Wednesday, June 10, 2009

Summertime with the Beach Boys



Everyone is familiar with "Good Vibrations," "In My Room," "Sloop John B," etc. Few people are familiar with the collection of Beach Boys rarities that I have compiled here. They span the '70s to 2008, and a few are actually solo efforts by one of the brothers Wilson.
The collection is downloadable 10 times.
Track List:
1. Brian Wilson's cover of the Barenaked Ladies' "Brian Wilson" - He recorded it live at the Roxy during 2000. It's a great ironic song to kick off this collection. Of course, they would be nothing without Brian.
2. "River Song" by Dennis Wilson. In my opinion, it is the best track from Dennis' famous '77 solo album "Pacific Ocean Blue."
3. "Sail on Sailor," performed live during '73. Many people became familiar (or re-familiar) with this song when "The Departed" was released a few years ago. This song probably has the most bizarre history of any Beach Boys single. To summarize that history, I will write only that although Brian sang the original version and Dennis sang the second version Blondie Chaplin wound up as the final lead vocalist.
4. "Honkin' Down the Highway" -- lead vocal by Al Jardine. Rolling Stone wrote that it was Jardine's second-best singing performance (second to Sloop John B). I agree. This song eptimomizes Brian's carefree, naive songwriting genius.
5. "'Til I Die"- a Brian song that was described by the other Beach Boys as a "downer." Beautiful nonetheless.
6. "This Whole World" -- another gem from Brian's 2000 concert at the Roxy.
7. "Mona" -- lead vocal: Dennis.
8. "I'll Bet He's Nice" - Dennis and Brian traded lead vocal duties. R.E.M.'s Pete Buck described it: "It's amazing how rhythmic this track is, considering its only percussion is supplied by intermittent tambourine and handclaps. Listen to the interplay of the different synthesizers, including, what is for my money, the best synth-bass ever."
9. "Getcha Back" - recorded during the mid '80s, shortly after Dennis died. Liner notes claim that the drum beat is a tribute to Dennis' drumming style. I love this song. It was actually a short-lived radio hit at the time. Lead vocal: Mike Love.
10. "Love and Mercy" was Brian Wilson's best solo song in the '80s. I prefer this '95 re-recording of the track.
11. "Morning Beat" is from Brian's legendary solo album "Lucky Old Sun."
12. "Southern California" by Brian is a plaintive, meaningful end to this collection: "I had this dream singing with my brothers in harmony, supporting each other."

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