Here's another addition to the collection; I picked up the Beach Boys 1971 album, Surf's Up, and it's a beauty.
First and foremost, this isn't as solid as Sunflower. Yet, it has some more Wilson/Johnston gems on this one that you won't hear on the radio. The music and lyrics definitely were picking up on environmental concerns at the time (and the same concerns that exist today).
The first side, I think, is pretty solid with Disney Girls, Don't Go Near the Water, and Take a Load off Your Feet. To be honest, I can't stand Student Demonstration Time. I get the need to include a song like this in 1971, but it seems out of place on this record.
The second side, however, is absolutely wonderful. Feel Flows sounds like something you'd hear today on some independent streaming station. I really like A Day in the Life and Till I Die, but then there is Surf's Up, which if you haven't heard, I'd implore you to find it on YouTube and listen to it ASAP. All these songs on the second side have those beautiful Wilson chords and harmonies.
The insert is pretty cool too; again, a reminder of why vinyls are so wonderful. Hinting at environmental concerns is the dried land photographs. The inside has all of the lyrics to the tracks on the album; again, a nice addition.
What a nice reprint, to be honest. I'm happy to get this one to pass on to Hattie at some point.
So all said, this one is a solid addition to my growing Beach Boys record collection. Sure, they had some clunkers, but my goal is to get their A-rated records along the way.
Thanks for checking this out, and as always, if you are a Beach Boys fan and have not heard this record before, stream it if you dare. Hoping everyone is having a wonderful weekend, and making #musicforlife too.