An interesting Beach Boys album
Johnny Boy | Hockessin, DE | 06/07/2009
(3 out of 5 stars)
"The Beach Boys made their debut album, 'Surfin' Safari,' in 1962. It was all downhill from there. Led by brothers Brian, Carl and Dennis Wilson, plus their cousin, Mike Love, and friends Bruce Johnston and Al Jardine, the Beach Boys made some of the finest music of the '60s, releasing masterpieces like 'Surfer Girl' (1963) and 'Pet Sounds' (1966).
Fast forward nearly 20 years. Dennis Wilson had drowned in December 1983, and it seemed the group was well on track of breaking up. But that wasn't the case, and the group released their self-titled album in June of 1985.
The chart hit here was 'Getcha Back,' written by Mike Love. The song peaked at #26 on the charts in the United States. However, I like 'Getcha Back' a lot. If this came along in, let's say, 1965, this would have been a massive hit for the group. A strong track, and call me crazy, but it may very well be one of my favorite Beach Boys songs.
Other singles from this album include Carl Wilson's 'It's Gettin' Late' (charted at #82), and Bruce Johnston's 'She Believes in Love Again,' which did not chart. While both of these are decent tracks and rock solid, they simply cannot match 'Getcha Back' in terms of quality.
Beach Boys purists will be interested in knowing that Brian Wilson's therapist, Eugene Landy, contributes some tracks here as well. Those are 'It's Just A Matter of Time' and 'Male Ego.' Strangely, in my opinion, these are two of the weakest songs on the album.
Another interesting track is the song 'I Do Love You' which was written by Stevie Wonder for the album. This is a highlight, and the song is well written and well performed. Culture Club's Boy George and Roy Hay also write a song for the album, 'Passing Friend.' While not as good as 'I Do Love You,' it's still an interesting and good song, nonetheless.
Overall, I recommend 'The Beach Boys' (the album, of course) to the Beach Boys purist. But for casual fans, I advise you pick up both volumes of '20 Good Vibrations,' or if you want an outlook on their 1970s and 1980s material, check out 'The Best of the Brother Years: 1970-1986' which actually includes 'Getcha Back' from this album. A good album, not a great album, but good, nonetheless.
Recommended for the huge Beach Boys fan, but don't start here.
"
Track Listings (12) - Disc #1