Pacific Ocean Blue (Legacy Edition)

by

Dennis Wilson

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In his lifetime Dennis Wilson only release one solo album. And here it is.Now 'Pacific Ocean Blue' was on CD once before but didn't remain in print very long and has since sunk into legend status. So it was only a matter of time before it was reissued in a deluxe package like this. For some perspective Dennis Wilson was the first Beach Boy to record a solo album and this set also comes with great liner notes. And it truly lives up to it's legend in just about every way. The music borrows from certain sources (most notably Brian Wilson) but is nothing at all like anything he nor any of the other Beach Boys did. In general terms the musical base of the album is far more stripped down then anything else-in addition each song has a multi-part style fluxuation not disimilar to Brian or Phil Spectors music. The majestic "River Song" is a perfect example as well as being one of the best compositions here.The few uptempo songs here (the best being "Friday Night" and "Pacific Ocean Blues") have a strong funky blues groove to them that neither Brian Wilson or the Beach Boys ever went for.Other songs such as "Moonshine","Rainbows" and "Farewell My Friend" showcase most strong another major wild card for Dennis Wilson;his raw,gravely singing voice is a lot more like Bruce Springsteen then The Four Freshmen. That vocal quality matched with the music puts this music is an unusual cross between heartland rock n' roll,bluesy,funky southern rock and orchestral california pop,without making any specific commitment to any of those styles. Also you get to hear how truly wonderful musician Dennis has become-his abilities as a drummer able to aptly jump from tempo to tempo in a breeze,as well as his grossly unheralded piano playing are showcased throughout the album. This album comes with a second CD featuring material from an unreleased sophmore album of Dennis' called 'Bambu'-most of which further showcases his abilities as a musician.While most of the material on this is more in the california pop vein then his first album there are many surprises such as "School Girl",a rocker that emphasizes a strong use of synthesizers and the errie "Love Surrounds Me",same idea only on a slower tune.Taken together all of the music Dennis ever recorded as a solo artist is featured here.And summing up what ended up being one of the "greatest career's that barely happened" in pop history I am personally relieved this is one that will not be forgotton.

Wow. Better than I could have hoped. Though an obvious product of its era, and certainly over-produced, it's as good as anybody else's efforts, and would sure make pleasant listening on a summer patio afternoon... Really, surprising. Poor DENNIS WILSON never knew his one album would become an artifact, like a derided painting not of its time, that still has the power to master...and to change... Now admired and remembered, PACIFIC OCEAN BLUE is a real find, partly because of the inclusion of the unfinished BAMBU as a second disk, beautiful packaging in tribute to DENNIS, but also being found is what this record is all about, being found lost in time, lost in fame as the eye-candy drummer boy who also was the surfer, lost in the endless rhythms of the ocean... This record is a wonderful surprise!!