Nilsson Schmilsson [GOLD CD]

Harry Nilsson

Product Details

• Audio CD (October 19, 1990)
• Original Release Date: November 1971
• Number of Discs: 1
• Format: Gold CD
• Label: Mobile Fidelity
• ASIN: B000000IRO
• Also Available in: Audio CD  |  Audio Cassette
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars See all reviews (17 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #45,934 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com essential recording
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, Nilsson's multi-octave voice was never so full of life, and there's a palpable feeling of comfort in both the production and the material. Other LPs (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. --Don Harrison

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

14 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Romantic Sentimentality with a RocknRoll Veneer, July 15, 2000

By	dev1 (Baltimore) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Nilsson Schmilsson (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.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Perfect Songs, Perfect Recording, Perfect Voice, June 20, 2001

By	Martin A Hogan "Marty From SF" (San Francisco, CA. (Hercules)) - See all my reviews (TOP 100 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)

This review is from: Nilsson Schmilsson (Audio CD)

This being Harry Nilsson's most popular album (garnering three major hits), is Harry's most entertaining album. Every song is upbeat containing romantic, rock, silly and torch songs filling your ears. "Down" pushes the envelope of reckless rythym and blues abandon, while "Jump Into The Fire" showcases the same frantic voice working a drum/bass line that never lets up. "Without You" is his most known song, a true tear-jerker and "Coconut" will make you laugh or drive you nuts. Finishing off with the romantic "I'll Never Leave You", Harry Nilsson pulls on your heart strings. Richard Perry did a marvelous job of production; probably one of his best and for the perfect voice.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Start your Nilsson journey here., December 15, 2002

By	Krabapple (Stereo Central) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This review is from: Nilsson Schmilsson (Audio CD)

As a recent discoverer of Harry Nilsson I am hurridly finding and buying every CD I see. I wish I could buy this album again and experience it for the first time once more. From the opening piano of 'Gotta Get Up' to the beautiful last chords of 'I'll Never Leave You' there isn't much not to like about this classic record. I'm proud to introduce this album on anyone who will listen. It's a definate must have for a true music lover's CD collection.

By the way, the Camden import sounds awful. It says it's remastered. If that's true the mastering engineer must have, for medical purposes I'm sure, downed a gallon of whiskey before he started. Notice his name isn't included in the liner notes. Hmmm! The bonus tracks sound good but the bulk of the album was sourced from bad, high generation tapes. I have a copy of the Mobile Fidelity Sound Labs CD and it's wonderful.