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Brand new album from legendary writer, producer, arranger and performer Brian Wilson, produced by Brian and created in the Capitol Records Studios where he first recorded in 1962.
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STILL FEELING THOSE GOOD VIBRATIONS
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MORE POP SOUNDING THAN "SMILE", THIS IS WHAT THE BEACH BOYS WOULD SOUND LIKE IF THEY WERE STILL MAKING NEW MUSIC AND ALBUMS WITH BRIAN WILSON TODAY. IF TOP 40 RADIO WAS STILL AROUND, THIS ALBUM WOULD HAVE SEVERAL ENTRIES INTO THE GENRE. THESE SONGS COULD HAVE BEEN WRITTEN AND RECORDED FORTY YEARS AGO. NO NEW GROUND BROKEN HERE, BUT IT STILL SOUNDS GREAT. COULD HAVE LIVED WITHOUT THE NARRATIVES, THO'.
Rating: 
(5
out of 5) @ 2008-11-18
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Pleasant
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Let's face it, at age 60-something, Brian Wilson isn't going to break any new musical ground at this point. And he doesn't with his new CD "That Lucky Old Sun". But it's still an enjoyable CD filled with feel-good latter-day Beach Boys music. And there's nothing wrong with that. His voice is in fine form (better than his most recent CDs), his readings are energetic, and the arrangements & playing are typically top-notch. So if you're in the mood for a pleasant, upbeat, almost instantly-forgettable sonic experience, this is the CD for you.
Rating: 
(3
out of 5) @ 2008-11-17
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Hats off to Brian
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Kudos to Brian Wilson for a terrific follow-up to Smile. It isn't as good as Smile but it wasn't 30+ years in the making with classic songs like Good Vibrations, Heroes and Villians, Surfs Up that just can't be topped by anyone.
That being said, I think it is more ambitious than anything any of his contemporaries are doing these days (I do love Ray Davies Workingman's Cafe). There is so much boring music on the radio these days and at the core of so much of it is simply boring songs that all sound the same (no melody writing at all). The writing here is original and memorable especially on the stronger songs.
This is a fully realized concept piece like Smile with personal lyrics reflecting on personal struggles over several decades. It isn't depressing at all but bright and life affirming. The arrangements, performances and harmonies are great. BTW his band is super and should be seen live if at all possible.
The song Southern California is a thing of beauty along with Midnight's Another Day. I like the spoken word interludes and think they add to the piece but I can see if someone wouldn't. The only throwaway on the album is Mexican Girl.
Thanks Brian for touching my heart again!
Rating:
(5
out of 5) @ 2008-11-13
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Must Have? I think so!
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"That Lucky Old Sun" is a visit to the Beach Boys of the 60's. It's not as "today" as "Imagination" or cutting edge as "Smile." (Yes, I know "Smile" is 40-year old material but, in my opinion, it still stands up as a musical breakthrough.)
You can literally hear the parts written for Dennis, Carl, Mike and Al. "That Lucky Old Sun" takes you back to a simpler, carefree time when hanging out with our friends and developing relationships were more important than meetings, schedules, deadlines and the stock market. This vibe is not without its regret, however, since it brings to mind the tragic loss of Dennis and Carl and the broken relationship with Mike and Al.
The song writing is everything you have come to expect from Brian Wilson and friends, the musicianship is absolutely incredible and the production is flawless.
It's not my favorite Brian Wilson, but it is a must have!
Rating:
(5
out of 5) @ 2008-11-12
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Embarrassing Schlock
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After listening to this cd(thank god I didn't buy it)I'm convinced that there are some people that will buy anything that a former great musician slaps together. This cd is schlock. Better yet garbage. O.K. Brian , you were once one of the most influential people in the music business and created some of the best , most enduring music I've ever listened to. But PLEASE, hang it up already.
Rating: 
(1
out of 5) @ 2008-11-04
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