Harry, a fitting title. Although stylistically it’s considered a bit of a transitional album, Harry established or reaffirmed most of the fan-endearing attributes that would characterize the best of Nilsson’s future work. There’s gorgeous song craft, expressive covers, orchestration, soundtrack residue, off-beat humor and tin pan hokum. There’s even a preview of his next LP as Harry covers Randy Newman’s “Simon Smith And The Amazing Dancing Bear.” Nilsson’s never-ending Beatles fixation produced “Mournin’ Glory Story,” a grim outcome/sequel to Paul McCartney’s “She’s Leaving Home,” and he even took a stab at Monkee money with “The Puppy Song,” a track originally written for Mary Hopkin, at McCartney’s behest.

The subversive Harry surfaces on “Fairfax Rag,” a bouncy ditty (one of a few compositions by Bill Martin) about getting pinched for mid-morning pot smoking, while the charming “Maybe” stylistically pointed the way to The Point! Harry kick-started an amazing 24-month burst of themed creativity – leading to Nilsson Sings Newman (a covers LP), The Point! (a concept LP), Aerial Pandemonium Ballet (a remix LP) and culminating with the breakout Nilsson Schmilsson. Five unique ideas and albums in just over two years.

Track listing:
The Puppy Song
Nobody Cares About The Railroad Anymore
Open Your Window
Mother Nature’s Son
Fairfax Rag
City Life
Mournin’ Glory Story
Maybe
Marchin’ Down Broadway Again
I Guess The Lord Must Be In New York City
Rainmaker
Mr. Bojangles
Simon Smith And The Amazing Dancing Bear