Original Album Series

I've gotten several of these 'fivers" for under twenty bucks who were Warner/Atlantic/Elektra artists in the day. They're all fine. But sometimes, for reasons I don't get, some albums are not included. The great Chapter Two in the Roberta Flack collection, e.g., is excluded But the Randy Newman fiver has his first five albums in which he writes songs initially made popular by others (Mama Told Me Not To Come, You Can Leave Your Hat On) before his first hit single, Short People.

I am not a music expert, not a die hard fan of any particular singer or band, and worst of all I only like music when it fits my mood. For this reason I have a variety of genres, styles, eras of music to pick from.The Original Album Series gives me the opportunity at an affordable price to experience more music that accommodates this.

Five early discs replicating the first five albums of the American West Coast's quirkiest songwriters. Randy Newman may be the best of the west; except he might have to fight to a draw Harry Nilsson for a split decision. Newman may command the high ground due to his consistency. Not that Nilsson was a dilettante, but he was sometimes more concerned with being the 'Last Man Still Drinking as the Sun Rose'.The price-point in this box set should make this purchase a no-brainer. Newman has been consistently working, for so long, especially in the film soundtrack arena that is sometimes hard to remember at one point he was a relatively unknown composer with a scant resume. His current success is hinted at in his early work, but the scope and magnitude of that success could not have been guessed.Randy is, and always, has been conversationally direct with his lyrics. He tells stories. He crafts vignettes. He gives emotional depth to the characters which inhabit his work. And these discs demonstrate that he has always written and composed songs just that way. These are classic recordings by a classy composer and songwriter.Amazingly, he has made a successful singing career with an odd voice that almost ensures that no one else can ever cover his songs that are written from a male perspective. Yet, he has proved in his later career than he can composer very sensitive lyrics from a female point of view.This cat is amazing. And the evidence of his genius begins with these recordings.

I knew the songs already and I wanted them atound. It’s great.

What a great opportunity to get some of Randy Newman's best work, all in one package! And at such a great price! I was hesitant to buy it after reading reviews critical of the sound quality. No problem. So far, I think the quality is just fine. These are made by Warner Bros., it seems, so that's good enough for me; that is the original label, after all. Good Old Boys is quite simply a perfect album, a must have. Little Criminals is right up there with it; Sail Away is a little bit earlier and more stripped down, but you can't beat having side men like Ry Cooder on classic songs like "You Can Leave Your Hat On." Hey, if you don't know Randy Newman, get familiar with him before deciding to buy this set; he is not for everyone. But if you are a fan, how can you NOT buy this set?

nice collection

This is a delightful box set packed with hidden gems. I was previously only a casual fan but the breadth and depth of this catalog has made me a fan and I have since further explored his work in soundtracks. Many of the songs have been covered by others and honestly at times I like the covers better (Harry Nilsson's Nilsson Sings Newman with Newman on piano takes the songs to a new level with Nilsson's deft recording and vastly superior voice; one of the best albums ever.) Nevertheless I have really enjoyed these albums and come back to them periodically.

Not what I expected. Don't know how I received a different item and the one song I was looking for was not on any of the 5 disc's that I received. If Amazon's music web site was easy to use I could have just downloaded the 1 song digitally.

Randy Newman is one of the world`s greatest songwriters.Thank you.

Sometimes the Original Album Series will have two or three classic albums by an artist and a couple of also-rans to make up the five disks. Not so with Randy Newman. Each album here is indispensable. Amazing value for the price.

アナログを昔大量に処分してしまって、買い直ししている身としてこの手の廉価BOXは有り難い存在です。ジャケットに縁取りがあるのが難点です(殆どのシリーズは色の縁取りアリ)お得で安いので、もちろん中袋はありません。先日2015年のライブをテレビで観ましたが、表情も変えず淡々とピアノを弾きながら歌う姿に心動きました。相変わらずシニカルです(笑)映画音楽やアニメで知った方は驚くかもしれませんね"Good Old Boys"最高です。

What a fantastic deal. Five of Randy Newman's best albums for such a low price. This is all of his early albums with the songs that most of us love. The variety of music is astounding. A must purchase.

5枚のアルバムで彼を知ることが重要です。味のあるニューマンがわかります。