Review Summary: Not great, not bad. Just there.
The 1970’s was a wild ride for the Beach Boys. It had begun with the pristine group beauty of
’Sunflower’ (1970) and had shown at times, some of the best and worst of the band to that point. Brian Wilson, the group leader, had shifted in and out of reclusion throughout the decade (due to a potent mix of hard drugs and depression), and had briefly returned in 1976 to his former position of producer to make the uneven
’15 Big ones’ and the childish (albeit delightful)
’Love You’ (1977). Before sinking back into his depression again before the release of 1978’s
’MIU Album’. The success of capitol’s 1974 compilation
’Endless Summer’ early in the decade was also a critical turning point for the band, reaching number 1 in the billboard charts (a spot that they hadn’t taken in years). With this success came the big question, “Do we continue in the creative direction of
’Holland’, or do we try and re-create the fun-in-the-sun sound of our early days?” And, much to the dismay of Brian, Carl and Dennis, they went with the latter. This ‘oldies’ approach was first shown on
’15 Big Ones’ and carried over to
’MIU Album’ and onwards.
’L.A. (Light Album)’ was their last effort of the 1970’s, it continues the nostalgic feel of
’MIU’ but with a more commercial edge.
Good Timin’ a slow pop song with rich harmonies begins the album on a high note, it is not a new song by the band (it was recorded in 1974), however it fits with the rest of the album’s nostalgic feel. Though it has a sound slightly derivative to the slow pop of the 1950’s, it has a catchy lyric and great vocal from Carl. [4/5]
Al Jardine’s
Lady Lynda comes on next. It begins with a slightly jarring harpsichord riff but moves into a pretty decent symphonic-pop song about his then wife Lynda (after they divorced it was remade as ‘Lady Liberty’). It has a catchy lyric, and overall decent production. [3/5]
Full Sail is a slow, keyboard driven song. Sung well by Carl (when does he not?) and a quiet string arrangement backing. The song is slightly repetitive (the line “Full Sail” is repeated twice every verse). Carl’s vocal does actually save this however. [2.5/5]
Angel Come Home - is the first song on the album to be sung by Dennis, it is also one of the most memorable songs. It is a medium paced song, driven by a strong drum beat. Dennis sings it in his gruff vocal which offers a welcome change of pace. [4/5]
Love Surrounds Me - is the second of Dennis’ vocals on the album, this time he is singing one of his own songs. Actually an outtake for Dennis’ unreleased solo album
’Bambu’, it also manages to be one of the more memorable songs of the album. With a backing and drum beat. [3.5/5]
Sumahama - is the first Mike Love composition of the album. It is a Japanese inspired pop song, with some Japanese verses even added in and sung by Love. Hell, there’s even an Erhu added in for that extra ‘Japanese’ feel. [1/5]
Here Comes The Night - possibly the most jarring of any of the songs on the album. It is the ultimate oddity in the Beach Boys catalogue. Being an obvious attempt for the Beach Boys to get relevance by going disco. It is a 10:52 rendition of previously 2:52 song from
’Wild Honey’ (1967). It’s interesting at best, and despite a powerful vocal from Carl (seriously, when can’t he sing well?), it wears out its welcome about 1 minute in, and quickly grinds the album to a serious halt. [1.5/5]
Baby Blue - Dennis’ second composition to the album, it is a welcome change of pace from the previous song. Sung mainly by Carl, with Dennis coming in briefly for lead in the middle eight, it is a good song, but it feels less complete than his previous songs. [3-3.5/5]
Goin’ South – A slow song, sung by Carl, with a nice saxophone solo in the middle, it is a nice song, but nothing particularly memorable. [2.5/5]
Shortenin’ Bread – Brian’s oddly heavy arrangement of this nursery rhyme is another jarring transition, but it’s interesting nonetheless. [3/5]
’L.A.’ is debatably the Beach Boy’s last album of merit until 2012’s
’That’s Why God Made the Radio’ Despite this, it came out in the nadir of their career, during a time of inner struggles and strife. Making this average collection of songs just passable enough to work.
Pros:
- Dennis is prevalent throughout the album.
- Carl’s vocals are great.
- Lady Lynda and Shortenin’ Bread are both decent oddities.
Cons:
- Some very lightweight songs.
- Sumahama
- Disco!!!!!!!
