Jughead's Revenge It's Lonely At The Bottom + Unstuck In Time [2on1] (1995)

After signing with Chrysalis Records for—at the time—the highest paid contract for a new band, The Babys released their self-titled debut in 1976, with Broken Heart following the next year, containing the Top 20 hit “Isn’t It Time.”

Inspiring generations of musicians, Scottish guitarist and songwriter Bert Jansch will be forever known as a remarkable talent and a leading figure in the British folk revival. He came to prominence in the 1960s becoming widely known for his exemplary guitar technique and innovative blend of folk, blues and jazz. Later he became a founding member of folk supergroup Pentangle before returning to his solo career.Led Zeppelin, Bob Dylan, Paul Simon, Donovan and Johnny Marr have long been fans.

This is a fabulous collection, even if you have got all his original albums. The range of music on offer here is amazing. The early tracks like 'Love Story' have a Phil Spector like feel to them. Big orchestral arrangements, contrast wonderfully with Newmans southern drawl and simple Piano parts. Later tracks perhaps, better show the true talent of this great songwriter. From beautiful ballads like 'I think its going to rain today' to various degrees of satire and wit (take your pick from many songs). Randy Newman wrote numerous hits for other people so 'Mama told me not to come' is better known as a Three Dog Night Hit. 'Simon Smith….' was a hit for Alan Price.
Picking favourite tracks is difficult, but upon recently listening to 'Political Science' again, its relevance today is the same as it was in 1972 when I think Nixon was President of the U.S. "South America stole our name, lets drop the big one they'll be no-one left to blame us". However 'My Life is Good.' remains my favourite for his indignant delivery "My Life is good you old bag". A splendid reference to Bruce Springsteen follows later in the song "Rand I'm tired how would you like to be the boss for a while" - cue a Clarence Clemons like Sax solo…
Randy Newman is a criminally under-rated musician and songwriter. Get this collection and find out what you've been missing. Better still if you ever get a chance to catch one of his rare concerts see him live. To that end the last track on the album is probably the best 'Lonely at the Top' (which I believe he wrote with Sinatra in mind), which captures Newman in concert alone at the Piano in 1970. Its just magical.