Podunkian Music Club

Randy Newman-Louisiana 1927
(Select Shelter from the storm webcast)

Over the years there have been more than a few songs about natural disasters and their impact on the lives of ordinary people in extraordinary times, Murray McLauchlan sang of the Red River Flood, Bob Dylan warned of things Down in the flood, Led Zeppelin sang of When the Levees break and CCR wondered if We've ever seen the rain (which while apparently about the beginning of the break up of the band, still can find resonance in times of high water), and on the music will go.

We'll have to wait for someone to compose a song for the flood of 2007.

But until then, there's always the Randy Newman standard Louisiana 1927, which is probably one of the great songs of courage and tackling adversity that there is to hear.

It's particularly aided by Newman's haunting vocals and simple piano work.

Gives you pause to think about the weeks events, even if the song itself is about a far off place and a far off time. Some things it seems don't have borders, nor time lines.

The link at the top of the page actually plays the entire Shelter from the storm concert, so enjoy if you have some time on your hands, there were many great performances on the show, many of which are presented through the link above.

Artist-Randy Newman
Recording-Best of Randy Newman