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Rating: In 2007, James William Guercio, historic producer and bassist, decided to revisit the tapes recorded by his friend Dennis Wilson in the period right after the release of the only album made by the Beach Boys' drummer, "Pacific Ocean Blue" in 1977. The project originated as "Bambu" and for various reasons it would never see the light of day, only "Love Surrounds Me" and "Baby Blue" would end up filling the grooves of the 1979 Beach Boys' "L.A. Album."
Dennis Wilson was a tormented talent, a difficult and fragile soul inclined towards bad company, alcohol, and drugs. His hoarse voice perfectly matched the lyrics of his songs where his difficult loves came to life and his desperate need for emotional tranquility often materialized in poignant passages for piano and orchestra, "Cuddle Up" on "Carl and the Passions - So Tough" from 1972 is the clearest example. "Pacific Ocean Blue" was released when the Beach Boys were already in a full descending parabola, the album failed commercially but the quality of the tracks was so high that time proved this work right making it progress from a cult record to a true classic. No surf, no beach and girl rock'n'roll, but the magnificent gospel of "River Song" to open it. The piano is often the protagonist, always played by Dennis who willingly leaves the drums to others for all the songs, magnificent like "You and I", "Rainbows", and the disarming dedication to a departed friend in "Farewell my Friends." The restored edition is enriched by a booklet with notes on the production and many photos from the sessions, touching is the manuscript with which Dennis asks listeners to be patient, after all it's only his first record and he's a bit excited. The outtakes are very beautiful, highlighted by the instrumental "Hey Man" which is also present in a version with lyrics sung by Taylor Hawkins of the Foo Fighters. "Bambu" is present in its Caribou Sessions, the recording studio of Guercio where Elton John also recorded his eponymous album. All the tracks are interesting, especially a magnificent version of "Love Surrounds Me" sung with Christine McVie, who was Dennis's companion for a short period.
Dennis's life would end tragically, the Pacific sung in the song "Pacific Ocean Blues" would swallow him in December 1983 at Marina del Rey, putting the final point on the musical fairy tale of the Wilson brothers.
Tracklist Lyrics and Videos
03 Moonshine (02:30)
Who made my moonshine intoxicate me
Oooooh who made me cry
Like the end of a beautiful play
Holds and tickles and hugs out the night
Hold her hand and started to cry
The audience thought they would die
It was you who said there won't be tomorrow
You said you love me now in another way
Oh in another way
Na na na naa na na naa no
Na na na naa na na naa no
Na na na naa na na naa no
Na na na naa na na naa no
It was you who said there won't be tomorrow
You said you love me now in another way
Oh in another way
Gone gone away gone gone away
Gone gone away gone gone away
Gone gone away gone gone away
Gone gone away gone gone away
05 Dreamer (04:24)
I know a carpenter who had a dream
Killed the man but you couldn't kill the dream
Who said it was easy
People gotta be free
And the band keeps on playin'
I know people who want to go far
Make big movies and become a star
People got to dream
Dreamer who said it was easy
And the band played
Play for me
Now I've seen people from near and far
They couldn't get to heaven in their car
Who said it was easy
Driver drive on uh
Oooo let the wind carry your blues away
That's all we're tryin' to say
How 'bout a better day
Fall in love
Oooooo ooh
And the band keeps on playin'
Play for me
Do you wonder where you are
Wake up in bed with a star
That was easy
Dreamer dream on
And the band keeps on playing
Play
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Other reviews
By nessuno
Dennis Wilson was more than just the Beach Boys' drummer; he was a complete musician with a unique voice.
I consider this album as the Pink Moon of California.
By currahee72
"Pacific Ocean Blue provides an interesting social snapshot of aristocratic Los Angeles in the Seventies, when being a cocaine-addicted rockstar meant living in style."
"The twilight sounds, the rich melodies, its nocturnal and melancholic setting... make it stand the test of time better than any other Beach Boys record after 'Sunflower' and 'Surf’s Up'."
By zaireeka
Dennis Wilson was that man.
Cold and wonderfully blue like the embrace of the Pacific Ocean that, one day, never let him go again.
