Album Reviews7/10
Beach Boys’ Smiley Smile Still Fascinates 59 Years After Smile Fell Apart
Review of the Beach Boys' 1967 album Smiley Smile, a stripped-down, intimate record born from the collapse of the legendary Smile sessions.
CLAY TRIBUNE / THE ARCHIVE
Tag: Brian Wilson
Album Reviews7/10
63 Years On, the Beach Boys’ Third LP Shows Brian Wilson’s Production Outpacing His Lyrics
The Beach Boys' 1963 album Surfer Girl marks Brian Wilson's first solo production, blending surf pop with studio craft. A transitional record worth hearing.
Album Reviews5/10
Fifty Years On, 15 Big Ones Still Sounds Like a Band Stalling for Time
The Beach Boys' 1976 album 15 Big Ones is a nostalgic patchwork of covers and originals, marking Brian Wilson's return but lacking inspiration. A muddled 5/10.
Album Reviews3/10
Recorded in Iowa to Fulfill a Contract, M.I.U. Sounds Exactly Like That
A minor Beach Boys record from 1978, slight and pleasant, with a few bright spots. A low-stakes entry in their catalog.