Bookended by his daughter Annie’s recording of the title track and Andy Williams’ version of Remember (Christmas), this release in Ace Records highly regarded Songwriters series celebrates the one and only Harry Nilsson. It’s one of the great paradoxes of contemporary pop music that Nilsson, one of the most talented and respected American songwriters of the 20th century, is primarily remembered for his stone classic recordings of two songs written by others: Fred Neil’s Everybody’s Talkin and Badfinger’s Without You. Gotta Get Up! aims to remedy that by spotlighting two-dozen Nilsson songs from the years 1965 to 1972, including several of which he made no official recordings. Among the highlights are Cuddly Toy and Daddy’s Song performed by Nilsson champions the Monkees, Al Kooper’s harmony-filled recording of Mournin’ Glory Story, Canadian folkie Tom Northcott’s version of Nilsson s autobiographical 1941 and the MFQ’s Phil Spector-produced This Could Be The Night, one of Brian Wilson s favourite records. Fully illustrated booklet features copious notes by Mick Patrick and Ian Johnston.
