Well, I had to do it...I had to splurge a bit and finally pick this album up. My wife has been playing it quite a bit on Spotify, but that's no fun. Since we have had a record player for a few years, why not get this classic on vinyl too for the holidays to come?
Released during the height of early Beatlemania in the States, this album doesn't sound English beat whatsoever. If anything, this one is heavy on the doo-wop sound that influenced Brian Wilson so much during his early years. Who doesn't like doo-wop?
I imagine most people have heard this album over the years. Everyone, I think, knows the first track. There's a good animated video for that one on YouTube with lots of Beach Boys Easter eggs for the fans out there; it's a good starter if you are not familiar with Beach Boys or their style:
Personally, my favorite song on the album is Christmas Day. With a classic Wilson chorus that, as always, has that tint of sadness in the harmonies, I think this one is up there with some of their better material. Just my opinion of course!
My only complaint with the record is that it came through the mail dinged up. Look at that corner:
Ridiculous! Fortunately, the record itself was not damaged, so with a little luck, this one will stay in Hattie's collection for a long time.
This is an album I'd recommend for those looking for something old but "new." One can only listen to so much Christmas music, I get it. Yet if you want a change of pace, take a listen on YouTube or Spotify, and sink back into Southern California, Christmas time, 1964. I know I do when I hear the music...
Thanks for checking out my #musicforlife post. It's been a bit, but more vinyl shares are to come soon!