Welcome to Volume 2, where we’re breaking down an underrated album by an underrated artist: Randy Newman’s LITTLE CRIMINALS (1977)! We talk about the album’s place in Newman’s catalogue—LAND OF DREAMS, TROUBLE IN PARADISE, FAUST, etc.—the importance of an singer’s attitude toward their lyrics, and dramatic monologue in literature and song. Honorable mentions: parodying Paul Simon and ELO, the adventures of ultimate collaborator Van Dyke Parks, and the time James Taylor played God.

(CW: mention of sexual assault ~29:00)

Cecilia’s essay on “Four Eyes”: https://atticusreview.org/four-eyes/

Gil’s Newman-adjacent university stuff: https://www2.ccsu.edu/faculty/Gigliotti?p=7