Anyone who has heard any of his songs should buy this album.

I bought this in Harvard Square just after it was released when I was a nerdy 13 year old - and it is a favorite. I think it is Randy Newman at his finest. Sad, dark, comical and strangely happy. I lost the album many moves ago, but the record wore grooves in my mind that will never heal. I recall each song, and the very personal intonations of an intimate performance that meant so much to me. Thanks, iTunes, for making it available again. If you like any of his music, try this. Early brilliance.