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4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
An Absolute Treasure, August 28, 2004
Can I add another star??? I have always found it interesting that Brian Wilson's music is most appreciated by other musicians, and the higher calibre the musician, the more likely they are to really 'get' what Brian is all about.
Well, Cameron Parkes is certainly one who 'gets it'. This is a wonderful CD. A real gem of a find.... melodic, impeccably recorded and produced, and Brian Wilson's music is expressed here with an obvious deep respect and love. I found it deeply touching.
I really enjoyed the set list here of 'lesser known' pieces. We all know and love the popular 'hits' but I have to admit there's a few on here that I had not heard before and they are wonderful songs. Listening to this album is like discovering gold! The singing, musicianship is top shelf. Indeed, Cameron's voice is of such calibre that he would have fit right in with the Beach Boys as an easy replacement. He displays incredible versatility vocally and also shows great taste in the arrangements which are beautifully balanced and layered. Presenting the music of one of pop music's greatest talents in a fresh way could not have been an easy task, but Mr. Parkes does so with capability, sensitivity and creativity.
The opening 'Prayer', Cameron's own composition, simply blows me away. The vocal layering is amazing, and hauntingly beautiful and moving to my spirit. It's pure brian-influenced, and like most every song on here, you would swear those were the vocals of the Beach Boys you were listening to. It is a great opener for setting the unique 'vibe' of this set. 'Gonna Hustle You' is a great nostalgic rock n' roll piece that grows on me every time I listen to it. It really gets under your skin, and just has wonderful sound. Same with 'I Do', just a very infectious piece that carries that sunny, innocent, happy 'purity' that was so present in Brian's best work. The 'Smile' set, 'Wonderful', 'Wind Chimes', 'Vegetables', and 'I Went to Sleep' are all wonderful, and although I hate to say it, I actually prefer these to the Beach Boys versions. These are 'fleshed out' and beautifully arranged and recorded. Gorgeous singing, Cameron! God, I got chills listening to 'Wonderful'.
'Little Children' is a song I had a hard time warming up to off of Brian's first solo album, but here, it comes to life. 'I'll Bet He's Nice' is maybe my favorite track on here. Such a great song and carries with it some pretty complex emotion. This version is very true to the original, only 'cleaner' and just sounds better. Great arrangement, and layered vocals. GREAT! 'Solar System' is a song I never heard before, and its remarkable. Just beautiful and full of the unexpected musically, which of course is what Brian is all about. This song has complex and interwoven changes. Wonderful, 'ascending' vocals...... I change my mind, this is my favorite track! 'I Wanna Pick you Up' is another gem, and another song I had not heard before (and I"m a 'serious' Brian Wilson fan!) God, I love this stuff. Youthful innocence defined. I'm going on 50 years old, but I am a child again when I hear this music. The album ends with an excellent choice. 'Everything I Need' gives me goosebumps. Here, one of Brian's strongest melodies is presented with simplicity and beauty.
You may suspect I'm going overboard here with my accolades, but the truth is, it's THAT good. This entire album is so well done and expressed in a 'vibe' that is so true to the original artist that it is nothing less than inspirational. Cameron Parkes has obviously carefully absorbed Brian Wilson's subtleties and most importantly, his spirit. For it is THAT SPIRIT that comes across when I hear this beautiful music.
Brian shared with the world a priceless gift of sunny innocence, joy and childlike hopefullness and happiness. For me, Brian Wilson's music is Love defined. Well done, Cameron Parkes, for soaking it in and presenting it again through your own immense talent in a fresh and engaging way. This world badly needs more of this stuff..... I look forward to volume 2!
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4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Wonderful, July 15, 2004
Go buy this album. The vocal treatments of old favorites and rarities are stunning. This is an incredible paean to the musical genius that is Brian Wilson. Truly this was a labor of love. If you are a hardcore Beach Boys fan you will want this CD. If you only know the standard collection of "greatest hits," this CD is an excellent way to begin to love the remainder of the Brian Wilson catalogue.
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4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
What A Terrific Tribute..., July 3, 2004
I ordered this Brian Wilson Tribute album at the same time that I ordered Brian's newest work. Had I know how wonderful (no pun intended) this tribute was, I would have ordered it all by itself so that I could have begun enjoying it even earlier than I did. Since the day that the Tribute album arrived, it had been in the number one position in my car's CD player. It is played (and sung along with) each and every day.Michael obviously cares a great deal about Brian and his terrific music since he treats each one of them in a very special manner. It is amazing that Michael has been able to put a fresh spin on some of Brian's older material. Kudos to all who have been involved in this great production. Michael Patterson
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