12 Songs was Randy Newmans first great album, and is still one of his finest moments on record. | ||
 | Album: 5 of 44 Title: Randy Newman Live Released: 1971-06 Tracks: 14 Duration: 28:34 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify Allmusic AlbumCover | 1 Mama Told Me Not to Come (01:46) 2 Tickle Me (01:53) 3 Ill Be Home (02:40) 4 So Long Dad (01:41) 5 Living Without You (02:16) 6 Last Night I Had a Dream (01:43) 7 I Think Its Going to Rain Today (02:32) 8 Lovers Prayer (01:52) 9 Maybe Im Doing It Wrong (01:16) 10 Yellow Man (02:05) 11 Old Kentucky Home (01:33) 12 Cowboy (02:13) 13 Davy the Fat Boy (02:48) 14 Lonely at the Top (02:16) |
| Randy Newman Live : Allmusic album Review : Looking like a bootleg and sounding like the radio-promo item it was intended to be, Randy Newman Live is as straightforward as live albums get: a clean but unexceptional recording of Randy Newman alone at his piano, running through nine tunes from his first two albums and five new numbers (three of which would pop up on later studio albums, though the unremarkable "Tickle Me" and "Maybe Im Doing It Wrong" remain exclusive to this release). At less than 30 minutes, the album is a bit light on material (especially since three shows were recorded for this set), and while Newmans performance is witty and engaging, the studio versions of these songs are preferable, though the solo performance of "Davy the Fat Boy" has a certain stark resonance the original lacks, and his vocals are a good bit stronger than on his first album. Randy Newman Live is OK for completists and fun for rabid fans, but most anyone else would be better served hearing these songs elsewhere. | ||
 | Album: 6 of 44 Title: Sail Away Released: 1972-05 Tracks: 12 Duration: 30:34 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify TrackSamples Wikipedia Allmusic AlbumCover | 1 Sail Away (02:52) 2 Lonely at the Top (02:34) 3 He Gives Us All His Love (01:56) 4 Last Night I Had a Dream (03:02) 5 Simon Smith and the Amazing Dancing Bear (02:05) 6 Old Man (02:46) 7 Political Science (02:00) 8 Burn On (02:35) 9 Memo to My Son (01:55) 10 Dayton, Ohio -- 1903 (01:51) 11 You Can Leave Your Hat On (03:18) 12 Gods Song (Thats Why I Love Mankind) (03:36) |
| Sail Away : Allmusic album Review : On his third studio album, Randy Newman found a middle ground between the heavily orchestrated pop of his debut and the more stripped-down, rock-oriented approach of 12 Songs, and managed to bring new strength to both sides of his musical personality in the process. The title track, which Newman has described as a sort of commercial jingle written for slave traders looking to recruit naïve Africans, and "Old Man," in which an elderly man is rejected with feigned compassion by his son, were set to Newmans most evocative arrangements to date and rank with the most intelligent and effective use of a large ensemble by anyone in pop music. On the other end of the scale, "Last Night I Had a Dream" and "You Can Leave Your Hat On" are lean, potent mid-tempo rock tunes, the former featuring some slashing and ominous slide guitar from Ry Cooder, and the latter a witty and willfully perverse bit of erotic absurdity that later became a hit for Joe Cocker (who sounded as if he took the joke at face value). Elsewhere, Newman cynically ponders the perils of a stardom he would never achieve ("Lonely at the Top," originally written for Frank Sinatra), offers a broad and amusing bit of political satire ("Political Science"), and concludes with one of the most bitter rants against religion that anyone committed to vinyl prior to the punk era ("Gods Song [Thats Why I Love Mankind]"). Whether hes writing for three pieces or 30, Newman makes superb use of the sounds available to him, and his vocals are the model of making the most of a limited instrument. Overall, Sail Away is one of Newmans finest works, musically adventurous and displaying a lyrical subtlety that would begin to fade in his subsequent works. | ||
 | Album: 7 of 44 Title: Good Old Boys Released: 1974-09 Tracks: 12 Duration: 33:53 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify TrackSamples Wikipedia Allmusic AlbumCover | 1 Rednecks (03:10) 2 Birmingham (02:47) 3 Marie (03:10) 4 Mr. President (Have Pity on the Working Man) (02:47) 5 Guilty (02:34) 6 Louisiana 1927 (02:58) 7 Every Man a King (01:02) 8 Kingfish (02:45) 9 Naked Man (03:12) 10 A Wedding in Cherokee County (03:10) 11 Back on My Feet Again (03:23) 12 Rollin (02:52) |
| Good Old Boys : Allmusic album Review : Randy Newmans songwriting often walks a narrow line between intelligent satire and willful cruelty, and that line was never finer than on the album Good Old Boys. Newman had long displayed a fascination with the American South, and Good Old Boys was a song cycle where he gave free reign to his most imaginative (and venomous) thoughts on the subject. The albums scabrous opening cut, "Rednecks," is guaranteed to offend practically anyone with its tale of a slow-witted, willfully (and proudly) ignorant Southerner obsessed with "keeping the n-----s down." "A Wedding in Cherokee County" is more polite but hardly less mean-spirited, in which an impotent hick marries a circus freak; if the songs melody and arrangement werent so skillful, it would be hard to imagine anyone bothering with this musical geek show. But elsewhere, Good Old Boys displays a very real compassion for the blighted history of the South, leavened with a knowing wit. "Birmingham" is a funny but humane tale of working-class Alabamians, "Louisiana 1927" and "Kingfish" are intelligent and powerfully evocative tales of the deep South in the depths of the Great Depression, and "Rollin" is cheerful on the surface and troubling to anyone willing to look beneath it. Musically, Newman dives deep into his influences in Southern soul and also adds potent country accents (with the help of Al Perkins pedal-steel guitar) while dressing up his songs in typically expert string and horn arrangements. And Newman assumes each character, either brave or foolish, with the skill of a gifted actor, giving even his most loathsome characters enough depth that theyre human beings, despite their flaws. Good Old Boys is one of Newmans finest albums; its also one of his most provocative and infuriating, and thats probably just the way he wanted it. | ||
 | Album: 8 of 44 Title: Little Criminals Released: 1977-09 Tracks: 12 Duration: 38:38 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify Wikipedia Allmusic AlbumCover | 1 Short People (02:56) 2 You Cant Fool the Fat Man (02:46) 3 Little Criminals (03:06) 4 Texas Girl at the Funeral of Her Father (02:43) 5 Jolly Coppers on Parade (03:49) 6 In Germany Before the War (03:42) 7 Sigmund Freuds Impersonation of Albert Einstein in America (02:53) 8 Baltimore (04:05) 9 Ill Be Home (02:48) 10 Rider in the Rain (03:54) 11 Kathleen (Catholicism Made Easier) (03:37) 12 Old Man on the Farm (02:13) |
| Little Criminals : Allmusic album Review : After Good Old Boys, one of the most ambitious and thematically unified albums of his career, Randy Newman seemed to beat a willful retreat for his next project, 1977s Little Criminals. For the most part abandoning the carefully structured orchestral arrangements that dominated Good Old Boys and Sail Away, Newman cut Little Criminals with a handful of pop-friendly session musicians and L.A. Mellow Mafia regulars (including most of the Eagles), and his arch, cutting satire gave way to a lighter but less thoughtful tone, with the humor becoming less mean-spirited (though becoming much more venomous than "Rednecks" might have been difficult). Newman even revisited one of his favorite themes, the pointlessness of racial prejudice, with a metaphor so silly no one could fail to understand it. Or at least thats what he thought when he wrote "Short People"; the song unexpectedly took off as a novelty hit, and the vertically challenged across the country began attacking Newman for what they saw as an affront to their dignity and well-being. As a result, Little Criminals became Newmans first (and only) gold album in the United States, but this set wasnt an especially good way to introduce the average record buyer to his work. Little Criminals lacks the scope of Newmans best work, the music is skillful but bland, and several of the songs sound like padding (especially "You Cant Fool the Fat Man" and "Jolly Coppers on Parade"). While the title tune, "Rider in the Rain," "In Germany Before the War," and "Sigmund Freuds Impersonation of Albert Einstein in America" (which was written for the movie Ragtime but not used) are fine songs, much of Little Criminals sounds like Newman was treading water; its not his worst album, but it sounds like the work of a man figuring out what his next move should be. | ||
 | Album: 9 of 44 Title: Born Again Released: 1979-08 Tracks: 11 Duration: 35:19 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify TrackSamples Allmusic Wikipedia AlbumCover | 1 It’s Money That I Love (03:41) 2 The Story of a Rock and Roll Band (02:53) 3 Pretty Boy (04:03) 4 Mr. Sheep (03:55) 5 Ghosts (02:29) 6 They Just Got Married (02:53) 7 Spies (03:58) 8 The Girls in My Life, Part 1 (02:42) 9 Half a Man (03:42) 10 William Brown (01:52) 11 Pants (03:05) |
| Born Again : Allmusic album Review : After the song "Short People" finally earned Randy Newman the hit single he claimed he always wanted (and in perhaps the worst way possible), Newman told reporters that for his next album he was preparing "a larger insult." And sure enough, Born Again was packed full of losers and misfits for whom Newmans contempt was unmistakable; from a man who had found some measure of understanding in his tales of thugs, stalkers, and slave traders on previous releases, the unmistakable bile Newman summoned up on "Half a Man," "Mr. Sheep," and "Pretty Boy" seems little short of perverse. And while Newman indulges in his usual passion for social satire here, "They Just Got Married" and "Its Money That I Love" are so stunningly unsubtle you have a hard time believing they came from the same man who wrote "Sail Away" or "Kingfish" (though "Its Money That I Love" has a piano line that would do Fats Domino proud). "The Story of a Rock and Roll Band" is a hilarious and deadly accurate parody of the Electric Light Orchestra (admittedly an easy target, but still beautifully executed), and the all-too-brief "William Brown" is a lovely vignette that wouldnt have been out of place on 12 Songs or Sail Away, but otherwise Born Again is the weakest non-soundtrack album of Randy Newmans career. | ||
 | Album: 10 of 44 Title: Ragtime Released: 1981 Tracks: 19 Duration: 36:59 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify AlbumCover | 1 Main Title (01:28) 2 Newsreel (01:31) 3 I Could Love a Million Girls (02:01) 4 Train Ride (01:52) 5 Tatehs Picture Book (01:41) 6 Lower East Side (01:09) 7 Delmonico Polka (01:03) 8 Coalhouse and Sarah (01:35) 9 Waltz for Evelyn (01:06) 10 One More Hour (02:47) 11 Sarahs Responsibility (00:54) 12 Change Your Way (02:01) 13 Clef Club No. 1 (01:42) 14 Atlantic City (02:14) 15 Clef Club No. 2 (01:21) 16 Sarahs Funeral (01:13) 17 Denouement (05:43) 18 Ragtime (02:53) 19 Ragtime Theme (02:37) |
 | Album: 11 of 44 Title: Trouble in Paradise Released: 1983 Tracks: 12 Duration: 40:02 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify TrackSamples Wikipedia Allmusic AlbumCover | 1 I Love L.A. (03:30) 2 Christmas in Cape Town (04:24) 3 The Blues (03:04) 4 Same Girl (02:54) 5 Mikeys (02:12) 6 My Life Is Good (04:38) 7 Miami (04:07) 8 Real Emotional Girl (02:30) 9 Take Me Back (04:10) 10 Theres a Party at My House (02:52) 11 Im Different (02:34) 12 Song for the Dead (03:01) |
| Trouble in Paradise : Allmusic album Review : Randy Newman began the slow process of transforming himself into a polished L.A. song-crafter on the album Little Criminals, and with Trouble in Paradise the metamorphosis was complete; by this time, Newman could make a record just as ear-pleasing as anything Paul Simon, Don Henley, or Lindsey Buckingham could come up with, and proved it by persuading all three to appear on the sessions. But no matter how polished the arrangements and smooth the production, Newmans songs dont sound like theyre ready for radio, and hes too bright not to understand that songs about apartheid, self-pitying white bluesmen, and arrogant yuppies are poor prospects for the pop charts. Trouble in Paradise marked the high point of Newmans struggle between pop sheen and his satiric impulses, and the album is a significant improvement over Little Criminals and Born Again. The targets of Newmans satirical gaze are easy to skewer, and his pen is hardly subtle, but the overall tone is more respectful than on Born Again and the results are stronger. The bitter Afrikaner in "Christmas in Capetown" and the egocentric blowhard in "My Life Is Good" have at least earned Newmans disgust, and while many of the character studies ("Mikey," "Im Different") and vignettes ("Miami," "Take Me Back") take a less than charitable view of their protagonists, like the losers and half-wits that populate Good Old Boys, theyre human beings whose flaws reveal a hint of tragedy. And the closing number, "Song for the Dead," is a stunner in which a soldier explains to the bodies hes burying the purpose behind the war that took their lives. While too slick for Newmans core audience, Trouble in Paradise was his most intelligent and best realized work since Good Old Boys, and his finest album of the 1980s. | ||
 | Album: 12 of 44 Title: The Natural Released: 1984-10 Tracks: 14 Duration: 34:29 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Allmusic AlbumCover | 1 Prologue 1915-1923 (05:22) 2 The Whammer Strikes Out (01:59) 3 The Old Farm 1939 (01:10) 4 The Majors: The Mind Is a Strange Thing (02:16) 5 “Knock the Cover Off the Ball” (02:20) 6 Memo (02:07) 7 The Natural (03:37) 8 Wrigley Field (02:18) 9 Iris and Roy (01:01) 10 Winning (01:04) 11 A Father Makes a Difference (01:53) 12 Penthouse Party (01:14) 13 The Final Game / Take Me Out to the Ball Game (04:38) 14 The End Title (03:24) |
| The Natural : Allmusic album Review : Once again, Randy Newman turns out to be a good choice for scoring a period picture, this time with a more overtly sentimental, romantic theme than Ragtime. He shows a mastery of structure and genre that marks him as the successor to his uncles, who spent decades writing film music. | ||
 | Album: 13 of 44 Title: Lonely at the Top: The Best of Randy Newman Released: 1987-05-21 Tracks: 22 Duration: 1:09:45 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Allmusic Wikipedia AlbumCover | 1 Love Story (You and Me) (03:22) 2 Living Without You (02:23) 3 I Think Its Going to Rain Today (02:58) 4 Mama Told Me Not to Come (02:12) 5 My Old Kentucky Home (02:38) 6 Sail Away (02:52) 7 Simon Smith and the Amazing Dancing Bear (02:05) 8 Political Science (02:00) 9 Gods Song (Thats Why I Love Mankind) (03:36) 10 Rednecks (03:10) 11 Birmingham (02:47) 12 Marie (03:10) 13 Louisiana 1927 (02:56) 14 Baltimore (04:05) 15 Jolly Coppers on Parade (03:47) 16 Rider in the Rain (03:54) 17 In Germany Before the War (03:42) 18 Short People (02:56) 19 Christmas in Cape Town (04:24) 20 My Life Is Good (04:38) 21 I Love L.A. (03:30) 22 Lonely at the Top (02:29) |
| Lonely at the Top: The Best of Randy Newman : Allmusic album Review : From a chart standpoint, Randy Newmans only Top 40 hit came in the form of 1977s "Short People, which reached the number two spot, backed by the Eagles Timothy B. Schmit, J.D. Souther, and Glenn Frey. Actually, its the music of Newmans career that didnt chart that made him one of the most renowned songwriters of the modern era. Lonely at the Top is a generous 22-track compilation of Randy Newmans best material. He gained notoriety for his commentary on Americas neglect and impoverished treatment of its own people, societys lack of concern and disregard for the down and out, and almost any example of downtroddenness or destitute situation imaginable. His proficiency as a writer is channeled through his blatant opinions, quietly but forcibly hitting home by way of the story song. Tracks like "My Life Is Good" and "Gods Song" never achieved commercial appeal, but they didnt have to. Instead, Newmans satirical poetry and openly dark sense of humor offer up a moral that is much more hard-hitting and thought-provoking when listened to without any celebrity. Songs such as "I Think Its Gonna Rain Today," written by Judy Collins, and the beautiful "Sail Away" harbor the artists genuine emotion and ability to instill passion in his work. "Rednecks" evokes the absurdity and ignorance of racial prejudice in mild Vaudevillian style, while "Political Science" touches on his thoughts about religion and its validity. Outside of Newmans commentarys, tracks like "Mama Told Me Not to Come" (a number one hit for Three Dog Night), "I Love LA," and "Living Without You" are appealing on their musical essence alone, even if they are morally vacant. But his best allegory comes in "Louisiana 1927," about a legendary flood which devastated farmers and washed away their livelihood. Although a couple of Randy Newmans better songs like "Suzanne" and "Davy the Fat Boy" are missing, Lonely at the Top completes the task of unearthing his genius at addressing moral concerns through delicate songcraft, with his piano and voice as his soapbox. | ||
 | Album: 14 of 44 Title: Land of Dreams Released: 1988-09-27 Tracks: 12 Duration: 39:58 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify TrackSamples Wikipedia Allmusic AlbumCover | 1 Dixie Flyer (04:08) 2 New Orleans Wins the War (03:27) 3 Four Eyes (03:36) 4 Falling in Love (03:01) 5 Something Special (03:07) 6 Bad News From Home (02:45) 7 Roll With the Punches (03:27) 8 Masterman and Baby J. (03:27) 9 Red Bandana (02:35) 10 Follow the Flag (02:14) 11 Its Money That Matters (04:04) 12 I Want You to Hurt Like I Do (04:05) |
| Land of Dreams : Allmusic album Review : Unlike his contemporaries in the singer/songwriter community, Randy Newman has displayed little interest in writing about himself, with nearly every song in his repertoire set in the voice of some imagined character. So 1988s Land of Dreams was startling because its first three songs formed a triptych about Newmans childhood; for the first time on one of his albums, Newman was clearly writing about his own life, and the results were extraordinary. "Dixie Flyer" tells how Newman and his mother came to move from Los Angeles to New Orleans during World War II; "New Orleans Wins the War" introduces young Newman to the issues of race in the Deep South as he ponders the odd realities of life in "The City That Care Forgot"; in "Four Eyes," cross-eyed Newman is forced to confront responsibility (and cruelty) for the first time on his first day in school. But while Land of Dreams begins as an unusually strong and compelling concept album, Newman apparently lost interest in writing about himself, and from track four onward, Land of Dreams is content to pick up where Trouble in Paradise left off. Themes of race and class in America dominate the second half of the album, most potently on "Roll With the Punches" and "I Want You to Hurt Like I Do," two "responses" to the grandstanding compassion of "We Are the World." Land of Dreams is a strong piece of work from Randy Newman, but if hed had the courage to follow what hed started with the first three songs, he might have had a masterpiece. | ||
 | Album: 15 of 44 Title: Parenthood Released: 1989-09-08 Tracks: 10 Duration: 28:27 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify Allmusic AlbumCover | 1 Introduction / I Love to See You Smile (03:26) 2 Kevins Graduation (02:39) 3 Helen and Julie (00:58) 4 Kevins Party (Cowboy Gil) (03:24) 5 Garys in Trouble (02:53) 6 Father and Son (02:32) 7 Drag Race / Todd and Julie (02:32) 8 Kevin Comes Through (01:33) 9 Karen and Gil / Montage (04:51) 10 End Title: I Love to See You Smile (03:39) |
| Parenthood : Allmusic album Review : At its best, Randy Newmans Parenthood score is soothing, unassumingly melodic, and even witty (on "Kevins Party," for example, he manages to arrange the strings with comic timing). At its worst, though, the music is lightweight, sentimental, a bit too suitable for airplay in elevators. The orchestrations at times have all the emotional resonance of an electronic keyboard. Newmans Oscar-nominated original song, "I Love to See You Smile," sounds rather like all of Newmans other Oscar-nominated songs: its an agreeably tuneful, playful piano number featuring the authors own eccentric, barely on-key warble. Fans of the song are doubly rewarded for buying the soundtrack: the song appears twice, in identical versions, at the beginning and end of the album. | ||
 | Album: 16 of 44 Title: Avalon Released: 1990-12-08 Tracks: 12 Duration: 36:53 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify AlbumCover | 1 1914 (03:40) 2 Weekend Musicians (01:34) 3 Avalon / Moving Day (02:35) 4 Jules & Michael (02:39) 5 Television, Television, Television (00:45) 6 Circus (03:43) 7 Wedding (01:53) 8 The Family (05:00) 9 The Fire (03:35) 10 No More Television (00:44) 11 Funeral (03:21) 12 End Titles (07:19) |
 | Album: 17 of 44 Title: The Paper: Music From the Motion Picture Released: 1994 Tracks: 20 Duration: 36:29 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify AlbumCover | 1 Opening (01:13) 2 Clocks (03:09) 3 Henry Goes to Work (01:55) 4 The Sun (00:46) 5 Bernie Calls Deanne (02:11) 6 Busting the Guys (01:13) 7 Merty and Henry (01:14) 8 The Newsroom: 7:00PM (02:51) 9 More Clocks (01:44) 10 Henry Leaves With McDougal (01:09) 11 Bernie Finds Deanne (01:07) 12 Bernie (01:54) 13 Stop the Press (00:55) 14 Henry’s Fired (01:00) 15 Marty (00:42) 16 Marty’s in Trouble (01:54) 17 To the Hospital (00:41) 18 Little Polenta is Born (02:26) 19 A New Day: 7:00AM (05:00) 20 Make Up Your Mind (03:14) |
 | Album: 18 of 44 Title: Maverick Released: 1995-01-17 Tracks: 24 Duration: 42:07 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify Allmusic AlbumCover | 1 Opening (05:37) 2 Annabelle (02:28) 3 Fight (02:06) 4 Coop (00:41) 5 Money in the Bank (01:06) 6 In & Out of Trouble (01:26) 7 Magic Cards, Maybe/Lucky Shirt (01:32) 8 Headed for the Game (01:31) 9 Runaway Stage (04:49) 10 Sneakin Around (00:46) 11 Maverick (00:55) 12 Joseph & The Russian (01:08) 13 Oh Bret (02:05) 14 A Noble Aims (00:49) 15 Trap (01:50) 16 The Hanging (02:01) 17 Bret Escapes (01:26) 18 Brets Card / Sore Loser (01:27) 19 Coop Sails Away (01:33) 20 Annabelle Toodleoo (01:55) 21 The Commodore (01:23) 22 Pappy Shuffle (01:11) 23 Bath House (00:40) 24 Tartine de Merde (01:33) |
| Maverick : Allmusic album Review : Maverick the movie mixes an old-fashioned Western setting with some modern-day comedy and action, and even a little sexual tension and romance. Stars in this film are Mel Gibson, Jodie Foster, and James Garner. It seemed only appropriate that during the making of it another big-name artist, Randy Newman, be called in to handle the musical score, along with Frank Wolf as producer. It was orchestrated by Don Davis and Jack Hayes. This country-styled musical score carries tracks that travel smoothly from dark and melancholy to energetic and humorous. Many Newman fans might find this album a little different than his normal offerings, but still worth a listen or two. Fans of the movie itself might enjoy the Maverick soundtrack also, with its list of songs done by top country singers such as Clint Black and Vince Gill. | ||
 | Album: 19 of 44 Title: Randy Newmans Faust Released: 1995-09-19 Tracks: 17 Duration: 58:30 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Allmusic Wikipedia AlbumCover | 1 Glory Train (04:45) 2 Cant Keep a Good Man Down (02:43) 3 How Great Our Lord (02:42) 4 Best Little Girl (02:29) 5 Northern Boy (02:54) 6 Bless the Children of the World (03:50) 7 Gainesville (03:29) 8 Relax, Enjoy Yourself (05:41) 9 Life Has Been Good to Me (03:28) 10 Little Island (03:20) 11 The Man (03:14) 12 My Hero (02:35) 13 I Gotta Be Your Man (02:31) 14 Feels Like Home (04:26) 15 Bleeding All Over the Place (04:15) 16 Sandmans Coming (02:41) 17 Happy Ending (03:19) |
| Randy Newman's Faust : Allmusic album Review : Since Randy Newman has always borrowed from Hollywood and Broadway musicals in his songwriting, its not surprising that he wrote his own full-blown musical with Randy Newmans Faust. Adapting Goethes classic morality play for the 90s, Newman has his God and Devil vying for the soul of a Harvard college student. However, neither wins because they cant keep abreast of modern times -- the Devil tempts the student with a recording contract, but the student wants his own video game company since thats where the money is. On paper, the reworking of the story is fairly intriguing, but the actual execution is heavily flawed. Newmans humor is forced and not all that funny, while his eye for detail isnt as sharp as it is on his classic albums; furthermore, he sacrifices strong melodies for the lyrics. The bombastic production -- featuring large orchestras and choirs as well as guest artists James Taylor (God), Don Henley (Student), Elton John, Bonnie Raitt, and Linda Ronstadt -- emphasizes the lack of subtlety in the lyrics and the lack of compelling melodies, making Randy Newmans Faust no more than a noble failure. | ||
 | Album: 20 of 44 Title: Toy Story Released: 1995-10-24 Tracks: 16 Duration: 53:50 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify Wikipedia Allmusic AlbumCover | 1 You’ve Got a Friend in Me (02:05) 2 Strange Things (03:19) 3 I Will Go Sailing No More (02:57) 4 Andy’s Birthday (05:58) 5 Soldiers Mission (01:29) 6 Presents (01:09) 7 Buzz (01:40) 8 Sid (01:20) 9 Woody and Buzz (04:30) 10 Mutants (06:05) 11 Woodys Gone (02:13) 12 The Big One (02:50) 13 Hang Together (06:02) 14 On the Move (06:18) 15 Infinity and Beyond (03:09) 16 Youve Got A Friend In Me (02:40) |
| Toy Story : Allmusic album Review : Randy Newman wrote and sang three songs in his characteristic style for the soundtrack of the first computer-animated childrens movie, Toy Story, along with a sprightly, stirring score that reflected the films fun, adventurous spirit. "Youve Got A Friend In Me," performed both as a solo by Newman at the start and as a duet with Lyle Lovett at the end (reflecting the theme of emerging friendship between toys Woody and Buzz Lightyear), earned an Oscar nomination; "Strange Things" was a comically ominous song used to express Woodys feelings about being supplanted by Buzz; and "I Will Go Sailing No More" was a wistful lament for Buzz when he made the agonizing discovery that he was a toy, not a space hero. Newmans winning score helped set the mood for the charming film that was a box office champion for Christmas 1995. | ||
 | Album: 21 of 44 Title: James and the Giant Peach Released: 1996-04 Tracks: 23 Duration: 55:26 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify Allmusic AlbumCover | 1 My Name Is James (02:36) 2 That’s the Life (01:59) 3 Eating the Peach (02:53) 4 Family (02:42) 5 Main Title (00:37) 6 Clouds (01:40) 7 Spiker, Sponge, and a Rhino (03:24) 8 Magic Man (04:15) 9 Giant Peach (01:54) 10 Into the Peach (02:04) 11 James Makes Some Friends (01:08) 12 The Peach Rolls (02:37) 13 All at Sea / That’s the Life (reprise) (02:12) 14 100 Seagulls and One Shark (01:58) 15 Lullaby (01:57) 16 James’ Dream (01:03) 17 Way Off Course (01:47) 18 The Rhino Attacks (02:50) 19 Empire State Building (02:17) 20 New York City (02:53) 21 Spiker and Sponge Come to America (02:15) 22 A Place Where Dreams Come True (03:58) 23 Good News (04:20) |
| James and the Giant Peach : Allmusic album Review : Randy Newman wrote five new songs in addition to the instrumental scoring for Disneys stop-action film adaptation of the Roald Dahl childrens story, borrowing the lyrics to one of the songs, the lively "Eating the Peach," from Dahl. His most characteristic efforts are "Family," which owes a lot to such earlier Newman soundtrack songs as "Youve Got a Friend in Me" from Toy Story, and the gospel-tinged end title theme, "Good News," which he sings himself. The other songs are performed by cast members including Richard Dreyfuss and Susan Sarandon, along with some ringers providing "additional vocals." The instrumental sections provided effective scoring for the films audacious visuals, but on their own sound like the background music they are. | ||
 | Album: 22 of 44 Title: Cats Dont Dance Released: 1997-03-25 Tracks: 20 Duration: 50:21 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% AlbumCover | 1 Our Time Has Come (03:21) 2 I Do Believe (04:22) 3 Dannys Arrival Song (03:03) 4 Little Boat on the Sea (01:34) 5 Animal Jam (05:06) 6 Big And Loud- Pt.1 (01:37) 7 Big And Loud- Pt.2 (01:30) 8 Tell Me Lies (03:12) 9 Nothings Gonna Stop Us Now (03:11) 10 Darlas Premiere (01:14) 11 Once Upon a Time... (01:08) 12 Dannys Theme (02:52) 13 Farleys Office (02:16) 14 Reporting for Work (01:56) 15 Max Enters (01:40) 16 Tea Time for Danny (02:04) 17 The Flood (03:54) 18 Battle With Max (01:42) 19 Triumph of the Animals (00:53) 20 Our Time Has Come (Movie version) (03:46) |
 | Album: 23 of 44 Title: A Bug’s Life Released: 1998-10-27 Tracks: 20 Duration: 47:41 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify Allmusic AlbumCover | 1 The Time of Your Life (03:14) 2 The Flik Machine (02:54) 3 Seed to Tree (01:01) 4 Red Alert (01:49) 5 Hopper and His Gang (03:21) 6 Flik Leaves (02:38) 7 Circus Bugs (01:27) 8 The City (02:35) 9 Robin Hood (00:59) 10 Return to Colony (01:33) 11 Fliks Return (01:24) 12 Loser (02:44) 13 Dots Rescue (04:00) 14 Atta (01:09) 15 Dont Come Back (01:07) 16 Grasshoppers Return (03:01) 17 The Bird Flies (02:38) 18 Ants Fight Back (02:14) 19 Victory (02:32) 20 A Bugs Life Suite (05:13) |
| A Bug’s Life : Allmusic album Review : Best known for his biting wit and often irreverent pop-rock, Randy Newman shows another side of himself on this soundtrack to the Disney animated film A Bugs Life, which included the voices of Kevin Spacey, Madeline Kahn and former Seinfeld star Julia Louis-Dreyfus. The main focus of this CD isnt Newman the pop-rocker, but Newman the composer of instrumental movie music. Only on the humorous opener "The Time of Your Life" do we hear Newman sing; after that, every piece on the album is an orchestral instrumental heard in the film. A Bugs Life isnt an essential purchase by any means, although some of Newmans more hardcore and devoted fans might find it mildly interesting to hear this other side of him. | ||
 | Album: 24 of 44 Title: Guilty: 30 Years of Randy Newman Released: 1998-11-03 Tracks: 105 Duration: 5:04:18 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Allmusic Wikipedia AlbumCover | 1 Love Story (You and Me) (03:22) 2 Bet No One Ever Hurt This Bad (02:06) 3 Cowboy (02:41) 4 The Beehive State (01:52) 5 I Think Its Going to Rain Today (02:58) 6 Davy the Fat Boy (02:47) 7 Have You Seen My Baby? (02:34) 8 Lets Burn Down the Cornfield (03:02) 9 Mama Told Me Not to Come (02:11) 10 Suzanne (03:07) 11 Old Kentucky Home (02:39) 12 Sail Away (02:52) 13 Lonely at the Top (02:34) 14 Last Night I Had a Dream (03:02) 15 Political Science (02:00) 16 Burn On (02:35) 17 Memo to My Son (01:55) 18 You Can Leave Your Hat On (03:14) 19 Gods Song (Thats Why I Love Mankind) (03:36) 20 Rednecks (03:10) 21 Birmingham (02:47) 22 Marie (03:09) 23 Guilty (02:34) 24 Louisiana 1927 (02:58) 25 Kingfish (02:45) 26 Baltimore (04:05) 27 Rider in the Rain (03:54) 1 Short People (02:56) 2 Little Criminals (03:03) 3 In Germany Before the War (03:42) 4 Ill Be Home (02:48) 5 Its Money That I Love (03:39) 6 Ghosts (02:28) 7 The Girls in My Life (Part I) (02:37) 8 William Brown (01:52) 9 I Love L.A. (03:30) 10 Mikeys (02:10) 11 My Life Is Good (04:38) 12 Miami (04:02) 13 Real Emotional Girl (02:30) 14 Take Me Back (04:10) 15 Song for the Dead (03:00) 16 Dixie Flyer (04:07) 17 New Orleans Wins the War (03:29) 18 Four Eyes (03:36) 19 Its Money That Matters (04:03) 20 I Want You to Hurt Like I Do (04:06) 21 Cant Keep a Good Man Down (02:43) 22 Bleeding All Over the Place (Alt. mix) (04:15) 23 Happy Ending (03:19) 1 Golden Gridiron Boy (01:56) 2 Vine Street (02:21) 3 Love Is Blind (01:36) 4 Dont Ruin Our Happy Home (02:31) 5 The Goat (01:48) 6 Gone Dead Train (02:54) 7 Tickle Me (02:00) 8 Maybe Im Doing It Wrong (01:25) 9 Yellow Man (02:13) 10 Magic in the Moon Light (01:48) 11 Beat Me Baby (01:58) 12 Simon Smith and the Amazing Dancing Bear (02:03) 13 Let Me Go (02:50) 14 Jesus in the Summertime (03:32) 15 Going Home (01:57) 16 Interiors (01:51) 17 Pretty Boy (04:03) 18 Something to Sing About (03:06) 19 The Ballad of the Three Amigos (02:16) 20 My Little Buttercup (02:05) 21 Blue Shadows on the Trail (02:47) 22 Happy (00:39) 23 The Longest Night (02:34) 24 Days of Heaven (02:25) 25 What Have You Done to Me (02:00) 26 Masterman and Baby J (01:52) 27 Lines in the Sand (02:31) 28 Gainsville (03:26) 29 Feels Like Home (04:12) 30 My Name Is James (02:43) 31 Laugh and Be Happy (02:13) 1 Rev Running (02:15) 2 Change Your Way (02:02) 3 Clef Club No. 1 (01:43) 4 Clef Club No. 2 (01:20) 5 Ragtime (02:45) 6 Prologue 1915-1923 (05:22) 7 The Natural (03:37) 8 Introduction / I Love to See You Smile (03:26) 9 Kevins Party (Cowboy Gil) (03:24) 10 1914 (03:40) 11 End Titles (07:19) 12 Leonard (04:30) 13 Dexters Tune (02:38) 14 Clocks (03:09) 15 Make Up Your Mind (03:14) 16 Opening (05:34) 17 Tartine de Merde (01:33) 18 You’ve Got a Friend in Me (02:05) 19 Woody and Buzz (04:30) 20 I Will Go Sailing No More (02:57) 21 Heaven Is My Home (03:05) 22 Main Title (00:37) 23 Clouds (01:40) 24 Good News (04:16) |
| Guilty: 30 Years of Randy Newman : Allmusic album Review : There was no Randy Newman compilation available in America until Rhino released the four-disc box set Guilty: 30 Years of Randy Newman in the fall of 1998. Boasting two discs of album highlights, a disc of rarities, and a disc devoted to "Film Music," Guilty attempts to be a definitive artistic portrait, yet it winds up a little frustrating. Dedicated fans dont have much need for the first two discs; even if they provide an excellent summary, theyre designed for casual listeners, who wont have much interest in the other two discs. "Odds & Ends," the third disc, is the jewel in this crown for longtime fans, since it contains a wealth of rarities, including the excellent "Gone Dead Train" from Performance, a weird Pat Boone-produced single from 1961 ("Golden Gridiron Boy"), a selection of 1968 songwriting demos, a host of working tracks for films, and a revelatory "Masterman and Baby J," which contains no rapping. "Film Music," the fourth disc, is another welcome addition to his catalog. Newman is a sensitive, accomplished film composer in the classic Hollywood style, and not only are his scores are rewarding on their own merits (as are the excerpts here), hes written a handful of great songs, such as "I Love to See You Smile" (Parenthood) and "Youve Got a Friend in Me" (Toy Story), which have not appeared on a Newman album until now. These final discs are valuable for serious fans, yet they may not want to purchase the entire box in order to acquire the rarities. And thats the problem with Guilty -- the package is lovely and the execution first-rate, but both casual and dedicated fans would have been better served if the set had been divided into two different compilations. | ||
 | Album: 25 of 44 Title: Pleasantville Released: 1998-11-17 Tracks: 17 Duration: 31:06 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify AlbumCover | 1 The Pleasantville Theme (01:08) 2 Real Rain (04:31) 3 Buds a Hero (01:25) 4 In the Bath (02:08) 5 Mural (02:05) 6 Make Up (01:39) 7 The Art Book (01:22) 8 Punch (00:30) 9 Together (00:45) 10 Waking Up (01:30) 11 No Umbrella (01:06) 12 Burning the Books (02:28) 13 The Aftermath (02:02) 14 A New Day (05:00) 15 Goodbye (01:33) 16 The Sweater (00:16) 17 Lets Go Bowling (01:32) |
 | Album: 26 of 44 Title: Bad Love Released: 1999-06-01 Tracks: 12 Duration: 44:51 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify Allmusic Wikipedia AlbumCover | 1 My Country (05:40) 2 Shame (04:53) 3 Im Dead (but I Dont Know It) (03:25) 4 Every Time It Rains (03:33) 5 The Great Nations of Europe (03:26) 6 The One You Love (03:39) 7 The World Isnt Fair (02:44) 8 Big Hat, No Cattle (04:24) 9 Better Off Dead (04:03) 10 I Miss You (03:55) 11 Going Home (02:06) 12 I Want Everyone to Like Me (02:59) |
| Bad Love : Allmusic album Review : Newmans first collection of pop songs since 1988s Land of Dreams finds him as satirically biting as ever, yet unafraid to tackle personal and heartfelt concerns. Few are out of harms way when Newmans at the keyboard: Old rock stars get it in "Im Dead (But I Dont Know It)," dirty old men in "Shame" and "The World Isnt Fair," and cultural imperialism in "The Great Nations of Europe." In addition, theres perhaps one of his most beautiful and personal songs yet, "I Miss You," and even a schmaltzy one, "Every Time It Rains." The production team of Mitchell Froom and Tchad Blake ensure that there are no missteps by maintaining a timeless, orchestrated sound with original instrumentation. Doubters who thought Newman lost his edge after dozens of blockbuster movies neednt worry anymore -- few of these songs would find their way onto the smiley soundtracks, yet all of them should rest comfortably alongside his other four-star offerings. | ||
 | Album: 27 of 44 Title: Toy Story 2 Released: 1999-11-09 Tracks: 20 Duration: 48:16 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Allmusic AlbumCover | 1 Woody’s Roundup (01:53) 2 When She Loved Me (03:05) 3 You’ve Got a Friend in Me (Wheezy’s version) (02:56) 4 Zurgs Planet (03:39) 5 Wheezy and the Yard Sale (03:11) 6 Woodys Been Stolen (01:28) 7 Chicken Man (01:17) 8 Woodys Dream (03:55) 9 Jessie and the Roundup Gang (01:24) 10 Woodys a Star (01:28) 11 Lets Save Woody (02:07) 12 Off to the Museum (01:29) 13 Talk to Jessie (00:43) 14 The Cleaner (01:50) 15 Al’s Toy Barn (04:00) 16 Emperor Zurg vs. Buzz (02:41) 17 Use Your Head (04:18) 18 Jessies in Trouble (02:14) 19 Ride Like the Wind (01:29) 20 Youve Got a Friend in Me (instrumental version) (02:59) |
| Toy Story 2 : Allmusic album Review : Toy Story 2s soundtrack features more original songs and instrumentals from Grammy Award-winner Randy Newman, along with Sarah McLachlans "When She Loved Me," Robert Goulets "Youve Got a Friend in Me," and Riders in the Skys "Woodys Round Up." A heartwarming and funny collection for an entertaining and adventurous movie. | ||
 | Album: 28 of 44 Title: The Best of Randy Newman Released: 2001-09-18 Tracks: 21 Duration: 1:09:31 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Allmusic AlbumCover | 1 Mama Told Me Not to Come (02:11) 2 You Can Leave Your Hat On (03:20) 3 I Think Its Going to Rain Today (02:58) 4 Sail Away (02:52) 5 Political Science (02:00) 6 Rednecks (03:10) 7 Marie (03:09) 8 Louisiana 1927 (02:56) 9 Short People (02:56) 10 Little Criminals (03:03) 11 Its Money That I Love (03:39) 12 I Love L.A. (03:30) 13 Miami (04:02) 14 Take Me Back (04:10) 15 Same Girl (02:54) 16 Dixie Flyer (04:07) 17 Happy Ending (03:19) 18 You’ve Got a Friend in Me (02:05) 19 Feels Like Home (live) (04:13) 20 Shame (04:53) 21 I Miss You (03:55) |
| The Best of Randy Newman : Allmusic album Review : Randy Newman has been beloved of critics, record geeks, and music fans for years, so much so that Rhinos 2001 compilation The Best of Randy Newman may seem like a case of preaching to the converted, at least to those who worship Newman. After all, anybody whos been paying attention realizes his sly genius, not just as a songwriter, but as a musician and record-maker -- 12 Songs, Sail Away, Good Old Boys, and Trouble in Paradise are hailed as masterpieces because the records are as carefully constructed and engaging as the songs. Proof of that sentiment arrives immediately with the collections opening cut, "Mama Told Me Not to Come," which may be better known in Three Dog Nights bombastic rendition, but is better and funnier in this wry telling. Thats also true for other Newman songs that have become standards -- "You Can Leave Your Hat On," "Sail Away," "Louisiana 1927," and "I Think Its Going to Rain Today" are enhanced by Newmans delivery, which emphasizes not just his humor but also the underlying emotion of his songs. Then there are the songs that the general public associates with Randy Newman -- the novelty tune "Short People," the cynical faux-anthem "I Love L.A.," the reaffirming Toy Story theme "Youve Got a Friend in Me." These two sides prove that Randy Newman is a songwriter of exceptional talent and that he can reach a wide audience, but the wonderful, bewildering thing about him is that his recordings obstinately fall between these two extremes -- hes simply too willful to play to a mass audience but, even at his most obscure and ornery, his music is open and accessible. Because of this mercurial talent, it can be hard for a neophyte to get a handle on his recordings, which is why a collection like The Best of Randy Newman isnt simply welcome, its necessary. This may not be every longtime fans choice for the very best of Randy Newman, but it does give a good sense of his genius and how far-reaching it is by featuring all those previously mentioned songs, along with many others that confirm the depth of his talent -- "Political Science," "Rednecks," "Marie," "Miami," and "Dixie Flyer," among others. There are certainly other songs in his catalog that could have easily been showcased here, and 12 Songs and Sail Away certainly had their own logic that, in their own way, make them a more effective introduction. But as a far-reaching sampler for neophytes and casual fans, this does the job handsomely. | ||
 | Album: 29 of 44 Title: Monsters, Inc. Released: 2001-10-23 Tracks: 25 Duration: 1:00:39 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify AlbumCover | 1 If I Didnt Have You (03:39) 2 Monsters, Inc. (02:09) 3 School (01:38) 4 Walk to Work (03:30) 5 Sulley and Mike (01:58) 6 Randall Appears (00:50) 7 Enter the Heroes (01:04) 8 The Scare Floor (02:41) 9 Oh, Celia! (01:09) 10 Boos Adventures in Monstropolis (06:23) 11 Boo is Tired (01:03) 12 Putting Boo Back (02:22) 13 Boo Escapes! (00:53) 14 Celia is Mad (01:41) 15 Boo is a Cube (02:19) 16 Mikes in Trouble (02:20) 17 The Scream Extractor (02:13) 18 Sulley Scares Boo (01:10) 19 Exile (02:18) 20 Randalls Attack (02:23) 21 The Ride of the Doors (05:08) 22 Waternoose is Waiting (03:14) 23 Boos Going Home (03:35) 24 Kitty (01:21) 25 If I Didnt Have You (03:38) |
 | Album: 30 of 44 Title: Seabiscuit Released: 2003-07-22 Tracks: 20 Duration: 46:32 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify Allmusic AlbumCover | 1 Main Title (02:05) 2 Idea (02:08) 3 The Crash (03:06) 4 Seabiscuit (00:59) 5 Call Me Red (02:54) 6 Frankie (01:22) 7 La Tequilera (01:14) 8 Marcela / Agua Caliente (02:23) 9 Campfire (01:17) 10 Reds First Win (03:35) 11 Tanforan (01:43) 12 Infield Folks (01:38) 13 Pumpkin (01:36) 14 The Derby (03:14) 15 Wedding (02:06) 16 Night Ride / Accident (01:41) 17 To the Line (03:37) 18 The Unkindest Cut (03:30) 19 Ready? (03:01) 20 A Nice Ride (03:16) |
| Seabiscuit : Allmusic album Review : Someday, perhaps in a doctoral thesis or a book on film scoring, someone is going to address the question of why it is, given the sardonic character of Randy Newmans songwriting for himself, that his film scores are so warm and sweet. When this study is done, Newmans soundtrack to Seabiscuit, writer/director Gary Ross film biography of the legendary racehorse of the 1930s based on Laura Hilllenbrands book Seabiscuit: An American Legend, will stand as a prime example (but then, so would practically any one of Newmans soundtracks). Those slow, melodic passages for French horn, those swelling string lines, and the small sections for a single flute or trumpet, all contributed to a characteristic sound redolent of the heartwarming and the homespun. In the case of Seabiscuit, Newman responds to the time and place of the setting by adding bits of big-band swing and, especially, Mexican folk music (with one tune played by Mariachi Reyna de Los Angeles), but the overall approach is easily recognizable as his own. One might suggest that Newmans scores, as the scores of any good film composer, serve the movies for which they are written, and it may be that the assignments he gets are based on what hes done before. Clearly, filmmakers go to him for a certain kind of score, and they get it. Maybe its time for him to try something more challenging (say, an action picture), just for variety. But if he keeps writing scores as beautiful as this one, its hard to complain, even if you wonder how the author of "Short People" could do work apparently so sincere. | ||
 | Album: 31 of 44 Title: The Randy Newman Songbook, Volume 1 Released: 2003-09-29 Tracks: 18 Duration: 47:20 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% AlbumCover | 1 It’s Lonely at the Top (03:13) 2 God’s Song (That’s Why I Love Mankind) (03:24) 3 Louisiana 1927 (02:57) 4 Let Me Go (02:38) 5 Rednecks (03:06) 6 Avalon (00:58) 7 Living Without You (02:17) 8 I Think It’s Going to Rain Today (02:57) 9 You Can Leave Your Hat On (02:33) 10 It’s Money That I Love (02:19) 11 Marie (02:56) 12 When She Loved Me (01:03) 13 Sail Away (02:59) 14 The World Isn’t Fair (03:07) 15 Political Science (02:04) 16 The Great Nations of Europe (03:25) 17 In Germany Before the War (03:51) 18 Ragtime (01:25) |
 | Album: 32 of 44 Title: Cold Turkey Released: 2007-11-26 Tracks: 32 Duration: 48:22 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% AlbumCover | 1 Opening (The Flag) (00:17) 2 He Gives Us All His Love (02:35) 3 Reverend Running (02:14) 4 City Council Debates (00:49) 5 Public Leaders Chime In (01:25) 6 Please Sign the Pledge (02:07) 7 Paul Hardly Speaks (00:37) 8 God’s People (00:38) 9 Public Leaders (00:37) 10 Dawn in Eagle Rock (00:25) 11 The Town Copes (01:13) 12 World Famous (02:11) 13 Natalie’s Theme (00:26) 14 Flying Poodle (00:29) 15 Walter Chronic Arrives (00:47) 16 Carnival College (01:45) 17 Commercialism Montage (02:37) 18 He Gives Us All His Love (02:03) 19 Milk and Cookies (00:32) 20 Press Set-Up / Last Day (00:36) 21 He Gives Us All His Love (02:20) 22 Unused Score Suite (06:25) 23 Cocktail (piano) (01:16) 24 In a Mellow Mood (02:38) 25 Organ Postlude (00:53) 26 Washington Post March (01:27) 27 S.O.C. (00:26) 28 Stars and Stripes Forever (John Philip Sousa) (01:23) 29 Hail to the Chief (00:49) 30 Marching Band (medley) (02:27) 31 Unused Source 1 (02:00) 32 Unused Source 2 (01:55) |
 | Album: 33 of 44 Title: Leatherheads Released: 2008-03-25 Tracks: 20 Duration: 43:50 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify AlbumCover | 1 The Princeton Tiger (01:29) 2 Good Old Princeton: The College Game (02:24) 3 The Professional Game (03:59) 4 The Pros Go to College (01:20) 5 Help From High School (Gonged) (00:57) 6 Dodge (02:39) 7 Lexi (01:56) 8 Ich gebe auf (02:11) 9 Carter Is Blue (03:21) 10 How One Longs for Princeton (01:25) 11 Ah, Love (02:47) 12 The Man I Love (03:59) 13 Pool Party (02:37) 14 Dan Higgins (01:02) 15 Trouble (01:43) 16 Up Close and Personal (01:55) 17 The Ambiguity of Victory (03:38) 18 Sgt. York (00:59) 19 Into the Sunset (01:20) 20 Reprise for Tiffany (02:09) |
 | Album: 34 of 44 Title: Harps and Angels Released: 2008-08-05 Tracks: 10 Duration: 34:52 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify TrackSamples Allmusic Wikipedia AlbumCover | 1 Harps and Angels (05:07) 2 Losing You (02:42) 3 Laugh and Be Happy (02:19) 4 A Few Words in Defense of Our Country (04:14) 5 A Piece of the Pie (02:42) 6 Easy Street (03:14) 7 Korean Parents (03:26) 8 Only a Girl (02:44) 9 Potholes (03:42) 10 Feels Like Home (04:37) |
| Harps and Angels : Allmusic album Review : Randy Newman always came across as an old crank even when he was an angry young man, so it shouldnt come as a surprise that hes flourishing as an old curmudgeon. Flourishing might seem to be an odd word to apply to an artist whose output slowed to a trickle after the release of 1988s Land of Dreams, but 1999s Bad Love found him reconnecting to his core strengths and its 2008 sequel, Harps and Angels, is its equal -- a lean, uncluttered, viciously funny collection of rolling New Orleans shuffles, movie musical moments, and the occasional tender love song. In many ways, Harps and Angels is a continuation of Bad Love, as it has a similar stripped-down production and many of the same lyrical themes, as Newman still is singing about America and aging, just as he was almost a decade earlier. This isnt stasis, this is consistency, as Newman has always relied on his misanthropic wit just as hes always relied on his love for Fats Domino and old Hollywood scores, and this familiar musical bed helps the new wrinkles stand out, whether its the symphonic stabs that punctuate the near-death experience on the title track or using Jackson Browne as a punch line on "A Piece of the Pie." While its unadorned sound could be seen as a throwback to the early 70s -- especially with rollicking numbers like "Only a Girl" and "Potholes" recalling how 12 Songs could skip lightly -- Harps and Angels is quite explicitly an album of its time, as Newman confronts the age of George W. Bush directly with the merciless "A Few Words in Defense of Our Country" and "A Piece of the Pie," where he points out if youre "living in the richest country in the world/Wouldnt you think youd have a better life?" In this context, Newmans heavy reliance on loping New Orleans rhythms almost seems like a defiant expression of solidarity with the Crescent City in the wake of Hurricane Katrina, but thats probably reading a little bit too much into it, as these bluesy shuffles are Newmans greatest comfort zone, the place where his slurred singing sounds just right and where his sardonic jokes richly resonate. Its his signature sound and Harps and Angels captures it sublimely, as the production -- a co-credit to Newmans longtime associate Lenny Waronker and his latter-day producer Mitchell Froom -- has no fancy accoutrements and hes written another set of quietly wonderful songs, ranging from the brutal satire of "Korean Parents" to the gentle, lovely "Feels Like Home." These days he may take his time writing songs, but when he delivers two albums as excellent as Bad Love and Harps and Angels back to back, its hard to call it anything besides flourishing. | ||
 | Album: 35 of 44 Title: The Princess and the Frog Released: 2009-11-23 Tracks: 17 Duration: 55:49 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Wikipedia AlbumCover | 1 Never Knew I Needed (03:36) 2 Down in New Orleans (Prologue) (00:28) 3 Down in New Orleans (02:27) 4 Almost There (“The Princess and the Frog”) (02:24) 5 Friends on the Other Side (03:35) 6 When We’re Human (02:24) 7 Gonna Take You There (01:46) 8 Ma Belle Evangeline (01:56) 9 Dig a Little Deeper (02:48) 10 Down in New Orleans (Finale) (“The Princess and the Frog”) (01:35) 11 Fairy Tale / Going Home (04:17) 12 I Know This Story (05:27) 13 The Frog Hunters / Gator Down (06:04) 14 Tiana’s Bad Dream (06:22) 15 Ray Laid Low (03:21) 16 Ray / Mama Odie (04:01) 17 This Is Gonna Be Good (03:17) |
 | Album: 36 of 44 Title: Küss den Frosch Released: 2009-12-11 Tracks: 18 Duration: 1:01:57 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% AlbumCover | 1 Never Knew I Needed (03:36) 2 Wünsch dir was (00:28) 3 In New Orleans (02:28) 4 Ganz nah dran (02:24) 5 Freunde im Schattenreich (03:37) 6 Wenn ich Mensch bin (02:22) 7 Wir nehmen euch jetzt mit (01:45) 8 Ich lieb dich, Evangeline! (01:56) 9 Du musst nur tiefer in dir graben (02:48) 10 In New Orleans (Finale) (01:36) 11 Fairy Tale / Going Home (04:17) 12 I Know This Story (05:27) 13 The Frog Hunters / Gator Down (06:04) 14 Tiana’s Bad Dream (06:22) 15 Ray Laid Low (03:21) 16 Ray / Mama Odie (04:01) 17 This Is Gonna Be Good (03:17) 18 Never Knew I Needed (Ne-Yo) (06:08) |
 | Album: 37 of 44 Title: La principessa e il ranocchio Released: 2009-12-11 Tracks: 17 Duration: 55:43 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% AlbumCover | 1 Never Knew I Needed (03:36) 2 La vita a New Orleans (Prologo) (00:27) 3 La vita a New Orleans (02:27) 4 A un passo dai miei sogni (02:24) 5 Gli amici nell’aldilà (03:36) 6 Il mio sogno si realizzerà (02:22) 7 Giù per il bayou (01:45) 8 La mia Evangeline (01:55) 9 Scava un po’ più a fondo (02:47) 10 La vita a New Orleans (finale) (01:35) 11 Fairy Tale / Going Home (04:17) 12 I Know This Story (05:27) 13 The Frog Hunters / Gator Down (06:04) 14 Tiana’s Bad Dream (06:22) 15 Ray Laid Low (03:21) 16 Ray / Mama Odie (04:01) 17 This Is Gonna Be Good (03:17) |
 | Album: 38 of 44 Title: The Randy Newman Songbook, Volume 2 Released: 2011-05-10 Tracks: 16 Duration: 38:45 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Wikipedia AlbumCover | 1 Dixie Flyer (03:20) 2 Yellow Man (02:02) 3 Suzanne (02:46) 4 The Girls in My Life, Part 1 (01:46) 5 Kingfish (02:11) 6 Losing You (02:44) 7 Sandman’s Coming (02:17) 8 My Life Is Good (03:25) 9 Birmingham (02:21) 10 Last Night I Had a Dream (01:54) 11 Same Girl (02:46) 12 Baltimore (03:03) 13 Laugh and Be Happy (02:20) 14 Lucinda (01:35) 15 Dayton, Ohio - 1903 (01:52) 16 Cowboy (02:23) |
 | Album: 39 of 44 Title: Original Album Series Released: 2011-09-12 Tracks: 59 Duration: 2:41:02 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Allmusic AlbumCover | 1 Love Story (You and Me) (03:22) 2 Bet No One Ever Hurt This Bad (02:06) 3 Living Without You (02:23) 4 So Long Dad (02:14) 5 I Think Hes Hiding (03:07) 6 Linda (02:29) 7 Laughing Boy (01:59) 8 Cowboy (02:41) 9 The Beehive State (01:52) 10 I Think Its Going to Rain Today (02:58) 11 Davy the Fat Boy (02:47) 1 Have You Seen My Baby? (02:34) 2 Let’s Burn Down the Cornfield (03:05) 3 Mama Told Me Not to Come (02:12) 4 Suzanne (03:07) 5 Lover’s Prayer (01:58) 6 Lucinda (02:44) 7 Underneath the Harlem Moon (01:53) 8 Yellow Man (02:23) 9 Old Kentucky Home (02:39) 10 Rosemary (02:10) 11 If You Need Oil (02:59) 12 Uncle Bob’s Midnight Blues (02:01) 1 Sail Away (02:52) 2 Lonely at the Top (02:34) 3 He Gives Us All His Love (01:56) 4 Last Night I Had a Dream (03:02) 5 Simon Smith and the Amazing Dancing Bear (02:05) 6 Old Man (02:46) 7 Political Science (02:00) 8 Burn On (02:35) 9 Memo to My Son (01:55) 10 Dayton, Ohio -- 1903 (01:51) 11 You Can Leave Your Hat On (03:18) 12 Gods Song (Thats Why I Love Mankind) (03:36) 1 Rednecks (03:10) 2 Birmingham (02:47) 3 Marie (03:10) 4 Mr. President (Have Pity on the Working Man) (02:47) 5 Guilty (02:34) 6 Louisiana 1927 (02:58) 7 Every Man a King (01:02) 8 Kingfish (02:45) 9 Naked Man (03:12) 10 A Wedding in Cherokee County (03:10) 11 Back on My Feet Again (03:23) 12 Rollin (02:52) 1 Short People (02:56) 2 You Cant Fool the Fat Man (02:46) 3 Little Criminals (03:06) 4 Texas Girl at the Funeral of Her Father (02:43) 5 Jolly Coppers on Parade (03:49) 6 In Germany Before the War (03:42) 7 Sigmund Freuds Impersonation of Albert Einstein in America (02:53) 8 Baltimore (04:05) 9 Ill Be Home (02:48) 10 Rider in the Rain (03:54) 11 Kathleen (Catholicism Made Easier) (03:37) 12 Old Man on the Farm (02:13) |
| Original Album Series : Allmusic album Review : This five disc, U.K.-only box set includes a remarkably solid quintet of full albums from Randy Newman, including his eponymous 1968 debut, 1970s 12 Songs, 1972s Sail Away, 1973s Good Old Boys, and 1977s Little Criminals, the latter of which featured the novelty hit "Short People." | ||
 | Album: 40 of 44 Title: Montage: Great Film Composers and The Piano Released: 2014-02 Tracks: 17 Duration: 1:10:22 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Allmusic AlbumCover | 1 Five Pieces for Piano: I. Fast and Flowing (03:39) 2 Five Pieces for Piano: II. Flowing (02:53) 3 Five Pieces for Piano: III. E-flat Five Ways (02:38) 4 Five Pieces for Piano: IV. Slow (04:37) 5 Five Pieces for Piano: V. Restless; Tempestuous (02:51) 6 Composition 430 (06:09) 7 Surface Tension (11:34) 8 Trois Études: II. LÉtreinte (06:42) 9 Conversations: I. Phineas and Mumbett (04:45) 10 Conversations: II. Claude and Monk (05:15) 11 Conversations: III. Chet and Miles (03:40) 12 Conversations: IV. Strays, Duke... And Blind Tom (05:11) 13 Family Album: Homage to Alfred, Emil and Lionel Newman: I. The Follies: Young and Beautiful (02:16) 14 Family Album: Homage to Alfred, Emil and Lionel Newman: II. Emil Teaches Sonja Henie How to Skate (02:01) 15 Family Album: Homage to Alfred, Emil and Lionel Newman: III. Carmen Miranda: "How Many Times Do I Have to Tell You Im Not Mexican!" (01:47) 16 Family Album: Homage to Alfred, Emil and Lionel Newman: IV. Lionel Teaches Marilyn Monroe How to Sing (02:04) 17 Family Album: Homage to Alfred, Emil and Lionel Newman: V. Outdoors but Not the Red River Valley (02:20) |
| Montage: Great Film Composers and The Piano : Allmusic album Review : Props go to pianist Gloria Cheng for putting this program together in the first place; getting well-paid film composers to take time out to write abstract music was likely an arduous task. Montage is a collection of solo piano pieces by film composers, all of them famous and top-rank, and a couple, John Williams and Randy Newman, household names. All are recorded premieres, and all but Alexandre Desplats LEtreinte were written for Cheng. None completely departs from his cinematic style, and none replicates it completely. The program, in fact, is organized more or less from least to most cinematic, although some might find Surface Tension by Don Davis (who wrote the score to The Matrix) the most modern. The two most accessible scores, as might be expected, are those by Williams and Newman, but it would be wrong to merely expect a reduction of some discarded film music. Each composer responded to the project with a rather personal essay; Newman takes as his subject the lineage of film music composers (Alfred, Emil, and Lionel) in his family, and Williams offers a still more original concept: imagined conversations among jazz musicians. The difficult modern scores are smoothly rendered by Cheng, who clearly had fun with the project. Its a find for film music fans. | ||
 | Album: 41 of 44 Title: The People Dressed Like Monkeys Released: 2014-11-04 Tracks: 29 Duration: 1:12:33 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Allmusic AlbumCover | 1 Lover’s Prayer (02:14) 2 Yellow Man (02:34) 3 Sail Away (03:07) 4 Living Without You (02:33) 5 Mama Told Me Not to Come (02:06) 6 Rosemary (02:17) 7 Last Night I Had a Dream (02:12) 8 Let Me Go (03:06) 9 Lucinda (02:05) 10 I’ll Be Home (03:16) 11 Suzanne (03:26) 12 My Old Kentucky Home (01:58) 13 I Think It’s Going to Rain Today (03:05) 14 Tickle Me (02:13) 15 Love Story (You & Me) (04:03) 16 Simon Smith and the Amazing Dancing Bear (02:01) 17 Cowboy (00:46) 18 If You Need Oil (02:05) 19 The Beehive State (01:47) 20 So Long Dad (02:01) 21 Guilty (02:50) 22 Lonely at the Top (02:32) 23 You Can Leave Your Hat On (02:50) 24 Dayton, Ohio 1903 (02:12) 25 Linda (02:08) 26 Memo to My Son (02:02) 27 Political Science (02:27) 28 God’s Song (That’s Why I Love Mankind) (03:43) 29 I Love L.A. (02:33) |
| The People Dressed Like Monkeys : Allmusic album Review : While Randy Newman would gain belated fame and fortune in the 90s when his career as a film composer took off (particularly after he wrote the music for Toy Story in 1995), he began to cultivate a cult following and earn critical acclaim in the late 60s as a singer/songwriter whose easygoing melodies and New Orleans-influenced piano were matched with lyrics full of sardonic wit and a curious compassion for his misfit, sometimes reprehensible characters. The People Dressed Like Monkeys offers a look at Randy Newman the cult hero in the 70s; the majority of the disc is devoted to a 1971 live performance broadcast on New York Citys WPLJ-FM, with Newman playing 22 songs, including early versions of numbers that would later appear on the albums Sail Away and Good Old Boys, and the little-heard "Rosemary." The quality of the source material is flawed, but the performance is engaging and Newman delivers some cutting wit in his between-song banter. The album also includes six songs from a 1972 performance at the San Francisco club the Boarding House, which was aired by KSAN-FM. The San Francisco selections find Newman playing for an enthusiastic audience, and the fidelity is noticeably better than the New York recordings. Finally, the set closes out with Newman playing a solo version of "I Love L.A." on The Tonight Show in 1984. While the variety of different sources make this seem like something of a mixed bag, The People Dressed Like Monkeys preserves some worthwhile archival recordings from Newmans early years as a performer, and serious fans will appreciate both the performances and the presence of rarely heard songs. | ||
 | Album: 42 of 44 Title: The Randy Newman Songbook, Volume 3 Released: 2016-09-23 Tracks: 16 Duration: 39:07 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Allmusic AlbumCover | 1 Short People (02:09) 2 Mama Told Me Not to Come (01:54) 3 Love Story (You and Me) (03:04) 4 Burn On (02:34) 5 You’ve Got a Friend in Me (02:04) 6 Rollin’ (02:31) 7 Guilty (02:44) 8 Simon Smith and the Amazing Dancing Bear (01:46) 9 Davy the Fat Boy (02:38) 10 Red Bandana (02:19) 11 Old Man (02:35) 12 Real Emotional Girl (02:31) 13 I Love to See You Smile (02:26) 14 I Love L.A. (02:31) 15 Bad News from Home (02:58) 16 I’ll Be Home (02:23) |
 | Album: 43 of 44 Title: The Randy Newman Songbook Released: 2016-09-23 Tracks: 55 Duration: 2:21:14 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify AlbumCover | 1 It’s Lonely at the Top (03:13) 2 God’s Song (That’s Why I Love Mankind) (03:24) 3 Louisiana 1927 (02:57) 4 Let Me Go (02:38) 5 Rednecks (03:06) 6 Avalon (00:58) 7 Living Without You (02:17) 8 I Think It’s Going to Rain Today (02:57) 9 You Can Leave Your Hat On (02:33) 10 It’s Money That I Love (02:19) 11 Marie (02:56) 12 When She Loved Me (01:03) 13 Sail Away (02:59) 14 The World Isn’t Fair (03:07) 15 Political Science (02:04) 16 The Great Nations of Europe (03:25) 17 In Germany Before the War (03:51) 18 Ragtime (01:25) 1 Dixie Flyer (03:20) 2 Yellow Man (02:02) 3 Suzanne (02:46) 4 The Girls in My Life, Part 1 (01:46) 5 Kingfish (02:11) 6 Losing You (02:44) 7 Sandman’s Coming (02:17) 8 My Life Is Good (03:25) 9 Birmingham (02:21) 10 Last Night I Had a Dream (01:54) 11 Same Girl (02:46) 12 Baltimore (03:03) 13 Laugh and Be Happy (02:20) 14 Lucinda (01:35) 15 Dayton, Ohio - 1903 (01:52) 16 Cowboy (02:23) 1 Short People (02:09) 2 Mama Told Me Not to Come (01:54) 3 Love Story (You and Me) (03:04) 4 Burn On (02:28) 5 You’ve Got a Friend in Me (02:04) 6 Rollin’ (02:31) 7 Guilty (02:44) 8 Simon Smith and the Amazing Dancing Bear (01:46) 9 Davy the Fat Boy (02:38) 10 Red Bandana (02:19) 11 Old Man (02:35) 12 Real Emotional Girl (02:31) 13 I Love to See You Smile (02:26) 14 I Love L.A. (02:31) 15 Bad News from Home (02:58) 16 I’ll Be Home (02:23) 17 Feels Like Home (04:51) 18 A Wedding in Cherokee County (02:57) 19 Family Album: Homage to Alfred, Emil and Lionel Newman (01:02) 20 A Few Words in Defence of Our Country (04:06) 21 I’m Dreaming (03:12) |
 | Album: 44 of 44 Title: Dark Matter Released: 2017-08-04 Tracks: 9 Duration: 39:27 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify TrackSamples Allmusic Wikipedia AlbumCover | 1 The Great Debate (08:09) 2 Brothers (04:54) 3 Putin (03:45) 4 Lost Without You (03:54) 5 Sonny Boy (04:42) 6 It’s a Jungle Out There (03:19) 7 She Chose Me (03:12) 8 On the Beach (04:31) 9 Wandering Boy (03:01) |
| Dark Matter : Allmusic album Review : Early in his career, Randy Newman used to regularly puzzle over his lack of commercial success, seemingly unaware that his trademark combination of New Orleans piano and wildly unreliable narrators was hardly a sure path to the Hit Parade. Decades later, Newman has found a side door to fame and wealth as a composer of film scores and likeable theme tunes for Pixar features. As a consequence, the man who created dark masterpieces like 12 Songs, Sail Away, and Good Old Boys is too busy to make the same sort of albums he released when he was a mere cult figure. 2017s Dark Matter comes nine years after 2008s Harps and Angels (which in turn arrived nine years after 1999s Bad Love), but for fans of Newmans work, the consolation prize for his non-prolific nature is that his albums have been free of filler, and Dark Matter ranks with his best work of the 70s and 80s. If anything, Newman has become a more ambitious songwriter than he was in his younger days; theres a scope to his storytelling thats bigger but just as satisfying as his 70s milestones, and years of writing and arranging for an orchestra have taught him how to use the tonal colors of a large ensemble to his advantage without drowning out the nuances. And Newmans endless cynicism and fascination with offbeat characters is served brilliantly on Dark Matter, as science squares off against faith, Sonny Boy Williamson encounters Rice Miller, the Kennedys plot the Bay of Pigs Invasion, Vladimir Putin ponders his land and his power, and a well-meaning beach bum survives the passing parade of history. Even the albums weakest cut, "Its a Jungle Out There," works in context, and the two numbers about the bonds of family, "Lost Without You" and "Wandering Boy," are thoughtful and genuinely moving. And the easy, endlessly reliable stride of Newmans piano remains one of popular musics most underrated pleasures. At his current pace, Randy Newman will be 83 by the time he gets around to releasing the follow-up to Dark Matter, but judging from this, if theres anyone capable of that sort of late-career milestone, its him. | ||