The one genre Randy Newman “would eliminate”
Few songwriters can claim to have such a distinctive outlook on the world as Randy Newman. One of the most incisive commentators on the idiosyncracies of modern life, his form of black comedy is so subtle that people often take it at face value and, at different points, have been offended by his lyrics and charmed by its ostensibly sentimental essence.
A case in point is the hit ‘Short People’. The lyrics of the 1977 track were purposefully constructed to lampoon people who hold prejudice against those with dwarfism, but as it was undertaken so in such a nuanced manner, many were outraged by the track to the point of sending him death threats. However, this was classic Newman. He commented: “The guy in that song is crazy. He was not to be believed.”
Elsewhere, other notable moments such as ‘I Love L.A.’ and ‘Rednecks’ are biting social commentaries wrapped up in the songwriter’s warm vocal delivery and refined musical compositions. If there’s anyone that occupies a similar sort of stylistic space, it’s Steely Dan, but even Walter Becker and Donald Fagen’s most acerbic lyrical moments pale in comparison to those of the criminally overlooked Newman.
Perhaps the best account of the nature of his work is from Newman’s friend, Don Henley of the Eagles, the man who inspired ‘I Love L.A.’. Inducting the bespectacled joker into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Henley posited that no one personifies America better in their music. He said: “[In his music], you can hear America, the way it was and the way it is. Randy Newman’s music is American to the core. It’s an unflinching portrait of America in all its sham and all its glory.”
Since Newman’s worldview is so distinctive and unwavering, he has provided many statements outside his music that offer more insight into his complex inner workings. Once, when speaking to David Sheff in an extensive interview, he gave a broad-reaching discussion on everything from his contemporaries to “real men” and the “pie-eyed idealism” of the 1960s.
One of the highlights of the chat was Newman revealing the one genre he would erase from existence if he could: “I prefer making a little noise to being mellowed out. If I had to eliminate easy listening or heavy metal, I’d eliminate easy listening. If one thing had to go, I’d eliminate the sort of nice, mellow music to chew potato chips and talk to your friends by. I don’t care for that too much. I like the edge to rock. Mostly, I admire people who say something.”
In the form expected of the grinning misanthrope, the attack on music that just doesn’t say anything is pretty justified. Especially because that is the name of the game to Newman.
Listen to ‘I Love L.A.’ below.
