Search - Brian Wilson :: Imagination

A WONDERFUL.........PEACEFUL............ HARMONIAL MASTERPIE

Patrick Miller | NEW YORK | 01/30/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Beautiful harmonies with well written songs. Brian Wilson shines in this cd release of "IMAGINATION". From your "Imagination" to "Keep An Eye On Summer" to the sultry rythmic "Cry" to "Happy Days". This recording is a voyage of Brian Wilsons musical geniuses mind. Lyrics are included with this cd, and actually found myself singing along to each song. Every song is done with that Brian Wilson touch. Brian really focused on harmonies with "Imagination", at times listening to this cd it actually reminded me of "Pet sounds". The Back up harmonies reminded me of the "Pet Sounds" Beach Boys. Brians harmonies on "Imagination" are close to his early 1970s recordings and have not sounded this good since the early 1970s. A well thought out production from Brian Wilson HIGHLY RECOMMENDED LISTENING!!! A BRILLIANT HARMONIOUS PRODUCTION FROM BRIAN WILSON......."

Let's Hear It for the Man

A reader | New York City | 10/18/2007

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I admit that it's hard for me to be objective about this album. I love and admire Brian Wilson's music and the man himself, for what he has accomplished and for what he has survived. Therefore, if you want a totally cold, ruthless review, look elsewhere.



On the other hand, I'm a musician myself and pretty critical about what I listen to, and in my opinion, "Imagination" is a lovely album. It's got some wonderful new material, the title track being notable; two great remakes: "Keep An Eye on Summer" (originally from Shut Down Vol. 2) and "Let Him Run Wild" (from Summer Days and Summer Nights); and a reworking of Brian's old "Sherry, She Needs Me" into the touching "She Says That She Needs Me." There's also "South America," a lightweight but catchy ditty co-written with Jimmy Buffett.



Brian is extremely forthright in general, and hides little from his fans. On this album he processes some of the traumas of his past and present in a way that was no doubt cathartic for him. In "Where Has Love Been," when he writes "I've been places I can barely talk about/Sunny days that died away in tears/Tumbling like a leaf out on the sea of doubt/I've seen nights that seem to last for years," you know he's telling the truth about his life-long battle with clinical depression. Fortunately for him and us, the song is about his progression out of this deep unhappiness to the light and joy he found with his wife Melinda: "Where has our love been/all my life?/I'm in love and I know it was meant to be/Close your eyes and dream with me again/Dream again." Heartwarming, inspiring and beautiful.



In the same confessional vein is "Lay Down Burden," Brian's farewell to younger brother, Carl, who died of cancer in 1998, the same year "Imagination" was released. "Lay Down Burden" expresses Brian's regret that his mental problems caused years of absence from the Beach Boys and from Carl in particular, as well as how much he loved and missed Carl: "So many years spent running away/How many times I wished I could stay/Too much emotion a hole in my heart/Feeling alone since we've been apart/And if I had the chance/I'd never let you go/...Just remember the way I held you/You're always in my heart." Brian sets the song to a lovely, understated melody with a spare chorus that only hints at the profound grief underneath. If this song doesn't at least make you feel like crying, check your tear ducts.



On the whole, the album has a catchy, pop sound that improves with each hearing, especially because Brian is singing every part himself, and his gorgeous signature harmonies are ever present. I would have preferred a bit less orchestral flavor -- violins and horns don't really do it for me -- and I understand the comments that disapprove of the record for its somewhat slick production values. However, I also know that Brian likes to mix sound textures and he's always had an orchestral side to him. In another era he would have/could have been Brahms.



There are a couple of songs at the end that reveal Brian's relief at having come through so much misery into the "Sunshine." I don't care for these songs very much, they seem simplistic. However, they express something important to Brian, and as far as I'm concerned, the man has every right to express the childlike joy he was robbed of for too long. So, if here and there something doesn't sit right with me, I let it ride in favor of the overall sensibility. In the case of "Imagination" it's lush, bright, joyful, hopeful and totally Brian Wilson: survivor, lover of life, and homegrown musical genius."

WOW, This is good fun, This is Brian Wilson

elwood | Forney, TX USA | 10/13/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is very enjoyable music and a great Brian Wilson project. I think it has 2 of the better songs he's ever done, plus a great re-do. "Your Imagination" is a wonderful song to kick this off and it has the carefree feeling of all the great Brian Wilson songs from the past. "Lay Down Burden" is now my favorite Brian Wilson song ever, if the melody and harmonies don't move you, give the CD to someone that can appreciate it. This song alone is worth the price of admission. There is also a great treatment of "Let Him Run Wild" here that seems a little more adult sounding and is a bit more polished. The rest of the songs are good also, I just mentioned the highlights. The vocals and harmonies very good throughout.



I found this CD way too long after it was released. I really wish Wilson and Joe Thomas would have been able to continue their relationship, this is really good stuff. I believe another project with this collaboration got scrubbed. Whatever happened to Joe Thomas? Find him Brian Wilson! He helped you bring out some great music. Music that gives a nod to your great musical past with up-to-date feeling and expression."