Forgotten Songs of the '70s: Nilsson
Forgotten Songs of the ‘70s: Nilsson
When Harry Nilsson released Nilsson Schmilsson in 1970, the world was immediately hooked. The success of the Badfinger cover “Without You” broke Nilsson worldwide. But that wasn’t all that the record had to offer.
Buried among the first side is “The Moonbeam Song,” one of the most gorgeous, understated ballads ever recorded up until that time. Set against the sparest of accompaniment, Nilsson’s vocals are at their softest and most beautiful. The lyrics, when heard again and again continue to raise the spirits of anyone who hears them.
Among the most interesting lyrics heard in the song is the immortal line “And on a fence with bits of crap around its bottom.” Lines like this stick with you and never leave. The words are just so beautifully stated that you will find yourself humming along to the song every time you see a moon.
With the success of “Without You” and “Everybody’s Talkin’” the song was bound to be lost to the ages. But luckily, it was used in the 2000 John Cusack film “High Fidelity” and was rediscovered by a whole new generation who promptly fell in love with it. And once you hear it, you’ll never forget it. That’s the testament to the songwriting and spirit of Harry Nilsson.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lbnGUzzfRXo&feature=channel_page
When Harry Nilsson released Nilsson Schmilsson in 1970, the world was immediately hooked. The success of the Badfinger cover “Without You” broke Nilsson worldwide. But that wasn’t all that the record had to offer.
Buried among the first side is “The Moonbeam Song,” one of the most gorgeous, understated ballads ever recorded up until that time. Set against the sparest of accompaniment, Nilsson’s vocals are at their softest and most beautiful. The lyrics, when heard again and again continue to raise the spirits of anyone who hears them.
Among the most interesting lyrics heard in the song is the immortal line “And on a fence with bits of crap around its bottom.” Lines like this stick with you and never leave. The words are just so beautifully stated that you will find yourself humming along to the song every time you see a moon.
With the success of “Without You” and “Everybody’s Talkin’” the song was bound to be lost to the ages. But luckily, it was used in the 2000 John Cusack film “High Fidelity” and was rediscovered by a whole new generation who promptly fell in love with it. And once you hear it, you’ll never forget it. That’s the testament to the songwriting and spirit of Harry Nilsson.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lbnGUzzfRXo&feature=channel_page
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