Search - Harry Nilsson :: Sandman (24bt)

Good Harry/Bad Harry

Rand Higbee | Hager City, WI United States | 06/26/2003

(3 out of 5 stars)

"I own every one of the late, great Harry Nilsson's albums (really) and I have to rate "Sandman" as my least favorite. I suppose it says something pretty positive about Harry, however, when even after declaring it the least of his albums and I can still say that it is well worth listening to and well worth buying.The trouble with the album is that it catches Harry in the midst of a transition. After trying with his last several albums to be more of a "rock star," with "Sandman" he decides to get back to his easy listening roots. In case anyone is missing this point, he even opens up with the line "Deep down in my soul I hate rock and roll..."Trying to ease the transition for some of his newer fans, I guess, Harry includes several comical songs on "Sandman." Unfortunately, for the most part, these efforts fall flat. "The Flying Saucer Song" is the worst. More of a comedy skit than a song, at 6 minutes and 40 seconds it grows very tedious very quickly.But Harry could sing ballads and love songs with the best of them. "Something True," "Will She Miss Me" and the sly "Here's Why I Did Not Go to Work Today" prove, if there were ever any doubt, that Harry was one of the best vocalists of his day. It's too bad there weren't more of these songs and a few less jokes on "Sandman."Still, if you're a big fan of Harry Nilsson this is an album you'll want to add to your collection one day. If you're a casual fan, or are just discovering his music, you'll no doubt want to start with one of his more popular efforts instead. (You can't go wrong with either "Nilsson Schmilsson" or "Nilsson Sings Newman.")"