Political Science

The Zoo Crew is spinning "Political Science" by Randy Newman from his 1972 album Sail Away, and Zoo Freaks, you're in for a satirical treat! This song, with its tongue-in-cheek take on American foreign policy, channels a jingoistic narrator who humorously suggests "dropping the big one" to solve global tensions. Newman shared in a 1974 NME interview that he was frustrated when a listener took the song literally, questioning if he’d really bomb Paris or turn Australia into an amusement park, saying, “Do I look like the sort of guy to bomb London?” . He later reflected at a 2011 London concert that audiences no longer laugh as much at the song, noting, “We’re not actually that crazy. Not quite,” hinting at its eerie relevance over time . Fun fact: the song got a pop culture boost in the 1999 film Blast from the Past, playing over the final credits, and Newman performed it on The Colbert Report in 2006, cementing its status as a sharp, enduring critique .

Another tidbit for the Zoo Freaks: "Political Science" has been covered by artists like Don Henley, Natalie Merchant, and Wilco, showing its influence across genres . Newman himself rerecorded it for his 2003 album The Randy Newman Songbook Vol. 1, giving it a fresh spin. He’s described the song as a character study, inspired by a “jingoistic type of fellow,” and compared his approach to Tom Lehrer’s satirical style, though he didn’t want to be pigeonholed as a novelty songwriter . The song’s upbeat melody contrasts its dark humor, making it a standout on Sail Away, which Brian Wilson of the Beach Boys said he played “over and over,” crediting it with helping him through a tough personal period.

Randy Newman’s journey to becoming a musical icon started in Los Angeles, where he was born on November 28, 1943, into a family steeped in Hollywood film composing. By age 17, he was writing songs for acts like the Fleetwoods and Cilla Black, honing his craft early . His 1968 debut album, Randy Newman, produced by Lenny Waronker and Van Dyke Parks, didn’t chart but won critical praise, setting the stage for his cult following. Covers by artists like Judy Collins and Harry Nilsson boosted his reputation, and by 1972, Sail Away showcased his knack for blending satire with New Orleans-influenced pop and R&B . Newman’s early work, influenced by Fats Domino and George Gershwin, laid the foundation for a career that spans hits like “Short People” and Oscar-winning film scores for Pixar classics like Toy Story.

Zoo Freaks can connect with Randy Newman’s world through his official website, where you’ll find updates on his music and tour dates. Follow him on Facebook for news and throwback posts, or check out his Instagram for behind-the-scenes glimpses. On X, Newman occasionally shares thoughts and updates, engaging with fans directly. For deeper fan interaction, join the Randy Newman Appreciation Society on Facebook, where devotees discuss his discography and share rare finds. While there aren’t many dedicated fan websites, sites like Discogs offer detailed discographies for collectors, perfect for Zoo Freaks digging into Newman’s legacy.