California Calling I always interpreted as self-parody really, a rare case of Mike displaying a wry sense of humour and an inkling of where the Bs had come from, and where they'd arrived at.
I beg to differ , it seems exactly like the dreck that Mike wanted the Boys to be associated with
Cuckoo Clock is a tune of its era so I couldn't really knock it, though the BBs version of Louie Louie doesn't stand up to contemporary versions.
I agree to some extent, I give County Fair etc the dodge because its the sort of thing that was done in those days, CC just bugs me, I think its just too twee for my liking...
But Why Do Fools, I Get Around, Little Deuce Coupe are terrific.
I should mention that I Get Around / Little Deuce Coupe refers to the Party! medley...
Endless Harmony is more of that BJ saccharin overose, though the closing harmony section ("And we sang...") is terrific.
I have to agree with you here, I'll rephrase that to 'Up to the end section of Endless Harmony'
Male Ego I accepted and liked at the time as a rare BW offering...
The rarity of this song doesn't save it for me, YMMV.