MovieChat Forums > Cold Turkey (1971) Discussion > Randy Newman

Randy Newman

posted 13 years ago by lazierfan
5 replies | jump to latest

This was the perfect vehicle for Randy Newman. His sentimental style plays homage to the small town. No matter where in the U.S., his music fits like a volunteer fire department at a chili cook-off.

Some of the soundtrack was intentionally mixed to sound tinny and warped, this was the limitations of the technology of the '60's and early '70's analog equipment to simulate the mood and the 'under the influence' dreamy sequences. Not the transfer to DVD that was bad, it was the better option to the sound department.

No other studio could have brought these early minds together. Randy Newman was way ahead of his time, making us feel melancholy and nostalgic. A tricky talent for a young musician/composer.

[–] PenTheater 13 years ago

melancholy and nostalgic and at the same time lyrics usually laced with satire about silly human ideas and conditions..
some sweet songs that actually burned...!

[–] maturity 8 years ago

It was my favorite song in the movie and by Newman in general probably. It sounds even more melancholy with the movie because it seems like they slowed it down or lowered the pitch. It sounds faster / higher in one of his greatest hits CDs.

[–] maturity 8 years ago

Otherwise the timing and expression seem the same.

[–] ecarle (14979) 3 years ago

Is this the first instance of a Randy Newman song scoring a movie? He was a bigger deal in the 80's(Ragtime, The Natural) and then in Toy Story but...it all starts here, I guess.

It certainly sets the tone of the movie as it accompanies a mangy stray dog on his long, long, LONG journey into the financially failing town (a bunch of stores out of business, a bunch of churches flourishing.)

The religious overtones -- mainly con, a little bit pro -- are very 1971.

[–] [deleted] 5 years ago

I agree. I always thought Newman did the score for White Lightning (1973) but looking it up I see that "Way Down Under" was scored by Charles Bernstein and performed by Jerry Whitman. Certainly SOUNDS like Newman though.