Randy Newman - I Love LA

Album: Trouble in Paradise
Artist: Randy Newman
Released: 1983

I can't believe I'm starting this with a Randy Newman song - a musician whose only other songs I'm remotely familiar with are just theme songs from Pixar movies. Apparently, Randy had quite a career before he started making what could be considered dopey baby music.

"I Love LA" is an incredibly sarcastic and funny depiction of LA that, despite the song being written 40 years ago, pretty much holds up to how LA looks and feels today. Some of my favorite lyrics include:

Rollin' down the Imperial Highway
With a big nasty redhead at my side

It's a fun, rockin' song that, for some reason, whenever I hear it (like today), gets viciously stuck in my head. I think Mr. Newman has a knack for that.

Added bonus: As always, the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame performances are truly incredible, and "I Love LA" - complete with John Fogerty(!) and Tom Petty(!!!) in support - is no exception.

While I happen to be very "meh" on LA, I have to admit, I love "I Love LA".