The Beach Boys Album: “Nashville Sounds: Making of Stars & Stripes [Intersound Video]”

Ladies and Gents...to think I almost passed on this DVD because of the few less-than fully enthusiatic reviews (the idea of Mike Love giving "phrasing" suggestions to Willie Nelson as described in one review nearly turned me away by itself). I buy a lot of music DVD's, and too many are disappointing, to be sure. But this one is outstanding. The quality of the sound, the excellent harmonizing, the history: put this one on to lift your spirits, enlighten young people, or impress visiting dignitaries. You will be pleased. As another reviewer implied, Junior Brown's treatment of "409" is worth the price of admission alone.( And the Mike Love/Willie Nelson "discussion" is not nearly the put-off as it might sound in this forum). You will certainly watch this one many many times.

There aren't a lot of Beach Boys fans who liked the "Stars & Stripes" album.

But even if - ESPECIALLY if - you didn't like the album, this thing has some redeeming value.

The Beach Boys' harmonies, that were buried under the country stars' vocals, are highlighted on the performances on the DVD. In fact, in many cases they are "shown" recording them, and you can hear them without the rest of the record.

You get to see four of the original Beach Boys together for probably the last time, working, talking, playing together, and it's kind of fun...especially seeing Brian Wilson in good health and spirits.

Finally, it has probably the last available footage of an actual live concert with Brian, Mike, Al AND Carl...worthy for that alone.

It ain't a great thing, but it is historically important. You won't hate it near as much as "Stars & Stripes".

I purchased this DVD for one song / video ... "I Can Hear Music" by Kathy Troccoli with the Beach Boys on harmony. Absolutely terrific and flawlessly performed.

But I found that I really enjoyed several of the remakes by other stars. I'll list my favorites. "Little Deuce Coupe" remade by James House. This guy is a crackup and a great singer with a rock-a-billy style. "Caroline, No" really explores Timothy B. Schmit's wonderful voice. I really enjoyed Timothy from the days he sang "I Can't Tell You Why" with the Eagles.

Junior Brown gives a rendition of "409" that's just great. While I still prefer the original, I like the different spin Junior put on it. "Long Tall Texan" is great as done by Doug Supernaw. And the tongue-in-cheek music video with Supernaw on a burro wearing a carnival sombrero is flat hilarious. You will laugh!

Next, "Be True to Your School" by Toby Keith is probably the best remake of this song I've heard. Very energetic and upbeat.

Finally, "I Can Hear Music" by the lovely and talented Kathy Troccoli. If you haven't heard Kathy do this song, do yourself a favor and buy the DVD right now! Kathy has done work with Taylor Dane and recorded Dianne Warren songs and is one of my favorite Christian singers (check out Kathy Troccoli's "K.T.", IMHO, her finest compilation).

Watching the DVD, you can tell all the performers had a lot of fun working on this project. There is also some footage of a live music festival at the very end. Great entertainment!

one note: Widescreen might have been a good option in addition.

I can't believe the review above dismises Lorrie Morgan's "Don't Worry Baby" as cheerleader-peppy. This song is haunting. It's a nice twist to have this song sung from a woman's point go view, and with a woman's voice replacing the falsetto.

All in all a pretty entertaining CD - except for the concert footage which is a bit boring.

After renting this disc, I decided that I wanted to add it to my personal collection. Imagine my shock when viewing the disc that I purchased (from another online site) titled simply "Nashville Sounds" that did not include the Tammy Wynette ("In My Room") or the Fan Fair in-concert version of "Barbara Ann." Though I can personally do without the Tammy Wynette tune, I do miss not having the "Barbara Ann" segment that included a large number of the artists featured in the other individual segments. The one listed here on Amazon appears to be the longer, more complete one so I would advise anyone interested in purchasing this disc to do so here, rather than by trying to save a couple of bucks by buying it elsewhere.