Good Old Boys

Randy is such an interesting cat...don't think there is any chance that an album like this gets made today (even if it is a concept album. 2/5

I bounced off of this album like a rubber ball.

i just can’t get over the toy story connection 😭 it’s a decent listen, but this type of country is not my cup of tea

I liked the album surprisingly well. Originally I thought I would finish it quickly, just listen to a few tracks and then move on to something else. But, even if the music doesn't suit my style, I will listen to one or two tracks again.
3/5

Oh hey, it's the toy story guy.

Didn't know anything about this other than Randy Newman was the guy who did the songs for Toy Story.

That said, I was surprised by how much I liked this. It was funny, biting, and a little mean. But I really enjoyed it.

People obviously find it hard to shake the Pixar thing, but there's some good songs in here, and some nice music. I got over it pretty quickly. I like the backing orchestral bits. Overall quite easy-going and it didn't outstay its welcome.

3.5 rounded down.

An unfunny comedian doing a Billy Joel impression. What could go wrong?! Everything.

you got a friend in me, Randy

Pretty much what I was expecting; Leonard Cohen-esque moody singer-songwritering. Not bad though, and he does have a unique voice and some of the subjects are right on. I do wonder how someone who uses the N-word and sings about cocaine ended up writing "You've Got a Friend in Me," though.

If it weren't for the episode of Malcolm Gladwell's Revisionist History I probably wouldn't enjoy this album. As it is I'm gonna love it. Jesus that was blistering political commentary. That was tough to get through. It was powerful enough that it gets four stars, but I will not be listening again.

Whoa, wait! Made in 1974!? It is still an uncomfortably relevant musical homage to an US subculture that people are either way too proud of, or much too critical of. Both views are merited and yet both are equally flawed. I definitely didn't see this coming.

PS: Man, that first track is hard to listen to.

"Daddy, why is the Toy Story singer saying the n-word?"

I enjoyed this but it didn't really leave much impression on me. I only listened to it once though, so didn't really get to absorb the lyrics. I'll come back to it another time, given his reputation.

This album was fantastic! Before today, I had only known Randy's work with Toy Story and Monsters Inc. This album strayed from that quite a bit with the first song!!

Redneck is the first song on the album, and is sung from the perspective of a racist from the southern US. The N-word comes out a few times, which shocked the shit out of me, given all I knew of Randy. Redneck was an amazing song that was a sadly true glimpse at the state of things in the southern US in the 70's.

Randy is such a fantastic storyteller. He had such a way to paint vibrant pictures with his lyrics. Through his lyrics he spins storys complete with humour, love, and political issues.

I thoroughly enjoyed this album today, and will definately listen again!

Favourite songs: Back On My Feet Again, Redneck, Louisiana 1927, Birmingham, Kingfish, A Wedding in a Cherokee County, Naked Man

Least favourite song: Every Man A King

5/5

Na twee nummers was ik wel enthousiast. Maar dan wordt het echt soft en dan duurt een half uur toch lang zeg.

Interesting to hear this guys songs that are not for Pixar films. Glad i listened.

Very unexpected to hear the guy from Toy Story using the n-word so liberally! Rest of the album is still not like anything I knew from him before, but not quite so startling.

I don’t think he’s country, but he’s something adjacent. I liked this, found it pleasant

I can't help but think of the Family Guy skit -- "Randy Neman, sits there all night and days singing about what he sees".
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ARP6dXMlWQ8

I love that Randy Newman largely eschews rock and roll for a more timeless sound. I consider him one of the most sophisticated and intelligent songwriters in all of music. He is able to examine and reflect on US history (as well as contemporary life) in a way that makes it seem so natural and compelling as a subject. He can also write these incredibly intimate songs about human relationships, or even just particular mindsets, that touch these uncomfortable places in a way that is painful but honest (and often funny). His details are so fleshed out and human - flaws and all. He is able to embody the complexity of so many characters so convincingly that it's uncanny. I think his folksy vocal style is his secret weapon. It's so effortlessly expressive that I find it relatable even if he's playing some asshole character (as he often is). This album is a remarkable achievement in creating a portrait of a place and the people in it. I can listen to it over and over.