The legacy Nilsson left behind, however is immeasurable. Generations of soft-hearted and romantic dreamers followed the trail he paved, and now any time we hear a song with layered harmonies, elaborate and unconventional orchestration, and a gentle sense of lovelorn hope, some credit should be given to him (even if the tribute happens via subconscious magic). Herein lies a list of songs that tread in Nilsson’s footsteps, celebrating reverb-laden vocals, lost loves, childlike wonder, and a winking sense of mischievousness.
“He’s My Best Friend” – JellyfishBrilliant power pop super(ish)group Jellyfish emulated a lot of Nilsson’s touchstones; sunny heartbroken songs with a ton of elaborate orchestration and charming harmonies. Their second and final album Spilt Milk showcases their smart songwriting and a whip-smart production from Jack Joseph Puig, this particular song has plenty of chiming sing-along pre-choruses alongside humming mellotron-style organ.
“Brother and Me” – Fludd
Bringing to mind the faux tropicalia of “Coconut,” this mid-’70s pop nugget from little-known Fludd is framed with an expectedly unexpected marimba melody as the lyrics croon about sailing along the tiny bay on their holiday.
“Starstruck” – Alan Merrill
From the pen of Alan Merrill, the guy who wrote the anthemic “I Love Rock N Roll” comes this two-minute 1971 trifle about a lovelorn backstage groupie complete with chiming piano and plenty of “Ooh-Ah” backing vocals drenched in a Harry-esque reverb.
“Paris 1919” – John Cale
Ostensibly one of Nilsson’s contemporaries, John Cale‘s unexpectedly non-avant 1973 album Paris 1919 is dripping with louche and romantic chamber pop gems, such as the title track which is rich in violins and literary references, balanced with a wonderfully sing-song chorus.
“Promises I’ve Made” – Emitt Rhodes
When Emitt Rhodes was rediscovered a decade ago, similarities were constantly and correctly drawn between Rhodes and Paul McCartney, but there are certainly some threads of Nilsson in his works. This song in particular lays down some striding piano and features the terrific soaring and fragile harmonies that evoke Nilsson’s best compositions.
“Out Of The Question” – Gilbert O’Sullivan
Gilbert O’Sullivan‘s biggest hit was the maudlin “Alone Again (Naturally)” which would be another good candidate, but “Out of the Question” checks even more boxes. Double-tracked throughout, meandering and important, a bridge that goes in unexpected directions, a muted trumpet solo and a sweeping string section. Check. Check. Check.
“It’s One of Those Nights (Yes Love)” – The Partridge Family
No stranger to an elaborate pop tune, this Tony Romeo-penned song performed by The Partridge Family showcases a motor-mouthed vocal in the verse which evokes Nilsson’s patented delivery. This, accompanied by a descending “Everybody’s Talkin” guitar and piano melody and a very noticeable harmony flutter in the backing vocals at the end of each line of the bridge feels like there’s a touch of Schmilsson in it.
“Flying” – Badfinger
Led by a striding piano, this Badfinger tune alternates between Nilsson’s soft-hearted crooning vocal and his often bombastic choruses. Double-tracked harmonies and lyrics concerning lying and dying give way to a soaring guitar solo and a howling final verse that almost feels like you’re breaking their heart/tearin’ it apart (if you know, you know).
Obviously there could easily be a thousand songs in this list, each one climbing sky high or plummeting into the depths of his gentle soul, but these are a few that stood out as terrific examples of Harry Nilsson’s legacy living on in song. If you know of others, feel free to share your favorites in the comments below.
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BrainBurst – Celebrating the music and legacy of Harry Nilssonhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kPoTNOQFhJo
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