Randy Newman Archives - The Man in the Gray Flannel Suit

Aug162012 by Chris HolmesNo Comments

Fall TV Preview Madness! (ABC, 1985)

TV & Radio

In Fall TV Preview Madness, I present a network television schedule preview special from the distant past. We see the good, bad, and ugly for a network's entire upcoming fall slate. I’m counting down the days until the Fall 2012 television season gets underway the only way I know how — by bringing you network promos for TV seasons long gone. Today’s preview is for ABC’s 1985 Fall TV season. ABC only returned 11 scripted series in 1985-86, compared to 15 for CBS and 18 for NBC. They also had the most shows from the previous season not returning, with 16. By season's end, ABC had two just shows in the ratings Top 10 (Dynasty and Who's the Boss?), and six in the Top 30. Here's the 1985 ABC Fall preview (in two parts), complete with an appropriation of Randy Newman's "I Love L.A."

Sep72011 by Chris Holmes3 Comments

My favorite music: 1983

Music

If there's one thing the internet lacks, it's pointless music lists. So to fill that void, here's a sampling of my favorite albums from some random year. Let's say, 1983. (Spotify users, check out the accompanying playlist and subscribe!) Robert Plant, The Principle of Moments -- While I would in no way claim that Robert Plant's solo output bests Led Zeppelin's music, a lot of times I simply prefer to listen to Plant. In fact I'd say that Plant has enjoyed one of the most artistically rewarding solo careers of any artist who was part of a popular band that I can think of. The Principle of Moments is probably my favorite Plant solo effort (next to Fate of Nations) -- he sounds freed from the constraints of creating larger-than-life rock and the music just crackles with energy. "In the...

Sep132010 by Chris Holmes1 Comment

Album cover of the week: Born Again

Album Cover of the Week

Inspired by a very informative interview over on Popdose, this ACotW entry features Randy Newman's 1979 release Born Again. It's a typical bit of Newman satire that shouldn't be too hard to miss. The most obvious target here seems to be Kiss, based on the makeup. And don't think Gene Simmons wouldn't have used this design if he had to do it all over again. Graphic designer Michael Salisbury explained that they wanted to limit the satire to just the makeup, so as not to lose the subtlety. As it turns out, Kiss makeup and cheap suits was not a new concept.

Aug112009 by Chris HolmesNo Comments

Listening Booth – Randy Newman, “Marie”

Listening Booth, Music

That's right, Randy Newman. The guy from that Family Guy episode singing about apples. Trust me on this one people - put that out of your mind for a few minutes, and forget about how weird Newman looks when he sings. Just clear your head and enjoy one of the most beautiful ballads ever written -- "Marie". This is a live performance from 1979, although the song first appeared on Newman's classic 1974 album, Good Old Boys.

Dec232008 by Chris HolmesNo Comments

2008 – The Year in Recorded Musical Performances

Music

A few months into this year I couldn't shake the feeling that 2008 just wasn't going to be the great year for new music that 2007 was. And so here I am, about a week away from 2009, and I still feel the same way. It wasn't a total wash mind you, as there was definitely some quality to be enjoyed. So here's my take on the 2008 music year - good, bad, and ugly. The Best of the Best (Albums) Fleet Foxes - Fleet Foxes (Sub Pop) Yeah, this seems like an obvious choice, but it's also a damn good one. I'm always up for listening to good vocal harmonies, and this band has them in spades. The music is gorgeous to boot, and is a highly engaging blend of folk titans like CSNY, America, and early '70s Fleetwood Mac. The vocal round of "White Winter Hymnal" is worth the price of admission

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