Good Old Boys

Huh. The guy who made "You've got a friend in me" for Toy Story opens up an album with a satirical take on racism in the North versus the South, and includes liberal use of the N word. This album is fifty years old, so it's hard to appraise the value of this storytelling in a day where pretty much any non-black artist using that word would instantly get canned, and for good reason. I like the song overall, but I'm not in a position to evaluate the choice of words really. For that song alone, I'm not going to give this any higher than a three. Other than the opening track, his lyrical abilities across the album really shine, and I found the instrumentation simple but effective. It's not really my style of music to listen to, so I doubt I would've given this higher than a three anyway, but for the right person, I would recommend this with a caveat for the opening track.

Pretty bangin'

Favourite song - back on my feet again

Every song sounds kind of the same, also the racial slurs came as a bit of a surprise

Ambicioso álbum conceptual sobre el Sur de los Estados Unidos en el que el habitual e irónico sentido del humor de Randy Newman provocó una notable controversia, sobre todo por el tema "Rednecks". Si habitualmente las letras de Newman se deslizan en la frontera entre la sátira inteligente y la crueldad deliberada, en este disco la línea es más fina que en ninguno de sus otros trabajos. En cuanto al sonido, mantiene su estilo heredero del R&B de Nueva Orleans y la tradición pop, al que añade ecos del soul sureño y del country. El disco comienza con el citado tema "Rednecks", y un estribillo que dice algo así como "Somos paletos, paletos / No distinguimos nuestro culo de un agujero en el suelo / Somos paletos, somos paletos / Mantenemos a los negros abajo". Una sátira sobre el retraso social de muchos sureños blancos incapaces de adaptarse a los avances de la sociedad. Por debajo de esa sátira hiriente se desliza una mirada compasiva como la de "Birmingham", una divertida historia ambientada en la clase trabajadora de Alabama en la que, por supuesto, no falta el humor; "Louisiana 1927", sobre la gran indundación de Mississippi; O "A Wedding in Cherokee County", en la que un paleto impotente se casa con una friki de circo. Personalmente me gusta "Mr. President (Have Pity on the Working Man)", en la que Newman captura el sentimiento de agravio de los simples trabajadores ante un sistema político despiadado.

Just found this a bit vanilla. I'm sure it's incredibly charged from a lyrical perspective but I didn't feel it.

Okay, but why on the List?

I like American music, and it's almost always enjoyable, but this album yelled "USA" so loud in my ears that it was too much for me.

Nope. Hated it. Awful combination of boring and stupid.

This is the original version of the Toy Story soundtrack based on the first draft of the script where Woody is a horrific racist and a raging alcoholic

I spent 37 minutes waiting for Randy to break into “you’ve got a friend in me”. But it didn’t happen. It was quite enjoyable otherwise but I wouldn’t listen to it again. I think Toy Story has ruined Randy for me.

Meh. Wouldnt listen to again

Weird album, ngl, but the music is good. the toy story vibes are funny lol

Oh lawd. I understand what he was trying to do, but goddamn with the slurs. The lyrics have a point and the discomfort level of Rednecks will certainly grab your attention right out of the gate. Lyrically/politically, I'd consider rating this higher, but his voice and the overall music are complete misses for me. Add in about 100+ slurs and that's a big ole "hell no" from me

Standard Randy Newman fare without the Pixar related familiarity we're accustomed to.

Breezy, folky piano ballads. Love the vibe. Maybe don't put rednecks on a public playlist

Better than Bob Dylan

Uhmm randy?

4/10

Country folk pop that didn't do much for me. On paper the concept of the album sounds interesting but listening was a different matter

Turns out i only really enjoy Randy singing about animated cowboys. who knew eh?

60/100 First song actually had me laughing. The satire on here is great and overall this is a good album but some of the tracks do seem to be less original than the standouts.

Doesn’t hit the same when not matched to a Pixar film

Interesting stuff. Definitely has the relaxing and familiar sound you expect of Newman. Didn’t find any of it particularly appealing, but still a good listen. 2.5/5 Probably won’t listen again

Nice, but I would not seek it out... It's ok...

A bit samey for me. Not great.

Weird album, I get what Newman is trying to do here but (in 2024 at least) it is missing its mark. Too crude, the point often hammered down. Maybe it was necessary when it came out.

Political showtunes by early Newman. Not really a style I like but the messages of the songs carried them. Naked Man is the best tune on the album. The rest of it just OK for me. I see why it made the 1001 list (Rednecks+) but comes in at (2.3*s)

There's some head turning moments throughout this album and I don't think anyone needs to hear it before they die. Satire just doesn't translate well in this medium and this album did not age well, in fact it's horribly offensive (and you can't really play it anywhere). Newman's attempt at wit and edginess just comes off wrong to me (I'm not sure if this social commentary was even well-received in 1974). There's some nice piano playing and brass arrangements but not amazing. Anything good is immediately cancelled out by Mr. Pixar so effortlessly slinging slurs. Not for me.

Newman coming right the gates with a basher on some rednecks. He must have got a free pass to use the N-word based on the song theme. Album is pretty weak other than the "Naked Man" tormenting an old lady...beware! Stick to the Disney soundtracks...1.2.

Upon seeing Randy Newman on the list was I was looking forward to this listen. I went in cautiously optimistic as my only previous exposure was Disney/Pixar soundtracks and pop culture jokes. After the first few songs I was on board. Unfortunately the album fizzles as you get further through it. Despite that, after the listen I think Randy validated his place on the list. There is no doubt that Randy Newman is a talented songwriter. Somehow there's something pleasant about his music despite his ridiculous vocal style. Good Old Boys is not something I will listen to with any regularity but I'm glad I gave it a listen. I'll stick to his jauntier soundtrack tunes for the most part moving forward. Even though Good Old Boys doesn't get the highest marks you can do a lot worse with many of the other albums on the list. 2.36 stars Naked Man is a just ridiculous and will make guest appearances moving forward.

Lame.

Strange to listen to a voice deeply embedded in Toy Story singing these songs. Bit too lounge for me.

Pleasant, but not his best stuff.

“Good Old Boys” von Randy Newman ist ein brillantes Album, das die Südstaatenkultur und Politik mit scharfem Witz und Melodie erforscht.

Great composer/ artist.

A satirical album covering topics like Southern pride, racism, labor, alcoholism and corporations. The music was fine but the lyrics were mixed. That’s the point of the satire, I get it. Definitely good satire. Wasn’t in the mood for this kind of album. I don’t listen to albums for satire, normally. Standouts: Kingfish and Rollin’.

song reco: rednecks ⭐⭐⭐ i've known him because he sang some of disney osts. this is a nice album.

It's okay, I like Marie

More boring than anything. Had to fight to keep attention on it.

Kind of a tough first song to listen to. Nothing on this album stuck out for me except all the hard Rs on the first song. Very boring.

This is a difficult one to review. At first I thought it was overtly racist, but I do believe it's a critique of racism, after reading the lyrics. Still a white person saying the n word makes me uncomfortable, even if he's actually pointing out how racist both northern's and southerners were. I saw someone describe this as dinner party music that will never be played at a dinner party because it will offend the dinner party. It's pretty accurate. I'm not typically seeking out that vibe. I like the vocals, I like the instrumentation ok. Has a new orlean's meets disney vibe lol. But I don't think satire works well in music. It doesn't come across as easy as in other mediums.

To start with “Rednecks,” it’s a little jarring to hear a white guy singing the N word over and over, especially in a Southern accent. It’s pretty plain to see that it’s meant as a satire on Northern contempt for Southern racists, when historically the North is not without guilt on race issues. A game of “moral equivalence“ that is far too complex to get into on an album review post, but suffice to say this song could not be done again in 2024 - or even sung on karaoke night ever. The rest of the album is very well written and arranged. Randy Newman is an exceptional talent. We can all arrive at our own judgements on the content.

Can almost give this a 5 for “Rednecks” alone. Ballsy, patriotic, and heart-crushingly tender, this album is a true salute to the Deep South. I would have loved to hear it performed in Georgia, with Newman conducting the Atlanta Orchestra.

Not quite sure what to make of Randy. He's got some good lyrics. Easy enough to listen to his music.

Un buen álbum de "música de hall", con letras claramente subversivas que buscan darle un nuevo "filo" al género que Newman está interpretando. Las interpretaciones ofensivas, no son realmente ofensivas y se entienden bajo un contexto de "crítica", "parodia", o incluso "sátira". Interesante, pero en ocasiones puede ser musicalmente plano. De todas formas, lo recomendaría para cualquiera que quiera escuchar LP que busca activamente cuestionarse la estética tradicionalista con una letra rupturista.

I totally was into this album. Sarcasm! an indictment of the current system ( at the time) in politics. And very unapologetic about dealing with racism in the moment. I will listen to this album again because it is great music and very entertaining. Loved it way more than I thought I would.

There's a reason he has some of the best movie albums of all time

If I wanted to listen to Randy Newman I would watch Toy Story. OVERRATED! Blah blah frickety blah

1974 music was way more like a Trump rally than I expected. The bigotry runs deep with this one and all the songs sound the same. I’m pretty sure they changed the lyrics and used this album in a Pixar movie. It’s not the worst but it’s not anything I’d listen to by choice.

Turns out I prefer Randy Newman in small doses.

first listen.

Not my thing

He never appealed to me

More offensive and inappropriate than the Eminem this week, maybe?? Who knew the Toy Story singer was this kind of guy :-0 I enjoyed looking up the backstory behind Louisiana 1927 and reading about parallels between Bush/Coolidge. Can't imagine this really worked as satire even in the 70s.

Guy is hilarious and really most songs are just real easy to listen to.

No. 209/1001 Rednecks 2/5 Birmingham 3/5 Marie 3/5 Mr. President 3/5 Guilty 3/5 Louisiana 1927 3/5 Every Man a King 3/5 Kingfish 2/5 Naked Man 3/5 A Wedding in Cherokee County 3/5 Back on My Feet Again 4/5 Rollin' 3/5 Marie 3/5 Average: 2,92 I didn't actively dislike this, but felt mostly bland and boring.

This sounded very familiar and I was wondering why but it's because of the "You've Got a Friend in Me" song from Toy Story. Quite a nice album, nice having this in the background. I thought that I knew this way of singing because of a Family Guy sketch, and yes - that is correct as well.

How to average "3" and "yikes"... It's not music I'm going to like by itself, and while I *know* that it's in parts satirical, it's still *uncomfortable*

whatever cleverness is there in both his lyrics and his songwriting is entirely overwritten by the sardonic moping

That first song really caught me off guard. I appreciate what he was trying to do with this album, and most of the songs were pretty enjoyable. I just personally don't like to listen to a white man singing racial slurs even if that man is criticising racism.

jfc who let mr. toy story do slurs in my ears. zero stars

Weird lyrics my man but really truly enjoyed the song structures and the flow. Played "Short People" after to complete the experience.

I hated the last Randy Newman album on this list, so was expecting to hate this. Surprisingly, it was pretty good.

Actually a pretty fun little album. Short and sweet, but I enjoyed listening to it. I liked it more than I thought I would. On the lighter side of the 4s for me, but felt like more than a 3.

Listening to an album by the guy who sings "You got a Friend in Me" was one of the most random things that could have happened today. His voice takes me back to peaceful childhood days, free from worries and responsibilities. I feel at home. This album has very interesting songs that deal with heavier and even sad themes. And the interesting thing is that the same voice that sings a song as happy as "Toy Story" can easily adapt to songs that bring other types of feelings.

býsna áhugavert. grunar að hún vaxi við fleiri yfirferðir, fær því 3,5.

I'm sure this is the second of his albums to have featured on my list - and still all I can think of is Pixar! Hard to believe that Randy Newman has anything other than a good day.

Felt like listening to the Toy Story theme over and over again, except none of the songs are anywhere near as good as the Toy Story theme.

Nice one.

Vocals sound like Ray Charles at times. Some piano ragtime influences. Commentary on the deep south. N word used repeat6in first song Redneck

A lot of horse slop. Boomer ranting about the South. The fact that my dude sang the most iconic song of my childhood is making me cringe to infinity. It took the entire length of the album to get to something semi interesting (back on my feet again, naked man) these songs keep me having coming back, so respectfully a 3 despite all the junk.

Nah Randy too smooth saying the N word. Did he perform this song live did he ask the crowd to also say it with him. Super weird but honestly hilarious. This is the perfect album to troll your friends with. I had a girlfriend whom I convinced I liked, Temporary Secretary, which is very funny. Besides the opening track man I heard "Naked Men," and I thought it was another N word song, yikes. I am on edge. Anyway, I think a lot of the songs sound the same, but honestly, it is not aggressively bad it is just like easy listening slop it is crazy that this is 20 years before Toy Story, yet it sounds exactly the same man he has not changed. That being said like I dont think I will find myself listening to it again. We are rednecks aint that right, Randy

All of his music sounds like movie soundtracks

Lasted half way. Not sure I was really hoping to hear Woody from toy story mug off the southern states before I die but fair enough. Happily will erase this from my memory now.

Ganz OK, würde ich nicht kaufen

Not my cup of tea at all, just found this very boring and samey. But somehow it was less dreary than the previous Randy Newman album

Randy Newman so casually goes for the jugular and his ear for composition is impeccable.

Starting from a rough spot because this bloke's music is nails on a blackboard for me, even if it sometimes makes you sad in Pixar movies. This is clever stuff, no doubt, but it is still music that feels lacking in the blood, sweat and tears that other stuff gets you engaged with Smart, dry, dull

Folk-rock con piano. Está bien. Un 4.

Favorites: Back on My Feet Again, Naked Man This is an album very much of it's time, but once again relevant. The story-driven music often distracts from the disturbing lyrics with melodies drawn from his roots. Once again, 1001 Album Generator leads me down a path I wouldn't have taken with great results.

Felt like listening to a Pixar soundtrack

It's Randy, but in the 70s and a bit more racy lyrics

So lala

Uncomfortable listening given the slur in the first song - his social commentary on southern America just felt inconsistent to me given his later work on Toy Story et al

It's not like this is the worst sounding music I've ever heard or anything -- it's OK, I guess. Nothing special. Certainly doesn't deserve a place on this list, but whatever. But being hit in the face with a racial slur within the first track of the album certainly did not leave a good impression. With the utmost sincerity in the world: what the fuck. With that said, I simply cannot give this album any more than a 1 star.

It’s possible to make a concept album about the American South without repeatedly using a word white people should not, under any circumstances, be saying. Really.

No está mal pero no es mi preferido

Classic Randy Newman. I actually knew several of these songs.

Sure sounds like Randy Newman, which isn't a bad thing. I've always like Randy Newman even if he's not someone I'm going to go out of my way to listen to. The lyrics of Rednecks though; was not prepared to hear that many hard "R" n-words that early in the morning. Reading up on the context for the song was interesting. Made me think quite a bit about how conversations about race and politics have changed in 50 years, and sadly how much has not changed as well. Provocative lyrics aside, I don't really see me putting this on again, but it deserves better than a 2, so 2.5/5.

Assumed I wouldn't like this, but it's decent. I enjoyed the lyrics I picked up. Rare case of maybe ok situation to use the n-word? It does its job. 3.25/5

I want to give Randy Newman credit, but even listening to his classic stuff, I’ll always see him as the guy who made the Toy Story songs I didn’t like even as a day one fan. I just don’t vibe, sorry guy. C-

Even as satire using the n word in a song hasn’t aged well

Holy shit!

Pretty typical Newman album, although I was a bit thrown when he started spittin' the 'n' word like a member of NWA.

Rednecks- 2.9/5 Birmingham- 3.6/5 Marie- 4.2/5 Mr. President (Have Pity On The Working Man)- 3.8/5 Guilty- 3.1/5 Louisiana 1927- 3.7/5 Every Man a King- 4/5 Kingfish- 3.3/5 Naked Man- 3.8/5 A Wedding in Cherokee County - 4.1/5 Back on My Feet Again- 3.6/5 Rollin' - 3.5/5 Marie (Demo)- 4.2/5 Total- 3.7/5 If Randy Newman did sausage party instead of toy story

stirring, thoughtful, somehow so of its time and yet progressive and southern and just cool man i dig this

So pleasant and easy to throw on and let ride

yep

Not awful

I think there are some decent songs here, but it is still only 2 stars or D+ for me. I just don't like Randy Newman's voice and I really don't like the orchestra music behind several songs on ythis album.

Hearing the hard n word really caught me off guard. It really is dinner party music that you can’t play at a dinner party. I actually love his voice. He has great lyricism but for some reason I just don’t really want to listen…

Not the Randy Newman I’m used to. Same voice and piano playing but definitely not the Toy Story lyrics! 😂 Entertaining but not gonna revisit.

Randy is such an interesting cat...don't think there is any chance that an album like this gets made today (even if it is a concept album. 2/5

Love his Southern accent he acquired being born in Hollywood CA. He’s one talented faux redneck. Lots of heavy hitters on this album. And it sounds like it. Good stuff.

Dude what is this?

It’s a great collection of songs, from satirical cuts like the controversial Rednecks to beautiful ballads like Marie, that Newman performs well in his idiosyncratic and easily likeable voice

I bounced off of this album like a rubber ball.

Not quite sure how I feel about this one! There’s some interesting stuff, some boring, some funny, some sad but true… some songs I really liked, some I didn’t… Really enjoyed ‘Marie’ with its beautiful sadness. Gonna give it a 3 but it could fall on the scale anywhere depending on the day haha

If you've heard one Randy Newman you've heard them all. For 3 minutes straight he told me he was back on his feet again. Not sure if that meant he'd been falling down for 3 minutes too, but I am comforted by his resillience.

Honnêtement meilleurs que ce que j'aurais imaginé d'un album d'auteur-compositeur-interprète country

Good listen

I like Randy Newman but this isn't his best album (Sail Away is better). Part of the issue is he has 2-3 good songs on each album with the rest being a bit samey so it's a struggle to pinpoint his best.

Like toy story but hellish

I'm not sure I like spicy Toy Story...

I can't listen to Randy Newman without thinking about the Mad TV sketch. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SK-p3mtyhRc

This album is straightforward good fun catchy southern rock. I like it, I listen to some soft rock like Jack Johnson and this feels in the same vane with some soul and flair added on. The vocals are good and jazzy. The whole project maintains the sound that has that great quality that they picked for the theme song for toy story and I think it was a great choice.

Lol this opening song. After reading about this album more…not sure any message it was trying to send works today. Did it even in the 70s?

I got exposed to this album a long time ago by some guys I knew in high school who took it incredibly literally. I imagine a lot of people still do that, though maybe Newman doing all that Disney stuff made people read up or at least think about the content of this album. It's still a bizarre listen, even if you know that it's supposed to be satire/social commentary. I don't actually like the genre, and Newman's voice has always seemed to belong to some big footed, gigantic headed cartoon character rather than an accomplished artist, but the songs are well written musically and the concept is interesting. So in the end, the idea is a good one. The technical execution is good. The songwriting is good. Unfortunately the whole style is just something I can't enjoy. To me this is like if someone wrote an incisive and biting commentary on America's foreign policy to be played entirely on a hurdy gurdy and a slide whistle and sang by Yogi Bear. Even if the message was conveyed well (big if), I can’t take it seriously.

Soundtrack to a new Pixar film with an anthropomorphic spittoon. Not for me.

i just can’t get over the toy story connection 😭 it’s a decent listen, but this type of country is not my cup of tea

Have a cd copy of this album but do not listen to it too music - the quality of the songs is very high but it requires a certain mood to appreciate it (best song: Kingfish).

Good songwriting and nice performance, although I do not care much about a theatrical song like 'Every Man a King'.

Well that's one way to start an album. It's actually pretty good, and the satire is plain to see. The way it mocks society is pretty scathing.

I'll say this ... his albums from the 70s sound just like any movie soundtrack he ever did in the 80s, 90s and 2000s.

If I could give it 0 stars I would.

Boring

"Her papa was a midget Her mama was a whore Her grandad was a newsboy 'til he was eighty four"

First song has several repetitions of a white guy saying the N word. I stopped listening once I noticed, I'd rather not send any royalties Randy's way. I get that this album is the 70s, but I'm not.

A nice listen

Mellow piano driven music with a sweet and sincere voice, nice blend of instruments and a jaded sarcastic view of the world, trying to say something. I like it. Randy's sound is so distinctive, it's hard not to picture Woody from Toy Story, strolling through the south, possibly singing the lyrics to Rednecks.

Randy's lyrics are basic and have the nuance of the blaring rays of the summertime Sun.

A lovely listen, if you can ignore the racial slurs (they're used in a tongue-in-cheek manner, so I'll let him slide). As per usual, I've got a bit of a hard time taking his voice seriously, but his lyrics tell wonderful, satirical stories. A lot of this album was low-key musically, which is I think the mode I like him in most. This album has a lot to say, but still flew by. I liked it.

The Toy Story movies ruined this guy but also made his career. Every song on this album made me picture an animated character running through his life from song start to finish. That’s all that I can think of. This isn’t an easy to listen to album because of that but it’s not bad Choice Cut: Guilty

Dated lyrics

I know its satirical but I can't get over some of the lyrics.

Piano blues with string backing is new for me. It's nice to listen to, if a little melancholic for my taste.

I liked the album surprisingly well. Originally I thought I would finish it quickly, just listen to a few tracks and then move on to something else. But, even if the music doesn't suit my style, I will listen to one or two tracks again. 3/5

too american for me lol

Interesting trolling

it is too hot and this is a weird album lol. chill until you listen too hard (nb from today I'm changing ratings. I was being too nice and the albums I gave 3 before today were awful and worthy of 1 star. This is just mid)

Deserves more listens and more stars.

These are, without a doubt, some of music's songs. Truly one of the albums, even!

After how cringey the first Randy Newman album I got was, I expected to hate it. Off the bat with Rednecks I was taken aback. Did the Toy Story guy just say the N word? Yes he did. Repeatedly. Once I realized that it was satire I understood the lengths he was going here to pull this off. I respect the effort. This album feels really personal and authentic to Randy. It's not something I'm going to put on outside of this challenge as it really doesn't strike me as the musical genius that it sometimes gets acclaim for. But it was a lot better than I expected going in.

Best lekker

This guy sounds really racist but the music wasn’t even bad he just sounds like shit 2.8/5

can't get the image of a drunk piano player insulting everyone out of my mind

Not the Toy Story I remember 😞🥀 I head-canon that senior Randy Newman has the rsdb.org bookmarked on his computer.

Music is enjoyable, subject matter/lyrics are questionable at best.

Warm and comforting, but a bit like listening to Toy Story soundtracks

Nobody has a voice like Randy Newman. He’s an excellent songwriter too. Everything on this album feels carefully placed and thoughtfully produced. I like those slightly off key notes in “Guilty” that make the song sound a little drunk. In high school, my friends and I made a silly short film and used “Marie” as the soundtrack for a breakup montage. Totally forgot about that song until I listened to it today. It’s a beautiful, sad song. A lot of these songs are about race and politics and culture in the South. There’s a mix of voices and perspectives. I liked this album although I didn’t connect to the songs very strongly. I’d love to hear more Randy Newman though.

This is yet another entry where I'm gladly forcing myself to listen to an artist that I really never have listened to even though they are massively famous. Besides him doing "You've Got a Friend in Me" I don't know much about his work besides knowing that he was well known in my parent's generation. This lyric-forward piano singer-songwriter type is also one that I don't often listen to, but going through a whole album of it has been really a lovely experience. His voice is great, and is in a tier of great and wonderful-to-listen-to voices, but it also has a sort of "everyman" quality that I appreciate, and isn't pretentious or fake or "put on" whatsoever. The piano that is prevalent in every track is also great, and he definitely has a defined sound that he lives in. This cinematic, pop rock with some blues in there style that lends itself perfectly to scoring a movie. It's a fun sound. It's a solid high 3/5. I think I need to hear more of his other records.

Sounds nice Fav songs: Birmingham Marie °~•

Nice!

god DAMN! I love you Randy ❤️ 10/10

Pixar guy is back again on this list with a western direction, satirical Deep South subject matter, and an unnecessary over-the-top orchestra. It's a slow, laid-back pop style typical of the era. I find it boring and repetitive with hardly any attention for the instrumentation. It's just satire poetry with a country and orchestral backing Favorites: Mr. President, Kingfish

racy themes great songwriting

Why the fuck is the Toy Story soundtrack part of 1001 albums you must have listened to? Didn't really like the films, liked this album even less.

That first song caught me off guard. Once I learned it was satire it was better.

He is weird, but I like it

This was a good political folk experience

nah.

Man bliver altid i godt humør af sådan nogle ballader

He is one of the best ever

1/5 not for me

I really can’t get into Randy Newman. Too much a novelty sound. Works with kid movies, not for adult music.

Interesting and full of charm. Didn’t like the use of certain word in “rednecks”, but understand the reason why satire of southern Americans would use it.

Interesting first song to walk into. I understand the message but it’s crazy this day and age to hear haha. Overall it’s got an interesting sound but Randy Newmans voice does nothing for me. Weird storytelling to each song. Not something I enjoyed too much

Randy Newman is always a win.

surprisingly enjoyable

Eh. It is Randy Newman. No need to revisit.

I really understand the appeal I just didn’t click with it

Country with some political punch. Especially the intro track that goes hard on criticizing racism - what a great song! Overall not something I would go back listening to as it wasn’t really that interesting too me.

Again someone I wasn't familiar with apart from the Toy Story soundtrack. Make me wish I was in a piano bar.

I kind of dug the album, which was a surprise. The gratuitous use of the N-word on the first track is so bad though. Without the first track, this honestly might have been a very surprising 4.

This was all very samey and quite dull.

I'm familiar with a lot of the memed Randy Newman songs, but haven't listened to a full album. I'm sure it will be interesting... not sure in what direction, though. Overall the music was fine, nothing too catchy or impressive. There weren't any songs that really grabbed me, but it didn't offend me or turn me off, either. 2/5

Great Album! Such a fun listen, gotta be a staple in anyones collection.

Randy newman songs all sound the same

Controversial

Musically solid and lyrically inventive – typically high quality Newmaniana. “Marie” and “Guilty” are very strong. But “Louisiana 1927” stands apart – engaging, affecting, lovely, glorious. And the story-songs work more often than not. Of course, a lot of this would’ve seemed wittier and much easier to enjoy pre-MAGA.

I feel like Newman is a great songwriter - I can hear all of these songs getting the production treatment and being hits for big singing stars. This album feels like it’s a collection of demos that are being shopped out for other people to do. The bare-bones production highlights his skill as a songwriter, stripping the tunes down to bare essentials. On the other hand you fell like so many people could actually perform the song better.

Me thinking about Rednecks: y'know, this is pretty good satire for 1974. Making fun of northerners stereotyping southerners as racist despite engaging in de facto segregation is a cool thing to do in your opening song. Me listening to Rednecks: wow Randy Newman says the n-word a LOT and also says it in a way that seems like he's kinda savoring it.

Oh hey, it's the toy story guy.

Easy 5!

Zero stars if I could

Overall good listen. Standout songs: Birmingham A Wedding in Cherokee County Back on my Feet again

That was not as bad as I thought it would be. Quite the jolt from the first song and tapering off from there.

Holy Toy Story! That’s all I can think of listening to this. It’s not bad, but it all just sounds cheesy to me.

I just can't with Randy Newman

not my style

OK

Randy Newman does crazy songs. He’s pretty good, and I usually like his stuff.

In the current year, Good Old Boys is a bold and potentially controversial album as Newman tackles southern American platitudes in the form of a satirical voice. Good Old Boys covers racism, class disparity, and tragedy, all in Newman's signature singer-songwriter piano cadence. While the song performances are an enjoyable listen, it is the wit and lyrical acumen of Newman that tends to make the songs memorable. Lines like "President say, 'Little Fat Man, ain't it a shame what the river has done to this poor cracker's land'" and "She will laugh at my mighty sword, why must everybody laugh at my mighty sword" showcase a lot of this ablum's appeal. While impactful, I feel a lot of Good Old Boys relies on it's clever songwriting, and for me it falls just short of being clever enough to praise. Newman still wrote some great songs here, but the overall product of this album doesn't quite sit with me the way it intends to.

has the unique power of offending everyone while at the same time making everyone feel like he’s on their side

Nice, but all the songs sound kind of same-y.

Helt okej inte nån speciell låt som var tråkig men albumet var lite tråkigt i sin helhet.

Randy Newman’s haunting and enigmatic musical confession to a string of unsolved prostitute murders with occult overtones in the backwater bayous of Louisiana keeps it boozy and bluesy all these years later. While contemporary critics on the coasts gave him a pass at the time, probably owing to his charming piano trills, oozing authenticity, dripping contempt for his kinfolk, and romantic notions of power-drunk socialist Governor Huey Long, it’s impossible for the trained listener to un-hear Newman’s mocking taunts to criminal investigators in virtually every track, (and particularly evident in ‘Marie’ — doubtless a reference to Marie DuChamps — a down-on-her-luck mother of two who turned to truck stop solicitation to afford baby formula and went missing October 8, 1972), concealed behind the carefully crafted artifice of a folksy, simple-minded, slack-jawed drunk and mediocre ‘pye-ano’ player. The law may never catch up to Randy Newman, but the truth, while inscrutable, can be found in every bar of this absolute banger of an album. Three enthusiastic stars! You’re killin’ ‘em, Randy, or as you might say, “Bizzle bazzle BWOOMP-a-doo-boopy-doop — and that’s just how the bitch payyyys…”

I have a fun game for you to try. Find someone who grew up watching Toy Story as a kid and play them "Rednecks" from this groundbreaking album. If it weren't for one of the most identifiable voices in music history, they'd be hard pressed to believe they were listening to same guy that gave them "You've Got A Friend". That's the thing about Randy Newman, he's one of these artists with two phenomenally distinct career arcs and the prior arc is certainly my preferred. I had this Album on CD right after Highschool for reason and I probably haven’t listened to it in 20 years. Wow it all came back in an instant.

what a racist

Well. That first song definitely caught me a little off guard; a bit jarring to the ear in 2024. I can generally appreciate some Randy Newman, but as for this album, it’s kind of meh. I probably wouldn’t listen to it again on purpose.

oh man, I really dont know what to think about this. I think firstly I dont appreciate the implication of southern = dumb, so this feels a little like punching down to me. Similar to short people honestly. I suppose the music sounds very Newman if you're into his vibe.

Mad props to RN. I understand he's and American treasure. His scathing political commentary and lyrical genius are obvious. Every time I hear his music I feel like I'm on a merry go around at an old amusement park.

I know this might sound surprising but I'm a sucker for cheesy American country. This guy doesn't seem to take himself seriously, I'm reading the lyrics of his songs and it's like this cliché American redneck, ngl I kinda dig it. The music itself is nothing special, but it made me smile. 3/5

Was not ready for the toy story dude to drop this much slurs. what a ride. This made me realise we need to bring back working class country.

eh

Not my style of music, but can appreciate the song writing.

Liked Randy Newman for his comedic novelty songs and musical scores, but was not aware of this album. Good Old Boys is an anthology of the American Songbook that we Americans would like to sweep under the rug. An all too poignant look at American history through the clear eyes of a poet willing to expose the uncomfortable truths.

Er for goofy for min smak altså

A little racist…

Quite enjoyable, very obvious sarcasm. Even when it's from an ironic viewpoint as a protest I can't stand the N-word. The New Orleans style playing is enjoyable and is a refreshing twist on this piano-led music than straight Elton John/Billy Joel troubadour stuff (as excellent as that is). A high three stars.

WTF?!

I understand that Randy Newman is critically acclaimed as one of the great American songwriters. As a songwriter, I can admire his ability to craft a clever story. As a white American male, listening to this collection of songs is downright depressing. My only consolation is that I don’t live in the south. From a musical composition perspective, listening to the complete album all at once can put me to sleep. In summary, I could listen to the album again, but only in small doses.

Strong songwriting that’s well delivered. The level of satire is just a little too high for me, but definitely a worthy inclusion.

Good composure, yet I have never been a fan of his voice and it takes me out of the song.

Honestly, could not get into this album.

He may have his fans and he has his unique way of writing songs. I just don't see how he's on a list for the best of all time. There's got to be a better and more influential album than this to take the slot. Plus his attempt at a satirical ironic take on racism with upbeat lyrics in redneck just comes off as nails on a chalkboard for me. An attempt was made but don't like it.

It's hard to hate Randy Newman.. Just fun music. Love it.

Rednecks almost permits me to forgive Randy Newman for Short People which, as a very small kid, was traumatizing. The rest of the record is pure Newman which is to say really well crafted vignettes which veer from biting to funny to sweet sung in his sort-of-New Orleans tinged rasp to his piano.

It was ok. Some of the lyrics were clever with good word play. But the whole thing felt like they let the theater kid play the piano at the party.

Didn't know anything about this other than Randy Newman was the guy who did the songs for Toy Story. That said, I was surprised by how much I liked this. It was funny, biting, and a little mean. But I really enjoyed it.

Meh.. tried to do some parody music but the music part fell flat. 2 naked men out of 5

A charming album. Imagine you combined a bit of Ray Charles, Bette Middler without the over-the-top-flambouyant Schtick, stride piano and some New Orleans flavor and you’d arrive at the heart, wit, and singalong fun of this album.

Hopefully Randy Newman is playing a character in 'Redneck', but the lyrics still make for very uncomfortable listening. The rest of the album has some nice moments in Newman's inimitable Toy Story style, but I was so taken aback by the opening track that it was difficult to just listen and enjoy them. Rating: 2/5 Playlist track: Louisiana 1927 Date listened: 26/01/24

Awful

you can hear the toy story voice!

What the fuc?

Pretty sure Randy Newman is Jewish. Fuckin GOT EM

Much better than I expected. Easy to listen to. Well written album when you know it's satirical

This was refreshing. Newman clearly has his own style and unique voice and instrumental arrangements. He sounds like the bar piano player or western times sometimes.

"ahhh cool an album by the Toy Story guy, this ought to be fun and innocent" ---Opening Song--- "Uhm, this must have been about Woody's sordid past, lets go watch Monster's Inc. instead"

All the songs sound the same. Sonically it's fine, albeit boring. The most interesting part was the intro stuff to Kingfish- the discordant build of instruments had promise and then it went back to being rhe same thing we'd heard for 10 songs. Lyrically, it's also boring. Apparently this album is supposed to be satire? Not very smart satire, if that.

Un equilibrio perfecto entre canciones divertidas y hermosas baladas. Unidas por un clásico sonido de piano Jazz. Las canciones más alegres me hacen acordar a "yo soy tu amigo fiel" de Toy Story

RANDY YOU CANT S A Y THAT MAN WHAT THE FUCK!

I'd heard Randy Newman before, from Toy Story. This is not kid friendly Toy Story music. The Way he combines political and social commentary into an upbeat piano tune is actually impressive. The beginning of Rednecks really surprises you, and then to throw the n-word around like that, until you listen to the lyrics and realize he's throwing the whole country under the bus, everyone's guilty. Is it really satire if he's telling the truth that no one wants to hear. All of it done while sounding like the soundtrack to Toy Story.

wow does the first song not land well anymore. if it ever did. the rest of the songs probably suffer greatly on being on a concept album trying to be stereotypically southern. this guy probably can write decent lyrics even though none of these hit

idk man, even if we ignore the first song, i saw this one and was like "cool, i wonder what the you got a friend in me" guy did with his actual music, turns out its all kind of that, its not baaaaad but its also not super creative??

Talk about getting hit with it off the bat with Randy throwing down the n-word. The whole concept of the album is unique and he puts together a solid indictment of how we treat race relations, and relations between the north and the south in this country. Probably won't listen to this too much in the future, but definitely well done.

Only knew Randy Newman from the Toy Story song so to hear Rednecks for the first time was real whip lash. Great concept album, beautiful music

Rating: 3.5/10 Nah.

Delicious lyrics and quirky orchestration!

Racist

did the toy story guy just say the n-word with a hard r????????????????

Another solid album from Randy Newman chock full of cutting acerbic wit and lots of shady characters. The arrangements keep me at arms length with Randy's albums never drawing me in completely 3.5 stars

3.1/5 Best Track: idk

Toy Story Songs - My dad loved "short people" by him, so we listen to him a lot growing up. Being short, we totally laughed about it.

A son style particulier et reconnaissable. Je pense toujours à Toy Story! Certaines paroles me semblent un peu équivoques avec le recul…

Good vibes, pretty chill. Not much special.

Sérstök stemming hjá Randy. Hvert einasta lag er sögustund sett fram á gamaldags kvikmyndatónlistarhátt. Ágætt í heild sinni, en sérstakt.

The arrangements make it sound like Toy Story, but the lyrics make it sound like edgelord.

This was a weird album for me. I see what he was going for with the concept album idea, but I don’t think it ages super well forty years later. It’s like the musical equivalent of Archie Bunker, but without other characters to play off it falls kind of flat for me. I can’t tell if I’m supposed to be laughing at this guy or pitying him, and despite the dig about northern hypocrisy in the opening track it just feels kind of mean-spirited? I learned some history from looking up the subjects covered in the album—Huey Long and the Great Mississippi Flood of 1927 to name a couple—so I guess it deserves some points for that. Beyond that, I think I’d prefer to listen to Ray Charles for the style of music and stick to soundtracks for Randy Newman.

Surprise rage from Randy

A compelling chronicle of the South. This album has a cinematic feel, a foreshadowing of Newman's move into film soundtracks later in his career.

This is not an album I needed to hear before I died.

Randy singt über die Südstaaten; klingt genau so wie man es erwartet; 2,5

Not the Randy Newman I thought I knew…

Guh, it’s really hard to judge. I like the guy ok but it’s really hard to take his voice seriously.

Randy coming in hot with the hottest diss track of 1974! Made me chuckle quite a bit how tongue in cheek and over the top some of the southerner POV lyrics are. 7/10

(see notes for Sailing Away). Witty, slightly humourous poke at racism and southerners.

old school rock / pop / soul, with southern accent.... some hidden gems including 'you've got a friend in me' (not in this album) ... easy listening but definitely not hype music, 2-3 stars

If you don’t like to hear Randy fire off n-bombs but you like the melody of Rednecks, good news: he uses pretty much the same melody on a lot of the other songs on here! He also uses the structure “Title of the song, Title of the song, some other line, some other other line” for at least five songs on the album. Kingfish and Louisiana 1927 are quite good. 4.5/10

Crazy that this guy ended up doing film scores for like half of the Pixar movies. Album was ok I guess

instantly heard the “you got a friend in me” guy lol but pretty mid

Ok, let's remove all the racist shit. The songs are catchy. But they all sound the same. He is trying to be a weird sounding Billy Joel, but nothing is amazing like Billy Joel's songs. Everything is just catching but all the same.

Letkeetä saluuna rockia. Hyvää rekkailumusaa. Parhaat: Rednecks, Kingfish

Enjoyable. The first song would probably get him canceled today.

One of the all time greatest American songwriters.

The first song was never going to be an easy listen in current_year (and knowing its backstory doesn’t help anything), but even otherwise the lyrics and the generic country twang just aren’t my thing.

Well, I wasn’t expecting this so soon after Sail Away, early Christmas present I guess. It’s albums like this that make me appreciate how far we still have to go. It’s easy to forget sometimes, but the Civil Rights movement in the USA was only 60 years ago. I kinda don’t want to get into anything too heavy on Christmas morning, so I’m just gonna say that Rednecks is one of the greatest works of political satire ever written, both the chorus and the second verse just hit like sledgehammers every time. And every other song is just great. Newman is able to be both acidic and sympathetic towards his characters, which is the best thing a writer can attempt to be

Gear: Focal Clear (ZMF) Mische: leichtfüßig und klar - leider sind die Vocals dabei stark im Vordergrund Mugge: furchtbar dämliche Lyrics und unerträgliche Stimme auf "Findet Dory"-Direct-to-DVD-Niveau Wertung: 1/5

Lucinda gave me a geography lesson, Randy sprinkles in politics and social commentary. Fave track: Rollin'

Ok, wow, "Rednecks" made my eyebrows jump up over my scalp and end up on the back of my head. 😆 I'm grateful to the reviewer that mentioned Newman set out to make "dinner party music that you can’t play at dinner parties", because that adds some great context. I definitely need to revisit "Sail Away" as it was one of the very first albums I got through this project and at that point I was giving them a single listen, and was distracted to boot. This one I gave two spins, but still, it was while working and I probably need to be paying more attention to the lyrics. Fave track - as well as "Rednecks", "Back On My Feet Again" and "Rollin'" stood out...

Got to say, I liked this one significantly more than the last one. I kinda groaned when I saw another RN album just days after the last one. But this one was much more enjoyable.

Didn't get a lot from this

Nice enough, though the even slower stuff was too much or a dirge

I think Randy is getting a bad rap here. I'm as fatigued as anyone of white guys from the 70s but he is different and distinctive at least. He reminds me of a guy writing show tunes without a show to attach them to (or Pixar film). The orchestral flourishes added to rather than took away from the songs

I imagine this will be a 3. It was. Chill, mellow, a little dumb and forgettable, but easy at work.

Probably the most sarcastic record I've ever heard. Kinda glad to be done with Randy Newman now though.

Randy, no. Just no.

toy story working blue

Like most people, I only knew Randy Newman as the Toy Story guy... Omg did I have my expectations smashed apart and then run over. Shocked in a good way, that I had to stop and listen/read the lyrics and research references. Department store music you definitely can't actually play at a department store.

People obviously find it hard to shake the Pixar thing, but there's some good songs in here, and some nice music. I got over it pretty quickly. I like the backing orchestral bits. Overall quite easy-going and it didn't outstay its welcome. 3.5 rounded down.

This is the guy from Toy Story's 'You got a friend in me....' Apparently this is the same guy who uses the N-Word frequently in his music. Very surprised by that. Especially given that he is a piano driven artist, and a lot of his songs are geared towards a romantic side. But Mr. Newman sure likes his good ol' fashioned racism. Sure the song in reference, is talking about how rednecks are idiotic and worthless... But you know, you just can't help calling the black folk the n word, can't you now? Piano is great in this album. The orchestration is far too good for this album. And should not be even on it. But oh well. It is there. These songs are definitely geared towards old women. Those who are now in their 70s. Oh, and racists. Newman's voice sounds hilarious and I can't even take his romantic song serious. It sounds like he is deaf... 2/5 for that nice Piano. Should be a 1/5

Randy Newman's 1974 album "Good Old Boys" is a masterful exploration of the American South, delivering a poignant and satirical take on its cultural, political, and societal nuances. Through a blend of clever lyrics, distinctive music, and meticulous production, Newman crafts a complex narrative that simultaneously entertains and challenges listeners. Lyrics: One of the standout features of "Good Old Boys" is Newman's exceptional songwriting. The lyrics are a potent mix of biting satire, social commentary, and vivid storytelling. The album is essentially a character study, with Newman adopting various personas to explore the complexities of Southern life. Tracks like "Rednecks" and "Birmingham" showcase his ability to delve into controversial subjects, addressing racism and prejudice with a sharp wit that both confronts and disarms. The use of irony and humor throughout the album adds depth, making the lyrics simultaneously thought-provoking and entertaining. Music: Musically, "Good Old Boys" is a rich tapestry that weaves together elements of Americana, country, and blues. Newman's piano-centric arrangements provide a distinctive backdrop, complemented by skilled instrumentation that captures the essence of the Southern landscape. The use of horns, strings, and a variety of traditional instruments adds layers to the sound, creating a dynamic listening experience. Newman's soulful and emotive vocals bring the characters to life, enhancing the storytelling aspect of the album. Production: Produced by Lenny Waronker and Russ Titelman, "Good Old Boys" benefits from a meticulous and well-crafted production. The careful balance between Newman's vocals and the instrumental arrangements allows each element to shine. The production captures the raw, authentic feel of the Southern environment while maintaining a polished and professional sound. The attention to detail is evident, enhancing the narrative and emotional impact of each track. Themes: The thematic core of "Good Old Boys" revolves around the complexities of Southern identity, politics, and culture. Newman dissects the contradictions and challenges of the region, offering a nuanced perspective that goes beyond stereotypes. The album delves into issues such as racism, poverty, and the clash between tradition and progress. Newman's exploration of the Southern psyche is both critical and compassionate, revealing the multifaceted nature of the characters and themes he presents. Influence: "Good Old Boys" stands as a significant influence on subsequent generations of musicians and songwriters. Newman's ability to blend humor and social commentary has been a hallmark of his career, and this album showcases that skill at its peak. The storytelling approach, combined with the diverse musical elements, has inspired artists across genres. The impact of "Good Old Boys" can be heard in the works of musicians who appreciate the power of lyrics to convey profound messages within a musical framework. Pros: Lyrical Brilliance: The album's lyrics are a standout feature, showcasing Newman's ability to address serious issues with intelligence and humor. Musical Diversity: The blend of Americana, country, and blues creates a unique and engaging musical landscape. Narrative Cohesion: The album's thematic consistency and character-driven approach contribute to a cohesive and immersive listening experience. Innovative Production: The meticulous production enhances the emotional impact of the songs, capturing the essence of the Southern setting. Cons: Polarizing Content: Some listeners may find the album's exploration of controversial topics uncomfortable or divisive. Acquired Taste: Newman's vocal style and the album's satirical approach may not resonate with everyone, requiring an open mind and appreciation for nuanced storytelling. In conclusion, "Good Old Boys" is a timeless and influential work that continues to captivate audiences with its lyrical depth, musical richness, and social commentary. Randy Newman's ability to navigate complex themes with a blend of satire and sincerity makes this album a classic that transcends its time and remains relevant in the broader landscape of American music.

Long before he became the go-to composer for film scores/soundtracks and the Toy Story franchise, Newman was a well respected, critically acclaimed singer-songwriter who released quality music much under the radar. A lot of it was satirical, observations of American life, it's politics, it's people and the little things we try not to think about. His life changed commercially with that annoying, Short People song in 1977, but Good Old Boys was three years before the album Little Criminals (that contained Short People). For the most part, Good Old Boys is enjoyable, the songs were fine, but to me, it's not that memorable and unless you really concentrate on the characters and story (it's a concept album!), it's loses me a little.

Oh so viel Sehnsucht hör ich da raus! Schöööön <3

Very Randy Newman. One very difficult song. Some other good ones.

Can't stand Randy Newman, not gonna waste an hour of my life listening to it

Rock Album mit vielen musikalischen einflüssen, allen voran country musik. Leider dadurch sehr durchwachsen und mit fehlender Kontinuität im Konzept.

Great story teller. Music is fun. If you don’t read the lyrics or understand satire you will not like this album. 3 stars

This one is tough to evaluate for a few reasons. Just like with Short People, we know that his usage of the N word here is to indict those who use it earnestly, but man does he really lean into it on several tracks. Overall I think I appreciated it but this isnt the sort of thing you can listen to without headphones, especially when he brings in midget and whore again. So odd that the Toy Story guy mostly wrote these biting social commentaries. Like James I struggled to differentiate the songs other than via the lyrics.

Unfortunately my favorite song was also the one where he keeps repeating the n word. I’m kind of torn on Newman. I like his lyrical style at times but can’t really help but tune out as his albums progress. Kind of reminds me of Cohen that way actually. This was not as strong as yesterday though.

Overall decent songs lyrically, minus the fact that today he probably wouldn’t use the n word. Instrumentally they sound quite similar to me. Wasn’t expecting the Toy Story song writer to be using this kind of language, though I know it was mostly for social critique. Probably wouldn’t listen again

When I woke up this morning I did not expect to be listening to an album referencing Huey Long, Lester Maddox, and the 1927 Louisiana flood but this was great. Lots to unpack here but the first track really stiff out to me. A searing indictment of both southern racism and northern hypocrisy, if you replaced “Maddox” with “trump” is could work today. “Mr. President” could too. I would have to assume he would not use the n word so liberally today. However I’m not certain what the relistenability of this is so it won’t get a 5.

Sin más.

i'll never understand how this voice had a successful career

Why have I not heard a single soul say that Toy Story You've Got A Friend In Me Randy Newman immediately kicks off this album with multiple uses of the N-word? I wasn't a Randy Newman fan before, but this seals the deal. A quick search found the following. Writing in the Los Angeles Times, Randy Lewis said Newman had "peeled back the curtain on... bigots and hypocrites" with this song. In 1995, Newman admitted that he was still nervous performing the song. Newman has called "Rednecks" one of his favorite compositions. Newman seldom performs "Rednecks" in concert, because it is liberally infused with the word N***** And the song is sung from the perspective of a narrator upset at the North for being rude to rednecks...but isn't that one of the reasons why? Because of slavery and the "liberal use of the word"? Real 1970's galaxy brain there.

Uh...interesting. Randy Newman, guy we all know for the Toy Story song, makes an album about the American South. He's in character for most (if not all) of it, portraying a southern "Good Old Boy," but knowing that still doesn't help the shock of hearing him sing about a "smart ass New York Jew" and then drop the N word repeatedly on the opener. Just strange, man. Totally understand what he was going for, and there are a few songs that I enjoyed, don't get me wrong. Just reeling from the initial shock. This is our second from Randy, obviously more conceptual than the first, but I'd be lying if I said that intro didn't give me whiplash. I'm sure that's what he was going for, and in many respects I think this album succeeds at what Randy sought to do. But it's not something I'd spend much more time with. Favorite tracks: Marie, Back on My Feet Again, Naked Man. Album art: Is that Randy? Guy with some woman at what seems to be a bar, nothing apparently Southern about it to tie the theme together. But I guess he looks like a bit of a jerk so that works. 3/5

woke

Nice. Almost lovely. But really samey and doesn’t really ever get anywhere. I just want to walk into my local and see him on the piano. I imagine live it’s unreal