Genre: pop
Rating: *** (3 stars)
Title: Harry
Company: RCA Victor
Catalog: SP-4197
Year: 1969
Country/State: Brooklyn, New York
Grade (cover/record): VG+/VG+
Comments: gatefold sleeve
Available: 1
GEMM catalog ID: 4
Price: $9.00
Cost: $1.00
Harry Nilsson is a guy I've really tried to cultivate a liking and appreciation for. Unfortunately about the best thing I can say is that Nilsson was clearly an immensely talented guy who may simply be too sophisticated for my simpleton tastes.
The first couple of times I played 1969's self-produced "Harry" I remember thinking 'this is what a Randy Newman album would sound like if Newman could sing and carry a tune'. A truly bizarre mix of period piece originals balanced with a couple of interesting pop covers, the set's simply too diverse and eclectic to accurately describe. Nilsson himself seems to have been torn between underscoring his credentials as a true 'artist' and proving that he had what it took to be commercially successful. Fans are drawn to the set's musical diversity and Nilsson's thoughtful lyrics ('Nobody Cares About the Railroads Anymore' and ''City Life), along with his rather warped sense of humor ('Fairfax Rag'). I'll readily admit that most of it is wasted on me. While Nilsson had a great voice, it all sounded a little measured and precious to my ears. Tracks like 'Nobody Cares About the Railroads Anymore' and 'Mourning Glory Story' (with an admirable commentary on homelessness) are liable to give many of you ugly flashbacks to being stuck in some horrible high school English or History class ... The best songs are also the most commercial ones - a pretty cover of Paul McCartney's 'Mother Nature's Son', 'Rainmaker' and 'I Guess the Lord Must Be In New York City' (the latter was originally written for and passed over for the film "Midnight Cowboy".
"Harry" track listing:
(side 1)
1.) The Puppy Song (Harry Nilsson) - 2:58
2.) Nobody Cares About the Railroads Anymore (Harry Nilsson) - 2:47
3.) Open Your Window (Harry Nilsson) - 2:08
4.) Mother Nature's Son (John Lennon - Paul McCartney) - 2:42
5,) Fairfax Rag (Martin) - 2:14
6.) City Life (Martin) - 2:31
(side
2)
1.) Mourning Glory Story (Harry Nilsson) - 2:13
2.) Maybe (Harry Nilsson) - 3:20
3.) Marchin' Down Broadway (Harry Nilsson) - 0:59
4.) I Guess the Lord Must Be In New York City (Harry Nilsson) - 2:44
5.) Rainmaker (Harry Nilsson - Martin) - 2:33
6.) Mr. Bonjangles (Walker) - 3:53
7.) Simon Smith and the Amazing Dancing Bear (Randy Newman) - 2:47