Pacific Ocean Blue/Bambu (The Caribou Sessions): Legacy Edition

Sales Rank: 543 (Music)
Artist: Dennis Wilson
Audio CD
EAN: 0886970791625
Format: Enhanced
Format: Original recording remastered
ListPrice:
Number of Disks: 2
Publisher: Caribou/Epic/Legacy/Sony BMG
UPC: 886970791625
Price: £8.94

Amazon.co.uk Review

Apart from the non-release of Smile, the biggest lament of hardcore Beach Boys fans is that Bruce Johnston aside, none of the non-Brian Wilson solo albums are available on CD. But now, for fans of late drummer Dennis Wilson, there's reason to celebrate as his only-released solo album gets the reissue it deserves. Widely acknowledged as the finest Beach Boys solo effort, it's now presented with clarity, allowing the full sonic palette--the punch of opening "River Song" for example--to be heard in its intended glory. Wilson's raspy vocal may have been past its prime, but it's still affecting and ably supported by the sumptuous production values he gave the album. With high quality tracks such as the funky "Dreamer" and the poignant "Farewell My Friend", this will appeal to anyone with even a passing interest in The Beach Boys, as well as a delight for hardcore fans as the unreleased tracks (from the unfinished follow-up Bambu), easily match the original's quality.

While the disappointing absence of earlier singles ("Lady" or "Sound of Free") prevents this from being a definitive career anthology, this is as essential a Beach Boys artefact as Pet Sounds or Sunflower/Surf's Up. -–Thom Allott

Customer Reviews of 'Pacific Ocean Blue/Bambu (The Caribou Sessions): Legacy Edition'

an interesting, if unsatisfactory, album,.. (3. October 2008)

I bought POB on the strength of the reviews on here having never heard it (or heard of it) before and because I'm a big Beach Boys/Brian Wilson fan.
After several plays it still leaves me with mixed feelings. I admire much of the musical diversity of the tracks but often find the words hard to decipher (partly due to DW's diction and partly to the vocals often being set back in the mix) What the songs do have however is a soul-baring openess and honesty to them, which I think music should be about. POB is a worthwhile addition to an Beach Boy's collectors library but (at this stage) I cannot personally call it a 'classic' album. Listening on the ipod brings out more of the musics subtlety. I like the Bambu tracks (cd 2) as much ,if not more, than POB itself, with clearer production. I hope it'll grow on me as at least it's 'musical' and interesting which cannot be said of much modern music. Then again, I'm 54 so just an old fogey! And how ironic Dennis lost his life in the waters of the blue Pacific. RIP Dennis Wilson.

finally!!!! (3. September 2008)

Finally this album is rereleased!! Certainly the best solo beach boy album (though the competition isn't much!) and definetly one of my favourites from the 70s. And the excitement for many a DW fan - all the unreleased tracks, some of which i had heard on scratchy bootleg before. Parts of the mixing for the Bambu tracks is not the best, i've heard better versions elsewhere - particularly wild situation, but overall you cant complain especially when there were a few tracks id never heard before and blew my mind (love remember me, are you real and cocktails). Now all we need is another DW cd with all the other amazing songs he's done e.g early 70s stuff(carry me home, lady, sound of free etc)and whatever else he's done - then we'll be happy. A decent DW documentary would be good too.

Steady on! (29. August 2008)

I've given this one star simply because there's so much hyperbole written about this album that it really needs to be balanced a bit.

It's a pretty good album, but 'Genius'?? I think that's a bit strong. If I came across this album without hearing anything about it beforehand I'd think it was pretty good but anyone reading any of the gushing praise heaped on it here or elsewhere is bound to be disappointed.

If you like Beach Boys circa Holland/Surf's Up then you'll enjoy it. Just don't buy it expecting The Holy Grail!

Staggeringly Beautiful (Slight return) (16. August 2008)

I have to say that I dislike the Beach Boys surfer-era ethos intensely, as do a lot of people I know, and I have had a devil of a job getting them to listen to this cd with their prejudices left at home. I bought the cd set on the basis of all the rave reviews in the media etc, thinking I'll give it a go and could always sell it on ebay if it was rubbish. How wrong I was!!! Do not let such prior judgements put you off this superb album!! Dennis had a very similar ear for piano-based melodies as fellow CA resident Randy Newman but the music is far more heartfelt. Enough words - just buy it - you wont regret it!! Trust me...I'm a civil servant...

Cry, Jump and Smile with the best reissue of this year!!! (6. July 2008)

I have to say I never thought Dennis could do a record like this one... yes I know I'm an idiot. But seriously, I am overblown by the feeling of these songs (Farewell my Friend, Time, End of Show), every song has the right element of surrounding sounds but never disturbing the greatness of the melodies and the amazing piano tracks.
Unbelievably he included funky songs (pacific ocean blue) in this album and they all fit together like a miracle or whatever you want to call it.
He blends the classic beach boys sound on a subtle way, with the Beatles creating an atmosphere making it very personal to listen to.

The tracks have aged marvelously, man I'm so psyched about this album! How stupid I was not to have it years ago!! This is truly one of the best albums I have heard from a solo Beach Boy and yes, I am a huge Brian fan!

From nostalgic sad & dark songs, happy love songs, to funky tunes this album has everything.
Don't be another stupid and buy this album for a personal experience with melody.

Let the music play!
PS: The unreleased material is also unbelievable and I'm only reviewing disc1!!
PS2: The packaging is UNBELIEVABLE !!! Don't dare to buy another version of the record.