Search - Harry Nilsson, John Lennon :: Pussy Cats

THE NEW AUDIO BENCHMARK

BOB | LOS ANGELES, CA | 10/28/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"In 2006, after painstakingly purchasing and comparing all the Nilsson domestic, European and Japanese CD versions, I posted a review on the best-audio edition of each title. That was split between four UK, one domestic and six Japan CD's.



However, time and technology have marched on. In Q307, the entire Nilsson pre-1978 catalog (except "The Son Of Dracula", announced but subsequently canceled), were remastered anew and released in mini-sleeve format by BMG Japan.



So, what was slightly confusing before, with all the different international and domestic versions, has now been simply resolved: In terms of the best audio available, the fifteen new BMG remasters are head-and-shoulders superior to any pre-existing Nilsson CD. While the older versions were no slouches, these new BMG's are absolutely GLORIOUS. And, finally, there's complete, matched-mastered sound through the entire catalog, in contrast to the dynamic range variations in the older releases from varying remastering schemes.



In A/B comparisons between the new and older versions, it is also obvious different masters were availed of, because there are snippets of additional audio on the BMG's that never appeared elsewhere.



In addition, there are now approximately seventy bonus tracks spread out through the new BMG set; demos, alternate takes, singles and non-album tracks. Only one previously-available track is not in residence on the BMG set: "Waiting", which is found only on the "Harry/Nilsson Sings Newman" UK 2-fer.



If you are a true Nilsson fan, then don't delay in getting these, as all mini-sleeve releases are limited edition. It is possible, of course, that BMG will release these as less expensive jewel-case releases down the road. However, as the original Nilsson LP jackets were often wonderfully imaginative affairs, having these exact replicas only heightens the joy of ownership.



Amazon only allows 10 product links per review, so below are the first ten titles. The remainder, you'll have to find on your own (TIP: look for the 2007 release date when searching):



Pandemonium Shadow Show

Aerial Ballet

Skidoo

Harry

Nilsson Sings Newman

The Point!

Nilsson Schmilsson

Aerial Pandemonium Ballet

Son Of Schmilsson

A Little Touch of Schmilsson In The Night

P*ssy Cats

Duit It On Mon Dei

Sandman

That's The Way It Is

Knnillssonn



WHAT IS A JAPAN "MINI-LP-SLEEVE" CD?



Have you ever lamented the loss of one of the 20th Century's great art forms, the 12" vinyl LP jacket? Then "mini-LP-sleeve" CD's may be for you.



Mini-sleeve CDs are manufactured in Japan under license. The disc is packaged inside a 135MM X 135MM cardboard precision-miniature replica of the original classic vinyl-LP album. Also, anything contained in the original LP, such as gatefolds, booklets, lyric sheets, posters, printed LP sleeves, stickers, embosses, special LP cover paper/inks/textures and/or die cuts, are precisely replicated and included. An English-language lyric sheet is always included, even if the original LP did not have printed lyrics.



Then, there's the sonic quality: Often (but not always), mini-sleeves have dedicated remastering (20-Bit, 24-Bit, DSD, K2/K2HD, and/or HDCD), and can often (but not always) be superior to the audio on the same title anywhere else in the world. There also may be bonus tracks unavailable elsewhere.



Each Japan mini-sleeve has an "obi" ("oh-bee"), a removable Japan-language promotional strip. The obi lists the Japan street date of that particular release, the catalog number, the mastering info, and often the original album's release date. Bonus tracks are only listed on the obi, maintaining the integrity of the original LP artwork. The obi's are collectable, and should not be discarded.



All mini-sleeve releases are limited edition, but re-pressings/re-issues are becoming more common (again, not always). The enthusiasm of mini-sleeve collecting must be tempered, however, with avoiding fake mini-sleeves manufactured in Russia and distributed throughout the world, primarily on eBay. They are inferior in quality, worthless in collectable value, a total waste of money, and should be avoided at all costs."

Collector's item

Petey | Western Mass. | 03/26/2008

(4 out of 5 stars)

"This review is not about the music but about the time, relevance and composition of this album. It is a precious piece of the 70's puzzle as it unites two lost souls at possibly their lowest points in their storied careers and out of the ashes produces a soulful album. Yes, as everyone has already said over the years, this is a messy, ragged album. But the 70's was a messy, ragged world and the emotion of a few of these songs is precious. Last dance is great as Harry delivers a wonderful rendition and you can hear him struggle to hit some of the notes he was so famous for. His comment at the end was an honest one and now it brings a wry smile to your face. Lennon throws in some primal screams for good measure in other songs. Don't expect a masterpiece but this is still a very good album to listen to from time to time. Cheers!"

Don't underestimate this album because of your expectations

Charmerci | 06/04/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This really is a Lennon meets Nilsson album. Just fantastic.



A number of the not-positive reviews here seem to reflect their expectations of how this meeting of great talents should have resulted in a more polished result.



The album here may be rough and tumble and "uneven" (which I disagree with) but it is nonetheless great music. Loop de Loop may be a bit silly with the kids choral background and Rock Around the Clock is actually a pretty weak song - though the performance is fantastic. (I'd love to hear it without the vocals.) Sure, it's sad that Harry's voice was very horse but that does not detract from its musicality and spirit.



It really is one of Harry's best albums.

"