DISC ussions By Greg Hall By now everyone is sure to have heard, or at least heard about, Randy Newman's single called "Short People." The publicity this controversial song has generated may push Newman into a rather infamous stardom I personally hoped he could continue to avoid. The song in question; sardonic stroke of genius centered on bigotry and prejudice, has been misinter preted by those ignorant of the song's message. Many people have found the song slander ous, cruel, and perverted. Worse yet, the record is being treated by the majority of radio programmers as a novelty or comic item, as it has been promoted by the record company to generate sales in a wider market. The results of this push have made "Short People" a well promoted top-ten bestseller. This type of mass-accept ance is more slanderous to the character of Randy Newman than it is to the offended short person. Newman is no more a novelty act than is Dylan, George Gershwin, or even Jonathan Swift. But the profit dollars must be made, despite Newman's artistic integrity and image being offered as the sacrifice. What really bothers me is to see pre-teens buying Randy Newman's album, expecting a collection of "funny songs" equal to K-tel's Dumb Ditties. When they get home, there are bound to be many disillusioned kids wishing they had saved their allowances or opted for the K-tel record instead. Being a fair judge of Newman's reclusive personal ity, I would imagine him to be a bit bitter for being a bit richer, but in turn gathering an image of warped Ray Stevens of the seventies. New Noteable - ratings: **** best, to * don't bother. Weekend in L.A. - George Benson (Warner Brothers) •" An excellent collection of new material in a two record IMIIIIINIMIUIIIIIHNISNIIIIIKIIINIIII IIII U IIIII MARK SHERMAN'S HOME OF BLUEGRASS 361 - 3 WatnUi St. Harrisburg, Penna. 17109 set, this was recorded live at the Roxy late last year. Jazz purists beware: Benson's jazz guitar artistry has become somewhat more diluted than earlier albums, as about half the set is vocal. This album was designed to appeal to a very wide audience. Duo-Glide - Sanford/Townsend Band (Warner Brothers) **lllz A slightly over-produced collection of fine blue-eyed soul and pop rock from this promising duo. Noteable are the assembled studio musi cians, much the same group that backed Boz on the classic Silk Degrees album. Watermark (Columbia) ** An offhanded tribute to composer Jimmy Webb, that despite moments of superb aural texture, is for the most part monochromatic and somewhat boring. Garfunkel's tenor vocals have never been stranger, yet the overabun dance of Webb's alike melodies leave the effort stillborn Although Garfunkel's in tentions were honorable, a variation of material has always worked best for him, as the two highpoints (one being a remake of "What A Wonderful World,") are not among the ten songs written by Webb. Cats on the Coast- Sea Level (Capricorn) * Ol / 2 Expanding the group from four to seven members has created a clutter of musicians aware of their possibilities, but not quite sure what to do. What was on their first album a tight, precise, jazz-based sound now sounds dense and uncontrolled. Perhaps a lot more rehearsals or at least a tour will teach them to play together and create more convincing re cords. Endless Wire - Gordon Lightfoot (Warner Brothers) ** Two good songs, "Daylight Katie" and a rerecording of "The Circle Is Small" sandwich a group of predictable folk songs and other assorted filler. imuummmutemoussuunnommumu Phone (717) 852-7714 • New and used stringed instruments P. • Lessons in all styles • Expert repair and supplies z • Bluegrass records and tapes • Friendly pickin' parlor ARTS and CULTURE The Black Cultural Arts Festival is here again, and this year, the Black Student Union is beginning the month-long festival with "UNIVERSAL LAW." Nationally, February is Black History month and traditionally the Black Student Union (8.5. U.) at Capitol celebrates the Black Cultural Arts Festival to coincide with history month. First in the series of events is a cabaret dance and show to be held on Saturday, February 4, 1978 from 12 a.m. to 4 a.m. at the Social Hall, 1410 Hanover The University Players of Capitol Campus will stage a performance of the play No Exit by Jean Paul Sartre on March 9th in the auditorium. M. Budney is directing the four member cast which includes Louisa Baskin, Matt Forbush, Angela Pomone, and Carol Andress. Art Garfunkel The play is about the schocking revelations of three people (a coward, a nympho maniac and a lesbian) who are trapped together forever in a room. 'Anything Goes`(musical) - Harrisburg Community Theatre, 513 Hurlock St.,Hbg Thurs.,Fri.,&Sat.,B:3opm;Sun.,Feb. 5,2:30pm ;ss.lnformation:23B-7381 Jan. 27 thru Feb. 7 'Best of Friends' - York Little Theatre, 275. Belmont St.,York.information :854-5715 'Mousetraplmystery) - Host Inn Dinner THeatre, rites. 283 & 441,Hbg. Tues. thru Thurs. dinner 6: 30pm,shOwtime 7:45pm,511 ; Fri. & Sat. dinner 6: 30pm,showtime 7:45pm,512 ;Jan. 25 matinee buffet 12pm,showtime Ipm,sB. latack By Young Inyang JlO exit CULTURAL EVENTS COLLEGE POETRY REVIEW The closing date for the submission of manuscripts by College Students is ANY STUDENT attending either junior or senior college is eligible to submit his verse. There is no limitation as to form or theme. Shorter works are pr& ferred because of space limitations. Each poem must be TYPED or PRINTED on a separate sheet, and must bear the NAME and HOME ADDRESS of the student, and the COLLEGE ADDRESS as well. MANUSCRIPTS should be sent to the OFFICE OF THE PRESS Box 218 artg fetitibai 6tarto Street, Harrisburg. Music will be supplied by "Universal Law." a band from Washington D.C. Why a band all the way from Washington? "Because that's a M-E-A-N gang, I mean they are B-A-D." "They have a way of making you move and shake no matter what," says a member of the cultural committee of the union. Tickets will sell for $5.00 in advance and $6.00 at the door. For more information please contact Student Activities, Sheila at 944-3854 or Tom at 234-3268. Highlights of other activi ties are a lecture on Arts and Painting by Al Hollingsworth, a black painter and artist. He will aid Milo. Jan. 13 thru Feb. 5 Jan. 17 thru Feb. 18 The NATIONAL POETRY PRESS announces February 15th NATIONAL POETRY PRESS lecture in the Gallery Lounge on Monday, February 6. On Wednesday, February 8 in the Gallery Lounge, a group of Harrisburg high schools' students will perform what the group director Tamara Page, a Capitol Campus Social Science student, describes as "inter pretive modern Afro-American dances." There will be a lecture and "question and answer" session on Nigeria. We may not fully realize what this weather has been doing to us until nine months from now. Don't let it happen to you this Saturday night. See you at the cabaret, and read the C.C. Reader for details of other events. Contributions Welcome The scope of the arts is unlimited in potential. You can help us realize this potential. Have you been to a movie. play, art exhibit, or concert that was so good (or bad) that you'd .be inspired to write about it? Well, then write about it, and submit if to the Arts and Culture page of the Rea,der. Agoura, Ca. 91301
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