Love That Album Episode 72 - Randy Newman's "Sail Away"

Welcome to episode 72 of Love That Album.

American songwriter, composer, pianist and singer Randy Newman means different things to different people. If you’re 25 years or under, you probably know him best as writer of some great songs for the Pixar films. If you’re older, you may know him for his song writing that encompasses wit and a healthy dose of cynicism, but also great beauty. A multitude of artists have covered his songs (and two such artists are discussed on the show). His arrangements are created for both orchestras and rock band. He is both contemporary but belonging to an older tin pan alley tradition.

I am joined by the crew of the Stinking Pause podcast, Scott  and Charlie to discuss Newman’s 1972 album Sail Away. This album owes much to the family heritage of cinema composition (Uncle Alfred Newman composed arguably the most recognisable piece of movie music ever), but is also Randy’s very own corner of the family business, as it were. He writes great first person narratives covering religion, American policy, family roles, and dancing bears. I had a great chat with Scott and Charlie, and hope you enjoy our discussion.

Eric Reanimator’s Album I Love segment covers the songbook or Zager and Evans, most famous for their solitary hit “In The Year 2525”. He makes a convincing case that the two albums they released have other worthwhile songs crying for your attention.

You can download the show by searching for Love That Album in the iTunes store or downloading streaming directly from http://lovethatalbum.blogspot.com.au

Send the show feedback at rrrkitchen@yahoo.com.au (written or mp3 voicemail) or join the Facebook group at http://www.facebook.com/groups/lovethatalbum.

If you’d consider writing an iTunes review or recommending the show to a friend, I’d be immensely grateful.

Check out the fantastic Stinking Pause podcast either on iTunes or directly from http://www.stinkingpause.com

Right click to download and save Episode 72 here

Love That Album podcast Episode 43 - The Who - Who's Next

Episode 43 of LTA is mammoth, huge…not (just) in length, but in content. I am joined by Ben Eisen of the All Time Top Ten podcast to discuss The Who’s “Who’s Next” album.

The Who had just come off the success of Tommy, and Pete Townshend was keen to tell another story called Lifehouse. Not for him to write an ordinary kitchen sink drama – no way. Mr Townshend had big ideas about a future run by a totalitarian regime (shades of 1984) where people where linked experience suits all connected together to share common activities (predictor of the internet?). One lone man wants to bring about the long forgotten practice of rock and roll (a precursor to Footloose???) to the world by organising a concert where everyone will sing and dance themselves into such a state where they will find the lost note of purity and disappear in a flash of light…….Are you following the story so far? No? Doesn’t matter.

When the project collapsed under the weight of its own heaviosity, “all” that was left was the album “Who’s Next”. Disappoiting for Townshend, but a true gift for the rock loving fraternity. This album contains the cream of song writing and musicianship. Ben and I had a blast discussing these songs, both in the context of the original Lifehouse story and as separate entities in their own right. Whether you’re into spirtituality, Sci-Fi or Keith Moon murdering his drum kit, we’ve got it covered.  Also, what do Abbot & Costello and Tom Lehrer have to do with this album? Listen to the show and find out. NOTE: If you’re a Led Zeppelin fan, DO NOT send death threats after listening to this. Ben and I both love Zep, but……

Eric Reanimator returns for an excellent segment to discuss the Nuggets 2 box set. I’ve been a long time fan of Nuggets 1, so I was really keen to hear his words of wisdom about the follow up.

You can download the podcast at iTunes by searching for “love that album”. You can stream or download it at “lovethatalbum.blogspot.com”.

The podcast can also be listened to via Stitcher Radio. Download the app from stitcher.com, and listen to any episode streaming over your Android or Apple device after searching for “love that album”.

Send me any feedback at rrrkitchen@yahoo.com.au (written or mp3 voicemail) or join the Facebook group at http://www.facebook.com/groups/lovethatalbum and start a war – The Who vs Led Zep. Who wins? Or should that be Who wins!

Right click to download and save Episode 43 here