Randy Newman - Good Old Boys (Bonus CD) (Dlx)

Great recording

Great record by an important artist! One of Randy's best (maybe THE best) wherein all elements (composition, orchestration and lyrics) come to fruition.
He IS an American Institution you know.

Oh, for the hard of thinking, the lyrics are satirical. March 8, 2008

Simply Brilliant!

A masterwork filled with beautiful melodies, stunningly poignant lyrics, biting social commentary and piercing truth. Randy Newman's musical genius is evident in every note. December 21, 2007

Masterpiece

This is one of the only items I've seen with over 10 reviews where every rating is 5 stars. This is one of the great concept albums of all time. It's one of the few albums that I've owned that I never hit the skip button. It's one of the few albums I can listen to over and over without getting burnt on it. Some of the others include the 4 amazing concept albums by Pink Floyd.
Being a native of Louisiana and knowing some of the history he refers to makes it that much more entertaining. It's sad, funny, tragic and real. The only criticism I have, as an alumnus of LSU, is the little piece in "Rednecks", "College men, LSU. Went in dumb, come out dumb too." Remember, it is a satirical work.
Since Katrina, I can't listen to "Louisiana" without having to fight back tears.
I could go on about every tune, but I type slow. I feel sorry for anyone who hasn't discovered this album October 5, 2007

Inside the mind of...

I've been listening to Randy Newman's first half a dozen albums, including the obscure live one and Good Old Boys, for 30 years or so. Every note, word and nuance flows in my blood, because he never wastes or over-adorns anything. Sail Away is my favourite - it has 'informed my life' - and the others are warm, witty, comforting friends. Cynics like having cynical friends.
After reading what others said about the bonus disk that comes with this reissue, I had to have it, and it turned out to be nothing less than what I expected from Newman: the real deal. Good Old Boys has always seemed his most tightly conceptual album, and here's why. He intended combining the music with a sort of soundscape to indicate a personal journey of the mind through a region he loves and hates in equal, ample measure. Here he is sitting in the studio, explaining his intentions, and admitting when they are still in the process of formation, while running through many of the songs and a few that didn't make the final cut for the album proper.
If you're interested in the man, great songwriting and the artistic process, it's fascinating. The sound quality is excellent and it's like he's in your living room, giving you a casual, personal preview.
Unlike a lot of bonuses like this - although I don't know of anything else quite like this - I'll play this one again from time to time in the future, and I know I'll always enjoy it. It's a glimpse of the inner workings of a unique man with nothing to prove and everything to say. October 2, 2007

Wonderful and intelligent

This is the first Randy Newman record I ever heard. And that was in the 70's on vinyl. I loved it then. And I love it just as much now. He's a wonderful songwriter, and he's a wonderful performer. Intelligent, witty, wry, and enjoyable. This is a recording to which everyone who is interested in Randy Newman should listen. I am so glad to have it back in my collection. August 18, 2007

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