Randy Newman is a hard one to pigeonhole. He set the stage for such songwriters as Tom Waits and Lyle Lovett with his odd-mannered vocals and witty, yet bleak, narrative songs. A fine craftsman, Newman couples his talent for lyrics with catchy pop melodies -- the kind that grandma has the sheet music to and plays on hot, summer nights. He's like an unholy alliance between Elvis Costello and Elton John -- which means he's either too hip or just not square enough for much of the publi...  [+]