California

Wilson Phillips

Product Details

• Audio CD (April 1, 2008)
• Original Release Date: May 25, 2004
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Sbme Special Mkts.
• ASIN: B0012GN2AG
• In-Print Editions: Audio CD  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 3.7 out of 5 stars See all reviews (126 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #112,603 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com
It took 10 years and more tummy-tuck coverage than the average fan might have wanted, but Wilson Phillips is back, its taut three-part harmonies intact. Concept album California couldn't have been a difficult record to make--the daughters of Beach Boy Brian Wilson (Carnie and Wendy) and the Mamas and the Papas' John and Michelle Phillips (Chynna) grew up on these canyon-deep, left coast-leaning hits. Surprisingly, though, it's not their parents' songs--"Monday Monday" and "In My Room" among them--that Wilson Phillips make soar. Instead, they stomp off with the Eagles' "Already Gone" (covered twice here, once as a hidden track) and opener "You're No Good," the Linda Ronstadt classic, skewing the songs in their favor, making what was once rich and earthy seem pop-sweet. The sun-drenched perkiness pervading these tracks may be standard Wilson Phillips, but credit legendary producer Peter Asher with maintaining a sandcastle-smooth sound throughout. --Tammy La Gorce

Product Description
International edition of 2004 album adds the bonus track 'Already Gone' (acoustic version). Columbia. --This text refers to the Audio CD edition.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Perfect , breezy tunes for a summer road trip, June 24, 2004

By A Customer

This review is from: California (Audio CD)

...and what's wrong with that? Over-analyzing pop music is a worthless exercise. You either like an artist's sound or you don't. In the case of "California", the harmonies and the music resonated with my concept of what vocal-driven pop music should be: happy, crisp, good foreground or background music. The trio sounded like they were having a swell time; the disc was infectious to listen to the first time, and fun to sing along with later. Some tracks had a pared down, more acoustic sound; others were bubble-gum silly. A great way to introduce old favorites to a younger audience, too: for all you Moms out there looking for something "decent" your preteens can listen to, this got a thumbs up from my eleven year old. "Turn, turn, turn" has never sounded better.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The girls are BACK!!!!, June 24, 2004

By	Evan M. (Hawaii) - See all my reviews

This review is from: California (Audio CD)

I was a huge Wilson Phillips fan in the late 80s / early 90s. I was horribly disappointed when they disbanded. They have beautiful voices and the harmonies are incredible. Unfortunately for them in the 90s, musical tastes gravitated towards boy bands and rap. Now that the boy band era is over, maybe there is room again for these wonderful and talented ladies.

For those who criticize them for releasing a cover album, I respectfully disagree. I think it was a masterful move for them to release a cover album filled with fun and familiar tunes. Now that they have shown that they still have a fan base, perhaps we will be seeing a CD of original work.

Although I like "Monday, Monday", for the Mamas and the Papas homage I would have preferred to have heard "California Dreamin'". It would have been amazing.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars CALIFORNIA Dreamy, May 26, 2004

By	Michael A. Lever "Music Man(ic)" (Van Nuys, CA USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This review is from: California (Audio CD)

In an age of Lipsynching Pop Princesses and foul-mouthed rappers masquerading as musicians, WILSON PHILLIPS' "California" is a breathless, effortless gem, as cool as an ocean breeze off the Santa Monica Pier.

First and foremost, Wendy Wilson, Carnie Wilson and Chynna Phillips can SING. How strange and sad a notion that one has to emphasize what should be a requirement: Singers that actually sing. (One only wishes the folks at American Idol would follow that lead.) For it is a real shame that artists such as
WILSON PHILLIPS get washed aside in the wake of overhyped, overproduced and underwhelming acts polluting the airwaves.

"California" reunites 3 talented women and showcases their incredible talent for harmony and phrasing that we have come to love (and miss) since their big splash 12 years ago with "Hold On" and "Release Me." The wait has been well worth it, as there is a richness and maturity to their tight sound that serves this cover album quite well. Stand-out takes on "Doctor My Eyes," "In My Room" (a nod to the Wilson music legacy) and "Go Your Own Way" bridge generation gaps and meld musical memories to maximum effect.

This is a CD worth your time and your heart, for it conjours up the warmest thoughts of the best of the past and the sweetest hope for the future. Share the love with family and friends, and remind yourself and them just what real singing is.

A grand return for a great group: Welcome home WILSON PHILLIPS!