The BBC Sessions

Loudon Wainwright III’s the Kurt Vonnegut Jr. of pop: He has a dark view of humanity, no technique, and a career consisting of long forgettable patches and fitful brilliance. The brilliance comes through amply on The BBC Sessions, 21 performances spanning 22 years (1971-93) of visits to the BBC. L.W. III won’t nourish you with melodies — few of his songs have one — but literally no other pop performer has his coruscating wit. A