Randy Newman (Live In London)

Recorded at London's LSO St. Luke's, an 18th-century Anglican church, Live in London features Randy Newman accompanied by the BBC Concert Orchestra conducted by Robert Ziegler, during the tour supporting his 2008 album Harps and Angels. It features 22 songs and three extended "intros"; Newman is one of few performers whose concert banter is worth preserving. The album includes songs from all parts of his career as a singer/songwriter (no movie music here). Classics such as "Sail Away," "I Think It's Going To Rain Today," and "Marie" sit next to modern tunes like Newman's pointed political commentary on "A Few Words in Defense of Our Country" and "The World Isn't Fair" and the poignant love of "I Miss You" and "Losing You." If "Political Science" and "It's Money That I Love" have become uncomfortably true, at least there's still great humor in the self-knowing "I'm Dead (But I Don't Know It)," where Newman explores the phenomenon of "geriatric rock" with audience participation. Newman's catalog is rich, his lyrics carefully crafted. Listen closely and hear the subtleties that make his observations so singular and knowing.