(February 2020) Episode 250 of the “opus project” is THE BEACH BOYS, a band whose popularity and influence need no description. I divide their recording career into four chapters:
- Surf music (62-65) (the perfect period piece worth an occasional dip)
- Pet Sounds and Smile session remnants (66-67) (pure magic; a must-listen)
- Struggle and transition (68-73) (trying to find their voice amid a changing musical scene and Brian’s troubles)
- Phoning it in/running on fumes (76-onward) (avoid at all costs)
It may seem odd I waited so long to get to them, but that’s because I knew two-thirds of their recordings were crap (but I listened to them anyway). Special mention goes to Brian’s (solo) completion of Smile in 2004; it’s a masterpiece.
Favorite album: Pet Sounds
Favorite song: God Only Knows
Close second: Good Vibrations
Favorite surf-era song: Help Me Rhonda
Worst album (among many): L.A. (Light Album)
Special sauce: Brian Wilson
Compared to expectations: same
Opus Project 