Nilsson Schmilsson
Harry Nilsson
1971
Album Summary
Nilsson Schmilsson is the seventh studio album by American singer Harry Nilsson, released by RCA Records in November 1971. It was Nilsson's most commercially successful work, producing three of his best-known songs. Among these was the number 1 hit "Without You", written by Pete Ham and Tom Evans of the group Badfinger. The album was the first of two Nilsson albums recorded in London and produced by Richard Perry. "Jump into the Fire" and "Coconut", both written by Nilsson, also became hits. The album performed well at the 1973 Grammy Awards, earning a nomination for Album of the Year, while "Without You" won the Grammy for Best Male Pop Vocal Performance. In 2006, Nilsson Schmilsson was ranked number 84 on Pitchfork's "Top 100 Albums of the 1970s". The album was ranked #281 in the 2020 revision of Rolling Stone's 500 Greatest Albums of All Time list.
WikipediaThis one took me by surprise. I didn't know anything about Nilsson before today. Turns out people used to call him "The American Beatle" and The Beatles were on record saying that Nilsson was their favorite American group. Turns out, yeah, he sounds a lot like an american version of early 70s Beatles. Surprisingly good! Also, he's the guy who did the "lime in the coconut" song. I always wondered why that song had such a presence in pop culture. It's because Nilsson had an outsized presence in pop culture for a hot minute. But he never toured or played big concerts and, after Lennin was killed, he stepped away from the music industry (they were good buds, apparently). That said, there were some killer tracks on this album and, apart from the last two tracks, I really enjoyed listening to it.
Confession, "Gotta Get Up" was my morning alarm song for awhile. I'd heard this album a few times when my dad played it in the car. I always enjoyed it but it never made a huge impression on me other than that song, so I was ready to give it a 3. But then "Without You" came on and I couldn't stop myself from belting the hell out of that chorus, and I was like no yeah this is a 4! And lest we forget the man gave us the gift of "Coconut" on this record. Bless you for that absurdity Harry Nilsson. This album may not have had a ton of cultural impact or influence, but man is it a fun listen.
I want to know everything I can about the infamous "Lost Weekend" where John Lennon and Harry Nilsson did everything they could to drink themselves to death. Apparently Nilsson was such a legendary boozehound that all Lennon would have to say about the time was, "I was drinking with Harry Nilsson" and everyone knew exactly what he was talking about. Lennon had such admiration for Nilsson that he was willing to follow the man to the end of the earth. Listening to this album, you hear why Lennon (and apparently the other 3 Beatles) sung Nilsson's praises. The three hits are the standouts, especially "Jump Into The Fire". That one obtained legendary status for scoring the Ray Liotta paranoia coke montage in Goodfellas. I bet Harry Nilsson loved Goodfellas. If you're ever running late somewhere and find the need to go just a tad over the speed limit, I highly recommend scoring your trip to "Jump Into The Fire". You'll find yourself looking up and thinking that helicopters are following you. The song alone is almost enough to rate this baby as a 5 (well, that and the album cover). Back to that Lost Weekend with Harry and Lennon: Apparently video footage of the night Lennon and Nilsson got kicked out of the troubadour because they could not stop heckling the Smothers Brothers doesn't exist. That just breaks my heart. I bet I'd like a movie about their Lost Weekend as much as I love Goodfellas.
My favorite Nilsson album. Nobody sounds quite like him. Has a sort of timeless quality. Amazing voice and gorgeous arrangements. Incredible range on display here in terms of emotions/moods captured and influences that he's woven together with impeccable pop craftsmanship. I feel like he sort of went off the rails in some ways after this album but this is him at his absolute apex. Love the album cover too. It's so bravely honestly vulnerably human, especially for the time. So comfortable with himself/who he is. I feel like it was a comically self deprecating way to balance the sheer beauty of the music. That and poke fun of the egos of so many other music performers.
back in the seventies anybody could do the jamaican guy accent. people encouraged it even, hey man, do the coconut voice! Cmon haha! this poor fuck probably got asked to do the coconut voice at every party he ever went to and now all he has to show for it is a vaguely nauseating song. that's showbiz! three stars for you "mon" (just kidding, thats racist now)
Un album très agréable, sorti à une époque où Renaud n'était pas encore tombé dans la bibine.
Nilsson Schmilsson you couldn't even be bothered to get dressed for the album or even name it properly but these are some jams boy
Like if you combined John Lennon and Paul McCartney into one person, but in a non-derivative way
Had no idea "Without You" was originally from this album. "Coconut" is my favorite and also had no idea this is where it came from. Loved the bass guitar in "Jump Into the Fire"
Schmaltzy. Lame. Annoying. Like one of those films when you can tell they had fun making it, but it doesn't come across.
I'm absolutely loving this album. I don't think there is a bad song on this record. There are some great highs and lows. I feel Nilsson has a great sense of humor. I'll keep this one handy
yesterday the american rolling stones (flamin groovies), today the american beatle. what an incredible record. gorgeous way to start the day. fav track: jump into the fire
This is excellent, well written songs and a stone cold classic in without you. Loved it
Exceptional album. Really really enjoyed it, recognised a few of the songs but never knew who sang them.
Ik heb al jaren zo'n zwak voor dit album en voor Harry. Ik maakte een sprongetje toen ik zag dat dit album verscheen uit de "album-generator".
Lots to say. Only listened to the original tracklist and skipped the bonus stuff. Great things: Variety of style (this album moves through rock, pop and blues) and variety of vibe (every song has a different feel), strong performance (Nilsson's voice is extraordinary), wide instrumentation (accordion, harmonica, brass, piano, normal rock rhythm section), just really excellent songs overall. Love that "Jump into the Fire" is one big rock jam song, but it messes with the signal volumes so you get this OTT bass solo and so the whole thing doesn't really drag, maybe my favourite song on here. Things that make this album stand out: The vocal is strong in the mix, but the lyrics are enigmatic, compact and weird, the subject matter is normally quite simple (getting up, driving to work, being sleepy, the moon, being down, being in love whatever) but hard to work out what individual lines mean coz he says unusual things, he wears a dressing gown on the album cover, and the album name is just taking the piss out of himself. Also, this guy writes a beautiful song like "Without You" but follows it up with some cautionary tale about limes and coconuts. That shit is whiplash-level jarring and I love it, and I can't stay mad at him coz his voice is just excellent and the whole thing makes me laugh. Every song has grown on me after multiple listens. I really wanna listen to more of this so gotta be five stars.
Absolutely smashing pop. Heard about the LP, knew a few songs, but never listened to it as a whole. Brilliant, shiny, fun pop. Why wasn't Lennon's material as collectively good on a single album?
un album che poteva essere uscito ieri per quanto è attuale a livello musicale, la voce trasmette un sacco di emozioni, estremamente godibile e non eccessivamente lungo
This is intriguing! It sounds like the sort of indie folk rock that had its moment in the 90s, like the Lemonheads when they stopped going punk. And yet it's not quite possible to say this would have influenced those 90s groups because the legend of this album is that it lingered in obscurity until a 90s rerelease. The production is bright and the album has an enjoyable pace. Give me this slice of the mid 70s that sounds just as fresh 45 years on.
Loved this album more than I expected! Definitely going into my regular rotation. Reminds me of my dad and learning about rock music.
What an unexpected delight. I love the way "Without You," probably the definitive modern love song, is followed by the playful absurdity of "Coconut," then "Jump Into the Fire" takes us on a psych-rock odyssey. And it does all this without ever losing its focus or missing a beat.
Fabulous ! Nan’s favourite album and for that reason and all the associated memories as well as the great tracks 5*
Soulful, playful, and adventurous. I quite enjoyed this album, and although it is not modern by any means, it did occasionally brush into timeless.
It’s impossible not to love an album that bravely makes the tonal leap from Without You to Coconut… Stupendous! Every song brings a smile.
Jasno mi je zašto su ga The Beatlesi toliko volili, prvi put slušan i baš mi se sviđa!!
This is a symphonic pop masterpiece. Harry Nilsson employs techniques from Brian Wilson, the Beatles, and Phil Spector to create an idiosyncratic album that is occasionally silly, and always well produced and arranged. The lush orchestration complements the close harmonies perfectly to create something that has commercial appeal yet pushes the genre forward.
No idea what to expect but this is awesome. so many great tunes. Will be listening to this again many times.
Think of this as the twee, desperate ramblings of an alcoholic American trying to keep up with the British invasion, then you may see the beauty of it as I do. Sure, it's 70% utter bobbins, fuelled by frozen margaritas and too many meetings with record execs, in the heat and ennui of affluent 70s California. Sure, some of those earworms are sung loud and desperately in the halls of asylums for the insane. But you can be sure when you've ratched Russian Doll and Gotta Get Up starts up for the seven thousandth time, a little smile will creep across your face and your your will tap along.
Early in the morning, bom vocal solo! Without you, clássica e Si Nos Estas, versão em espanhol. Coconut tem um hook bacana.
Wow I assumed the song Coconut was a cover and had no idea Nilsson was the origin of that legendary song haha! Also I could heavily hear that he had strong ties with the Beatles and when I read that he was mates with them and they were influenced by HIM I was not surprised. I love the witty word play in the lyrics and catchy melodies. It's light-hearted and fun. Entertaining and inventive. Can't believe this is yet another artist I didn't know about... It seems like Harry was an inventor and an ideas man. I think his music influenced a lot of people. I really like the sound of his voice because it reminds me of the Beatles. Would have loved to see him perform live.
Damn, he was on fire on this album, eh? Great stuff! Fave track - "Coconut" such an iconic tune!
I full bore love at least three tracks on this album without even putting it on. Early In the Morning, Coconut and Without You are all classics. And when I put it on you have the dance hall pop of Gotta Get Up too! This is a fantastic album, humour and a love of music all rolled into a really tight 40 minutes. Sublime.
I listened to this a long time ago when I first got into John Lennon, he told me about this guy and everything was peachy. From what I remember it was pretty good
Excellent! Surprised I hadn't even heard of this one before. Playful, fun pop-rock with some very clever lyrics.
I've always loved this album, it was on the record player a lot during my teen years. Great voice, great variety of tracks and some real classics in there.
Really cool album. Actually never heard about Harry Nilsson and there’s deffo more great music to discover there!
Without You is so wonderful you'd buy the album just for that. Then you get this eclectic mix from The Beatles favourite singer (and favourite band). Jump Into The Fire is a great song that features the that bass legend, Herbie Flowers in one of his finest appearances. The whole album is breathtaking.
really enjoyed this one, took me back to the summer of 74’ when i wasn’t born yet! oh to go back to the days of not existing :’)
Already knew I loved this album. 'Jump into the Fire' is just an all-time great song. Really great songwriting and fun songs. Standout tracks: Gotta Get Up, Without You, Coconut, Let the Good Times Roll, Jump into the Fire
I about lost my shit when Coconut came on. Should have known that Coke wasn’t clever enough to come up with a jingle like that
Me identifiquei com o álbum, parece algo que eu faria se eu fosse músico. A faixa do coconut foi divertida :P
I recognize way too many songs from this and never knew who the artist was. Ive learned something today!
Hard not to love Harry Nilsson, he is so playful and earnest. Quite a few good songs here and I think they hold together pretty well as an album too.
This is Sunday morning spring cleaning music. Open the blinds, open the windows because and it’s just warm enough. The sun peeks through some clouds and you know it’s gonna stay out all day. It’s time to get out the swifter. Really enjoying the Beatles-esque voice meshed with a few electric guitar riffs. Reminds me of Carole King.
The artist no one knows they know, and love. I realized I had never sat down and just listened to him. He's just everywhere.
Without You" / "Gotta Get Up" Released: October 11, 1971 "Jump into the Fire" / "The Moonbeam Song" Released: March 1972 "Coconut" / "Down" Released: June 1972
4.0 - “Without You” is an indication of the quality of songs on this album. Every song is well composed, many take interesting risks or even seem built on a risk, the synthesized organ sounds come through as confident and bassy as early Elton John. Vocals are sharp and I’d put him up against Mariah on “Without You”, he just crushes on that track.
I'm not sure why but was expecting this to be...well, more Scandinavian! Having said that with the exception of the over use of an accordion on the first song, its quite good. Beatle-esque. Solid 3/5 Extra point as in the 2nd half of this album it really ups its game 4/5
very fun, what a difference between without you and coconut. I liked early in the morning and jump into the fire best (sick bass and drums).
Put off listening to this, but a vey surprising album full of great Beatle-era pop tunes. 4.3
Put off listening to this, but a vey surprising album full of great Beatle-era pop tunes. 4.3
I liked it a lot -- it was quite strange, but I thought that there were some sick instrumental parts, and he has a really nice voice. I liked Without You, Jump into the Fire, and The Moonbeam Song, but the Coconut song is also a straight up classic.
Surprised by the album and how much I enjoyed it. Always excited to recognize a song (as someone with not much of a music background) so enjoyed Coconut when it came on, but also liked it a lot more than I expected. Good tunes all around.
Production: 14/20 Songwriting: 16/20 Innovation: 12/20 Presence of pure bangers: 15/20 Emotional response: 16/20 =73 OOhh and then I found out that LCD covered jump into the fire which is cool
herkenbare opener uit 'Russian Doll', mooie versie van 'Without You' en 'Jump into the Fire' is had me op het einde helemaal mee. De rest ook mooi, maar springt er minder uit
eclectisch maar met goede nummers beschrijft het helemaal. Leuk album. Jammer van Jump into the fire dat niet helemaal past bij de sfeer.
Absolutely brilliant stuff - his version of without you is the definitive one for me too
Sounds waaaaay ahead of its time. Right from the first track. Some songs sound like something you'd hear on the radio now. Can hear some Beatles influence. Decent songs though overall. I recognised 'Without You' and 'Coconut'. Struggled whether to give this a 3 or a 4 cos its not massively my kinda genre but as a whole album it is really well done, feels like a bit of an artistic masterpiece. So, 4/5
I seriously hesitated in not giving this album 5 stars. The first song is super fun, reminding me of the upbeat music of scissor sisters. The drum break in Jump Into the Fire is one of the biggest highlights. You can really hear a Beatles-esque influence all throughout the album. Will definitely listen again.
Love the name. Love the album cover. Didn't realize how classic some of his songs were.
I enjoyed several of these songs. Can definitely sense this album had an impact on several artists work
Didn't recognize any of the songs until track 6 then it was a steady stream of bangers.
great songs, great diversity and honestly surprised that i was completely unaware of the name harry nilsson
Good hits, I enjoyed this - I liked the variety of "bops" and some that were more cinematic
I'm finding it exceedingly hard to rate this album. On the one hand, it contains some great songs (Gotta get up; Coconut; Jump into the fire; Early in the morning). On the other hand, it also contains some kind of whiny songs that I definitely thought about skipping (Without you; I'll never leave you). However, he did name this album Nilsson Schmilsson, which also deserves at least another half star. Let's settle for 4.5 stars then, which I will round down to 4.
Love the first song, knew it from Russian Doll. Other songs also very pleasant. Coconut featured in Reservoir dogs also a classic of course!
Nilsson is an expert songwriter. I am impressed by most every song on here, just lovely works. I don't have much more to say. Just great songs.
that “Gotta Get Up” song is so catchy. cool percussion. his voice was very lovely. a very feel but also very sad but in a nice way. nice sad. a really good album overall but the end songs were just a bit weak :( shame
Aside from a couple songs the album was really good. It had fun songs that felt like an old movie intro and emotional songs that made me wanna give Harry a hug.
Really good. Not a bad track on it - some better than others, but consistently above average.
YOU PUT THE LIME IN THE COCONUT AND DRINK IT ALL UP. (Honestly the rest of the album was pretty good) 4
Had never heard of him, which is surprising given I had definitely heard "Without You" before. Lots of solid songs, 1 bit of sound medical advice (Coconut) and one absolute banger in "Jump into the fire"
Actually quite enjoyed this, real mix of styles. I'd have given it 3.5, but happy to round up for the album title 😂
Opening track is very familiar, didn't know Harry Nilsson but it's music that you've definitely heard in movies/tv. Poppy classic rock, a guy and his keyboard and occasionally a guitar in the mix. Kind of fluctuates between jaunty energetic tunes and some more slow/sad tunes. Some real bops in the mix, good energy and you can really feel how deep he is into the music as he's playing and giving it his all when he sings. Only one that I really didn't like was the last song on the album. Everything else was enjoyable and brought a lot of different styles and emotions to the album.
Pretty good. Reminds me of some good older tunes, but some of these I'd consider adding to a playlist
So good. Even when there’s a song I tune out of or just generally dislike (looking at you “Coconut”), there’s usually a song right after that I’m all over. How great is that last tune? Strong closer, especially coming on the heels of “Jump in Ray Liotta’s Fire.” Gotta stir the sauce or it’s gonna burn, boys.
There were a couple of occasions where I laughed due to surprise, so audacious could Nilsson be with some of his vocal melodies. An extraordinary voice. The same cannot be said for the music, which is quirky in the conservative way a lot of albums of this era are. Still, Nilsson draws on rock, jazz, blues and balladry with aplomb, making this a varied listen - and one that doesn't outstay its welcome.
This guy is such an oddball to me for some reason. Is he really an oddball? I don't know. But I love so many of his songs and the fact that he was ever popular seems strange to me. He doesn't seem to fit in a particular genre of music.
First impression: blatant Beatles-esque attempt. HN's real voice is present in Early in the Morning and Coconut Song. I think that "Paul is Dead" might have been when HN left the band as was replaced by is brother PM who share a father? This is pretty good, against my original impression. 4 stars.
Absolutely brilliant stuff - his version of without you is the definitive one for me too
A wonderful idiosyncratic collection of songs that make me in turns both melancholic and joyful. Definitely gonna revisit this.
Only listened to this song once or twice before this time. It really is a fantastic set of songs. Varied in style and production Nilsson's absolute shines throughout. 4.5 stars
More of the songs than I expected were ones I knew. A wide variety of styles and vocal range. The guy is clearly a genius, both in songwriting and in picking his cover versions to sing. Gotta get up, jump into the fire, and coconut were my favourite tracks
Enjoyed this. Thought I only knew Coconut (such a strange song compared to the rest of the album) but recognized several as the album went on. Without You is beautifully written and sang. Gotta Get Up has that Mr Blue Sky/ A Day In The Life “alarm clock” kinda feeling too it. Fav Songs: “Without You” “Gotta Get Up”
Clàssic del soft rock de començaments dels 70, on destaca l'apropiació per sempre del tema de Badfinger 'Without You', però que no acaba aquí. Les divertides 'Coconut' i 'Gotta Get Up', les musculoses 'Jump Into the Fire' o 'Let the Good Times Roll'... tot el disc en sí és un poderós exercici de pop rock molt ben escrit, executat amb cura i produït amb encert
I had only ever listened to best of's before so was surprised by how this works as a cohesive album. Coconut jarrs being such an over exposed silly song, it however works as a middle point of the record
Holy shit! I had no idea I knew so many of these songs or that Harry Nilsson sang them ("put the lime in the coconut.." Classic production from its era. Will add to regular rotation.
viel Beatles - Seargent peppers usw drinnen, Randy newman, Crosby stills and naish. Teilweise fast Musical-artig. Aufwändige Arrangements - und ganz weird - Fade outs! Auch teilweise comical - überspitzt (put the lemon in the coconut - SIMPSONS!!). Plötzlich - a wild KEN LIIIII LIBUDIBUDAUTSCHU appears! ned uninteressant
Call this one a *hard* 4.5 because man, I was vibing hard to this record until "Coconut" brought it to a screeching halt. "Coconut" feels like a novelty song mixed in with some absolute, genuinely wonderful pop music. The rest of the album? Flawless. Just drop "Coconut". Favorite tracks: "Gotta Get Up", "Down", "Without You", "Jump Into the Fire"
What a fun eclectic mixture of tunes, did not know that he popularized the “lime in the coconut” song.
Decent album, very beatles-eque with a couple of songs that became famous later on due to being covered
*Early In The Morning * Jump Into the Fire Also decent Arthur Russell Iowa Dream vibes at spots.
Slightly surprised how good this is. Jazzy, funky, soulful with a side order of rocking, all without really being any of those things.
Fine album um,, lots of great songs and at time Harry's voice is absolutely beautiful, like in Without You. There are a couple of rockers that give this album energy. The blues song has a real air of authenticity and Harry makes it his own. As he does for all the material here. I can understand why this has become a classic and his go to album. 4.5 🌟
Whow! Tää puri mua siihen samaan kohtaan johon CCR:n yksinkertaisuus purasee. Ihan mainiot tekstit ja jotenkin kauttaaltaan mielyttävä kuuntelukokonaisuus. Kuuntelin putkeen kahdesti. Ja hei haloo onhan toi Without you ihan älyttön bängeri! 4/5 menee Kallen sunnuntailevyjen joukkoon.
2nd listen. Interesting album. Some good songs and some great songs. 4/5 Standouts: Coconut, Gotta Get Up, Without You, Others: Driving Along, Early in the Morning, Moonbeam Song, Let the Good Times Roll, Jump into the Fire. Down
Yo this is where the Lime and Coconut thing came from? That's pretty fucking wild. Took me by surprise. Overall it's not a bad record.
wow - doesn't sound like a 70s album at all, that could have been released yesterday. Suddenly wondered why he was heavily sampling "Without you" before realising it's his song! Just about getting over that and he puts the lime in the coconut...BRAVO!
Całkiem przyjemne, gość wydaje się być lekkim śmieszkiem. Ciekawe aranżacje, bardzo fajny głos, kilka dobrych nut. Solidne 4/5
Jump Into The Fire >> reszta albumu. Mimo to solidny, współcześnie brzmiący, przyjemny album. Miał słabsze momenty, głównie podczas eksperymentów z obco brzmiącymi instrumentami (I'll Never Leave You, patrzę na Ciebie). Gotta Get Up idealna piosenka na budzik, kąśliwy humorek się z niej wylewa i daje się odczuć przez całą resztę albumu.
Not gonna lie - I was afraid to listen to this album based on the title and cover alone, but I didn't make a mistake and played it. It was fun, didn't expect it to be this energetic, felt surprisingly fresh for '71. Interesting arrangements, especially the brass section, combined with tounge-in-cheek lyrics and a pleasant voice made a recipe for a 35 minutes well-spent. Highlights: Gotta Get Up, Coconut
What I expected to be a generic solo album turned to be a humorous exploration of well aranged sounds. The vocals were solid, the tracks were interesting and quite varied and the tracks did not blend together but stood on their own merits. I definitly enjoyed my time here more than I would have expected. Highlights: Walk into the Fire, Without You
Fun stuff. I need to explore him more. I know the Beatles really loved this guy. Also I learnt this is the source of that coconut song.
Day 13: Really liked this album. Easy to listen to, some good tunes and a decent voice. Favourite Songs: Coconut, Gotta Get Up, Jump into the Fire
This guy has defo got a decent tune in him. Largely flying under the radar it seems like he’s got a serious cult following! Good album!
Much better than I expected it to be. Obviously the tracks featured on Reservoir Dogs and Russian Doll soundtracks were culturally very familiar... and, of course... Ken Lee! Really enjoyed Jump Into The Fire too. I think several more listens and this could be a cherished album. 4.5
With Harry Nilsson looking mellow in a dressing robe, there's clue on the cover that this going to be a laid back idiosyncratic stoner record. For me Nilsson is a bit underrated as an artist and a singer. He wrote some decent songs and I absolutely love his voice. He had such a large vocal range (as on the Grammy winning 'Without You') and could cover pretty much anything and make it his own (as on 'Let The Good Times Roll'). I love the stoned playfulness of tracks he did write, like 'Coconut' and 'Gotta Get Up'. Not my favourite Nilsson album (that would be Ariel Ballet), but to it is a very good one.
Enjoyed it quite a bit 4. As a Russian doll fan it kinda blew my mind that gotta get up was from 1971.
I loved this album. Wonderful soft pop-rock that will make your day a whole lot better.
A varied and interesting album, a mostly enjoyable listen. The 'lime in the coconut' song is bonkers but ace
2nd June 2022 Listened in the morning of bank holiday Jubilee weekend. Spent Thursday doing house bits then saw the flaming lips in the evening. Didn’t expect piano and gentle, personable lyrics knowing only everybody’s talking. Loved it.