(out of five)

1. With a Little Help from My Friends [Lennon, McCartney] 2:25 2. The Letter [Thompson] 1:50 3. I Was Made to Love Her [Cosby, Hardaway, Moy, Wonder] 2:36 4. You're Welcome [Wilson] 1:09 5. The Lord's Prayer [Malotte] 2:34 6. Bluebirds over the Mountain [Hickey] 2:51 7. Celebrate the News [Jakobson, Wilson, Wilson] 3:06 8. Good Vibrations [Love, Wilson] 3:35 9. Land Ahoy [Wilson] 1:43 10. In My Room [German Version] [Usher, Wilson] 2:17 11. Cotton Fields (The Cotton Song) [Leadbelly] 3:01 12. All I Want to Do [Wilson] 1:39 13. Auld Lang Syne [Burns, Traditional] 1:21 14. Medley: Good Vibrations/Help Me, Rhonda/I Get Around/Little Deuce Coupe [Berry, Christian, Fassert ...] 6:50 15. Medley: Surfer Girl/Girls on the Beach/Ballad of Ole' Betsy/We'll Run A [Asher, Christian, Usher ...] 9:39 16. Beach Boys Medley: Good Vibrations/Help Me Rhonda/I Get Around/Shut Dow [Berry, Christian, Fassert ...] 4:09

REVIEW: Brad Elliott, acclaimed Beach Boys' discographer, helped put this intriguing package together seven years before the acclaimed Capitol "two-fer" series appeared with their wealth of unreleased tracks.  Recently re-released in Japan (with 20-bit remastering and "bonus" medley tracks), the album has become somewhat anachronistic for those who already own the two-fers, but there are still a few surprises to be found.  Studio renditions of "With A Little Help From My Friends" (with the odd sensation of hearing the Beach Boys sing Beatles harmonies) a cover of the Box Tops' "The Letter," (more subdued than I'd think a "Wild Honey" out-take would be) a slightly extended version of "Wild Honey," and an alternate two-track mix of "Bluebirds Over The Mountains" make this compilation a must for completists.  There is also an early, alternate version of "Good Vibrations" that differs from any other released version.  Unfortunately saddled with a K-TEL-like (but undeniably eye-catching) cover, and cursed with being a single album (frustratingly short for many fans), it also had the bad taste to disappear quickly after being released in 1983 due to ongoing contract negotiations with Capitol.  Most of the tracks reappeared on the two-fers, but since those are now out of print, you might want to seek this out. (The medley "bonus" tracks are those that were released in the mid-eighties, and have noticeably poorer sound than the other remastered tracks, and are useless overall.) To read more details about this interesting album, you can also check out this link. 

Or Purchase From Amazon.co.uk: Keepin' the Summer Alive/the Beach Boys

1. "Getcha Back" (Mike Love/Terry Melcher) - 3:02 2. "It's Gettin' Late" (Carl Wilson/Myrna Smith Schilling/Robert White Johnson) - 3:27 3. "Crack at Your Love" (Brian Wilson/Al Jardine) - 3:40 4. "Maybe I Don't Know" (Carl Wilson/Myrna Smith Schilling/Steve Levine/Julian Lindsay) - 3:54 5. "She Believes in Love Again" (Bruce Johnston) - 3:29 6. "California Calling" (Al Jardine/Brian Wilson) - 2:50 7. "Passing Friend" (George O'Dowd/Roy Hay) - 5:00 8. "I'm So Lonely" (Brian Wilson/Eugene E. Landy) - 2:52 9. "Where I Belong" (Carl Wilson/Robert White Johnson) - 2:58 10. "I Do Love You" (Stevie Wonder) - 4:20 11. "It's Just a Matter of Time" (Brian Wilson/Eugene E. Landy) - 2:23 12. "Male Ego" (Brian Wilson/Mike Love/Eugene E. Landy) - 2:32

REVIEW: This was a highly anticipated album by Beach Boys fans, being a reunion of the remaining members (Dennis having drowned in 1983), and their estranged leader, Brian Wilson.  It was also their first proper album in five years, and great things were expected.  And while it's a good album, it also shows immediately how much things had changed.  Ultra-slick production (courtesy of then-hot producer Steve Levine), digital sound, synthesizers galore, and faux 60's sensibility nestled uncomfortably against mid-80's pre-fabricated soundscapes.  The album begins with the wink-wink, nudge-nudge throwback of "Getcha Back," which to my ears sounds so contrived and calculated, it could run for public office.  Next comes a better song, Carl's "It's Getting Late" which showcases his amazing voice, and also a surprising pop sensibility that blends far better with contemporary tastes than anything else here.  In fact, I might as well say it now; Carl Wilson is the only reason to buy this album.  His singing, and the songs he sings are far and away the best assets here.  The bouncy "Maybe I Don't Know," a gorgeous "She Believes In Love Again" (penned and vocally shared with Bruce Johnston), and the shimmering "Where I Belong" shine brighter than any of Brian's contributions, which include the awful "Crack At Your Love," "I'm So Lonely," the gag-inducing "California Calling," and the unsubtle "Male Ego."

1. "Still Cruisin'" (Mike Love/Terry Melcher) - 3:35 2. "Somewhere Near Japan" (Bruce Johnston/Mike Love/Terry Melcher/John Phillips) - 4:48 3. "Island Girl" (Al Jardine) - 3:49 4. "In My Car" (Brian Wilson/Eugene E. Landy/Alexandra Morgan) - 3:21 5. "Kokomo" (Mike Love/Scott McKenzie/Terry Melcher/John Phillips) - 3:35 6. "Wipe Out" (Bob Berryhill/Pat Connolly/Jim Fuller/Ron Wilson) - 4:00 7. "Make It Big" (Mike Love/Bob House/Terry Melcher) - 3:08 8. "I Get Around" (Brian Wilson/Mike Love) - 2:09 9. "Wouldn't It Be Nice" (Brian Wilson/Tony Asher) - 2:22 10. "California Girls" (Brian Wilson/Mike Love) - 2:35

REVIEW: The Beach Boys slung out this cobbled-together piece of product after surprise success of "Kokomo" vaulted them to the top of the charts for one week.  Part soundtrack surplus, part recent originals, and part moldy-oldies, "Still Cruisin'" makes for one frightening Frankenstein creation.  The first cut, "Still Cruisin'," is a mid-tempo rocker that is of the same cloth as "Getcha Back" from their last album. (One big gripe I have about ALL recent Beach Boys albums is that the vocals are processed heavily, leaving a clean, tight harmony that destroys all distinction.  Compare real sharp cheddar with pre-wrapped American slices, and you'll get my drift.)  Next up is the instantly forgettable "Somewhere Near Japan," and the Al Jardine-penned "Island Girl," which has a catchy chorus, but is swamped with dopey Caribbean percussion.  Next comes Brian's only contribution, the heavily-produced "In My Car" (pulled from the "Sweet Insanity" sessions) which has it's great moments, but production is extremely cluttered and messy.  Next comes the popular favorite "Kokomo," which is a featherweight number cursed with sing-along cloyingness.  The next number, "Wipe Out" (with the Fat Boys) is interesting only because of it's similarity to "Stars and Stripes" in its Beach Boys-as-backup-group format; otherwise, it's awful.  My favorite song on the album is "Make It Big" with Carl's strong vocal lead and it's catchy hook redeeming it.  The final three songs are the original versions of "I Get Around," "California Girls," and "Wouldn't It Be Nice," all of which put the rest of the album to shame.
Purchase From Amazon.co.uk: Still Cruisin'

1. "Hot Fun in the Summertime" (Sylvester Stewart) - 3:29 2. "Surfin'" (Brian Wilson/Mike Love) - 3:45 3. "Summer of Love" (Mike Love/Terry Melcher) - 2:51 4. "Island Fever" (Mike Love/Terry Melcher) - 3:27 5. "Still Surfin' " (Mike Love/Terry Melcher) - 4:03 6. "Slow Summer Dancin' (One Summer Night)" (Bruce Johnston/Danny Webb) - 3:23 7. "Strange Things Happen" (Mike Love/Terry Melcher) - 4:42 8. "Remember "Walking In The Sand" " (George Morton) - 3:31 9. "Lahaina Aloha" (Mike Love/Terry Melcher) - 3:44 10. "Under the Boardwalk" (Mike Love/Artie Resnick/Kenny Young) - 4:07 11. "Summer in Paradise" (Mike Love/Terry Melcher/Craig Fall) - 3:52 12. "Forever" (Dennis Wilson/Gregg Jakobson) - 3:05

REVIEW: I give the Beach Boys a half-star for nice cover artwork, but had to remove all the others for sheer ineptitude.  The Beach Boys may think they're having a "Summer in Paradise," but true fans know this album is a one-way trip to hell.  Bad songwriting, lousy lyrics, ham-fisted production, clueless remakes, all of which make "SIP" a pinnacle of embarrassment for the band. "Summer In Paradise" begins with a thudding take on "Hot Fun In The Summertime,"  before skidding completely out of control with a 'updated' version of their first song ever, "Surfin'."   Screaming guitars and numbing drum tracks, anyone?  Following is a terrifying Melcher/Love trilogy, "Summer of Love," "Island Fever," and "Still Surfin'," which only goes to prove that bad things do come in threes.  Bruce Johnston writes the dullest song in his career with "Slow Summer Dancing (One Summer Night)" and Al Jardine wails out "Strange Things Happen" (which has a nice hook in the chorus, but terrible TM lyrics.)  The Beach Boys commence to destroy the classic "Remember (Walking In The Sand)," Van Dyke Parks plays accordion on "Lahina Aloha" (ouch!), even Carl's mellifluous pipes can't save the malnourished "Under The Boardwalk," and Mike love writes the worst lyrics in his life in the title track. The rest is simply not worth mentioning.  If anyone out there claims to like this album, they need to be strapped down, beaten senseless, and fed a daily diet of "Pet Sounds" and "Sunflower" until they recover.

Or Purchase From Amazon.co.uk: Good Vibrations

Special Features: Five CD box set featuring 118 digitally remastered songs. Bonus 24-track CD of rarities, including sessions, vocal-only tracks, radio spots and live performances. Full-color booklet with liner notes by David Leaf. Color Beach Boys decal For full track listing - click here

REVIEW: It took Capitol Records nearly twenty-five years, but they finally do right by the Beach Boys.  "Good Vibrations : Thirty Years Of The Beach Boys" is essential listening for all music lovers, but especially for fans.  Tastefully done, both in song selection and presentation, this box set was obviously a labor of love for it's producers.  It succeeds on several counts: 1.) it provides a well balanced taste of all the Beach Boys albums, not only the hits, but important album tracks from every label they had recorded with. 2.) It includes many unreleased tracks for collectors, including thirty minutes of the pivotal Smile. and a bonus disc entirely of outtakes/unreleased material!  3.) It provides ample evidence that the Beach Boys' careers did not end with "Pet Sounds;" masterfully choosing the best tracks from the 70's and 80's.  In effect, "Good Vibrations" is the best overview of one of the best bands ever.  My only complaint would be that the early albums (Surfin' Safari to Today) seem to be slighted (just one disc) in favor of later years, but I imagine that was a conscious decision on the part of the producers.  They seem to not want to simply list the Beach Boys accomplishments, but reintroduce the public to an undeservedly forgotten force in rock music.  Listening to this set is a grand aural experience, and an education on how the Beach Boys really have been a Great American Band over all of these years.  Highly recommended.  Also check out Paul Williams extensive review of this set.

Or Purchase From Amazon.co.uk: The Pet Sounds Sessions

Special Features: 3-CD box set featuring new stereo mix of Pet Sounds Original studio tracking sessions with Brian Wilson Vocals-only mix featuring The Beach Boys Bonus disc featuring HDCD remastering of original mono LP Liner notes by David Leaf, with an introduction by Brian Wilson Extensive booklet with interviews with participating members/admirers. For complete track listing - click here.

REVIEW: After a tumultuous period when it seemed the Beach Boys were going to add yet another "lost" album to their canon, "The Pet Sounds Sessions" were finally released, and well worth the wait.  More of a high-minded set than the "Good Vibrations" box, "The Pet Sounds Sessions" is an education on how what is considered to be one of the all-time best rock albums ever was made.  Taking a recording-booth view, a listener gets treated to several different versions of the album, pulled apart in different ways, hearing stereo versions, studio outtakes, backing tracks, vocal tracks, alternate takes, and a remixed mono version.  It can be daunting.  The booklet is even more comprehensive, listing interviews with everyone involved with the project, plus admirers like Sirs Paul McCartney and George Martin (it also includes a snide prologue by Mike Love, the inclusion of which was apparently the reason the set was delayed.)  At times, reading the booklet is a bit much, all the participants extensively laud Brian and Pet Sounds, it's easy to feel quickly jaded, (and creepily almost like reading a eulogy) but it's still very impressive.   But then sit back and listen to the depth and sparkle of the newly-mixed stereo version, or soak in the HDCD-mastered mono version, or wonder at the incredible blend of voices singing of bittersweet longing, or hear the alternating sigh and thunder of the unearthed orchestral tracks, and prepare to be... transported.

Or Purchase From Amazon.co.uk: Endless Harmony

1. "Soulful Old Man Sunshine" (Writing session excerpt) (Brian Wilson/Rick Henn) - 0:42 2. "Soulful Old Man Sunshine" (Brian Wilson/Rick Henn) - 3:25 3. "Radio Concert Promo 1" - 0:15 4. "Medley: Surfin' Safari/Fun, Fun, Fun/Shut Down/Little Deuce Coupe/Surfin' USA (live) (Brian Wilson/Mike Love/Roger Christian/Chuck Berry) - 3:33 5. "Surfer Girl" (Binaural mix) (Brian Wilson) - 2:27 6. "Help Me, Rhonda" (Alternate single version) (Brian Wilson/Mike Love) - 2:50 7. "Kiss Me, Baby" (Stereo remix) (Brian Wilson/Mike Love) - 2:42 8. "California Girls" (Stereo remix) (Brian Wilson/Mike Love) - 2:44 9. "Good Vibrations" (Live) (Brian Wilson/Mike Love) - 3:40 10. "Heroes And Villains" (Brian Wilson/Van Dyke Parks) - 2:27 11. "Heroes And Villains" (Live) (Brian Wilson/Van Dyke Parks) - 3:40 12. "God Only Knows" (Live) (Brian Wilson/Tony Asher) - 2:45 13. "Radio Concert Promo 2" - 0:15 14. "Darlin' " (Live) (Brian Wilson/Mike Love) - 2:26 15. "Wonderful/Don't Worry Bill" (Brian Wilson/Van Dyke Parks/Ricky Fataar/Blondie Chaplin/Steve Fataar/Brother Fataar) - 5:52 16. "Do It Again" (Early version) (Brian Wilson/Mike Love) - 2:30 17. "Break Away" (Demo) (Brian Wilson/Reggie Dunbar) - 2:38 18. "Sail Plane Song" (Brian Wilson/Carl Wilson) - 2:12 19. "Loop De Loop (Flip Flop Flyin' In An Aeroplane)" (Brian Wilson/Carl Wilson/Al Jardine) - 2:56 20. "Barbara" (Dennis Wilson) - 2:58 21. "Til I Die" (Alternate mix) (Brian Wilson) - 4:52 22. "Long Promised Road" (Live) (Carl Wilson/Jack Rieley) - 4:17 23. "All Alone" (Carli Munoz) - 3:36 24. "Brian's Back" (Mike Love) - 4:07 25. "Endless Harmony" (Bruce Johnston) - 3:29

REVIEW: Well, this disc takes the prize for best Beach Boys disc this year.  Even considering that this release was a rush job, I can't find one thing bad about it. The packaging, the liner notes (by wunderkind Brad Elliott) and the sonics (the sound on this package surpasses anything I've heard before.  Great kudos to Andrew Sandoval!) put this release head and shoulders above previous remasters.  If this is indeed the first volley in the new reissue series Capitol is planning, this is going to be one exciting year.  The real find on this disc is "Soulful Old Man Sunshine;" (you know, it really does sound like a shampoo commercial!) with it's jazzy, full-out production, it casts the Beach Boys in a whole new light; but to be fair, this disc is full of high points: electrifying live sets (Heroes and Villains, God Only Knows, Darlin', Long Promised Road), stunningly clear remixes (Kiss Me Baby, California Girls, Surfer Girl), and long-rumored surprises (Heroes and Villains Demo, Sail Plane Song, 'Til I Die-alternate mix).  And each of the Beach Boys gets a chance to shine as well:  Dennis with his two previously unreleased songs (Barbara, All Alone), Alan with his newly-finished tour-de-force "Loop de Loop," Carl's angel voice is everywhere and Mike pipes up with his uh, renowned "Brian's Back."  The alternate "Help Me Rhonda" is wonderful, and the two radio spots are fun, and I finally get to hear "Endless Harmony" without the mastering snafus found on my KTSA cd.  Everything here is interesting, each cut is fresh; this is a superlative compilation.  NOTE: After the rushed production of the first CD to coincide with the release of the documentary, the Beach Boys came around and asked that some remixing be done, which made subtle changes on several songs, plus one of the radio tracks, which was incorrectly placed on the CD in favor of another, was corrected.  The new CD illustration also was commissioned, which I feel is a big improvement.  The orange-colored CD is now out-of-print, and can be considered a collector's item.

Or Purchase From Amazon.co.uk: Ultimate Christmas

1. "Little Saint Nick" (Brian Wilson/Mike Love) - 2:01 2. "The Man With All The Toys" (Brian Wilson/Mike Love) - 1:32 3. "Santa's Beard" (Brian Wilson/Mike Love) - 2:00 4. "Merry Christmas, Baby" (Brian Wilson) - 2:21 5. "Christmas Day" (Brian Wilson) - 1:47 6. "Frosty The Snowman" (Steve Nelson/Jack Rollins) - 1:54 7. "We Three Kings Of Orient Are" (John Henry Hopkins) - 4:03 8. "Blue Christmas" (Billy Hayes/Jay W. Johnson) - 3:09 9. "Santa Claus Is Coming To Town" (J. Fred Coots/Haven Gillespie) - 2:20 10. "White Christmas" (Irving Berlin) - 2:29 11. "I'll Be Home For Christmas" (Kim Gannon/Walter Kent/Buck Ram) - 2:44 12. "Auld Lang Syne" (Trad. Arr. Brian Wilson) - 1:19 13. "Little Saint Nick" (Single version) (Brian Wilson/Mike Love) - 2:08 14. "Auld Lang Syne" (Alternate mix) (Trad. Arr. Brian Wilson) - 1:23 15. "Little Saint Nick" (Alternate version) (Brian Wilson/Mike Love) - 2:04 16. "Child Of Winter (Christmas Song)" (Brian Wilson/Stephen Kalinich) - 2:49 17. "Santa's Got An Airplane" (Alan Jardine/Brian Wilson/Mike Love) - 3:09 18. "Christmas Time Is Here Again" (Buddy Holly/Norman Petty/Jerry Allison/new lyrics by Al Jardine) - 3:02 19. "Winter Symphony" (Brian Wilson) - 3:00 20. "(I Saw Santa) Rockin' Around The Christmas Tree" (Brian Wilson/Al Jardine) - 2:23 21. "Melekalikimaka" (Alan Jardine/Mike Love) - 2:34 22. "Bells Of Christmas" (Alan Jardine/Ron Altbach/Mike Love) - 2:44 23. "Morning Christmas" (Dennis Wilson) - 3:22 24. "Toy Drive Public Service Announcement" - 1:23 25. "Dennis Wilson Christmas Message" - 0:31 26. "Brian Wilson Christmas Interview" - 2:35

REVIEW: As the final Beach Boys release of 1998, this upgraded CD of the 1964 Christmas album also signaled the beginning of the new reissue program that Capitol is planning for 1999-2000 of all the Beach Boys catalog.  I won't review the original album since I've done that already, but I will say that the sonics on this release easily surpass any previous issue, with Andrew Sandoval (and Steve Desper) once again providing the last word in clarity and brightness, as well as several sparkling stereo mixes, new for this release.  The booklet and notes by Brad Elliott are also notable for their high quality.  Of the several bonus tracks included, the best tracks from the aborted 1977 "Merry Christmas" album were chosen (including Dennis's slow, classically-tinged "Morning Christmas," Brian's "Winter Symphony" and ultra-rare 1974 single "Child of Winter" the MIU-related Melekalikimaka (Kona Coast), Bells of Christmas (Belles of Paris), and Christmas Time is Here Again (Peggy Sue), as well as yet another version of "Loop De Loop"; Santa's Got An Airplane.  While none of the mid-seventies tracks matches the charm or magic of the 1964 tracks, they are good, and an interesting comparison of how the Beach Boys' style changed over the course of a decade.  One minor gripe is the exclusion of the previously released "The Lord's Prayer," which fit in so nicely with the original Christmas album.  Overall, a noteworthy improvement of this seminal holiday album.

Or Purchase From Amazon.co.uk: Hawthorne Ca - Birthplace of a Musical...

Special Features: 57-tracks of rare and unreleased Beach Boys outtakes including: Raw studio sessions New stereo mixes Vocal-only tracks Instrumental backing tracks Unreleased songs Live performances Demo tapes and much more! to see complete track list - click here.

REVIEW: Is it just me, or are official releases looking more and more like bootlegs?  Gone are the days when only finished products were the only things the big labels would release, now, anything goes.  A shotgun blast of odds and ends that fans should joyfully snap up, "Hawthorne, CA" has something for everyone, although casual fans will likely not be enticed by the potpourri blend of rough demos, backing tracks, live cuts, stereo remixes and a couple of previously unreleased songs.  Highlights include sparkling stereo mixes of "Dance, Dance, Dance," "Heroes and Villains," "The Lord's Prayer" and "Vegetables," vocal-only mixes of "Kiss Me Baby," "Been Way Too Long," and "Forever," the lovely "A Time To Live In Dreams" and much, much more.  This collection does contain a couple of "huh?" moments, such as the backing tracks to "Surfin' USA" and "Fun, Fun, Fun" (who's been screaming for those?) and even some redundancies with the previously released "Happy Birthday Four Freshman," and "Their Hearts Were Full of Spring."  But overall this set is great fun, high nostalgia, and a loving look at what makes the Beach Boys a high-water mark in American music.

Or Purchase From Amazon.co.uk: Live at Knebworth 1980

1. "Intro" - 0:49 2. "California Girls" (Brian Wilson/Mike Love) - 3:10 3. "Sloop John B" (Trad. Arr. Brian Wilson) - 3:04 4. "Darlin' " (Brian Wilson/Mike Love) - 2:37 5. "School Days" (Chuck Berry) - 3:26 6. "God Only Knows" (Brian Wilson/Tony Asher) - 2:51 7. "Be True To Your School" (Brian Wilson/Mike Love) - 2:27 8. "Do It Again" (Brian Wilson/Mike Love) - 3:08 9. "Little Deuce Coupe" (Brian Wilson/Roger Christian) - 2:14 10. "Cotton Fields"/"Heroes And Villains" (Huddie Ledbetter/Brian Wilson/Van Dyke Parks) - 5:19 11. "Happy Birthday Brian" - 1:25 12. "Keepin' The Summer Alive (Carl Wilson/Randy Bachman) - 3:42 13. "Lady Lynda" (Al Jardine/Ron Altbach) - 5:01 14. "Surfer Girl" (Brian Wilson) - 2:39 15. "Help Me, Rhonda" (Brian Wilson/Mike Love) - 4:05 16. "Rock And Roll Music" (Chuck Berry) - 2:22 17. "I Get Around" (Brian Wilson/Mike Love) - 2:14 18. "Surfin' USA" (Brian Wilson/Chuck Berry) - 2:54 19. "You're So Beautiful" (Billy Preston/Fisher) - 3:13 20. "Good Vibrations" (Brian Wilson/Mike Love) - 6:03 21. "Barbara Ann" (Fred Fassert) - 2:46 22. "Fun, Fun, Fun" (Brian Wilson/Mike Love) - 4:49

Here you have it, the final stage of the Beach Boys live in concert.  Fans can now choose between four different entities the band evolved from: the early, rough charm of Concert! (1964); the confident, popular polish of Live in London (1968); the down-but-not-out daring of In Concert (1974); and now the ultra-professional, somewhat heartless finality of Live at Knebworth (1980).  The real drawing point for fans here is the presence of all five Beach Boys: Brian Wilson, Dennis Wilson, Carl Wilson, Mike Love, and Al Jardine, performing in what is billed as their last time playing together in the UK.  How is it as a listening experience?  About what you'd expect from this time in their careers: carefully programmed audience entertainment, only one step removed from present-day tours.  The Beach Boys still try out new material on the audience, including then-current singles (an electrifying School Days, which sounds ten times better here than on the studio version), and up-and-coming songs (Keepin' The Summer Alive), but rely heavily on the tried-and-true hits, with each band member getting their place in the spotlight.  Brian sings "Sloop John B," Al transitions somewhat awkwardly from "Cotton Fields" to "Heroes and Villains," Mike owns "Be True To Your School," Carl rips into "Darlin'," and Dennis tackles an abbreviated "You Are So Beautiful."  The dialogue feels well-rehearsed (even the "impromptu" audience sing-along of 'Happy Birthday' to Brian), but every number rips along confidently, the playing and harmony vocals are tighter than ever, and the band seems to be having a genuinely good time.   It's bittersweet to hear Carl and Dennis's voices again come out of the speakers, and sad to have Brian's vocals pushed to the background during most of the concert, but as history it's good to have, and overall an worthwhile CD.

Songs From Here & Back: Unreleased Live Recordings - 3 New Solo Tracks 
Hallmark Licensing, Inc./Brother Records XPR3940 [CD]; Released May, 2006

1. Intro 2. Dance, Dance, Dance 3. Wouldn't It Be Nice* 4. Surfer Girl 5. Kokomo 6. Car Medley Intro 7. Little Deuce Coupe 8. I Get Around 9. Good Vibrations* 10. The Spirit of Rock & Roll (Brian Wilson) 11. PT Cruiser (Al Jardine) 12. Cool Head, Warm Heart (Mike Love) * = recorded live 1974

REVIEW:  Available exclusively through Hallmark Gold Crown stores for a limited time, Songs From Here & Back is quite different from other discs which Hallmark has commissioned; having achieved gold-selling success from their Christmas releases (with artists like James Taylor, Michael MacDonald, and Amy Grant), the company decided to branch out into other holiday offerings, beginning with a Valentine's Day release from Michael Buble, and now comes The Beach Boys in time for Father's Day.  But whereas other artists had all recorded new albums for the company, The Beach Boys, split into three factions at the time of this release, could only manage to scrape up some odds and ends live recordings, and throw in three solo tracks for good measure.  Running just over 34 minutes in length, this CD really can't be considered essential, but at only $7.95 (with the purchase of three greeting cards), it's still a good deal.  Most of the live performances are all taken from a single show recorded at the Universal Amphitheater in California in front of an appreciative crowd (the exceptions being "Wouldn't It Be Nice" and "Good Vibrations" which are from 1974).  Carl's and Al's voices are present, and Mike is in the forefront of the performances.  The songs are all good, with tight harmonies, and a good time being had by all - the seven songs aren't particularly electrifying, (two of the tracks are merely spoken introductions) but they're professional and satisfying, and it's nice to have them.  The solo tracks, one each by Brian, Al and Mike, are also nice to have, but again, aren't the highlights you might expect them to be.  "The Spirit Of Rock & Roll" is a song originally written for Brian's second solo album, Sweet Insanity, and is found here in a new recording that unfortunately strips it of it's strong rock 'n' roll genesis, and is lessened by a clunky arrangement that makes it sound more like a polka than a rock song.  Al Jardine's "PT Cruiser" has the distinction of sounding exactly like a 'car song' circa 1963, in the mold of The Rip Chords "Hey Little Cobra" - but doesn't rise above the limitations of that genre.  And Mike's "Cool Head, Warm Heart" is swirling with Wilson-esque harmonies (courtesy of Adrian Baker) but is saddled with TM-'lite' lyrics and a similarly unchallenging melody.  Nice, but forgettable, which is a good way to describe the entire album.

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Good Vibrations 40th Anniversary [CD Single]
Capitol/EMI 09463 44962 2 3 [CD]; Released July 26, 2006

Or Purchase From Amazon.co.uk: Good Vibrations

1. Good Vibrations [original 45 rpm single version] - 3:37 2. Good Vibrations [various sessions] - 6:56 3. Good Vibrations [alternate take unreleased in the U.S.] - 3:34 4. Good Vibrations [instrumental - stereo] - 3:53 5. Good Vibrations [live concert rehearsal 8/25/67] - 4:09 6. Let's Go Away For Awhile [original b-side] - 2:22

REVIEW:  A 40th Anniversary single (originally released October 10, 1966), that's nice to have, if somewhat anticlimactic.  For those of us who've been in the know, it was rumored at one point that Capitol was thinking of putting out a "Good Vibrations" sessions set, with two-or-three CD's filled with vocal and instrumental takes on this revolutionary single.  Instead, what fans receive is this CD-Single, which collects bits and pieces, all of which have been released before in some form, and throws in the original b-side as well, the instrumental "Let's Go Away for Awhile" from Pet Sounds.  I imagine that the only people who will want to purchase this new release is fans who've missed out on other compilations, like the very rare Beach Boys Rarities album, which was where the "alternate take" was originally found (here, it's listed as 'previously unreleased in the U.S., which is a mistake), or for those who've not heard the various snippets of sessions that have been previously released on the Good Vibrations box set, or the live concert rehearsal, which showed up previously on the Hawthorne, CA double CD.  All of which I have to give a great big "eh" to, since I've obviously heard all of this before.  Still, for fans of this album, it's nice to have all these versions in the same place, and collectors will snap this up.  It's nice that Capitol Records have put this much effort into the Beach Boys catalog, and nice to have it all in HDCD sound.  The packaging is also nice, with the original sleeve art used on the front, and pictures of various international releases of the single on the interior;  but it would've been nicer if something new besides the stereo mixes had actually been added, as well.

Pet Sounds 40th Anniversary CD+DVD [LIMITED EDITION]
Capitol Records 69940 [CD]; Released August 29, 2006

Also available in standard jewel-case packaging. Or Purchase From Amazon.co.uk: Pet Sounds 40th Anniversary

CD Features both Mono and Stereo mixes of Pet Sounds with a mono bonus track: "Hang On To Your Ego" DVD 1. THE MAKING OF PET SOUNDS (behind-the-scenes documentary featuring interviews with Brian Wilson, Mike Love, Al Jardine, Dennis Wilson, Carl Wilson, Bruce Johnston and Tony Asher) 2. PET STORIES (Brian Wilson, Tony Asher, Hal Blaine, Carol Kaye, Don Randi, Frankie Capp and Tommy Morgan reflect on the Pet Sounds sessions and songs, the album’s original release and its legacy) - The Greatest Album Of All Time… - The Songs - 'Caroline, No' - 'Wouldn't It Be Nice' - 'God Only Knows' - 'Sloop John B' - 'I Know There's An Answer' - 'You Still Believe In Me' - On All 8 Cylinders… - The Vocals - Competition With The Beatles 3. RHYTHM OF LIFE: Sir George Martin & Brian Wilson in the Studio (never-before-released BBC TV documentary excerpt) 4. GOOD VIBRATIONS (unreleased 1966 color ‘firehouse’ promo film) 5. SLOOP JOHN B (1966 black & white promo film) 6. PET SOUNDS (1966 black & white promo film) 7. PHOTO GALLERY (“God Only Knows” audio synched to photo gallery) * DVD also contains Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound and Hi-Res 96 kHz/24-bit PCM Stereo audio mixes of Pet Sounds + Hi-Res 96 kHz/24-bit PCM Mono audio mix of bonus track “Hang On To Your Ego”

REVIEW:  Even for long-time fans, this is a release that should get the some attention.  For the 40th Anniversary of the release of one of rock music's seminal albums, Capitol Records has lavished this set with a lot of love - and no album deserves it more.  For audiophiles, there are four, count 'em, four different mixes of this song on this set: the original mono mix, remastered in HDCD sound, the new stereo mix, also here in sparkling HDCD, and a new remastered mono mix of "Hang On To Your Ego" - which was the original version of "I Know There's An Answer".  The two new mixes for Pet Sounds fans are found on the bonus DVD included, with a Hi-Res 96 dHz/24-bit PCM stereo mix, and an incredible Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound mix that give a whole new way to appreciate the subtle nuances of each song's arrangement.  In short, it sounds fabulous, no matter how you slice it.

Also of interest is the extended video portion of the DVD, with lots of new, extended footage of all of the Beach Boys, including rare footage of Carl and Dennis, talking about their feelings towards Pet Sounds, and the effect its had on their career.  Much of this footage was available earlier on the Endless Harmony DVD, but here there's more of each interview, and it's all been re-edited into a very pleasing whole.  Bruce, Mike, Al, Carl, Dennis, and Brian all give very clear-eyed accounts of their initial reaction to hearing the tracks Brian had prepared, while they were on tour in Japan, and the tortuous process of recording the vocal tracks under Brian's exacting eye.  Tony Asher, Carol Kaye, Hal Blaine, and others who contributed to the tracking sessions are all on hand as well, in extended interview segments that fill out and compliment previous incarnations.  There are complete promotional videos included for "Sloop John B," "Good Vibrations," and a "Pet Sounds Promotional Film" which are bizarre and fun to watch.  And there is a brief meeting of Beatles' producer Sir George Martin as he and Brian sit in Brian's home and studio reminiscing about the far-reaching impact of Pet Sounds on popular music.  In short, even if you have the Pet Sounds box set, and the mono/stereo releases on CD, there is still more here for fans, which, after all these years, is a pleasant surprise.

U.S. Singles Collection: The Capitol Years 1962-1965
Capitol Records 215795 [16CD]; 
Released June 10, 2008

Product Description Super Deluxe Edition features recreations of the 1st 16 singles of the Beach Boys Catalog (1962-65), including accurate reproductions of the original sleeves and labels. Packaged in a board-wrapped, telescoping box featuring a retro chrome appliance sticker, and a variety of textures including gloss & rubber coatings, inlaid wood veneer and a foil stamp. 48 -page casebound photo book with 8 vellum pages is wrapped in mock sand. Accordion-folding credits folder. C-shaped card with titles, legal lines and barcode wraps over top, back and bottom of box under shrinkwrap. EMI. 2008. To view the complete track listing, click here.

REVIEW:  My overarching thought when I first examined the new Beach Boys box set US Singles Collection: The Capitol Years 1962-1965 was: "What a waste." I mean, it's a lovely box - a textural delight, with its rubberized, wood, and laminate outer shell; with raised, chrome-colored lettering; and a photo booklet cover which replicates the feeling of sand on the beach. And the CDs themselves have grooved faces which approximate the original vinyl the singles were released on. It feels great, but as regular paying joe, I don't like shelling out additional cash for an item's visceral qualities. And then there's the contents: sixteen individual sleeves for the CDs, reproducing the original 45s as they appeared in the early Sixties. Nice. But this is the 21st Century - we've moved beyond 45s and even are moving beyond compact discs. The idea of putting three or four songs on a CD which was designed to carry 70+ minutes of music is ridiculous. Visually, the sleeves are kind've a bust too - several of the 45s weren't originally released with any picture art, and so the producers decided to replicate the plain white sleeves with a printed spiral center. I guess they really wanted to be authentic, but visually, it's unsatisfying. In fact, its the whole 'historic vs. modern' question that seems to have baffled the producers - who is this box for?  Wouldn't die-hard collectors rather have actual 45s with precise picture sleeves and labels? Wouldn't modern audiences rather have a digital copy of all the sixty-six songs on one DVD-A, rather than spreading them thinly over sixteen CDs? Boxes like this (and I have a couple of others that are similar) are in the final result clumsy, unworkable, and frustrating, because all I want to do is burn all the songs onto a single CD, or transfer them to my iPod. Pulling them out to listen to a few songs, and then having to slip it back into the box isn't my idea of a good time. We left that behind in the mid-eighties, when CDs were introduced, and I, for one, have never looked back. My other big gripe is that there's no liner notes. (!) Nothing by Mark Linett or Alan Boyd about the songs, the production touches, the mixes, the history of these songs. The booklet is all pictures, most of which have appeared elsewhere, and some water snapshots included as filler. The few new stereo and previously unreleased mono mixes is all there really is to entice collectors, but I'm not going to recommend this over-priced purchase to the general public based on that. A disappointing box, aimed at baby-boomers who want to relieve their halcyon days in a disappointing half-measure.