Randy Newman at top of his game on new album

LOS ANGELES — Nearly 50 years into his recording career, singer-songwriter Randy Newman is still at the top of his game on his first studio album of all-new material in nine years.

“Dark Matter’’ is a typically engaging mix of topical tunes, quirky characters, history lessons and wry asides. Topics include Russian President Vladimir Putin; President John F. Kennedy and his brother Robert Kennedy; bluesman Sonny Boy Williamson; and another bluesman named Sonny Boy Williamson.