Album of the Day

Randy Newman’s debut album featured the sophisticated arrangements you’d expect of a nephew of three film composers, but with follow-up 12 SONGS he embraced the sardonic Americana that would make him a star. The title of the Reprise collection emphasized Newman’s skill as a writer, and “Mama Told Me Not to Come” and “Let's Burn Down the Cornfield” were picked up for covers by artists including Three Dog Night and Lou Rawls. More importantly, the 1970 set shows the man to be a compelling performer as well, with a Southern-rooted vocal and keyboard approach aided here by guitarists Ry Cooder and Clarence White. We’ll wish Randy Newman a happy birthday with another spin of the critically acclaimed 12 SONGS.