12 Songs [2/16]

Notes

Personnel: Randy Newman (vocals, piano); Clarence White, Ron Elliott (guitar); Ry Cooder (slide guitar); Al McKibbob, Lyle Ritz (bass); Gene Parsons, Jim Gordon (drums); Milt Holland, Roy Harte (percussion). Newman began his career as a contract songwriter, before embarking on a recording career renowned for sardonic wit. On this, his second album, the singer opted for simple accompaniment, his ragged voice and stylized piano supported largely by a crisp backing group that included Byrds guitarist Clarence White. Superb melodies were matched by an intense lyricism that embraced sometimes disquieting images previously unheard of in rock. Cynicism, bitterness and sexual perversion are unleashed in turn as Newman adopts different roles and personae. His dispassionate delivery demands decisions from the listener, an interaction that is as compulsive as it is disquieting.