 I bought Orange Crate Art as soon as I could Tuesday night (Nov 14th, 1995) and listened to it in the
car on the way home. Very different. I tried to brace myself for something different according to the
few posts on the newsgroup (rec.music.artists.beach-boys) that had gotten a hold of advance copies.
But nothing could prepare me for this. I like it, although it wasn't what I expected.
My first impressions was that this sounded a lot like "Song Cycle" in that the melodies didn't
follow a regular beat. The lyrics weren't quite as ecclectic as "Song Cycle" but the production is close.
My immediate first impressions were that this makes me feel as though it's Christmas, a kinda warm
feeling to the music. Does anyone know what I'm talking about? It's definitely the instrument selection and
production that gives it the 'warm' feeling, not to mention Brian's beautiful voice and harmonies.
The songs that stand out to me are definitely:
- Orange Crate Art
- The lyrics and melodies just seem to stick in my head and I keep singing it over and
over .... "memories of her, Orange Crate Art.."
- San Francisco
- Damn, what a rocker! This sort of has an Elton John feel to it. I wish Warner
Brothers would release this as a single, it has potential. The up-and-down movement of
the piano and bass guitar are awesome. Brian continues to do things with his voice I
didn't know he could, I love him on the chorus here. Part of the song sort of sounds
like the old rock band "Europe" and part sounds a bit like "Bon Jovi" and still part
sounds like "The Eagles". In short, I love this song, my absolute favorite on the album.
- Wings of a Dove
- I love the way Brian handles his voice in this track. This almost sounds as if it
could be a Brian Wilson composition also. The harmonies are very good and don't cover
up the lead. But you can definitely tell it's Van Dyke when the orchestra goes into that
chaotic, harmonic spiral.
|
