Dennis Wilson
Pacific Ocean Blue

THE REVIEW

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.