Q - p.125
5 stars out of 5 -- "Newman carved out an idiosyncratic niche rooted in biting satire and traditional pop structures."
Mojo (Publisher) - 3/00, p.116
"...replaced the orchestra with an Americana rock rhythm section...and the more conventional presentation found Newman a college audience attuned to his wry singularity..."
NME (Magazine) - 2/14/00, p.42
6 out of 10 - "...marked the beginning of his ascent to the rock elite when 'Mama Told Me Not To Come' became a massive hit when covered by Three Dog Night..."
Personnel: Randy Newman (vocals, piano); Clarence White, Ron Elliott (guitar); Ry Cooder (slide guitar); Al McKibbob, Lyle Ritz (bass); Gene Parsons, Jim Gordon (drums); Milt Holland, Roy Harte (percussion).
Personnel: Randy Newman (vocals, piano); Clarence White, Ron Elliott, Ry Cooder (guitar); Gene Parsons, Jim Gordon (drums); Milt Holland, Roy Harte (percussion).
Newman began his career as a contract songwriter, before embarking on a recording career renowned for sardonic wit. On this, his second album, the singer opted for simple accompaniment, his ragged voice and stylized piano supported largely by a crisp backing group that included Byrds guitarist Clarence White. Superb melodies were matched by an intense lyricism that embraced sometimes disquieting images previously unheard of in rock. Cynicism, bitterness and sexual perversion are unleashed in turn as Newman adopts different roles and personae. His dispassionate delivery demands decisions from the listener, an interaction that is as compulsive as it is disquieting.
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