Randy Newman-12 Songs 24kt Gold Review

Artist: Randy Newman
Title: 12 Songs 24kt Gold
Genre: Pop-Rock
Label: Audio Fidelity
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Randy Newman's 12 Songs (1970) is considered a classic rendering of blues influence pop-rock. A literal slice of Americana, cynicism, sexual references, and humor that today would be politically incorrect. Come to think of it, nearly everything you say could be considered that now so it really has no consequence or bearing here whatsoever. This was Newman's second effort and it garnered 5 star reviews consistently; in fact it found its way on several "greatest albums of all time" lists. After listening a few times I can see why.

You can classify it as pop and rock to make it easier when really the recording and foundation owes more to the blues and country influences than anything else. And this is where Audio Fidelity's 24 karat gold disc reissue shines best. Newman's subtle vocal style and his standout backing of Ry Cooder (bottleneck guitar), Clarence White and Ron Elliot (guitars), and Newman's rolling, at times spicy New Orleans piano offerings, let his lyrics slide off his tongue like magic or in the same instance as painful snakebites to his characters. He turns water into wine more than once on these twelve tracks and the Audio Fidelity touch brings this music into the modern world with a full bodied sound, like going from black and white TV to color in the blink of an eye. Newman's approach was minimalist by today's standards but it was just what the doctor ordered for his songs. The instrumentation was perfect fodder for his musings and his band was more than happy to come along for the ride.

While Newman's subject matter is time worn and tested his music and style remain unique and you realize once again or possibly for the first time, that this is indeed one of those all time classics deserving a special issue such as the 24kt gold disc. Original album art is included with all the lyrics in the CD booklet. Whether it's an introduction or a long lost friend, Audio Fidelity has the knack of putting out the best possible music that has been released in the past and in the same instance opening a gateway to the future, finding new fans all the time.

5/5 Stars

Keith "MuzikMan" Hannaleck

Tracks:
01. Have You Seen My Baby?
02. Let's Burn Down the Cornfield
03. Mama Told Me Not to Come
04. Suzanne
05. Lover's Prayer
06. Lucinda
07. Underneath the Harlem Moon
08. Yellow Man
09. Old Kentucky Home
10. Rosemary
11. If You Need Oil
12. Uncle Bob's Midnight Blues

February 16, 2010

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