Nilsson Schmilsson [Extra tracks, Original recording remastered]

Harry Nilsson | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (January 13, 2004)
• Original Release Date: 2000
• Number of Discs: 1
• Format: Extra tracks, Original recording remastered
• Label: RCA
• ASIN: B000159ELA
• Also Available in: Audio CD  |  Audio Cassette  |  Vinyl  |  MP3 Music
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (102 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,232 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)
  • #6 in Music > Pop > Oldies > Baroque Pop
  • #18 in Music > Pop > Easy Listening > General
  • #18 in Music > Pop > Easy Listening > General AAS

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

The late Harry Nilsson's creative and commercial peak, this LP showcases the singer-songwriter's lighthearted worldview to best advantage. It remains one of the best, most consistent, and least dated albums from an early-'70s era not known for underplayed, unpretentious subtlety. Here you get strong interpretive singing (how ironic that this tunesmith's biggest hits were covers, such as Badfinger's "Without You"), inventive arranging (the hilarious, marble-mouthed "Coconut"), and distinctive melodicism (check out that lovely paean to the stars, "The Moonbeam Song"). In keeping with the domesticated figure on the cover--complete with housecoat, cigarette, and waiting refrigerator--the mood is laidback and homey, and there's a palpable feeling of comfort in both the production and the material. Nilsson's multi-octave voice was never so full of life. Other albums (like the John Lennon-produced Pussy Cats and the essential Nilsson Sings Newman) have their moments, but this is where to begin any Nilsson collection. (The 2004 reissue boasts superb remastering and six bonus cuts: one unreleased original tune, three demos, a Spanish version of "Without You," and a true oddity called "Lamaze.") --Don Harrison

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

85 of 85 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Finally, a definitive version! August 31, 2004

By Jamie Tate VINE™ VOICE

Format:Audio CD

This beautiful album has not recieved the love and affection it deserves throughout the years. There have been numerous CD releases and all (except for the $30 Mobile Fidelity gold CD) have woefully inadequate fidelity due to incompetent mastering jobs and/or poor source material.

The Camden import CD series were taken from cassette quality tape dubs and mastered for that "You aren't there" sound. The recent Japan remasters sound fine but have that very annoying digital hiss removal which destroyed the transients and made things sound like MP3's. Grrrrr!

This CD version was mastered from the original tapes by Vic Anesini. Vic's name is usually the mark of quality. You can buy with confindence when you see his name. He's made this album sound right... finally. It's not as top ended as the MFSL gold CD but that disc was sourced from Richard Perry's personal tapes and not the original masters. Vic has made some wise EQ choices and things sound smooth, natural and pleasing.

The bonus tracks are nice although all have been released before on various discs.

Again, buy with confidence. This is a wonderful album needing a place in everyone's music library.

41 of 42 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Harry Nilsson's Classic Finally Gets Remastered! January 18, 2004

By highway_star

Format:Audio CD

In 1971, singer/songwriter Harry Nilsson released the album entitled "Nilsson Schmilsson", and what many consider to be his best work. The smash hit "Without You" (written by Pete Ham & Tom Evans of Badfinger) was the album's first hit and it went straight to number one on the pop and adult contemperary charts. But the album also spawned several other hits as well with the reggaeish tune "Coconut" and the frantic rocker "Jump Into The Fire". The musicians on "Nilsson Schmilsson" are first rate with artists such as Jim Gordon (drummer for Derek & The Dominos), Klaus Voorman (played bass guitar on John Lennon's "Imagine" album), Chris Spedding (an accomplished guitarist) and Gary Wright (keyboardist for Spooky Tooth) all adding their two bits on this excellent album. The songs are full of pop tunes such as "Gotta Get Up", "Driving Along", "Coconut" and the seven minute rock classic "Jump Into The Fire". You've got ballads here such as the above mentioned "Without You" and "I'll Never Leave You". There are also six bonus tracks included in this newly remastered version such as "Si No Estas Tu" (Spanish Version Of "Without You"), "How Can I Be Sure", "The Moonbeam Song (Demo Version)", "Lamaze", "Old Forgotten Soldier (Demo Version" and "Gotta Get Up (Demo Version)". The remastering is excellent and certainly surpasses the non-remastered version with increased mid-range, bass and extended output. Ranked in the Top 100 albums of all time, "Nilsson Schmilsson" certainly has earned it's rightful place and is an album all lovers of seventies music should have in their collection.

17 of 18 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars You can jump into the fire..... September 26, 2000

By Wayne Klein HALL OF FAMETOP 100 REVIEWERVINE™ VOICE

Format:Audio CD

Nilsson. An underappreciated artist to say the least. Unfortunately his best work hasn't been available on CD or has had inferior sound until now. One of Nilsson's best albums receives the royal treatment with excellent notes by Curtis Armstrong (yeah, the guy from Revenge of the Nerds and Moonlighting). The selection of bonus tracks definitely enhances this package. We get the demos for a number of songs that made (and one that didn't) the album. The Without You demo is of particular interest as you can actually hear Harry working out the arrangement as he performs it solo on piano.

The sound quality is top notch (although it would have been nice if they had used the HDCD format or 24 bit remastering for that extra detail and warmth). There is a noticable difference between the domestic version of NS and this fine import. Rumor has it (Buddah Records wouldn't confirm it but I hear they are working on the masters as we speak) that Buddah Records will be reissuing Son of Dracula next year with a number of previously unreleased bonus tracks. While SOD wasn't Harry's best album (it did feature the terrific Daybreak though), the opportunity to hear unreleased tracks makes me water at the mouth.

Finally the guy is getting his due. Harry we miss you!

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars recipe for a classic October 20, 2000

By "[e-mail]"

Format:Audio CD

Ingredients:

take an incredibly emotive, beautiful voice with a four octave range,

blend with a set of eclectic songs that blend humor, pathos, heartache and love.

Cook with a band that included Klaus Voorman ("one" of the "5th" Beatles), Jim Gordon (fantastic session drummer, Derek & the Dominoes), Jim Keltner (if you don't know, don't ask, just listen), Cris Spedding (McCartney, Elton John, etc).

Top with one of the great producers of the '70s, Richard Perry, and you have one hell of a confection.

If you have a good stereo, and want to be blown away, buy this and put it on. Jump Into the Fire alone is worth the price of admission. Without You is simply one of the most breathtaking songs and arrangements, EVER. For those who think it's a bit overwrought, I suggest a steady diet of Mariah Carey.

Thirty-two minutes of pure music & pure genius.

16 of 18 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars Romantic Sentimentality with a Rock�n�Roll Veneer July 15, 2000

By dev1

Format:Audio CD

Nilsson Schmilsson is quite a departure for Harry Nilsson. Harry turns out some pretty hot rockers, and let's his normally subdued "soul" soar. The rock'n'roll veneer may be the result of a conscious change in style, or the association with musicians such as bassist Klaus Voorman and guitarist Chris Spedding. Klaus was a member of John Lennon's Plastic Ono Band, and Chris has played with everyone from John Cale to Elton John. Drummers Jim Keltner and Jim Gordon are stylist mentors. Also, Richard Perry is an often sought producer responsible for the work of dozens of popular music artists. Nilsson was so pleased with the results of Nilsson Shmilsson, that he asked Perry to produce three more albums. Written while Nilsson was in Africa, the CD is abundant with forceful rhythms.

Quick, who wrote `Without You'? Although the song was written by Badfinger, Nilsson's rendition is the definitive version. It's also the emotional core of Nilsson Schmilsson. Nilsson's pained and lonesome delivery and soaring vocals are unforgettable. In contrast to `Without You,' the most vigorous rocker is `Jump In The Fire.' Klaus Voorman's out-of tune bass lines thunder through Nilsson's impassioned singing. `Early In The Morning' is such a convincing blues number, it's easy to forget that Nilsson is singing. `Down' is a majestic acoustic ballad reminiscent of Nilsson's light and whimsical material. Nilsson's love and respect for Randy Newman is clear on the piano-based `I'll Never Leave You.' The vocal harmonies are tearful.

Harry Nilsson was one of several singer/songwriters of the early nineteen-seventies who defied the trend toward hard rock, and instead centered his vision on romantic sentimentality.... Despite the passing of the gifted artist who gave us `Without You,' we don't have to live without Harry Nilsson: his music will continue to charm undying romantics for decades to come. Thanks Harry. Read more ›