The Beach Boys
Holland

THE REVIEW

"Holland", 1973, is considered by many as a sort of boundary between the true Beach Boys and the subsequent ones, characterized by a production with modest artistic and commercial results negatively affected by Brian Wilson's mental illness, which led him to come in and out of the band without leaving a trace. In 1972, the group left California to seek better inspiration in the Netherlands. As in the previous album, "Carl And The Passions-So Tough," replacing an injured Dennis Wilson on drums is Ricky Faatar, and new member Blondie Chaplin is recruited on guitar and vocals. 

The final result of the Dutch sessions is an enjoyable product, put together with great mastery, but it was rejected by the record company due to the clear lack of a launch single. In fact, Mike Love and Al Jardine engaged in writing an ecological suite, "California Saga", which is well-rendered as a whole but impossible to split even though the parts are distinct enough, the best being the first sung by Love, "Big Sur", a beautiful waltz. Carl Wilson ventures into "Trader" and with his brother Dennis in "Steamboat", the former more in their typical sunshine-pop style. "Only With You" is Dennis's contribution, a track with an intense performance like the drummer's best production. The single was pulled from a leftover by Brian, "Sail On Sailor", initially tried with Dennis's voice and then entrusted to the more soulful tones of guitarist Blondie Chaplin, who also composes "Leaving This Town". It is "Sail On Sailor", a blues tinged with surf, that sells "Holland" thanks to an easy and immediate melody adorned with a fine vocal performance by Chaplin accompanied by the typical Beach Boys harmonies.

"Holland" is among the pleasant listening experiences, fast and tantalizing, definitely worth a spin.