Pacific Ocean Blue : Dennis Wilson : Review : Rolling Stone

Within the Beach Boys, Dennis Wilson seemed to be the friendly foil to his visionary older brother Brian — he was the fun-loving surfer/drummer who loved booze and women. But this solo set proves he was also a soulful songwriter. Released in 1977 and out of print since 1991, Pacific Ocean Blue is a cinematic meditation on loss, both personal and environmental. A trio of wrenchingly intimate songs about a failed relationship anchor the album: “Thoughts of You,” a piano-based ballad with a wild psychedelic interlude; “Time,” a symphonic cocktail of folk-jazz that gives way to brassy funk; and “You and I,” a simple pop song about hope. Although some arrangements were inspired by Pet Sounds and Smile, Pacific Ocean Blue differs from the Beach Boys sound by using vocal harmonies to accentuate the darkness of the lyrics rather than act as a bright counterpoint to them. Even the uptempo, gospel-choir-fueled “River Song” carries an undercurrent of dread, as Wilson sings about city life encroaching on nature. This double-disc set includes the first official release of Pacific’s follow-up Bambu, a harder-rocking but weaker set that Wilson never finished. Yet the reissue’s heart lies in tracks like “River Song” and the rollicking “What’s Wrong” — two raw, emotional highlights that are as moody as anything Brian ever composed.

MARK KEMP

(Posted: Jun 26, 2008)

News and Reviews

Your Turn

Give us your review of Pacific Ocean Blue

Review 1 of 1

4of 5 Stars

P.O.B was a revelation when I first heard it. It stands up, even today as a first rate effort, on par with other performers alotted in to the 'California rock' genre.
Wilson's voice, later to be so racked by cigarettes and other vices, 'feels' the lyrics in a way Tom Waits' does. Yet, the entire album has a breezy, cool aura to it. It's quite different to anything the Beach Boys did and, in the 70's, a heck of a lot better. Dennis shines on this album in a way that his role as 'the drummer', 'the sex symbol' etc didnt allow him to with the Beach Boys.
Look out for: River Song, Thoughts of You and You and I. Such romantic songs!
In all, this album can not only stand up to todays music as being one of the first environmentally- aware albums, but as revealing the very romantic, gentle songwriting talents of Wilson.
The cover photograph shows an older, more mature, lion-like Wilson, while the inside shots show him at play on The Harmony, his beloved yacht.
I recommend this album as it is revelatory and a necessity. As his second album is yet to be released, P.O.B makes an ecclectic addition to any cd/album collection. A fantastic first solo release!!!

Apr 21, 2006 22:21:05

Previous Next