Release Date: 1974
Previously Owned: No
First Time Listen: Yes

Impressions: Woah, Mr. Newman comes out firing with “Rednecks.,” which sports some quite provocative lyrics about institutional racism over a jaunty country/rag. Seems to be that was his ’70s modus operandi. Odd to think a guy who’d sing stuff like “we don’t know our ass from a hole in the ground/we’re rednecks!/We’re keepin the n*ggers down” would go on to do tunes for Pixar movies. Tunes like “Birmingham” feature some sweet ’70s strings, sneaky pedal steel guitar and overall almost have an a less boozy, early Tom Waits vibe. I’ve never a huge fan of his voice, but interesting character-study lyrics. Not too bad overall… this album has a chance with me if “Short People” doesn’t show up. He’s much more of a crank–and far more political– than Waits, but his light fingered Cajun piano and soft rock style rub up against his prickly songs in an interesting way. “Naked Man” has an enjoyable Thelonious Monk-like piano line and a song about getting married to a circus freak (“A Wedding In Cherokee County”) can’t be all bad. Maybe I’m warming up to this… I liked “Back on my Feet Again” and “Rollin.” Nice ending.

Starred Songs: “Rednecks,” “Kingfish,” “Back On My Feet Again”
Sneaky Track: “Naked Man”
Should this album be on the list? Ok, sure. It’s fine for what it is…I respect it.
Will you listen to this again? Not sure. It could sneak up on me at some point.
Verdict: Expert arrangements and snappy piano merged with Newman’s dour, pointed lyrics made this surprisingly enjoyable, but his voice keeps me from putting this on endless repeat.
Stand out Lyric: “Louisiana/Louisiana/They’re trying to wash us away” – “Louisiana 1927” — Could easily be Louisiana 2005

Rating:  ★★★1/2