The Beach Boys - Surfer Girl UK 1967 LP Capitol Recs (Rainbow Rim, Black Label)
£
38
$
50
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Description
The Beach Boys - Surfer Girl UK 1967 LP Capitol Records Catalogue Number T 1981
This third LP (not issued until 1967 in the UK) was a major upgrade in quality from the first two albums. They're still too surfer happy from a lyrical standpoint, but even the filler is more fun this time out; "South Bay Surfer" and "Surfer's Rule" are goofy as hell but I can't get them out of my head, either. There's only two instrumentals this time, one of which ("The Rocking Surfer") is actually quite good ("Boogie Woodie" not so much), and Brian takes over the production reins. As such, the album has a fuller, more expansive sound than previously, in part because Brian discovered the joys of multi-tracking. Also, this is the album on which Brian started to use superior session musicians, many (such as standout drummer Hal Blaine) from the legendary "Wrecking Crew" who played on Wilson's idol Phil Spector's records; the thin, twangy sound put forth previously has been bulked up. Most importantly, Brian Wilson (again often with one of the aforementioned lyrical collaborators) has written some fine songs; he especially comes into his own on the ballads, starting with the lovely, romantic title track, which of course is highlighted by its delectable harmonies and which became a U.S. top 10 hit and a longtime fan favourite.
On the lesser known front are the melancholic "The Surfer Moon," the first Beach Boys track to feature strings, and the short but lovely "Your Summer Dream," while "In My Room" is probably the best song here, as this song's heartbreakingly personal and reflective meditation about Brian's reclusive sanctuary is the first glimpse of the more mature and sophisticated work he would produce later on. Of course, this album is still largely all about fun, fun, fun, and the group delivers just that on the light, catchy "Catch A Wave" (though again the shrill falsettos and the carnival-esque keyboards might not be for everybody), the also-light and even catchier U.S. top 15 hit "Little Deuce Coupe" (car songs were fast becoming another band specialty; though I'm much less fond of "Our Car Club"), and "Hawaii," whose falsetto harmonies again veer close to being annoying but which are ridiculously catchy and singable just the same. On the whole this album has its fair share of flaws, mostly with the lyrics, plus it has a few lesser tracks. However, it also has some acknowledged classics ("Surfer Girl," "In My Room," "Little Deuce Coupe") and several strong overlooked album tracks ("Catch A Wave," "The Surfer Moon," "Hawaii," "Your Summer Dream") that aren't generally found on hits compilations, making Surfer Girl the first Beach Boys album that can be easily recommended.
Track Listing
Side 1
1. Surfer Girl
2. Catch A Wave
3. The Surfer Moon
4. South Bay Surfer
5. The Rocking Surfer
6. Little Deuce Coupe
Side 2
1. In My Room
2. Hawaii
3. Surfer's Rule
4. Our Car Club
5. Your Summer Dream
6. Boogie Woodie
Sleeve EX--. Record EX-
P&P UK £5.75 (Signed For) Overseas at cost (Tracked)
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