Search - Various Artists :: For Love of Harry: Everybody Sings Nilsson

A labor of love.

Maine Writer | Maine, USA | 12/31/2002

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Tribute albums are notoriously a mixed bag. Often, they fall into two categories: big names stars making mincemeat of classic songs, or unknown artists living up to their well-deserved status. This, however, is a very, very pleasant exception to these rules. Even the very annoying Randy Newman acquits himself well with a truly moving rendition of "Remember." All of which serves as a reminder of just how good Nilsson really was, both in terms of lyrics and melodies. Sure, there are duds here, like the goddawful trashing of "Coconut" by the semi-talented B-52's frontman Fred Schneider (it's almost too painful to listen to), but there are real gems, too, like Adrien Belew's playful version of "Me and My Arrow," Marc Cohn's "Turn on Your Radio," and a version of "Spaceman" by the Roches which bests the original. "Jump Into the Fire" becomes a Gospel classic, too, at the hands of LaVern Baker.What shines through most of all is the deep affection these performers, by and large, have for the music and for Harry. The liner notes are wonderful, too. For me, it reopened the door to Harry that had been closed for so long."

Decent overall, but Harry's versions are still the best!

Maine Writer | 06/20/1999

(3 out of 5 stars)

"This album is O.K. as far as tribute albums go, but nothing beats Harry Nilsson's original voice. That being said, many of these remakes are superb; the version of "Don't Forget Me" with the added percussion is excellent! However, there are some severe mutilations as well: the version of "Coconut" by the B52's guy and the complete ruination (a real word?) of "Jump into the Fire", a song that really should NOT be re-done by anyone! Be forewarned: some of Harry's biggest hits (eg. Without You) are not covered, because he did not write them..."