The story of John Lennon’s estrangement from Yoko Ono in 1974 has become the stuff of rock & roll lore. Holed up for months in L.A., Lennon’s adventures have long been playfully referred to as his “lost weekend.” Read: super-bender. During this stint to the golden coast, among drinking, drugging, corralling and other la la treats, Lennon produced Nilsson’s album Pussy Cats. I have always held a soft spot for this album as it seems so off-kilter compared with Nilsson’s other output. I just recently learned that the reason his voice sounds so different/rough (I’ve always liked it actually) was that he ruptured a vocal chord during the sessions.
Apparently The Walkmen are fans of the album as well. According to their press sheet, after the band wrapped up the A Hundred Miles Off LP they decided to enlist the help of some friends and bang out a spot-on cover/tribute album of Pussy Cats. I find it pretty great, but imagine there will be some naysayers who condone it as ill conceived and unnecessary as it is a true cover album — practically note for note in some instances. Regardless, it’s a fantastic jumping off point for those unfamiliar with Nilsson’s work and/or Walkmen fans interested in the band stretching it’s legs in a playful and casual manner.
DOWNLOAD:
MP3: The Walkmen :: Many Rivers To Cross
MP3: The Walkmen :: Don’t Forget Me
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MP3: Harry Nilsson :: Many Rivers To Cross
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Amazon: Pussy Cats Starring the Walkmen
Amazon: Harry Nilsson - Pussy Cats
www.myspace.com/thewalkmen
The Walkmen available through eMusic’s 25 Free MP3 offer.
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+ Visit The Hype Machine for additional Walkmen MP3s.
