# Explain Randy Newman to me.
**URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/t/explain-randy-newman-to-me/288805
**Category:** Cafe Society
**Created:** [February 7, 2005, 2:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/explain-randy-newman-to-me/288805 "2005-02-07T14:50:22Z")
**Posts on this page:** 20
**Page:** 1
### Author:  [@BwanaBob](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BwanaBob)
#### Post date: [February 7, 2005, 2:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/explain-randy-newman-to-me/288805/1 "2005-02-07T14:50:22Z")
Sure the guy can write a tune. So can 10,000 others. This guy’s voice is one step above the Little Rascals’ Alfalfa - I want to shoot myself to stop the pain when I hear him sing.
So does this guy have nude photos of every big-wig in Hollywood? This is the only reason I can think of that allows him to do so many freakin’ soundtracks.
So what am I missing?
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### Author:  [@silenus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/silenus)
#### Post date: [February 7, 2005, 3:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/explain-randy-newman-to-me/288805/2 "2005-02-07T15:06:11Z")
What are you missing? Everything. And no, 10, 000 others **can’t** write a tune. Not like Newman.
If you are going to complain about voices, let’s talk Dylan and a million others.
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### Author:  [@Acsenray](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Acsenray)
#### Post date: [February 7, 2005, 3:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/explain-randy-newman-to-me/288805/3 "2005-02-07T15:11:53Z")
Obviously it’s a matter of taste. I love Newman’s voice. I also love the voices of Neil Young, Leonard Cohen, and Bob Dylan, none of which are more conventionally “good” than Newman’s.
Newman’s uncle was a movie soundtrack composer, I believe.
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### Author:  [@RealityChuck](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RealityChuck)
#### Post date: [February 7, 2005, 3:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/explain-randy-newman-to-me/288805/4 "2005-02-07T15:27:45Z")
> [@acsenray](#):
>
> Obviously it’s a matter of taste. I love Newman’s voice. I also love the voices of Neil Young, Leonard Cohen, and Bob Dylan, none of which are more conventionally “good” than Newman’s.
>
> Newman’s uncle was a movie soundtrack composer, I believe.
A couple were. The best known was Alfred Newman, whose name (and nothing else) was the inspiration for the Mad Magazine mascot.
Randy’s songs are subtle and witty, two qualities that are not appreciated these days.
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### Author:  [@kelly5078](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kelly5078)
#### Post date: [February 7, 2005, 4:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/explain-randy-newman-to-me/288805/5 "2005-02-07T16:11:46Z")
Well, let’s see.
He is an excellent pianist with a recognizable style.
He can write witty, ironic lyrics, as well as heartfelt ones without a trace of cheap sentimentality.
He can orchestrate.
He’s a very good pianist.
He knows how to write a soundtrack that complements, rather than overwhelming, the movie.
And I rather like his voice.
Pick up a couple of his classic albums, say “Sail Away” or “Good Ol’ Boys,” and see if you don’t discover something worthwhile.
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### Author:  [@kelly5078](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kelly5078)
#### Post date: [February 7, 2005, 4:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/explain-randy-newman-to-me/288805/6 "2005-02-07T16:13:27Z")
Did I mention he can play the piano? 🙂
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### Author:  [@Mr.Roboto](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mr.Roboto)
#### Post date: [February 7, 2005, 4:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/explain-randy-newman-to-me/288805/7 "2005-02-07T16:22:07Z")
I’m with you Bwana…
As a vocalist, the guy is one demensional and sounds nasally. He’s a kind of Pied Piper though as he has legions of fans. I still regard him as a “one hit wonder” with “Short-People” which I can listen to, once a decade.
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### Author:  [@Agrippina](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Agrippina)
#### Post date: [February 7, 2005, 4:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/explain-randy-newman-to-me/288805/8 "2005-02-07T16:22:11Z")
I like the “Family Guy” reference to him, in the episode where Y2K happens and the Griffens are traveling to another town.
“Yeah, there’s just me and Randy Newman. He sits at that piano and sings about what he sees.”
“Left foot, right foot, left foot, right foot…”
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### Author:  [@Kaspar\_Hauser](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kaspar_Hauser)
#### Post date: [February 7, 2005, 4:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/explain-randy-newman-to-me/288805/9 "2005-02-07T16:28:18Z")
Don’t forget, he also wrote the music for _Cop Rock_!
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### Author:  [@K364](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/K364)
#### Post date: [February 7, 2005, 4:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/explain-randy-newman-to-me/288805/10 "2005-02-07T16:36:39Z")
> [@Agrippina](#):
>
> I like the “Family Guy” reference to him, in the episode where Y2K happens and the Griffens are traveling to another town.
>
> “Yeah, there’s just me and Randy Newman. He sits at that piano and sings about what he sees.”
>
> “Left foot, right foot, left foot, right foot…”
More from the same:
“Red-headed lady, reachin` for an apple / Gonna take a bite..uh nope nope... / She`s gonna breath on it foyst / Wipes it on her blouse-eh / She takes a bite, chews it once, twice, three times, four times, stops.”…
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### Author:  [@BwanaBob](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BwanaBob)
#### Post date: [February 7, 2005, 4:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/explain-randy-newman-to-me/288805/11 "2005-02-07T16:55:46Z")
To all you defenders of RN; I agree he can write a tune, and I’ll stipulate that they are good too.
It’s just his total lack of voice. I think Dylan can’t sing either but next to RN, Dylan is Pavarotti.
Someone said RN’s dad was a Hollywood composer - if so - end of story.
Hollywood is so riddled with nepotism that I wouldn’t be suprised.
I don’t want to run the guy out of town, I just want others to sing for him.
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### Author:  [@Futile\_Gesture](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Futile_Gesture)
#### Post date: [February 7, 2005, 5:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/explain-randy-newman-to-me/288805/12 "2005-02-07T17:37:28Z")
Randy Newman is a genius. He has a distinctive style, certainly, but he can write tunes like no one else. And his lyrics are so intelligent and sharp. They’re often styled to sound throw away, or even shocking, but if you follow his intent you can see that he’s being **very** precise with what he’s saying, and it’s often not what you _think_ he’s saying.
Plus he’s witty. You can listen to some of his songs a number of times before you realise he’s been telling you a joke, but it was so subtle you’ve only just got it. And when I say a joke, I mean a _funny_ joke, that’ll still be funny after hearing it dozens of times.
Guess what. He’s already anticipated this thread and already written a song. Check out [I’m Dead (But I Don’t Know It)](http://www.randynewman.com/tocdiscography/disc_bad_love/lyricsbadlove)
> [@](#):
>
> When will I end this bitter game?
> When will I end this cruel charade?
> Everything I write all sounds the same.
> Each record that I’m making
> Is like a record that I’ve made.
> Just not as good!
He’s been doing it for years, decades, if it was all just hype and nepotism he’d have been found out years ago. He is a genius. So, his voice isn’t his strong point. But it’s adequate, nothing wrong with it. Just proves that with a great song can carry a so-so voice.
And next to Dylan, Randy Newman is in tune.
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### Author:  [@Bill\_H](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bill_H)
#### Post date: [February 7, 2005, 6:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/explain-randy-newman-to-me/288805/13 "2005-02-07T18:06:04Z")
He’s a genius.
And his voice ain’t so bad either.
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### Author:  [@GLWasteful](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GLWasteful)
#### Post date: [February 7, 2005, 6:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/explain-randy-newman-to-me/288805/14 "2005-02-07T18:15:32Z")
Well, just to echo what everyone else has said: Randy Newman can write a lyric that is brilliant the first time you hear it, and only gets better. (exception: Masterman and Baby J) And as to his soundtrack work: listen to **The Natural** , **Ragtime** and **Avalon**. He’s done work in the past that puts his current output to shame. Which is not to denigrate what he’s done of late. “When She Loved Me” from Toy Story 2 is heartbreakingly beautiful.
> [@BwanaBob](#):
>
> Someone said RN’s dad was a Hollywood composer - if so - end of story.
His father is (was? dunno) a doctor.
Waste
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### Author:  [@BwanaBob](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BwanaBob)
#### Post date: [February 7, 2005, 6:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/explain-randy-newman-to-me/288805/15 "2005-02-07T18:32:50Z")
OP here.
Well I guess I have my answer(s); I guess it’s what I expected; people willing to overlook his one (IMHO glaring) shortcoming because of his other talents.
Fair enough.
Mods, please close this thread.
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### Author:  [@rjung](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/rjung)
#### Post date: [February 7, 2005, 8:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/explain-randy-newman-to-me/288805/16 "2005-02-07T20:28:51Z")
Hey, he was good enough for John Lasseter, that’s good enough for me. 🙂
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### Author:  [@Rube\_E.Tewesday](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rube_E.Tewesday)
#### Post date: [February 7, 2005, 9:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/explain-randy-newman-to-me/288805/17 "2005-02-07T21:18:16Z")
> [@BwanaBob](#):
>
> This guy’s voice is one step above the Little Rascals’ Alfalfa -
Hey, don’t be dissin’ the King of Crooners just because he made that ill-advised attempt to break into opera!
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### Author:  [@Agrippina](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Agrippina)
#### Post date: [February 7, 2005, 9:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/explain-randy-newman-to-me/288805/18 "2005-02-07T21:26:54Z")
> [@K364](#):
>
> More from the same:
>
> “Red-headed lady, reachin` for an apple / Gonna take a bite..uh nope nope... / She`s gonna breath on it foyst / Wipes it on her blouse-eh / She takes a bite, chews it once, twice, three times, four times, stops.”…
“Now she’s looking at ollllddd Wandy.”
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### Author:  [@partlycloudy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/partlycloudy)
#### Post date: [February 7, 2005, 9:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/explain-randy-newman-to-me/288805/19 "2005-02-07T21:47:50Z")
Bwana, maybe what you’re missing is the point that other people have different taste than yours, and some of us happen to like Randy Newman - his music AND his voice. I think he has a sweet voice - kinda makes me feel like giving him a big hug. 😃 If you don’t like it, don’t listen to it. I think he’s pretty darn talented, and I’m looking forward to seeing him at the New Orleans Jazz Festival this year. (yay!)
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### Author:  [@Murcielago](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Murcielago)
#### Post date: [February 7, 2005, 11:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/explain-randy-newman-to-me/288805/20 "2005-02-07T23:08:33Z")
Never have bought any of his music, but I think he is a talented guy. I particularly appreciate the work he has done on soundtracks. His theme for _Monk_ is a good example, it does a fine job of establishing the tone of the show with both the music and the lyric.
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