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52 of 52 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
An Underappreciated Singer/Songwriter, November 1, 2002
If you already own either of RCA's previous hits collection (1978's All-Time Greatest Hits or 1995's exhaustive 2-disc Personal Best), there isn't much reason to add this to your music library. If, however, you don't have either of those anthologies, this is a terrific overview of one of the most powerful singer/songwriters of the seventies.Nilsson did not have a lot of hits, but he was a prolific songwriter and many artists covered his songs, including Three Dog Night (they had their first Top 10 hit with "One"), David Cassidy (He had a U.K. No. 1 with "The Puppy Song"), Blood Sweat and Tears (who recorded "Without Her" for their debut), and the Monkees ("Cuddly Toy"). Oddly, two of Nilsson's biggest hits ("Without You" and "Everybody's Talkin'") were written by others. While Nilsson may not have been a superstar in terms of hits or record sales, he was one of the best artists of the decade. This collection is a fitting tribute to an artist who deserves wider recognition. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
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20 of 20 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
An Artist's Artist, April 22, 2004
In 1968 Paul McCartney and John Lennon said that Harry Nilsson was their favorite American singer. This recommendation was powerful given that McCartney and Lennon were the most successful rock music composing team of the era, as well as being members of the most successful rock group of all time. Paul and John's recommendation characterized Nilsson; he was the singer and songwriter that other singers and songwriters admired. While Nilsson was not as popular as many of his contemporaries, he had his contemporaries' admiration, and many of his contemporaries covered his compositions.The list of groups that have made hits of Nilsson songs is lengthy, including the Monkees, the Yardbirds, Three Dog Night, Herb Alpert, and Blood, Sweat and Tears. Harry even did covers of other artist's music, such as "Everybody's Talkin'," which became the theme song to "Midnight Cowboy," and "Without You." Nilsson had a sense of humor that was often ironic and subtle. As an example, seek out the meaning behind "Cuddly Toy." The mellow sound and the topic provide extreme, bizarre contrasts. This collection of music is a rarity, an excellent overview of a great artist. Well worth having if you can appreciate the skill of an excellent composer who can also sing.
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17 of 17 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
The best of the best..., May 27, 2004
Harry Nillson is by far the most ingenius songwriters of the 60's. He inspired so many singers and songwriters over the decades it is hard to think what we would have done without him.I think my favorite song on this album is "You're Breaking My Heart"...I know, not well known but an absolute knee slapper!!! Totally caught me off guard. The other songs are sure to make you smile, remembering where you were and what you were doing at the time you first heard it. "Everybody's Talkin'", "The Lord Must Be In New York City", "Cuddly Toy", etc.. are the standards we baby boomers grew up on. I originally owned "Nillson Smillson" and played it till it wore out. Am so glad I chose to replace it with this version of the best...
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