Postcard From California - First listen impressions

[Paulos]

I listened to Al's album for the first time last night and I was fairly impressed although I will need to give it a few more listens to digest it properly, the only thing I'm sure of from first listen is that he should have left Help Me Rhonda well alone but Don't Fight The Sea is just great, well done Alan!

[JaredLekites]

"Don't Fight The Sea" is my instant favorite right off the album right off the bat. I'm usually not a fan of albums with too many guests (Santana anyone?) but the guest appearances on 'Postcard...' are tasteful and well-rounded.

Nice one, Al.

[Wirestone]

Al did a nice job with this album.

Some of it is too cute for school, but mostly it's a warm, organic sounding collection of remakes and familiar-sounding originals. The guests are generally well integrated, and the after-the-fact BB reunion quite touching.

I find myself wishing that Brian's albums sounded this pleasant, production-wise. (Not arrangement, but the actual vocal and instrumental sound.)

[Smilin Ed H]

I like it, on the whole, though I wish we had California Dreamin' and maybe another song he'd intended doing with the BB but never got around to.  Anyone know what else was recorded? Crumple Car?  Santa Ana Winds?

[Matt H]

The liners show Flea playing trumpet in one of the pictures, but he is not listed in the credits.  Does anyone know if he did play trumpet on any of the tracks?

[the captain]

It's no longer my first listen: I bought it off iTunes and am on the third or so, though not straight through. And this is as good as could be expected from Al. The production is a pleasant surprise, after some of the things the previews over the years showed. It's mostly nice. Al's voice, ditto. A bit of cheese, sure, and the man is in love with sound effects and little quirks to an extent I'll never quite understand, but all in all, it's enjoyable. It's the kind of album I'd give three out of five stars, and not as an insult. Pleasant.

[Bubba Ho-Tep]

First impression.....Al's voice is very strong. Great singing. Smooth backing harmonies. Good production. Solid, professional recording. Didn't care for the silly sound effects or pointless remakes of old classics.