Dennis Wilson – Pacific Ocean Blue (1977) (2-CD Legacy Edition)

In his lifetime Dennis Wilson only released one solo album. And here it is. Now 'Pacific Ocean Blue' was on CD once before but didn't remain in print very long and has since sunk into legend status. So it was only a matter of time before it was reissued in a deluxe package like this. For some perspective Dennis Wilson was the first Beach Boy to record a solo album. And it truly lives up to it's legend in just about every way. The music borrows from certain sources (most notably Brian Wilson) but is nothing at all like anything he nor any of the other Beach Boys did. In general terms the musical base of the album is far more stripped down then anything else-in addition each song has a multi-part style fluxuation not disimilar to Brian or Phil Spectors music. The majestic "River Song" is a perfect example as well as being one of the best compositions here. The few uptempo songs here (the best being "Friday Night" and "Pacific Ocean Blues") have a strong funky blues groove to them that neither Brian Wilson or the Beach Boys ever went for. Other songs such as "Moonshine","Rainbows" and "Farewell My Friend" showcase most strong another major wild card for Dennis Wilson; his raw, gravely singing voice is a lot more like Bruce Springsteen then The Four Freshmen. That vocal quality matched with the music puts this music is an unusual cross between heartland rock n' roll, bluesy, funky southern rock and orchestral california pop, without making any specific commitment to any of those styles. Also you get to hear how truly wonderful musician Dennis has become, his abilities as a drummer able to aptly jump from tempo to tempo in a breeze, as well as his grossly unheralded piano playing are showcased throughout the album. This album comes with a second CD featuring material from an unreleased sophmore album of Dennis' called 'Bambu', most of which further showcases his abilities as a musician. While most of the material on this is more in the california pop vein then his first album there are many surprises such as "School Girl", a rocker that emphasizes a strong use of synthesizers and the errie "Love Surrounds Me", same idea only on a slower tune. Taken together all of the music Dennis ever recorded as a solo artist is featured here. And summing up what ended up being one of the "greatest career's that barely happened" in pop history I am personally relieved this is one that will not be forgotton.

Personnel Includes:

Dennis Wilson — Strings, Drums, Keyboards, Vocals, Producer
Carli Munoz — Piano, Keyboards, Moog Synthesizer, Percussion, Producer
Carl Wilson — Lead guitar, Vocals
Bruce Johnston — Background Vocals
Hal Blaine — Drums
Chuck Domanico — Bass
Ricky Fataar — Drums
John Hanlon — Guitar, Engineer
Gregg Jakobson — Producer
James Jamerson — Bass
Earle Mankey — Guitar, Engineer
Dean Torrence — Background Vocals
Steven Moffitt — Chief Engineer
Michael Andreas — Horn
Lance Buller — Horn
Sterling Smith — Keyboards
Tommy Smith — Drums
Dave Hessler — Bass
Ed Carter — Bass, Guitar
Bobby Figueroa — Drums
Wayne Tweed — Bass
Manolo Badrena — Percussion
Janice Hubbard — Horn
Bill Lamb — Horn
Charles McCarthy — Horn
Stephen Moffitt — Engineer
Eddie Tuleja — Guitar, Vocals
Sid Sharp — Live strings ensemble
Alexander Hamilton's Double Rock Baptist Choir

Tracklists:

CD 1 – Pacific Ocean Blue:

01. River Song
02. What's Wrong
03. Moonshine
04. Friday Night
05. Dreamer
06. Thoughts Of You
07. Time
08. You And I
09. Pacific Ocean Blues
10. Farewell My Friend
11. Rainbows
12. End Of The Show
13. Tug Of Love (Previously Unreleased)
14. Only With You (Previously Unreleased)
15. Holy Man (Instrumental, Previously Unreleased)
16. Mexico (Previously Unreleased)

CD 2 – Bambu (The Caribou Sessions):

01. Under The Moonlight (Previously Unreleased)
02. It's Not Too Late (Previously Unreleased)
03. School Girl (Previously Unreleased)
04. Love Remember Me (Previously Unreleased)9
05. Love Surrounds Me (Previously Unreleased)
06. Wild Situation (Previously Unreleased)
07. Common (Previously Unreleased)
08. Are You Real (Previously Unreleased)
09. He's A Bum (Previously Unreleased)
10. Cocktails (Previously Unreleased)
11. I Love You (Previously Unreleased)
12. Constant Companion (Previously Unreleased)
13. Time For Bed (Previously Unreleased)
14. Album Tag Song (Previously Unreleased)
15. All Alone (Previously Unreleased)
16. Piano Variations On Thoughts Of You (Previously Unreleased)
17. Holy Man (Taylor Hawkins Version - Bonus Track)

Sound Quality: 8/9