Genre
Classic rock / rock n roll / blues / pop-rock
The Good
Legacy Recordings have dug into their vaults to un-earth a musical treasure.
Beach Boys drummer Dennis Wilson's first solo album Pacific Ocean Blue has been remastered and re-released as a 2-CD collection. Disc 1 is the
original album with four bonus tracks. Disc 2 features Wilson's unreleased
sophomore album Bambu (The Caribou Sessions).
Disc 1: Right from the start "River Song" will
astonish you with it's soulful rhythms and vocals. I was instantly scratching
my head thinking 'this guy
was in the Beach Boys?' "What's Wrong" does have that Beach Boys
sound quality to it, with it's bouncy piano and brass section. "Moonshine" is
epic in its presentation. The orchestral feel and emotional delivery really
separates
it from the pack. "Dreamer" brings back the funky and bluesey tones.
The lyrics revolve around the shady and fake Hollywood types that Wilson
has
encountered.
When it comes to lyrics, none seem more personal than on Dennis'
ballads. "Thoughts of You" is a piano-filled heart-breaker. "Time" reveals
the pain of being away from the place you feel most comfortable. "Rainbows"
is accented by beautiful acoustic guitars and touching vocals. "Tug
of Love"
and "Only With You" are unreleased bonus tracks that fall right
in line with the rest of the ballad-y material. The two other bonus tracks
are instrumentals;
"Holy Man" and "Mexico."
Disc 2: Bambu (The Caribou Sessions)
was the album that never was. Riding the success of Pacific Ocean Blue, Wilson
went right to work on his follow-up
effort. Unfortunately, his personal life and personal demons was a terrible
strain on the project. For more than five years Wilson struggled with finalizing
his sophomore effort. Sadly, Dennis' tragic passing in 1983 derailed the
project all together. However, most of the 'rough' recordings were saved.
With all of that in mind, even for unfinished material, the Bambu material
is not that bad. Yes, you can tell it's unfinished. Yes, you can tell there
are some scatter-brain ideas here and there. But, this material is a window
into that turbulent period in Wilson's life, and a great piece of memorabilia
for collectors.
Wilson explores more soulful roots with "Under the Moonlight." "It's
Not Too Late" is a passionate ballad. "School Girl" is a little
rough around the edges, but still has a smooth groove to it. "Common" is
a strict piano and drum instrumental. "Are You Real" is deep in
it's lyrical content, even for as little as there is. "He's a Bum" is
all over the place, with a Randy Newman feel to it. "I Love You" and "Constant
Companion" are like night and
day. "Time for Bed" is so rough that you can hear practicing and
production cues. Queens of the Stone Age drummer Taylor Hawkins does his
best impression
of Wilson on the bonus track "Holy Man." Hawkins finishes where
Wilson left off on this spiritual ditty.
Legacy's presentation of this release is second to none. The packaging is
extensive and stellar. There's a 20 page booklet includes with liner notes,
pictures, and a mini-bio of Dennis Wilson. If that's not enough, the booklet
continues on a PDF computer file. The pictures are beautifully restored and
presented.
The Bad
Why Taylor Hawkins?
The Verdict
I can't praise the sound quality on this releases enough. This is album!
You remember those, right? You know the CDs you listen to today where
every
channel
is turned
up
to
the highest
possible
volume?
Well, you're not getting that here. Each channel, sound, instrument, and
vocal is tuned to its perfect level to give you such a wonderful sonic
experience.
Dennis may not have been as successful or as prominent as his brother Brian,
but the artistry obviously ran in the family. Pacific Ocean Blue is
truly a masterpiece. I certainly cannot claim to have been alive during this
time
period, or claim to be a Beach Boys fan, but I know good music when I hear
it. Pacific Ocean blue deserves it's moment in the spotlight and its place
in music history.
DENNIS
WILSON
