With all the hype around the Beach Boys coming out with a new release, I decided to give in to my impulses and listen to these old dogs do some new tricks…
The Beach Boys “That’s Why God Made The Radio”
Rather than re-hash what others have already written, here is my take on the music itself. With Wilson back at the helm, it is easily the strongest BB album in over 20 years, with the title track balancing nostalgia and heavenly harmonies. Like BB albums of old, we get a sunny side and an introspective “dark” side. “Isn’t It Time” captures each of the band’s principal singers (with Al Jardine’s vocals sounding the best of the bunch). The backing crew of Brian’s “SMiLE” helps keep things smooth and tasteful, and other than a throwaway (“The Private Life Of Bill and Sue”) its sure to please fans. Recommended here are the sweet love ballad “Shelter” and heart-breakly gorgeous “From There to Back Again.” It feels like a swan song. Maybe it is… “Pacific Coast Highway” is an acceptance of that, as Brian croons “It’s time to move along… sunlights fading and there’s not much left to say.” A satisfying coda for a legendary band.
Joe Walsh “Analog Man”
Rock and roll’s “ordinary average guy” Walsh (ex-Eagles) sounds like your dad ranting on the title track of Analog Man. Walsh still has the guitar chops, and he’s given the full “Wilbury” treatment courtesy of Jeff Lynne (ELO). “Wrecking Ball” is an awesome catchy track, with Walsh’s trademark sound over Lynne’s orchestration. “Lucky That Way” is like a sequel of sorts to “Life’s Been Good” and “Band Played On” is another great sitar/riff heavy rocker. A few songs are a bit too slickly produced, the touching “Family” is nearly ruined by synth effects.”One Day At A Time” starts to sound too much like a Wilbury track, thankfully “Funk 50” and “India” are riff heavy returns to form albeit with thick production values. Nothing really throwaway here, as your analog dad goes full digital – did we mention those big guitar riffs? Yeah, I love ’em too.
