Beach Boys
Holland / Reprise 1973
Tracks: 1. Sail on, Sailor / 2. Steamboat / 3. California Saga: Big Sur / 4. California Saga: The Beaks of Eagles / 5. California Saga: California / 6. The Trader / 7. Leavin' This Town / 8. Only with You / 9. Funky Pretty / 10. Mt. Vernon and Fairway (Theme) [*] / 11. I'm the Pied Piper [*]/ 12. Better Get Back in Bed [*] / 13. Magic Transistor Radio [*] / 14. I'm the Pied Piper [*] / 15. Radio King Dom [*]
Comments:
After the rather disappointing 1972 album "Carl And The Passions / So Tough" the Beach Boys are back on track with one of their strongest albums "Holland". As with its predecessor, Brian Wilson's musical contribution is limited, but fortunately the other two Wilson brothers shine with strong songwriting and great vocals. Dennis Wilson had previously shown great songwriting skills on tracks like "Forever" and "Cuddle Up". On this album he contributes with the original "Steamboat" and the beautiful melodic "Only With You".
For each new Beach Boys album Carl Wilson comes clearer and clearer as the group's strongest vocalist. His performances on "Steamboat", "Only With You," "Funky Pretty" and not least his own "The Trader" are nothing less than convincing.
The three Calfornia Saga suite songs are all strong. Al Jardine's melodic Interlude beand one of the highlights on the album. Mike Love leads with "California" in the best way memories back to "California Girls"
Brian Wilson contributes music to the hit single "Sail On Sailor" and "Funky Pretty" - especially the former is an asset to the album.
Ricky Fataar and Blondie Chaplin's "Leaving This Town" is a fine song which some may feel does not really have the right Beach Boys sound - could be a song that would fit for a James Taylor.
Nevertheless "Holland" is one of the band's strongest 1970s releases - unfortunately it would turn out to be the last truly great album from the Beach Boys.
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