This is the Town: A Tribute to Nilsson: Vol. 1 – The Royal Potato Family

by | Mar 18, 2014 | Pop/Rock/World CD Reviews

This is the Town: A Tribute to Nilsson: Vol. 1 – The Royal Potato Family 020286214953, 1:04 [2/4/14] ****:

(Langhorne Slim, Dawn Landes, Low Cut Connie, Jenny O, The Mommyheads, Annie Nilsson, Blueberry, Willy Mason, Yellowbirds, Johanna Warren, The Wiyos, Rasputina, Church of Betty, Marco Benevento, Tracy Bonham, Stellacutta, Brian Dewan, Johnny Society, Mamie Minch, and Josh Kaufman)

It’s been 20 years since his passing; yet Harry Nilsson, his music and passion still inspire a collection of talented artists into the 20th century.  This is the Town, A Tribute to Nilsson Vol 1 is a fantastic collaborative effort to deliver 20 tracks to a new audience.  Indie music vets like the Mommyheads, Tracy Bonham, The Wiyos, and Marco Benevento translate some of the best songs ever written & performed.  The influence that John Lennon and the Beatles had on Harry (and likewise) prevail in nearly every track.

Coconut, covered by Brian Dewan; Everybody’s Talkin’ covered by Tracy Bonham and Think About Your Troubles covered by Willy Mason are my three favorites on this record.  The Nilssonesk adaptation of these tracks evidence the pure musical imagination of all of the stellar artists on this record.

The liberation of these songs, mostly performed by indie and folk artists, is sure to bring the man with the last name of Nilsson into many more ears than prior to the tribute.  For those that are already keen on Nillson, this This is the Town is a wonderful addition to the collection.

TrackList:

1. Langhorne Slim – Early In The Morning
2. Dawn Landes – You’re Breakin’ My Heart
3. Low Cut Connie – Jump Into The Fire
4. Jenny O – 1941
5. The Mommyheads – Me and My Arrow
6. Annie Nilsson- Gotta Get Up
7. Blueberry – Poli High
8. Willy Mason – Think About Your Troubles
9. Yellowbirds- Rainmaker (Nilsson /Martin)
10. Johanna Warren – Without Her
11. The Wiyos – Nobody Cares About The Railroads Anymore
12. Rasputina – Sweethaven
13. Church of Betty- Without You (Pete Ham, Tom Evans)
14. Marco Benevento- Are You Sleeping?
15. Tracy Bonham- Everybody’s Talkin’ (Fred Neil)
16. Stellacutta- Everything’s Got ‘Em
17. Brian Dewan- Coconut
18. Johnny Society- Mr. Richland’s Favorite Song
19. Mamie Minch- Don’t Forget Me
20. Josh Kaufman – I Said Goodbye to Me

—Paul Pelon IV

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