LPCDreissues: Looking forward to the past

Often cited as one of his finest works, Sail Away (1972) established Randy Newman as a unique Pop artist like no other. Equally influenced by the vocal delivery of Bob Dylan and by traditional New Orleans R&B, Newman added a healthy dose of humour to the mix to great effect.

With the piano as his instrument of choice, his songs are complemented by carefully placed instruments (a.o. Ry Cooder joins in on guitar on "Last Night I Had A Dream") that subtly add to the giddy cinematic atmosphere. Newman built his own universe populated with satire, colourful misfit characters and great storytelling. Best known track from Sail Away is "You Can Leave Your Hat On", made famous by Joe Cocker a few years later.

180 gram audiophile vinyl
Insert
Gatefold sleeve
Side A
1. Sail Away
2. Lonely At The Top
3. He Gives Us All His Love
4. Last Night I Had A Dream
5. Simon Smith And The Amazing Dancing Bear
6. Old Man
Side B
1. Political Science
2. Burn On
3. Memo To My Son
4. Dayton, Ohio-1903
5. You Can Leave Your Hat On
6. God's Song (That's Why I Love Mankind)