Beach Boys Greatest Hits Vol. 2
There are several songs on this volume that I didn't recognize or like. This completed the quest for the Beach Boys songs I so enjoy. I'm glad I purchased the CD because of the songs I do love. Would recommend it just for the familiar songs.
When I Grow Up to Be a Seer....
Here I am, still in Malibu, enjoying the sun and surf and the company of Ingrid and Helga, members of the Norwegian Women's Volleyball League. Yes Yes folks. Well, I did manage to make them stop fighting. It was decided that they would alernate my company in order to be fair. One would have me in the morning one day, then the next day in the evening. This schedule would go back and forth for my stay here. Sort of like a volleyball. (!) I tried to convince them that it wasn't fair to the other members of the team but they wouldn't hear of it. I suppose there just isn't enough of me to go around, (but I did try people!).
So, anyway, we are chatting, laughing, and having pina coladas at the beach tiki bar when two men approach us. One had a suit on, and the other had a camera around his neck. "Excuse me sir, are you the famed Metamorpho who has solved many a world problem and is now on vacation?", one asked. "Why yes, yes, I am the one", I said, totally happy that my fame has spread even to this little beach in Malibu. "Well, my name is Cashin", the one in the suit said, "I work for a marketing firm in L. A. , and this is my photograher Papa Razzi. " "Nice to meet you", I said. "Mind if we take some shots of you?", they asked. I agreed and after they were done they said thanks and walked away laughing. Sensing something, I called out and asked why they wanted the pictures? "We are presenting ideas to the Horrorcraft company for a new Halloween mask. I think this is going to be bigger than that Scream mask"! People, I totally forgot about my massive zinc oxide and sunglasses. As they sped away I called out weakly "Don't forget my royalty cheque"! But people, I am not worried. No. If it's a big seller I have a lawyer. And that means I would'nt have to hit up my fans for plane fare next time. ;)
Anyway, they had this selection playing on the boom box at the tiki bar, so I might as well review it. This is part two of their greatest hits, and it's just as essential as part one. The selections here are an extension of the motifs I discussed in part one. (What? You haven't read it? People, you must learn to stay tuned - always). Anyway, to repeat, The Beach Boys were masters of music in the California scene of the 60's (and afterwards). Motifs? Sun, sand, waves, surfing, fast cars, girls, girls, girls, and the heartache and joy of young love. The Beach Boys music, the American flag, and Mom's apple pie are synonymous. So, now you get the picture.
This volume does not include alot of blockbusters like volume one. However, it does include enough here to make it a most worthy companion piece. Perhaps a long time ago, executives discovered that Brian Wilson also made a lot of "B" side songs on their hits. And since, they've included some of those on subsequent compilations. But songs like "In My Room", "The Warmth of the Sun", "Don't Worry Baby" and "You're So Good to Me" are just as good as the major hits, in fact, in some instances, better.
We also have here their unusual hit "Heroe and Villains" which escaped the shelving of "Smile" which was to follow Pet Sounds but never was released (until recently). Also, a motif which I had forgotten previously - the loss of innocence. Evident in the superb "Caroline No", but also in the lesser hit of "The Little Girl I Once Knew". The interesting thing to note about that song is the meter and structure he used to construct the song. The passages here foreshadow Brian's evolution towards more inticate and experimental modes. If anything, this led the way in revealing new found growth.
Many of their later songs are also here. Essential to include "Darlin'", "Do It Again", and "I Can Hear Music". Gems in their own way. In all honesty, there are some tunes here your Metamorpho could forego hearing at the tiki bar, but there really are no clunkers.
I realize that they are probably one group that has been re-packaged more times than Helga and Ingrid have hit a volleyball, however, if your thinking about a pretty comprehensive overview of a great American group, volume one and this volume two are sure to bring you sunshine. Even on the bleakest, coldest snow filled day in Maine. Or, so I've heard. ;)
Now, I must go. (Is that a disappointment groan I hear from you people?).
Don't worry people, everything will turn out alright. But, I can see a fight brewing. Yes. The rest of the team are trying to meet me and being prevented from doing this by Helga and Ingrid. Ah well. Fame does have it's drawbacks, I suppose. :(
Happy 4th! ------- Metamorpho ;)
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Makes You Feel as if It Can Be Summer All Year Long
In My Room, Don't Worry, Baby, and Friends are all included in this CD that is guaranteed to get your blood pumping. This album brings together all the all time favorites from the infamous Beach Boys. Its hard to resist getting up and dancing to these wonderful tracks. If you like the Beach boys, you are sure to love this album. Its got all the right tunes and grooves. It makes you feel as it can be summer all year long. I highly recommend this album to any person of any age, its safe for kids, another perk of these amazing tracks.
Great Collection...But You Have To Buy The Other 2 Volumes!
Although some of the songs barely cracked the Top 40, I feel these songs are just as important and do more than just "supplement" Volume 1. As the album title indicates, this collection picks up where Volume 1 ends. Like Volume 1, these songs are short radio versions.
The liner notes are enjoyable along with the colorful pictures, song credits and chart positions. As stated in my title, you can't just buy this without getting the other two volumes. Plus, this three volume set may save you from buying their more expensive box set which contains over 100 songs. With this three volume, three CD set, you get 60 songs you will want. Highly recommended.
+ 1/2 stars...The Rest of the Capitol Hits (and Near Misses)
2 (along with Vol. In many ways the Beach Boys GREATEST HITS VOL. 1 and 3) is a better choice than the 2003 single disc SOUNDS OF SUMMER. You not only still get all of their Top 40 singles (which SOUNDS OF SUMMER can't claim), you get some key album tracks and singles that charted outside the Top 40. So Vol. 2 not only gives you the big hits like "When I Grow Up (To Be a Man)" (1964, #9) and "Heroes and Villains" (1967, #12), you get Beach Boy favorites like "Wendy" (1964, #44) and "Friends" (1968, #47), along with b-sides like "Please Let Me Wonder" and the U. K. -only single release of "Cottonfields" from 1970--where it was one of their biggest hits at #3!
Even at 20 tracks the album is still a bit skimpy (running time - 51:12), but it helps provide a solid overview of the Beach Boys first decade. Like Vol. 1, the 12-page foldout booklet is awkward, but the essay by Beach Boy author Brad Elliot offers some terrific insight, the photos are wonderful and the track-by-track studio info is informative. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.
You can see a complete list of all The Beach Boys discography, or go back to the The Beach Boys tabs
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