Description
Harry Nilsson – Pussy Cats – 180 Gram Vinyl Record
Vinyl Me, Please
VMP Essentials Record of the Month for April 2024.
Blue / Purple Split Vinyl “Mucho Mungo/Mt. Elga”
50th anniversary edition of Nilsson’s legendary “lost weekend” album
Pressed on exclusive 180g “Mucho Mungo/Mt. Elga” vinyl
Listening notes booklet by Andrew Winistorfer
Art print by Alan Hynes
Brand new, never played and still in the factory plastic
Harry Nilsson’s Pussy Cats (1974) is a notable album in Nilsson’s discography for a number of reasons. Produced by his close friend and musical collaborator John Lennon, the album was recorded during Lennon’s infamous “Lost Weekend”—a period of debauchery and excess in the early 1970s while Lennon was estranged from Yoko Ono. Pussy Cats reflects this chaotic time in both men’s lives, marked by its rawness, energy, and moments of melancholy.
Harry Nilsson had established himself as a successful singer-songwriter with hits like “Without You” and “Coconut”, known for his unique voice and quirky, inventive approach to music. By the time of Pussy Cats, however, Nilsson was struggling with substance abuse, particularly alcohol, which took a toll on his voice and overall health.
John Lennon, who produced the album, was also in a turbulent phase, separated from Yoko Ono and living in Los Angeles, engaging in heavy drinking and partying. The album was recorded during this period, leading to a loose, often chaotic recording process with Lennon and Nilsson indulging in excess.
Pussy Cats is often seen as an experimental and eclectic album. It blends rock, pop, R&B, and standards, with some tracks featuring lush orchestration, while others have a stripped-down, raw sound.
Nilsson’s voice, once known for its clarity and range, had been damaged due to a ruptured vocal cord, which he reportedly worsened by continuing to record while injured. His raspy, strained voice adds a sense of fragility and vulnerability to many of the tracks. Despite the personal and vocal challenges, Nilsson and Lennon opted to keep recording, and this rawness became part of the album’s overall character.
Key Tracks
“Many Rivers to Cross”: A cover of Jimmy Cliff’s reggae classic, this track is one of the most emotional moments on the album. Nilsson’s strained vocals add a sense of desperation and pain, reflecting his personal struggles.
“Save the Last Dance for Me”: This cover of The Drifters’ hit is another standout. Nilsson’s version is more laid-back and somewhat melancholy, with Lennon’s production giving it a looser, almost off-the-cuff feel.
“Don’t Forget Me”: One of the most poignant songs on the album, this Nilsson original is a bittersweet ballad, featuring introspective lyrics about memory, love, and loss. The song captures a sense of vulnerability, made even more affecting by Nilsson’s weathered vocals.
“Subterranean Homesick Blues”: Nilsson’s cover of Bob Dylan’s classic is playful and frenetic. The chaotic energy of the recording mirrors the wild, freewheeling atmosphere surrounding the making of the album.
“Loop de Loop”: A loose, fun track that showcases the playful side of the album. While not as serious or introspective as some of the other songs, it reflects the carefree, jam-session vibe that permeated the recording sessions.
Pussy Cats oscillates between playfulness and melancholy, reflecting the duality in Nilsson’s own life at the time. There are moments of fun and irreverence, but also a deep sense of sadness, regret, and fragility. Songs like “Don’t Forget Me” and “Many Rivers to Cross” explore themes of loneliness, heartbreak, and separation, while lighter tracks like “Loop de Loop” and “Rock Around the Clock” reflect the more carefree, chaotic energy of the sessions. The album title itself, Pussy Cats, hints at the blend of playfulness and vulnerability, a metaphor for the wild yet fragile state of Nilsson’s life at the time.
John Lennon’s production is loose and often chaotic, reflecting the unstructured nature of the recording sessions. The album doesn’t have the polished sound of some of Nilsson’s earlier work; instead, it feels more spontaneous and raw.
Lennon brought in a group of notable musicians, including Ringo Starr, Keith Moon, Jim Keltner, Jesse Ed Davis, and others. The result is a set of performances that feel like a mixture of jamming and more considered moments. Some critics and fans feel that the unfocused nature of the production detracts from the overall impact of the album, while others appreciate its rough-hewn quality, which mirrors the emotional turbulence of Nilsson’s life at the time.
Pussy Cats received mixed reviews upon its release. While some praised the raw emotion and Lennon’s involvement, others criticized Nilsson’s damaged voice and the loose production style. Over the years, the album has developed a cult following, with fans appreciating it as a raw, honest snapshot of a turbulent time in both Nilsson and Lennon’s lives. The album is often viewed as one of Nilsson’s more personal works, even if it isn’t as polished as his earlier efforts.
Nilsson’s vocal decline during this period is a source of both intrigue and sadness for fans, as his voice had been one of his most defining characteristics. However, the emotional intensity of his damaged voice on Pussy Cats adds a layer of vulnerability to the music.
While not as commercially successful as his earlier albums like Nilsson Schmilsson or Son of Schmilsson, Pussy Cats has since been re-evaluated as an important part of Nilsson’s artistic journey. It captures an artist in a state of flux—both musically and personally.
The collaboration with John Lennon adds historical significance to the album, as it represents one of the rare occasions where Lennon took on the role of producer for another artist. The two musicians’ close friendship is evident in the relaxed, sometimes chaotic feel of the album.
For fans of Nilsson, Pussy Cats is often appreciated for its rawness and honesty. It’s an album that might not be as accessible as his pop hits, but it’s valued for its emotional depth and the insight it provides into the personal struggles that Nilsson was facing at the time.
Pussy Cats stands as a unique, raw, and emotionally charged album in Harry Nilsson’s catalog. It captures a period of excess and personal turmoil, reflected in both Nilsson’s fragile voice and the loose production style brought by John Lennon. While it may not be the most accessible album for casual listeners, it has gained a special place among fans who appreciate its honesty, vulnerability, and the fascinating collaboration between two of music’s most legendary figures. It’s an album that embodies both the highs and the lows of Nilsson’s career, making it a compelling, if bittersweet, listen.
Track Listing
Many Rivers To Cross
Subterranean Homesick Blues
Don’t Forget Me
All My Life
Old Forgotten Soldier
Save The Last Dance For Me
Mucho Mungo / Mt. Elga
Loop De Loop
Black Sails
Rock Around The Clock
