Nilsson Schmilsson

Nilsson Schmilsson

A high point of ’70s pop—and the album responsible for unleashing the absurdly catchy calypso jaunt “Coconut” upon the world—Nilsson Schmilsson packs in more delicious morsels than an all-you-can-eat buffet. Marvel at how “The Moonbeam Song” dissolves into Mellotron bliss and lazy, Beatlesesque harmonies. Then there’s the funky thump of “Jump Into the Fire,” whose bassline snakes, sidewinder-like, through echoing howls and shrieking guitar licks. The climax hits with Nilsson’s soaring rendition of the Badfinger ballad “Without You”—which is about as passionate as music gets.