Nilsson Schmilsson
Nilsson had a hit, a Grammy, and critical success, yet he still didn't have a genuine blockbuster to his name when it came time to finally deliver a full-fledged follow-up to Nilsson Sings Newman so he decided it was time to make that unabashed, mainstream pop/rock album. Hiring Streisand s producer, Richard Perry as a collaborator, Nilsson made a streamlined, slightly domesticated, unashamed set of mature pop/rock with a slight twist. This is an album, after all, that begins by pining for the reckless days of youth, then segues into a snapshot of suburban disconnectedness before winding through a salute to and covers of old R&B tunes ("Early in the Morning" and "Let the Good Times Roll," respectively), druggie humor ("Coconut" , and surging hard rock ("Jump into the Fire" . There are certainly hints of the Nilsson of old, particularly in his fondness for Tin Pan Alley and McCartney melodicism -- as well as his impish wit -- yet he hadn't made a record as cohesive as this since his first time out, nor had he ever made something as shiny and appealing as this. It may be more accessible than before, yet it's anchored by his mischievous humor and wonderful idiosyncracies. Chances are that those lured in by the grandly melodramatic "Without You" will not be prepared for either the subtle charms of "The Moonbeam Song" or the off-kilter sensibility that makes even his breeziest pop slightly strange. In short, it's a near-perfect summary of everything Nilsson could do; he could be craftier and stranger, but never did he achieve the perfect balance as he did here. [RCA/BMG Heritage reissued Nilsson Schmilsson in 2004 with six bonus tracks. Three of these -- demos of "The Moonbeam Song," "Gotta Get Up," and "Old Forgotten Soldier" -- were included on Britain's RCA Camden 2000 reissue, but the other three are not. There's the Spanish version of "Without You," plus two songs not on the album: "How Can I Be Sure of You" and "Lamaze." None of these are essential (though "Lamaze" is pretty funny), but they're all nice to hear. What is frustrating is that the Camden reissue has five bonus tracks not on this disc, meaning that Nilsson nuts need to own both reissues, which is a bit of a pain.] ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine, All Music Guide
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Credits »
Gary Wright - Interviewee
Chris Spedding - Interviewee
Herbie Flowers - Interviewee
Jim Price - Arranger
Phil Brown - Engineer
Harry Anger - ?
Paul Buckmaster - Conductor
Paul Buckmaster - Horn Arrangements
Robin Geoffrey Cable - Engineer
John Hudson - Product Manager
Richard Perry - Producer
Richard Perry - Interviewee
Richie Schmitt - Engineer
George Tipton - Arranger
George Tipton - Conductor
George Tipton - Horn Arrangements
George Tipton - Interviewee
Dean Torrence - Photography
Dean Torrence - Interviewee
Vic Anesini - Mastering
Acy Lehman - Graphic Design
Rob Santos - Reissue Producer
Robin Geoffrey - Engineer
Glenn Korman - Reissue Producer
Dennis Smith - Engineer
Jeff Smith - Design
Jeff Smith - Reissue Art Director
Curtis Armstron - Liner Notes
Curtis Armstron - Reissue Producer
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