Customer Reviews
finally!!!! - By: H. Foster, 03 Sep 2008 
Finally this album is rereleased!! Certainly the best solo beach boy album (though the competition isn't much!) & definetly one of my favourites from the 70s. And the excitement for many a DW fan - all the unreleased tracks, some of which i had heard on scratchy bootleg before. Parts of the mixing for the Bambu tracks is not the best, i've heard better versions elsewhere - particularly wild situation, but overall you cant complain especially when there were a few tracks id never heard before & blew my mind (love remember me, are you real & cocktails). Now all we need is another DW cd with all the other amazing songs he's done e.g early 70s stuff(carry me home, lady, sound of free etc)and whatever else he's done - then we'll be happy. A decent DW documentary would be good too.
Steady on! - By: xvgh, 29 Aug 2008 
I've given this one star simply because there's so much hyperbole written about this album that it really needs to be balanced a bit.
It's a pretty good album, but 'Genius'?? I think that's a bit strong. If I came across this album without hearing anything about it beforehand I'd think it was pretty good but anyone reading any of the gushing praise heaped on it here or elsewhere is bound to be disappointed.
If you like Beach Boys circa Holland/Surf's Up then you'll enjoy it. Just don't buy it expecting The Holy Grail!
Staggeringly Beautiful (Slight return) - By: P. Dunhill, 16 Aug 2008 I have to say that I dislike the Beach Boys surfer-era ethos intensely, as do a lot of people I know, & I have had a devil of a job getting them to listen to this cd with their prejudices left at home. I bought the cd set on the basis of all the rave reviewsin the media etc, thinking I'll give it a go & could always sell it on ebay if it was rubbish. How wrong I was!!! Do not let such prior judgements put you off this superb album!! Dennis had a very similar ear for piano-based melodies as fellow CA resident Randy Newman but the music is far more heartfelt. Enough words - just buy it - you wont regret it!! Trust me...I'm a civil servant...
Cry, Jump and Smile with the best reissue of this year!!! - By: David Calcano, 06 Jul 2008 I have to say I never thought Dennis could do a record like this one... yes I know I'm an idiot. But seriously, I am overblown by the feeling of these songs (Farewell my Friend, Time, End of Show), every song has the right element of surrounding sounds but never disturbing the greatness of the melodies & the amazing piano tracks.
Unbelievably he included funky songs (pacific ocean blue)in this album & they all fit together like a miracle or whatever you want to call it.
He blends the classic beach boys sound on a subtle way, with the Beatles creating an atmosphere making it very personal to listen to.
The tracks have aged marvelously, man I'm so psyched about this album! How stupid I was not to have it years ago!! This is truly one of the best albums I have heard from a solo Beach Boy & yes, I am a huge Brian fan!
From nostalgic sad & dark songs, happy love songs, to funky tunes this album has everything.
Don't be another stupid & buy this album for a personal experience with melody.
Let the music play!
PS: The unreleased material is also unbelievable & I'm only reviewing disc1!!
PS2: The packaging is UNBELIEVABLE !!! Don't dare to buy another version of the record.
Yes it is ... - By: David Sandilands, 06 Jul 2008 as good as you hoped it would be & beautifully packaged too.
I also really like Bambu, the unreleased,supposedly unfinished, album & the bonus tracks as well.
