I can think of few artists more deserving of a mega-box set
spanning a decade’s worth of material than Mr. Harry Nilsson. Sure, there have
been reissues of his albums in the past, on various labels and formats, but
nothing that could be called truly definitive. On July 30, 2013, that is about
to change.
RCA/Legacy will release the 17-CD retrospective “The RCA
Albums Collection”, featuring fourteen original albums spanning the years
1967-1977. Each of these albums is loaded with bonus goodies – and if that
wasn’t enough – there are three additional discs filled to the brim with even
more rarities.
(If you'd rather watch than read - or both - check out an exclusive unboxing of the Nilsson set:)
Where to begin….for a box you can hold in your hand, it’s so
overwhelming. There’s so much “good” here. Let’s start with the art. The outer
box is a classic tan/brown combination, featuring a picture of Nilsson in his
prime on the front. It folds open to reveal seventeen mini-LP sleeves and a
hearty booklet. The fourteen mini-LPs are faithful to their original vinyl
counterparts, including gatefolds when appropriate. The three bonus discs have eye-catching
designs by Steve Stanley (of Now Sounds fame), and fit right in with the look
of the older albums.
The booklet is expertly annotated by Andrew Sandoval.
Sandoval, a Grammy-nominated producer/engineer who has worked on countless
projects that would interest you (as if you didn’t already own them all
already…) gives a nice intro to the collection before briefing the reader on
each disc in the collection, providing facts and filling details along the way.
There are more than a few Nilsson pics here, too, along with the track listings
of each disc with relevant writers’ credits and musician information.
The sound of this set is breathtaking – in this writer’s
opinion, blowing away all previous issues of Nilsson on compact disc (or any
other medium!). Mastering is by Vic Anesini – he made these recordings sound
vibrant and fresh. The star of these recordings (it goes without saying) is Nilsson,
and Harry’s voice shines through on each and every one of these tracks –the way
it’s supposed to be. The bass is clear, the drums are punchy. Everything’s
right here.
Oh, yeah – the music:
Nilsson’s first two albums on RCA, Pandemonium Shadow Show
and Aerial Ballet, are represented in their stereo AND mono mixes. The mono
mixes have never been available on compact disc before. You don’t have to
choose which mix you like better, but it’s fun to compare the differences
between each.
Harry and Nilsson Sings Newman have a variety of interesting
bonus tracks. Highlights include the UK-only single mix of “Mournin’ Glory
Story” on the former and “Snow”, a beautiful Newman song that didn’t make the
final cut on the latter.
The Point!, Nilsson at the very top of his game, sounds better
than ever – and I’m oh so glad that box set producers Sandoval and Rob Santos
didn’t forget that irresistible alternate mix of the single-only “Down To The
Valley”. It has even more Brian Wilson-esque touches than the 45!
Long before remix albums were hip, man, Nilsson made his (he
called It Aerial Pandemonium Ballet) – and there’s a bevy on bonus tracks. Of
note, five previously unreleased Italian language versions of songs from his
first album, and a November 1968 BBC session with the incomparable Brian
Matthew hosting.
The Schmilsson trilogy is next up – Nilsson Schmilsson, Son
of Schmilsson & A Little Bit of Schmilsson In The Night. All come alive no
matter what sound system you’re using – just crank ‘em up and enjoy that voice.
The remaining albums through ’77 were recorded and released during
a tough time in Nilsson’s career, but there are still many gems to discover if
you haven’t given them a chance. Among my favorites, “Don’t Forget Me” from the
John Lennon-produced Pussy Cats; “Turn Out The Light” on Duit on Mon Dei; “Will
She Miss Me?”, the last track on Sandman; the Harrison cover “That Is All” that
opens AND closes …That’s The Way It Is; and Knilsson’s ear-candy ballad “Lean
on Me”.
We’re not through yet. The real treat here is the bonus discs
that grace the set. Divided into three discs, part one (Sessions 1967-1968)
opens with the infamous demos Harry cut with Chip Douglas for The Monkees. The
piano and soulful vocal reading of “This Will Be The Night” is a mind-blower.
There are outtakes from the first and second album sessions here, too –
including unheard gems like “The Family” - and the most beautiful remix of
“Miss Butter’s Lament” that is imaginable. Baroque Pop in all its’ glory.
Sessions 1968-1971 picks up where the first one left off –
and provides even more rarities. “You Are Here” contains perhaps the best
chorus Nilsson ever wrote, and it’s been sitting in the vaults for over 40
years. Tracks from the motion picture Skidoo are here –the relevant vocal ones
that Harry was involved in – so no need to buy that cd separately. Among the other
unreleased pieces and alternates on this disc, a stunner is “Marry Me A
Little”, a five-minute Stephen Sondheim pop opus with fantastic vocals and
crystal clear sound.
The final Sessions disc has material from the Schmilsson
period(s). A previously unreleased alternate of “Jump Into The Fire”, with a
very different arrangement, is sure to surprise even the most die-hard of fans.
NILSSON – THE RCA ALBUMS COLLECTION is available everywhere
July 30, 2013. Don’t miss this one – it’s the box set of the year.
