A Postcard From California

Al Jardine | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (April 3, 2012)
• Original Release Date: 2011
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Fontana
• ASIN: B005HWUB4Q
• Also Available in: Audio CD  |  MP3 Music
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (54 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #43,012 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Track Listings

1. A Postcard From California

2. California Feelin'

3. Looking Down The Coast

4. Don't Fight The Sea

5. Tidepool Interlude

6. Campfire Scene

7. A California Saga

8. Help Me Rhonda

9. San Simeon

10. Drivin'

11. Honkin' Down The Highway

12. California Dreamin'

13. And I Always Will

14. Waves of Love

15. Sloop John B (A Pirate's Tale)

Editorial Reviews

2012 reissue of this collection from the longtime Beach Boys member. A Postcard from California, was largely penned by Al Jardine and features a regular "who's who" of classic rock and popular music royalty. Jardine was joined in the studio by a steady and willing stream of famous friends, including Neil Young, Brian Wilson (and all the Beach Boys), Steve Miller, David Crosby, Stephen Stills, Glen Campbell, Flea from the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Gerry Beckley and Dewey Bunnell of America, Alec Baldwin and John Stamos. Jardine's sons, Matt and Adam, are also heard on vocal harmonies. The twelve-song collection includes four cuts that comprise what Jardine calls "the green side" of the new album, compositions that speak to the relationship of man and his environment. "Don't Fight the Sea," "Tidepool Interlude" and "A California Saga" are songs that reflect this artist's deep love for the California coastline and his concern for the ecological health of the planet. "I think this material defines the new project in these days of climate change," he suggests.

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Album - Some Reviewers missed the point... August 21, 2010

By MichaelFla

Format:Audio CD

...I won't repeat the obvious; this is a GREAT album... I kinda knew Al Jardine had the "real" Beach Boy vibe in him (evidenced by the recent live releases)... but I never dreamed he had THIS MUCH... totally blown away by this release. The fact that did a "Threetles" (Paul, George & Ringo "recording" with John Lennon for The Anthology) as he revived tracks recorded decades ago and treated us to Carl Wilson, Bruce Johnston and more was a power packed bonus.

Here's where, imho, some Amazon reviewers missed the point. More than one have stated that once the remaked "Help Me Rhonda" kicked in, it was downhill. What you didn't get was that this is, for all purposes, a concept album... Notice the history of the disovery and move to the golden paradise called California is detailed in each subsequent song... Then, at least I believe, once the entire panorama is developed, Al humbly acknowledges that, thanks to The Beach Boys, the rest of us in America (and the world for that matter) were treated to "California in Sound" through the magic of Brian Wilson & Company... and what better way to make that point than with "Help Me Rhonda"?... Even more proof of Jardine's witty musical intelligence is the fact that, instead of redoing the song in the already-well-known-version, presents it with a lacksidaisical California vibe... from there on; "The Beach Boys" own the show and bring it home... and if he decided to end it all with a "love letter" to the love of his life, more power to him, as she probably was the "woman-behind-the-man" who encouraged him all those years to keep on surfin'... With this song he neatly tied a beautiful red bow on this gorgeous musical package... Thank you Al Jardine!

16 of 17 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Well Worth The Wait! August 3, 2010

By Peter A. Sferra

Format:Audio CD|Amazon Verified Purchase

Al Jardine's many devoted fans have been patiently waiting for quite a long time to hear "A Postcard From California" and I firmly believe that the end result is well worth any perceived delays. This album not only showcases the appreciable talents of Jardine himself, but also presents the listener with an impressive line-up of stellar guests, many of whom have had a long association with The Beach Boys. Not only did Al successfully garner the participation of surviving band mates Mike Love, Brian Wilson, Bruce Johnston, and David Marks, but he also managed to include the heavenly voice of the late Carl Wilson. Even Glen Campbell (briefly a Beach Boy himself) adds immeasurably to the title cut and he's just one of several other music industry luminaries who delight the listener. But this isn't about The Beach Boys, it's about Jardine and his own ability to create something truly special.

The first seven tracks are woven together into what I would call a "suite" that flows from song to song, paying homage along the way to Jardine's beloved California. My personal feeling is that this is the heart of the album and is a standalone work, in and of itself. In these tracks one can find a deep love for, and appreciation of, this remarkable state and what I appreciated most was the timeless nature of the writing. While the title cut takes us back to the post-World War II time period, and to the origins of how the Jardine family ended up emigrating from Ohio, the very next song brings us to the beauty one can find here today. "California Feeling" is one of those long lost Beach Boys songs that were only recently released officially, first by Brian Wilson in 2002 and now by Al. What captured me was how the same song could be interpreted in two such different ways.... As beautiful as Wilson's version is, Jardine adds his own unique stylistic touch (with revised lyrics) creating a piece that makes one yearn for the California sun.

Next up in this initial suite is another lost song called "Looking Down The Coast". I had previously heard this gem many years ago on a very poor quality bootleg that only made me want to see The Beach Boys give it the treatment that it deserved. A lyrical and compositional gem, it manages to blend the grandeur and magic of the central California coast with the less-than-honorable exploitation of its past inhabitants (not unlike Carl Wilson's "The Trader"). The very meaningful song closes with a soulful transition into the absolute jewel of the entire album . . . . .

"Don't Fight the Sea", described as "a whimsical look at the futility of man's attempt to control his environment", might just be the holy grail that die hard Beach Boys fans have been dreaming of. From top to bottom, this beautifully crafted "new" song sounds like something the band might have recorded in their heyday . . . and there's a very good reason for this. The Beach Boys began work on it back in the late 1970s but for whatever reason, the project was shelved. Carl's vocals were added years later and Al decided to resurrect the master tapes and try to finish the song for his new album. The results are nothing short of stunning, with Al and Carl trading verses on the lead and a simply breathtaking backing vocal track throughout. This song was most assuredly destined to become a "Beach Boys" classic but it just happened to take three decades to make it all happen!

I've never been a big fan of spoken word pieces but I have to admit that "Tide Pool Interlude" (Track 5) really made me smile. Designed to serve as an introductory segment for a trio of tracks that culminates with a self cover of his 1973 tour de force "A California Saga", it was Jardine's selection of his friend, actor Alec Baldwin, to perform the recitation that really made it work for me. Baldwin's fabulous voice is perfectly suited to this task and his delivery and timing are spot on. Add to that a beautiful instrumental backing track and, strangely, this decidedly corny tribute to California became a highlight of the album for me. From this brief track to an even shorter one, "Campfire Scene" playfully steers us toward his "Holland" era masterpiece with a vamping vocal opening that he shares with none other than David Crosby and Neil Young. A banjo reminiscent of a Disneyland ride leads into the familiar words, off key at first but quickly shifting into gorgeous harmony. Then comes the actual song and I honestly believe Jardine may have topped his original Beach Boys version. He takes the first and third verses while Neil Young deftly handles the middle one. This is an absolute treat to listen to and is a perfect way to close out the initial seven interconnected songs on the album.

From here, things start to slip a bit with the inclusion of another cover, this time "Help Me Rhonda". Like a previous reviewer, I don't believe this song fits at all into the general theme of the collection. On top of that, I don't think this song is one that's begging to be redone. It was a fine piece in its day and Al's original performance helped to make it a classic. I'm just not sure it needed to be revisited, especially here. I will say that if you happen to be a harmonica fan (which I'm not), you may enjoy this track.

As quickly as the momentum slipped, it seemed to return in the gorgeous song "San Simeon". Opening with ultra-lush vocals, Al paints a lovely picture of this pleasant and often overlooked seaside town. America's Gerry Beckley and Dewey Bunnell add their appreciable talents to this track, as do Jardine's very gifted sons Matt and Adam. Very pretty!

Next up is "Drivin'" and, as the name implies, it's a great song for the car. It's hard to go wrong with Brian Wilson and the America boys sharing lead vocals and I particularly appreciated their not-so-subtle reference to a couple of their own songs. David Marks offers a superb guitar solo and be sure to listen to Al's talking near the end. There's a reference to "409" and he also manages to slam BP for their recent oil spill debacle. Rarity hunters will be pleased to know that a second version of this song exists where Texaco is referenced, rather than BP.

Track 11 is another cover, this one from The Beach Boys' "Love You" album. "Honkin' Down The Highway" was never my favorite song from that album and that album was never my favorite BB offering. That said, Al managed to add new life to this harmlessly upbeat song and, as with the previous track, there's a fun reference to an old classic, this time "Little Deuce Coupe". Brian, Matt, and Adam are on board again on this one.

The final piece on this album is called "And I Always Will" and it's a beautiful love song, possibly written for his wife? A very lovely way to close out an outstanding collection.

My only real regret about "A Postcard From California" is that "California Dreamin'", originally slated for inclusion, was left off the final line-up. I had heard rumors that it simply wasn't finished in time for the release date but that may not be true. All I can say is that the sound bite Al had on his web site led me to believe it was going to be a real jewel. I believe David Crosby performed on it, as did John Stamos. My hope is that Al eventually finishes it and offers it as a CD single.

Thank you Al for giving the fans exactly what we always knew you could create!

Respectfully,

Pete Sferra Read more ›

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Love the Album November 4, 2010

By Jim Walden

Format:Audio CD|Amazon Verified Purchase

Note my review title says album. I bought my first Beach Boys album back in 64, so I am almost as old as the group. Like many other reviewers say, the album flows seamlessly from song to song. Don't Fight the sea is a true Beach Boys classic. It's too bad it wasn't released years ago. California Saga is definitely better than the original. But the song that stands out most for me is the title song. I can't get it out of my mind! The song really tells of Al's love of California, the tune is very catchy, and if you look at the list of collaborators it is an outstanding group. Anyone who loves this type of music and excellent vocals will kike this CD.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars BEAUTIFUL AND FUN ALBUM October 4, 2010

By Hinch

Format:Audio CD|Amazon Verified Purchase

When I hear Al Jardine's voice, which doesn't seem to have changed, it's impossible not to think of The Beach Boys. I think I had forgotten how much he contributed to their sound.

I hesitated, but after reading a couple of reviews I decided to give it a chance.
I'm so happy I did. It's probably as close to a Beach Boys' album we'll get without a reunion of the surviving members. I dare say, more like The Beach Boys than even any of Brian's great albums, except of course "SMILE".

The title song doesn't have much of a Beach Boys sound, but it's a great song. It seems to have been custom written for Glen Campbell, who shares lead vocals with Al. It may just be me, but it's very reminiscent, even down to the strings, of "Wichita Lineman" and "By The Time I Get To Phoenix".

The next few songs flow together and sound more like The Beach Boys.

"California Feeling" is a nice song co-written by Brian Wilson. Behind the vocals are only a piano and harmonica and with the sound of crashing waves it goes into a beautiful song titled "Looking Down The Coast" which describes the sights, sounds and life on the California coastline.

With the sound of wind, waves and whales, we go into "Don't Fight The Sea", which has the background harmony vocals of Brian and Carl Wilson, Mike Love, Al Jardine and Bruce Johnston. This is a Beach Boys song which was never completed until now. The basic track was recorded in 1978.

The sound of the sea and sea gulls take us into "Interlude" with Alec Baldwin doing spoken word, describing the feeling of and the love for California, over the sound of a piano....

A harmonica and banjo begin the very short "Campfire Scene" with vocals by David Crosby and Neil Young and then we hear "A California Saga" which brings in Stephen Stills, along with Crosby and Young. Neil Young and Al sing lead vocals and it's amazing how well Neil fits into the song. Again we have a song which sounds like The Beach Boys. It gives credit for piano to "Guess who?" which I assume is Brian, but I could be wrong.

Next is a great remake of "Help Me Rhonda" with Steve Miller on guitar and vocals and long time Steve Miller Band member, the late Norton Buffalo on harmonica. The vocals seem to match the tempo of the original, but the music sounds nothing like the original. A great vehicle for Miller.

"San Simeon" begins with trademark Beach Boys harmonies by Jardine and, from the group America, Dewey Bunnell and Gerry Beckley. Gerry also sings some lead vocals.

Next is a fun, guitar driven song "Drivin'" which has lead vocals by Al, Brian Wilson, Gerry Beckley and Dewey Bunnell, and contains references to a couple of America's songs.

Another fun and humorous song, and one of my favorites, "Honkin' Down The Highway" was written by Brian Wilson, who also sings lead and background vocals. Love this song!! One of my favorite lines in this song is "Honkin' down the gosh darned highway". Needless to say, it sounds like The Beach Boys, but I just did.

The last song is the love song "And I Always Will" sung by Al. The first two verses could be a love song to his fellow Beach Boys, but at the end of verse two it turns into a love song to his wife.

As I listen to this cd, I keep reminding myself it's not The Beach Boys.
It also makes me wish for a complete reunion album by The Beach Boys, but I'm not holding my breath.

If you like The Beach Boys, I think you'll like this cd.
I don't really understand why some reviewers said it's a weak effort with awful vocals and melodies, but I suppose beauty is in the ear of the beholder.

Thanks Al, for an album of great music, something I find rare these days. I hope you do another one. Read more ›