Hugh Laurie, Let Them Talk. I really avoided this, despite the blitz of positive features and reviews in my favorite UK music magazines. Then there it was, posted for free listening on AOL Music. Even then I hesitated. But I pushed “Play” and got a headful of determinedly idiosyncratic “Saint James Infirmary.” Challenging and confident, Hugh Laurie spends no time proving himself to the skeptical. You’re the one who has to follow him. Unlike so many actor/musicians who play the spotlight more than they do an instrument, Laurie finds affinities in slowed-down instrumental work-outs. When he duets with Dr. John, both men still their hyperactive sides for a sultry, sweethearted “After You’ve Gone.” Even the pattery “They’re Red Hot” gets a slow, train-conductor-intonation build-up. By the time you’re getting to the final track, the title song, and Hugh Laurie actually invokes comparisons to the great Randy Newman, well… you’re speechless.