Randy Newman fans will always single out the classic mid-period albums like Good Old Boys, Little Criminals and Sail Away. But to me, Land of Dreams is a lot more fun. You have the utterly brilliant autobiographical opening trilogy, ‘Dixie Flyer’, ‘New Orleans Wins the War’ and ‘Four Eyes’, and you have the spellbinding ‘I Just Want You to Hurt Like I Do’, and in between it sounds like he’s having loads of fun, with songs produced by Jeff Lynne, among others. ‘Falling in Love’ is delicious pop, and ‘Something Special’ is a gorgeous arrangement. Still sharp, still cynical and very funny – but this is a polished gem that remains one of the most entertaining moments in a glorious career.