Orange Crate Art (BW/VDP solo)

[Andrew G. Doe]

...beautiful vocals (esp. the intro of "Summer in Monterey" - it's so Brian - hard to believe he didn't have a hand in the vocal arrangements here)

He did - although uncredited, all the vocal arrangements are Brian's.

[mikeyj]

...beautiful vocals (esp. the intro of "Summer in Monterey" - it's so Brian - hard to believe he didn't have a hand in the vocal arrangements here)

He did - although uncredited, all the vocal arrangements are Brian's.

That doesnt surprise me, as we all know its one of Brians great strengths, and the vocal arrangements on this album are pretty fantastic on the whole

[Andrew G. Doe]

Been listening to the "Words & Music" CD that came with some copies of OCA - according to Van Dyke, all the vocal arrangements were done as the song was being recorded. Impressive.

[mikeyj]

Been listening to the "Words & Music" CD that came with some copies of OCA - according to Van Dyke, all the vocal arrangements were done as the song was being recorded. Impressive.

If thats true thats incredible, just shows Brians still got it. What that Words & Music CD like Andrew?

[MBE]

Too clever for it's own good. I don't like the 1920's vibe on many of the songs. Boring to me, Brian sounds very bored. The title track is ok, but even that is wordy overlong. The vocals are not so hot. Whatever AGD thinks of GIOMH I think of this. Well I don't hate anything THAT much.

[mikeyj]

Too clever for it's own good. I don't like the 1920's vibe on many of the songs. Boring to me, Brian sounds very bored. The title track is ok, but even that is wordy overlong. The vocals are not so hot. Whatever AGD thinks of GIOMH I think of this. Well I don't hate anything THAT much.

Is it really THAT bad of an album though, I just cant understand why some people really dont like this AT ALL. Okay its not the best and most inspired thing Brian has ever done (in terms of his vocals) but I still think this album is very listenable. I dunno I spose it all comes down to taste but to me this is probably my second favourite Brian solo album after self-titled and level with Imagination (if you include it with the rest of his solo albums) Smile doesnt count of course.

[MBE]

Well I guess it doesn't make me want to shoot someone, but it's just kind of like Kokomo to me, irritating because they could do so much better. Would I rather hear it then a lot of crap that's out? Yes, but I like Brian's other albums better.

[Sheriff John Stone]

The one aspect of Brian Wilson solo-related albums that I struggle with the most is listening to 35-40 minutes of continuous Brian Wilson lead vocals. It grates on me, the "shouting", the over-layered harmonies. And, unfortunately, this album is the "shouty-ous".

Van Dyke Parks did an outstanding job in writing, producing, and arranging this album. I really like the songs. But the project gives off a vibe - to me anyway - that Van Dyke Parks was more interested in associating with Brian Wilson, than having these songs reach their full potential by using another singer. I know some people think that VDP was actually trying to help Brian by getting him back into the recording studio, but I'm not from that school of thought.

[Luther]

I think I'd have liked this album more if it were VDP playing piano and Brian singing. Period. Maybe a few people singing harmonies (not wall-of-Brian). As it is, I think the production is a bit on the cheesy side and Brian's vocals aren't particularly good. The falsettos, in particular, are really bad. They're all quadrupled, I believe, and still they're thin. I know there are perfectly good reasons for it ranging from aging to disuse to ravages of his lifestyle...I just don't know that therapy (if that's what it was) has to be released.

My favorite versions of the title song--which I think is REALLY good, one of VDP's best--are the live version from VDP's Moonlighting album and the rehearsal version from the IJWMFTT doc.

[oranjuly]

The production on this album is verging on cheesy. It almost sounds like a less slick version of Imagination, but I like the material and Brian's vocals immensely. My Hobo Heart is an amazing song. If the production was not so early 90's sounding, it would be even better. Brian really sounds enthusiastic about the music  as well. I wish sometimes he would do more random vocal projects, I love every era of his voice.

[The Heartical Don]

Call me a loner on this one -- I love it and its gentle nostalgic feel, and Brian was the perfect choice to sing here.  I loved this one from first play and I still do.

Call me Ishmael - I agree with you, Jeff. Its only drawback: it starts off with its best song. What most people don't appreciate is its classical approach. Straight singing, very formal. I like that.

[carl r]

This album requires a bit of patience and effort at first, then there may be a slow realisation that a lot of the songs here are great. MIDI-file production a big drawback. I'd like to see Brian and Van tour this, with Brian's band plus extras, then re-release it as a live album. Breath, holding, my, not.

[carl r]

One more thing, to be a spotter: isn't "This Town Goes Down At Sunset" very much like "This Song Want To Sleep With You Tonight" from the Paley sessions... just in general feel, and the way that the lyrics are structured similarly...? Even the harmonies are a little bit reminiscent of each other. I guess working on OCA gave Brian a much needed kick up the arse even if events have so far conspired against the Wilson/Paley tracks.

[dogear]

Rhino reissue available now at mid-price.

[Andrew G. Doe]

One more thing, to be a spotter: isn't "This Town Goes Down At Sunset" very much like "This Song Want To Sleep With You Tonight" from the Paley sessions... just in general feel, and the way that the lyrics are structured similarly...? Even the harmonies are a little bit reminiscent of each other. I guess working on OCA gave Brian a much needed kick up the arse even if events have so far conspired against the Wilson/Paley tracks.

I'm sure-ish that "This Song..." was written, if not recorded, before "This Town..."

[hypehat]

Wasn't there an acapella cover of 'Rhapsody' done at these sessions? And if so, has anyone heard it?