Pacific Ocean Blue

Dennis Wilson
Pacific Ocean Blue (Legacy Edition)
(June 17, 2008 - Sony Legacy)

Damn! This album is crazy good and has had me mesmerized from the start. I wanted to get something up for my five readers before I head to Chicago for Lollapalooza, and here it is. The talk of the town--Dennis Wilson's reissue of Pacific Ocean Blue.

Dennis Wilson led one hell of an interesting life--from being a founding member of the Beach Boys, living with Charles Manson, dating Christine McVie (of Fleetwood Mac), to starring in movies. Unfortunately, his "fast life" sent him spiralling out of control and would be his demise. In some circles he was simply regarded as the "troubled alcoholic drummer."

The album was originally released in August of 1977 but was never widely received. It was the first solo project from any member of the Beach Boys, and the only officially-released album made by Dennis. As is often the case, only years later is it widely regarded as the finest solo album from any of the Beach Boys. Aquarius put it best:

...the overall feel of Pacific Ocean Blue marks the end of that vibrant sun-dappled seventies west-coast sound; a coke and whiskey sunset to the sunrise wake-and-bake of David Crosby's If I Can Only Remember My Name.

With that being said, this will appeal to anyone with even a passing interest in The Beach Boys.

Quotes from Dennis Wilson:

"They say I live a fast life. Maybe I just like a fast life. I wouldn’t give it up for anything in the world. It won’t last forever, either. But the memories will."

"I give everything I have away. What I am wearing and what’s in that suitcase is it. I don’t even have a car. I have a 1934 Dodge pick-up truck which someone gave me. I could have anything I want. I just have to go out and get it. If it’s worth having, it’s worth giving. The smile you send out will return to you!"


Tracklisting:

Disc: 1
1. River Song
2. What’s Wrong
3. Moonshine
4. Friday Night
5. Dreamer
6. Thoughts Of You
7. Time
8. You And I
9. Pacific Ocean Blues
10. Farewell My Friend
11. Rainbows
12. End Of The Show
13. Tug Of Love (Previously Unreleased bonus track)
14. Only With You (Previously Unreleased bonus track)
15. Holy Man (Instrumental) (Previously Unreleased bonus track)
16. Mexico (Previously Unreleased bonus track)

Disc: 2
1. Under The Moonlight (Previously Unreleased)
2. It’s Not Too Late (Previously Unreleased)
3. School Girl (Previously Unreleased)
4. Love Remember Me (Previously Unreleased)
5. Love Surrounds Me (Previously Unreleased)
6. Wild Situation (Previously Unreleased)
7. Common (Previously Unreleased)
8. Are You Real (Previously Unreleased)
9. 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
16. Piano Variations On Thoughts Of You (Previously Unreleased)
17. Holy Man (Taylor Hawkins Version Previously Unreleased bonus track)

Download Pacific Ocean Blue
Recommended Tracks: Definitely Everything on Disc 1

MP3: Dennis Wilson - “What's Wrong”