Flash Cadillac: Sons Of The Beaches Varese Sarabande 066149 [CD]; Released 1975; CD Release August 8, 2000

Flash Cadillac & The Continental Kids are a band who live for the sun.  And on this, their best and most successful homage to the California myth, the band successfully captures the sunny, innocent flush of suntanned bodies on the beach with an almost self-concious copying of the Beach Boys.  Their sound, straight from the 1970's owes more to First Class perhaps than to the Beach Boys, and has the slick production shine that was creeping into even the Beach Boys albums.  With the majority of songs being original compositions, there is plenty of new stuff to discover here, from the rich Beach Boys harmony and Phil Spector feel of "Time Will Tell" to the very Mike Love-ish "Hot Summer Girls" extolling the charms of California beauties.  There is a well-chosen cover of a Bruce & Terry song: "Summer Means Fun" which stacks up well with the original version, but the best songs are the originals, with the great songs "Come On, Let's Go" and "I Wish You'd Dance" tearing up the dance floor, and the fun "See My Baby Jive" a personal favorite.  But every song here is worthy of hearing, even though some songs veer into a comically goofy swing.  Varese Sarabande has filled out the disc with three alternate mixes/songs, and has remastered the original album with great sound.  A terrific party album, and a real find for fans of the Beach Boys early sound.

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The Legendary Masked Surfers: Jan & Dean's Golden Summer Days Varese Sarabande 5727 [CD]; Released July 24, 1996

I'm really not sure why I've taken such a long time to pick this up, since in many ways it's as much a Beach Boys album as a Jan & Dean album - in many ways more so, with the involvement of not only Mike Love and Brian Wilson, but Marilyn Wilson, Diane Wilson, and touring members of the Beach Boys band John Cowsill, Mike Kowalski, Chris Farmer, Eddie Carter, and John Stamos. The impetus for this collection of tracks was the 1978 TV movie Deadman's Curve, which was a fictionalized re-telling of the Jan & Dean story.  With rights to the original music tied up in legal knots, Dean Torrence decided to re-record several of J&D's biggest hits for inclusion on the film's soundtrack. He enlisted several friends, and Mike Love volunteered the use of his Santa Barbara studio to record the songs. Strangely, instead of sticking with J&D hits, seven of the tracks of the 17-song collection are better known as Beach Boys hits; including "Fun, Fun, Fun", "Surfin' USA", "Surfin' Safari", "Little Deuce Coupe", "I Get Around", "Be True To Your School" and (!) "Vegetables". Jan & Dean did cover most of these songs on their own albums, but still, it's a Wilson-heavy project.  Jan & Dean hits include: "Ride The Wild Surf", "Dead Man's Curve", "The Little Old Lady From Pasadena", "Honolulu Lulu", "Popsicle", "Sidewalk Surfin'", "Gonna Hustle You", and "Drag City". The sound on this recording actually reminded me of the similar Beach Boys Salute NASCAR CD: the songs are well-played, uptempo, with discrete use of synthesizers (this was 1977, after all) and with a professional, slick sound that evokes the past hits, but doesn't really improve upon them. Brian Wilson's only appearance is on "Vegetables", but Mike Love chimes in "Little Old Lady..." and "Sidewalk Surfin'". A good album for Beach Boys fans to investigate.

The High Llamas: Hawaii BMG 27004 [CD]; Released July 29, 1997

1. Cuckoo Casino 2. Sparkle Up 3. Literature Is Fluff 4. Nomads 5. Snapshot Pioneer 6. Ill-Fitting Suits 7. Recent Orienteering 8. Hot Revivalist 9. Phoney Racehorse 10. Dressing up the Old Dakota 11. D.C. 8 12. Doo-Wop Property 13. Theatreland 14. Friendly Pioneer 15. Cuckoo's Out 16. Peppy 17. There's Nobody Home 18. Hokey Curator 19. Campers in Control 20. Double Drift 21. Island People 22. Incidentally N.E.O.  23. Tides 24. Nomad Strings 25. Pilgrims 26. Rustic Vespa  27. Folly Time   28. Hawaiian Smile    29. Instrumental Suits

The Malibooz: Living Water (The Surfer's Mass) The Orchard 313 [CD]; Released February 9, 1999
 

 Out of all the Beach Boys-hybrid bands that have sprung up over the years, The Malibooz have the most authentic credentials, and sound.  Formed with long-time members John Zambetti and Walter Egan (who had a one-hit career with "Magnet and Steel") formed the Malibooz in 1964 and have been releasing their mix of Beach Boys and surf guitar music off and on ever since then.  This 1999 release is easily their most daring and dynamic piece of music - a reverential song-cycle in the form of a Catholic Mass, with sweeping ocean imagery reminscent of Brian Wilson's "The Lonely Sea" (especially on the moody, swirling piano of "Bitter Water), but it's the rich vocals and unusual tack that the band takes that makes this album such a stunner: the blending of Christian trappings and the near-religious fanaticism that surfers have for their sport make this a one-of-a-kind album that some may find a wee bit too serious for their tastes.  But check it out, it's probably the sweetest slice of pure harmony singing that you're likely to hear.  Whereas the Malibooz's other albums have all been a tried-and-true formula of Beach Boys harmonies blended with the Surfaris intrumental prowess, this album is the Malibooz's Pet Sounds.   A heartfelt stunner and rarely-heard expression of faith that stacks up with songs like "Surf's Up" "'Til I Die" and the Beach Boys best.

Or purchase from Amazon.co.uk: The Malibooz

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Wilson Phillips: Greatest Hits  Capitol Records 22085 [CD]; Released May 23, 2000

1. Hold On [Single Edit] 2. You Won't See Me Cry [LP Version] 3. You're in Love [Single/Radio Edit] 4. Impulsive [Single Edit] 5. Give It Up [New Extended Radio 7"] 6. Release Me [Single Version] 7. Dream Is Still Alive [AC Remix]   8. Flesh and Blood [Single Edit]   9. Daniel [LP Version]   10. Conversation With Wilson Phillips 11. Hotel California [Live]  12. Hold On [Live]          13. Naked and Sacred [LP Version] - Chynna Phillips   14. Miracle [LP Version] - The Wilsons  15. Everything I Need - The Wilsons [LP Version]

It's impossible to have a Beach Boys-related artists page without including Wilson Phillips.  Not only does the group contain Brian Wilson's two natural daughters Carnie and Wendy Wilson, but this disc, which is easily the only choice for people curious about the group, contains the first of several of the Wilson's collaborations with their father as the final track.  Wilson Phillips was always more about style than substance, with their heavilly processed vocals lending the group's singles a too-perfect sheen which tended to fall apart in live appearances, but these ladies didn't hit the top of the charts a couple of times on pedigree alone.  The optimistic girl-group vibes found on "Hold On" and "You're In Love" contain huge hooks, and the harmonies, even if they are devoid of all emotion in their studio polishing, are bright and tight.  (It also didn't hurt that Wendy and Chynna looked really hot in the videos, and Carnie had a 'Mama Cass' thing goin' on).  This disc contains those two top hits, as well as several minor chart entries in the form of "You Won't See Me Cry," "Impulsive," "Release Me" and the not-too-subtle autobiographical letter to the Wilson's distant father "Flesh and Blood."  All these songs are included in the punchy single versions which were heard on the radio, and which surpass the tamer LP mixes.  Also included are thier contribution to the Elton John tribute CD Two Rooms "Daniel," two live performances, which show that Wilson Phillips could really sing (just not as well as on their albums), a single from Chynna Phillips solo album, and two cuts from Wendy and Carnie's The Wilsons CD, featuring the Tony Asher/Brian Wilson penned "Everything I Need" (which is all you'll need from that otherwise dismal release).  In short, this disc is a perfect sampler for those who loved the singles (guilty pleasure, I know), and want to have just some of Brian's progeny included in their collection.

Jeffrey Foskett: Stars In The Sand The Pop Collective TCP2001 [CD]; Released November 16, 2004

I've long been a grudging admirer of Jeffrey Foskett's music - he's a multi-talented singer/songwriter/instrumentalist who's adept at hybridizing musical trends from the last several decades and picking the best parts for his own recordings.  A long-time associate and friend of Brian Wilson, as well as a member of his touring band, Foskett is a creator of pop music with a capital "P" and the songs on this finely-chosen compilation by label The Pop Collective are a perfect showcase for his carefully-crafted solo outings.  Jeffrey Foskett knows a good hook when he hears it, and his songs, from the memorable "Thru My Window," "The Word Go," or "The Mystery Of Moonlight" or his cover versions of other artists' songs, ("I Live For The Sun," "Everything I Need") are given clean, sparkling productions and are all benefited from Foskett's remarkably supple tenor voice.  Most of the vocals and instruments are supplied by Foskett himself, with occasional help from friends like Marshall Crenshaw, Robert Lamm, Doug Fieger, and even Brian Wilson, who lends his voice to "Everything I Need."  The one complaint I've always had with Jeff's music is how carefully controlled it is; even on tear-em-up number like "I Live For The Sun" the music never really gets down and dirty - this is pop music put on a pedestal, and after a while of listening to it I get a hankering for some meat-and-potatoes rock 'n' roll.  But Foskett does step out of his comfort zone occasionally, as with the folk-pop of "The Best Thing About Me Is You" and the sunny, frenetic "FISH!" from Japanese songwriter Tatsuro Yamashita.  The album also finishes with a surprising riff on Neil Sedaka's "Laughter In The Rain" done acappella, with Jeffrey multi-tracking his voice into a Beach Boys-inspired choir or harmony and doo-wop euphoria.  An excellent starting point for those who wish to investigate this talented artist.

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The Wondermints  Big Deal Records 9903 [CD];  Released November 5, 1996

Before the Wondermints achieved pop nirvana as core members of Brian Wilson's band, they carved out a distinctive solo career, beginning with this fab album released on Big Deal Records.  Mixing the very best parts of The Beach Boys, The Beatles, Elvis Costello, The Left Banke and a touch of proto-punk attitude, the Wondermints have a knack of creating astoundingly catchy power-pop with enough hooks to choke a whale.  Their first album abounds with the lessons they've learned: from the folk-rock Monkees-vibe on "Proto-Pretty" to the high, shimmery harmonies on "Tracy Hide" and the lazy summer haze of "She Opens Heaven's Door" the amount of sheer melodic songcraft here is dizzying.  Snatches of the Beatles peeks through on "Libbyland" morphing to the percolating psychedelia on "Shine," then the band channels an almost perfect imitation of Elvis Costello on "Thought Back" then spins a Lennon-ish vibe for "Global Village Idiot."  No wonder Brian Wilson thought them the perfect match for him - it seems like these guys can imitate anyone they want - they're the ideal musical chameleons.  This album, which manages to maintain a remarkable unity of style and tone through the shifting influences, is an absolute joy, and unreservedly recommended as your first foray into the wonderful world of the Wondermints.

Or purchase from Amazon.co.uk: The Wondermints

Taxiride: Imaginate
WEA/Warner Brothers 3984277222 [CD]; Released October 28, 1999

Or purchase from Amazon.co.uk: Imaginate

1. Can You Feel 2. Get Set 3. Everywhere You Go 4. 72 Hour Daze 5. Rocketship 6. Let Me Die Young 7. Rachael 8. Ice Cream 9. Let's Spend The Night 10. Nothing In This World 11. Counting Down The Days 12. Back Again 13. Helplessly Hoping (Bonus Track) 14. Get Set (Original Demo) 15. Everywhere You Go

REVIEW: The first time I heard Australian band Taxiride's debut album, I was reminded of The Beach Boys. Not that their songs, or performances are especially reminiscent of the Hawthorne Five - it was more the vibe that they put out.  This was music that demanded to be listened to while cruising down the highway in a convertable with the top down.  It doesn't hurt of course that Imaginate is pure pop songwriting at its best; nor should it surprise you to learn that their sound is rooted in rich harmonies.  But the harmonies are perhaps more akin to the tight interweavings of Crosby, Stills and Nash than the Four Freshman, but the feel - the mood of this album is definitely West Coast, with a touch of raw folk-rock in their guitar chords.  I've debated a long time whether or not to include them here, but in the spirit of sharing music that I love, I really wanted to give a shout out to this group.  And I think that fans of The Beach Boys and maybe more particularly West Coast-styled pop music will totally dig this album.  It's got a wide spectrum of styles included, from the rocket-science blast of "Get Set" to the acappella harmony riff of the opening track, this album rips out of the starting gate.  There's humor ("Ice Cream"), and straight-up pop hooks ("Everywhere You Go," "Nothing In This World").  But I was similarly impressed by the deep melancholy found on the melodic "Let Me Die Young" and the charming simplicity of "Counting Down The Days" (there are some marked likenesses in similar sentiments by both Brian and Dennis Wilson in these two songs.)  There's also Indian raga music to be found laced into "Rachel" and curiously successful Celtic influences in "Let's Spend The Night" and a short, whimisical benedition found in "Back Again."   And although the band has lost (and gained) a member since their debut, and have released more albums in the interim, it's their first outing which still sounds fresh and alive to my ears.  I love this record.  If you haven't heard it, give it a try.  And although Sire Records released this album in an abbvreviated American version, this CD, (their Australian release), is expanded with three very good bonus tracks that you won't find on the U.S. release

Ben Folds: Rockin' The Suburbs  Sony 61610 [CD]; Released September 11, 2001

One of the great surprises of my year was to hear Ben Folds' solo album "Rockin' The Suburbs."  I wasn't familiar with his work with Ben Folds Five, but I heard snippets of this album and had to check it out for one vital reason: to my ears, Ben Folds sounds like vintage Brian Wilson, circa 1968.  Brian at that time was writing strange, intensely loopy pop songs like "Busy Doin' Nothing" and "Anna Lee, the Healer," which sounded nothing like his earlier songs, but have an intimate charm unlike anything he's written before or since.  Ben Folds, while not descending into the odd paranoia that Brian did, writes "little" songs about his neighbors, his girlfriends, and other inhabitants of his fishbowl of a world, and wraps these lyrics into perfect little pop melodies that he graces with his brilliant voice, which can jump into falsetto as easily as Brian ever did.  Listen to the perfect pop construction of "We're Still Fighting It" which veers between almost-too-pretty balladry and anthemic power-pop, and hear echoes of the sentiments of Brian's "When A Man Loves A Woman."  Then listen to the sweet sadness in "Losing Lisa" and you'll hear the same poet soul that permiated "In My Room" and "Cry."  I'm not saying that you'll find direct comparisons here, since Ben rarely uses harmony - in fact, this disc has a very dry, home-studio sound as compared to Brian's rich, harmonic soundscapes, but to me it helps to emphasize the bleaker tone that this disc carries, and from beginning to end it's a near-perfect diary of the songwriter's heart.  Another disc that I find myself plugging to friends whenever I get the chance.

Or purchase from Amazon.co.uk: Rockin' The Suburbs

Tripsitter: California Son Tripsitter Music [CD]; Released January 1, 2004

If I had my way, the Beach Boys would have retired in oh, say, 1974, and instead of foisting 15 Big Ones on an unsuspecting public, would have just soaked up some rays, done some surfing, and then once they'd all unwound a little bit, they could've put out an album like California Son, which is the finest, sunniest, most California sounding CD I've heard in a long, long time. Listening to this album brought back powerful memories of the West coast, with all the easy, laid-back effervescence that living in the Sunshine State evokes. Tripsitter have perfectly captured the good vibrations of the California Mythos, and personally have more than a few resemblances to the Beach Boys: a five-piece band, containing two brothers, and some simpatico friends who obviously share a love of harmony singing, they write their own music, play their own instruments, and weave a spell-binding magic in their music. They're not shy of acknowledging their progenitors either: they incorporate an acappella "Intro" and "Outro" which opens and closes the album in "Our Prayer"-like manner, or interpolate parts of "When I Grow Up To Be A Man" into the title track; or the "'Til I Die" vibes found on the instrumental "Wavestrumental" (love the title); or by doing their own vocal sampling of the harmony tag of "Be Here In The Morning" on "Last September." But these artists aren't Beach Boys clones - they're far more relaxed, and their influences also seemingly incorporate The Eagles, The Beatles, and The Carpenters, but not in overt ways - the album just breathes out a sweet, peaceful feeling, and alternately incorporates jazz, blues, or folk influences with remarkable fluidity. Other songs that trip my wires: "Transformation", "On and On", and the post-"Outro" benediction "Just A Little". Simply perfect pop. Check this album and be sure to stop by their website and say hi. Meanwhile, I'm going to play this disc over again and hope they have plans to catch a second wave of sweet, California music.