Having heard the new album at least ten times ...

[forever]

it sounds increasingly good, Better, BEST! The harmonies are incredible, complex and interwoven. Classic Beach Boys. On par with their best or better work. Listen to the multiple voices in Isn't it time, The private life of Bill and Sue, Shelter and Strange world. And I get shivers from the first, third and eighth verses in Mike's Daybreak over the ocean: Bring back, won't you bring back, bring back, bring my baby back, ...

Now track by track

1. Think about the days

Classic close harmony opening followed by piano. How can these 70-year old (plus one 56-year old) sing so beautiful and sensitive?

2. That's why God made the radio

Hooray, a positive Beach Boys tune, their "hit single". Well sung. But why not something like Barbara Ann, asked my 17-year old daughter?

3. Isn't it time

Very catchy, rhythmic song. Nice to hear Mike, Bruce, Al and Brian singing in sequence and next together. The tag at verse 5 is fabulous! One of the best songs of the album.

4. Spring vacation

Here you're driving in your Cadillac along the coast. A bit nostalgia, with 'good vibrations', 'back together'. Listen to Mike's bass voice in the mixture in the verse after 'every night's a special occasion'.

5. The private life of Bill and Sue

Well sung by Brian. Then the verses starting with 'California to Mexico' are sung by all, including countertenor, the tenors, and not to forget Mike's trademark bass, especially in the last verse. Who can stay pessimistic or sit still during this track?

6. Shelter

Quiet beginning. But then fortissimo: 'I give you shelter from the storm ...' 48 years after In my room and Don't worry baby another comforting BB song. Good stuff before you go to sleep.

7. Daybreak over the ocean

After the fantastic a cappella start, this song is excellently sung by Mike. And as said the superb verses by the whole crew: 'Bring back ...' Very relaxing, laid back. No difficult words, plain BB lyrics. Another top track, this time composed by Mike alone(yes, he can!)

8. Beaches in mind

A bit struggling song, simple text. Hiccups. With the words fun, fun, fun, in a different tone than in the classic hit. Guitar of David? Anyway the song stays in your memory and keeps you positive.

9. Strange world

Brian starts singing, next the verse with all the voices, the bass, the drums and countermelodies. Brian sounds superb. Listen to the breathtaking fade-out of the voices. Genious.

10. From there to back again

Subtle song. This could have been part of Smile. Surf's up type of music. Sung by Al, as only he can do so. Next Brian, and violins. At the end a badada with a whistle which apparently belongs to Al. Excellent.

11. Pacific coast highway

How beautiful, these voices. Ending with them all singing a wonderful 'Goodbye', one is afraid that this finishes the album.

12. Summer's gone

Fortunately there follows this song. Very slow, moving, with long lasting words and vibes. A fantastic hobo. At the end voices that swift around, each taking the melody a few moments later or earlier than you would expect. Brian top style. Next the sound of the sea waves fading out (ps I like the album's cover, with the colourful waves)

Until next summer's album!


Hope you like this one as much as I do,

Rob (using Jolanda's account)

[Summertime Blooz]

...I am struck by how clumsily assembled it seems at times. I'm still enjoying the heck out it, though. I could have done without the (SPOILER ALERT!) rain at the end. Also, the Brian part of FTTBA seems out of place. Other than that, it's perfect.

[onkster]

A fantastic hobo?

Maybe it should've ended with "Caroline No"s train tracks, rather than waves and rain...