It's Okay
3
By Brynford
I have been a Beach Boys/Brian Wilson fan for a long, long time. I've been fascinated by nearly all of the things he's put together. So, I was hoping there would be a bit more here than we are getting (but I'm not surprised, nor am I criticizing). Brian's made his mark on music, and has nothing to prove.
The opening track, the only new composition here, is interesting, but more experimental than commercial. The verses are pleasant, but the intro is odd. On first listen, it almost feels like the song started in the middle or something. Also, poor Brian's voice is not clear due to age, and made worse by singing in that low register. I can't make out the words too well. And it sounds like they tried to auto-tune it too much as it gets distorted in a weird way. The parts Jim James sings are pretty, but sound like they're largely lifted from the melody of Don't Go Near the Water. Which is odd, since I read someone else noting that the verses sound a bit like Summahama, both of which are Mike Love tunes. Strange.
The lyrics are not going to resonate with a. larger audience as they are strictly autobiographical, and narrowly so. When.a band does an autobiographical song, they are typically singing about how success feels, like with Rock & Roll to the Rescue (for example). While not too many of us relate, we might like to relate. Here, we get clunky lyrics about being anxious and scared a lot, demands of getting a job and the music he made as his escape (which only worked on some days). Heartbreaking.
Rock and Roll Has God a Hold On Me, in addition to haveing a very long name, is a re-hash of Country Feelin' from the Sweet Insanity era. It's new as a recording, but not as fun as Country Feelin'. I love the other outtakes of the Paley sessions, a couple of which made it onto Lucky Old Sun. They showcase Brian's talent, evident on songs that wouldn't have been radio singles.
He's a legend, and this is a great taste of outtakes from his career, with some newer things. Kudos to Brian for staying busy, despite being at an age were he certainly could just sit and watch the waves.
