Like so many of Randy Newman's darker songs, almost no other singer covers them... Any attempt to soften the original song would result in saccharine. And as for trying to one-up Randy's biting lyrics and viciously snarky delivery... well, good luck with that! Joe Cocker came close with his loud, gruff version of "Pants," but it was still 'kindler & gentler.'
Of course, Randy's personal fortune and reputation is based on his instrumental work as a soundtrack composer. His melodies are as rich & satisfying as his lyrics can be acid & edgy.
In "Harps & Angels," the conveniently repentant sinner is dripping with situational ethics and irony, all captured in Newman's multilayered, sneering intonations. The voice of a Master Bastard, the guy you never should turn your back on.
In real life, I think Randy Newman has always had a very nasty brat inside him, fueling his immense creative engine. I don't think he would deny that. How could he?
Like so many of Randy Newman's darker songs, almost no other singer covers them... Any attempt to soften the original song would result in saccharine. And as for trying to one-up Randy's biting lyrics and viciously snarky delivery... well, good luck with that! Joe Cocker came close with his loud, gruff version of "Pants," but it was still 'kindler & gentler.'
Of course, Randy's personal fortune and reputation is based on his instrumental work as a soundtrack composer. His melodies are as rich & satisfying as his lyrics can be acid & edgy.
In "Harps & Angels," the conveniently repentant sinner is dripping with situational ethics and irony, all captured in Newman's multilayered, sneering intonations. The voice of a Master Bastard, the guy you never should turn your back on.
In real life, I think Randy Newman has always had a very nasty brat inside him, fueling his immense creative engine. I don't think he would deny that. How could he?