Customer Reviews

Friends

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

"Friends" remains on of Brian Wilson's favorite Beach Boy albums, and it's one of mine too. In fact, after their obvious hit singles and "Pet Sounds" and their work for the "Smile" album, I think this is their best work. It may take you a while to appreciate it; at first it comes off as an inconsequential, even silly little piece of innocence. In the turbulent year of 1968, few were listening. And in this age of irony we live in, maybe few will get it: this album is a *sincere* declaration of peace and love, full of superb melodies and subtly clever arrangements. Though you will not find the sonic richness of "Pet Sounds" here, listen again and discover the variety of carefully chosen instruments that underly each song. Add to this the usual sweet vocals of the Beach Boys, and we have a winner. The album is a short one, and sometimes I don't understand why the songs were faded out when they feel like they ought to keep it going; chalk it up to eccentricity. In any case, these are mellow tunes from master Brain Wilson, along with a few hearfelt spiritual odes from brother Dennis Wilson. This album always relaxes me and puts me in a good mood, which is more than I can say for a lot of albums.

Originally released on CD as "Friends"/"20-20" with bonus tracks, this is now "Friends" only without the bonus tracks or track by track annotation by David Leaf. Reportedly Brian Wilson's favorite album because you do not have to get into a certain mood to hear it. Is more of a Beach Boys album with a more balanced contribution from all of the members. Capitol needs to re-release the full CD with "20-20" along with the bonus tracks, otherwise the album will be over before you know it.

The album is not Pet Sounds but it is still good. It shows Dennis Wilson's artistic flowering with Little Bird and Be Still . It has soothing songs like Passing By and Diamond Head and of course, Friends. It is sad that Friends did not make it in the turmoil of 1968

Hey i talked his folks out of cutting off his hair ...Such lyrics seem so contrite now ..then this was an issue of who u was an where you was going ... This cd is solid all around ....from track one to the ending . stand out's ... Meant for you Friends Anna-lee the healer ..wow ..bass line is so up front ....so clean yet so heavy The amazing song ...Lil Bird ..by Dennis the start of his song writing .. so soulful was his voice ......emotion that was from the ideas of brian his older brother that he admired. The tour de force ....Busy doing nothing' a ode to brian's day then ....a must for beach boys fans and a must for music lovers that want something with substance but not slick ....As always the beach boys stereo's is at the best to, rich sound all over for your headphones an speakers ok thanx for ur time tony.r

Alright, so " Anna Lee the Healer" might have the worst lyrics of any song ever. That doesn't detract from some of the best songs the Beach Boys have ever written.

The title track is criminally underrated, and deserves to be ranked with "God Only Knows", and "Good Vibrations". "Be Here in the Mornin'" and "Wake the World" compliment each other perfectly, though they could use a little lengthening. "Little Bird" has a sound that is somewhat modern and ahead of its time.

The lyrics of most of the songs, however, make you wonder whatever became of Tony Asher. Bleahh.

If you like "Pet Sounds", you'll probably like this. It could take you a few listens though...

As I sit and close my eyes, there's peace in my mind and I'm hopin' that you'll find it, too, and these feelings in my heart, you know, are meant for you.