Randy Newman's Harps and Angels blasts political leaders and talentless celebrities. It also contains some of the most literate lyrics. The American singer-songwriter's first album of new material in nine years flirts with brilliance and controversy.
Newman, winner of an Oscar and five Grammys, has composed songs that others made into hits – Mama Told Me Not to Come and You Can Leave Your Hat On among them – and soundtracked hit movies such as Cars. At 64, he is a cult figure.
He might lose that status on account of one track, misleadingly called A Few Words in Defense of Our Country. Newman says he's standing up for the United States, "whose time at the top could be coming to an end."
He damns President George Bush with faint praise, suggesting that there are worse leaders – then namechecks Hitler and Stalin. Earlier contrarian songs include Sail Away, which advocates slavery. Short People is a heightist rant by a bigot.
Political Science has an embittered patriot planning to bomb every nation on earth except the US. The contradictions can be too much for listeners who don't get the joke.
His latest CD is uneasy and downright difficult at times.
Its creator was cranky when he was young, and is getting more so. Newman is eager to offend, or at least challenge. The music is tasteful and simple, for the most part. You don't come to Newman for musical complexity; the real joy is in the lyrics.
The best that can be said for the retro backing is that it rarely detracts from the words, except on A Piece of the Pie, where the orchestra goes crazy like a Tom and Jerry cartoon.
He's back in bittersweet territory for Laugh and Be Happy, while Easy Street is a sly dig at shallow celebrity.
By third play, the showy humour of some tracks pales alongside some of his most heartfelt ballads. But this album is worth a welcome.