Randy Newman – Harps and Angels – Nonesuch 400057 *****:
Newman fans have waited about nine years for another album from their cutting singer-songwriter, and in this one he shows his recent careful study of the New Orleans piano style, giving a bit of additional interest to this keyboard work along with his small combo. The title song which launches the album is a wonderful tale which while satirizing good ‘old boy philosphy gives the most cynical something to think about in the spiritual realm. Korean Parents hits on immigration concerns, and the closing Feels Like Home can be taken as a love to country to to a specific person. Somehow Newman’s imitation of the redneck personality doesn’t seem as forced in this album as some of this earlier discography. He obviously put a lot of thought into these new songs.
TrackList:
1. Harps and Angels
2. Losing You
3. Laugh and Be Happy
4. A Few Words in Defense of Our Country
5. A Piece of the Pie
6. Easy Street
7. Korean Parents
8. Only a Girl
9. Potholes
10. Feels Like Home
– John Henry
