The Beach Boys Album: “Perfect Harmony”

After 36 years the joy of life jumps out still.Simple musical masterpieces that span into 2000.The expression of youth .Brian Wilson makes it sound so smooth the mark of a pro.

This excellent collection of songs highlights what was the 2 biggest Beach Boys strengths, 1. Obviously, the unbelievably beautiful way this group could harmonize, and 2. Brian Wilson's gifted songwriting(and producing)skills. The vocals-only cut of 'Wouldn't It Be Nice' strips the song down so the listener can hear just the, yup, perfect harmony, and also the great lyrics. Also included is what I consider one of the finest songs ever written and recorded, 'Don't Worry Baby', a simple tune about a car race(but, MAN, what a great song!). The CD ends with the somewhat obscure, but hauntingly beautiful 'Our Prayer'(another vocal masterpiece), followed by 'Good Vibrations'. Don't know why, but those 2 songs go great together. This is a really great CD, in every way. BUY IT, ENJOY IT!!!!

Wonderful album. I grew up in California during the 50's & 60's, and many of the songs on this album are positive reminders of those days. During our free time, my friends & I would try to emulate the vocal harmonies of the Beach Boys by singing songs like Sloop John B and Barbara Ann. While we had a lot of fun, we never really came close to the real thing. And this album with the vocal only version of `Wouldn't it be Nice' is the real thing for the vocal harmony of the Beach Boys.

Some of the more popular songs are stripped down, and some other less well known are presented in an a acappella fashion or with minimal instrumentation. Makes is easy to hear why they were so great and ahead of their time.

We've always liked the Beach Boys' harmonizing and happy or beautifully poignant sounds, but when we heard this album we really learned that they are not just good-time boys but craftsmen -- true musicians with a rare, one might even say unique, musical 'vision'. It would be difficult to choose a favorite: the songs are simply one very pleasant surprise after another. This is an excellent compilation; all the songs somehow have a unity and create a world of their own. Totally involving. Listen especially to the short 'Our Prayer' -- it is truly inspired and for the ages.