The Beach Boys Album: “Covered by the Beach Boys”

This is a unique Beach Boys compilation, in that it collects several cover songs that the Beach Boys did throughout their career. The project could have been a great one, but falls short of the mark. There are a few redeeming qualities, though, that make it a must-have for serious Beach Boys fans. Here is an overview of pros and cons:

PROS:

You get two very rare songs that at present are not available on any other release. Those songs are "The Letter" and "With A Little Help From My Friends," both of which had only been temporarily released on an album called "Rarities" in the 80s, which was removed from circulation after only a brief run. It was latter pressed to CD in small quantities (I believe in Japan only), after which it has remained off the market. Thus, if you're a Beach Boys collector wanting everything they've done and missed out on "Rarities" and don't want to pay out the wazzoo for it on eBay, here's your chance to get these two songs.

Also, "Johnny B Goode" is a different mix from what appears on the "Concert / Live In London" two-fer CD, and it's a much better mix at that, bringing the vocals out where you can actually hear them well this time around.

CONS:

Some very noteworthy covers that the Beach Boys did have been omitted, including the hits "Sloop John B," "Barbara Ann," "I Can Hear Music" and "Rock And Roll Music," as well as some other great recordings such as "Why Do Fools Fall In Love," "Hushabye," "Cotton Fields" (single version), "I Was Made To Love Her" and "Just Once In My Life." All of these would have been very welcome inclusions (though I personally would opt for the "Live In London" version of "Barbara Ann" over the hit version, but that's just me).

Also, "Walk On By" is an incomplete recording, and since it is already available as a bonus track on the "Friends / 20/20" two-fer, the incomplete song should not have been included on this project.

CONCLUSION:

As already noted, this project could have been great. As it is, it is not bad but nothing all that special, though it's definitely a must have for serious fans on the basis of the pros mentioned above.

Sterling Records, the company that released this "Covered By" series (they also have similar CDs by Johnny Cash, Otis Redding and Linda Rondtandt to name a few) have just released their latest jigsaw puzzle of a CD, this time with songs by The Beach Boys. This is a 12 song set that consists of the Boys singing songs made famous by other artists. It is an interesting package, however, it is not in any particular chronological order.

*California Dreamin'

The Mamas & The Papas classic recorded by the Boys in 1986 for their 25th anniversary with Capitol Records. It features Roger McGuinn on 12 string guitar (the video had a cameo by "Papa" John Phillips and Michelle Phillips). This song can also be found on "Made in USA" & Greatest Hits Vol. 3 (Best of The Brothers).

*Do You Wanna Dance?

Originally recorded by Bobby Freeman (and later by The Ramones) this cut comes from the "Today" album released in 1965.

*School Days (Ring Ring Goes The Bell)

The Chuck Berry classic recorded by the Boys for their 1980 "Keppin' The Summer Alive" album. A great live version of this song can be found on the "Knebworth" CD

*Walk On By

Why the Boys would record this Dionne Warwick song is a mystery. Why we only get 56 seconds of the song on the CD is another mystery.

*Come Go With Me

The Del Vikings classic as recorded by the Boys for their 1978 " The M.I.U. Album".

*Johnny B. Goode

Another Chuck Berry classic originally the last song heard on the "Concert" album from 1964. "Before we all get kicked out of here, we're gonna do one more for you. Let's go!" is how they introduce the songs with lots of screaming girls, lots of energy & lots of fun.

*Palisades Park

Originally recorded by Freddie "Boom Boom" Cannon (and written by game show king Chuck Barris) this song (several beats slower than the original) was recorded for the 1976 release "15 Big Ones".

*Then I Kissed Her

The Phil Spector/Ellie Greenwich song originally heard on the 1965 "Summer Days (and Summer Nights) album.

*The Wanderer

"Here he is, the hard working drummer Denny Wilson". Also taken from the 1964 "Concert" album. Dennis seems a bit off but the concert hall filled with screaming girls did not seem to mind.

*Summertime Blues

The Eddie Cochran classic from the 1962 "Surfin' Safari" album. Mike tackles the lower voiced parts.

(The last two tracks were also available on the 1983 Capitol release "Rarities").

*The Letter

Originally recorded by The Boxtops in 1967. This is an out take from the 1967 "Wild Honey" album.

*With A Little Help From My Friends

The Beach Boys take on The Beatles classic from their 1967 "Sgt Pepper's" album. (From Wikipedia) Wilson's creativity reached its apex during the mid-1960s with the Pet Sounds album (which, according to Paul McCartney, inspired the Beatles' Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band).

Of all The Beatles covers, they forgot to include the 3 songs from the Party album, not to mention the many other covers from that album. If they're gonna make an album like this, they should include it all.

I bought this cd to give to my son as a gift. He was so happy, and I have no idea how many times he listens to it. Thank for make things so easy, It came here easily and in great shape.

Thank you

This is a great album for old fans. Of course, it's not a place to start (buy the Sounds of Summer compilation), but this cd has lot's of early rock'n roll energy and allows to hear some great tracks that were burried in their original albums.

California dreaming is a great oppener. You can listen to School days without having to listen to all the Keeping the summer alive album. Palisade Parks is a good tune that was lost inside 15 Big One. Good to have Johnny be good from In concert or Summertime Blues from the first album too. The two tunes (the Letter and With a Little help from my friends) from the deleted album Rarities are nice. And I'm always glad too hear the Fantastic (but short) beach boys version of Walk on By.

So, I may have prefered the inclusion of I was made to love her instead of the Wanderer but I'm happy to have this album anyway. It's good timin !