After two vastly contrasting LPs, Reprise filled the gap between Randy Newman's studio stays with this 1970 solo concert recording from the Bitter End in New York. Constructed around five songs from the eponymous first alb... more »um and four from the second LP (12 Songs), it's rounded out with two selections that would later appear on Sail Away, another Newman didn't polish in the studio until 1977's Little Criminals ("I'll Be Home"), and two trifles--"Tickle Me" and "Maybe I'm Doing It Wrong"--that didn't turn up until 1998's four-disc box set, Guilty. Live has a modest, intimate appeal, but with all that redundancy, it's ultimately not essential. --Steven Stolder« less
After two vastly contrasting LPs, Reprise filled the gap between Randy Newman's studio stays with this 1970 solo concert recording from the Bitter End in New York. Constructed around five songs from the eponymous first album and four from the second LP (12 Songs), it's rounded out with two selections that would later appear on Sail Away, another Newman didn't polish in the studio until 1977's Little Criminals ("I'll Be Home"), and two trifles--"Tickle Me" and "Maybe I'm Doing It Wrong"--that didn't turn up until 1998's four-disc box set, Guilty. Live has a modest, intimate appeal, but with all that redundancy, it's ultimately not essential. --Steven Stolder
CD Reviews
This is great
12/07/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I recently bought a four CD collection called "Guilty: 30 years of Randy Newman." It's good. But if you only want to buy one Randy CD, or a just checking him out for the first time, and you're interested in his non- movie songs, this is a great one. Since it's live there is some talking between songs (not too much) that gives you a better feel for the man. And he is such a great musician and performer that every live song is flawless."
One of the best stopgap releases ever...
ewomack | MN USA | 01/08/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This is one of Newman's best albums. It's just him, a piano, a microphone, and (what Newman claimed in an interview) about a dozen people in a club. It sounds like he's playing at your private party - you can hear the laughter of the crowd, of Newman himself, and all of the ambient noise of the club.Some of his best early songs are here: "Mama Told Me Not To Come" (a great version), "Old Kentucy Home" (this version lets you hear the great piano part much better than on "12 Songs"), "Yellow Man." Also, two songs that were never released elsewhere: "Tickle Me" and "Maybe I'm Doing It Wrong" are both great and hilarious songs (the second song was recorded for "Sail Away" but not included - it is included on the recent re-release of "Sail Away" in orchestral version). Also included are some songs then yet to be released: "Last Night I Had a Dream" and "Lonely at the Top" which were both on "Sail Away" released after "Live."The album was supposedly released because Newman was taking so long in producing "Sail Away" and the record company wanted to keep momentum up. The public benefitted doubly: we got a great live album and a great follow-up.I had the privledge of seeing Newman in concert during the "Land of Dreams" tour some years ago. Again, it was just Newman and a piano. His show hasn't changed much (not that it needs to): he asks for requests and the audience begins shouting out song titles, he laughs during his songs, makes fun of himself and tells some great stories. Listening to Newman's early material shows that his style was set very early on, and he's been building on it ever since (though some think he's merely repeating himself, which I don't agree with).The only thing that would be better than this album would be a follow-up. A live album from one of his recent tours with just him and piano. He's put out so much great material since then and sometimes his recordings hide his piano playing. It would be a happy companion to this great album."
A great performance by this gifted artist.
John | PHOENIX, AZ USA | 01/05/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I bought the vinyl LP version of this album more than 25 year ago when Newman was relatively unknown and it was one of my favorite albums. I sold my turntable many years ago and have not heard this since. I recently purchased the CD and am glad to hear these old songs again. The CD contains live versions of classic Newman songs. The music was recorded in a small club so the production values are not what you might expect in a studio recording. No fancy recording equipment, background singers, or studio musicians - just Newman and his piano. However, the live atmosphere though seems to add to, rather than take away from, the experience. You can hear people in the audience laugh during humorous verses. They shout out requests between numbers. In recent years Newman has been known for his work on movie soundtracks. This CD explores the roots of this gifted songwriter. Whether you're a long-time Randy Newman fan or just someone that likes quirky songs, this CD should be part of your collection."
A Man And His Piano
Mike B. | 10/24/2009
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Randy Newman "Live" (1971) is Randy singing and playing his piano in front of a small, appreciative audience. With no string section or band backing him up, every song shines. Though most of these can be found on earlier or later records (with accompaniment), this is intimate and revealing. We get to hear how they sounded when he first wrote them at home, before adding orchestration. Americana, humor, sadness, empathy - all of his astounding songwriting gifts were already in full bloom.
Let me admit upfront that there's a good reason why I love this so much. Not only was it my first Newman album, but I saw his tour for this record at a small club back then - and he performed every one of these songs. It was one of the concert highlights of my life. So I've been asking myself if this is actually an "essential" purchase, and I still think it is.
In his 40-year career (starting with his 1968 debut "Randy Newman", up through 2008's "Harps And Angels") - Newman has made only 10 studio albums of original compositions with vocals. "Live" captures him in an intimate setting that we wouldn't hear again until "Songbook Vol.1" (2003) - his only other "man and his piano" recording of old material. Both sound as if he's playing just for you in your living room. Very personal, very great.
Of course, he's also had an extraordinary career as a film composer, and has many good soundtracks and theme songs under his belt. If you like to watch old movies, the Newman name comes up a lot in the credits. His uncles Alfred, Lionel, and Emil - and cousins Thomas and David - were all famous film composers. As much as I like Randy's film work, I like his "pop" records (for lack of a better term) more. There's only 12 main albums at this point, which makes him easy to collect. All are worthwhile."
Track Listings (14) - Disc #1