The Act You've Known for All These Years

For lack of a better term, I guess you'd call Clinton Heylin's book, The Act You've Known for All These Years: A Year in the Life of Sgt. Pepper & Friends, a piece of Rock Journalism. The book centers around the recording and release of the classic Beatles album Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band. Heylin does well to include sections in the book concerning other important musicians and bands from the era, including: Bob Dylan, The Beach Boys, Pink Floyd, Cream, The Velvet Underground, Jimi Hendrix, etc. Extensively researched, the book contains many quotes from the band and those involved with the recording of Sgt. Pepper's, though Ringo seems conspicuously absent. An interesting read that avoids excessive hyperbole and idol worship.

Rating: 90%

(Image from amazon.ca)

25 Days or Less of Christmas Songs - #1: Little Saint Nick

The Beach Boys' 1963 single "Little Saint Nick" comes over the loudspeakers whenever I walk into a mall during the Christmas season. I always smile when I hear it. Not because it dredges up any especially warm holiday memories though. Mostly because part of the chorus ("Merry Christmas Santa") sounds like they're singing "Merry Christmas Satan." And I happen to think that that is awesome.

Rating: Rum and eggnog%

(Image from loungemusica.blogspot.com)

The Pet Sounds vs Sgt. Pepper's Debate

Much like linguists, music dorks are no fun at a party. Next time you encounter a music dork at a party and they're spouting off about how Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band is some sort of pinnacle of human achievement, tell them that the Beach Boys album Pet Sounds is better (even if you don't believe it). First, they'll be a bit shocked, like they just saw you shit on John Lennon's grave or something. Then they'll be insulted, because secretly they know Pet Sounds is awesome. After that, they'll likely turn their back to you and start rattling on about jazz or Captain Beefheart or something. You'll probably get the stink eye from them the rest of the time you're at the party, but don't let it bother you, you ruined their whole night in just a matter of seconds.

Rating: 1966%

(Image from beatle.wordpress.com)

Friends by The Beach Boys

This is a Beach Boys album a lot of people like to shit on because it sounds like every other rock album in the 60's, but I like this album because there's some great songs that break the mold of a typical Beach Boys album. I mean, back then everyone was doing crazy shit and practicing transcendental meditation, so what did you expect? This is the most chill Beach Boys album, and I think it's great. Particularly "Busy Doin' Nothin'" is probably one of the best Beach Boys songs ever.

RATING: 81%

SMiLE by Brian Wilson

So back in the late 60's the rumored most badass album of all-time, SMiLE, was being recorded as a follow-up to what some believe is the greatest album ever, Pet Sounds. Well, for whatever typical rock n' roll reasons (drugs, mental illness, a lack of commercial viability and band dynamics) they didn't finish the album. Parts of the recording were subsequently released over the next 4 or 5 Beach Boys albums (which were all pretty fucking awesome too). Anyways, it took Wilson 37 years to finish the album, and while finally putting the songs in their proper context says a lot about Wilson's brilliance and brings a new sense of meaning to the songs, many of the freshly recorded songs lack a certain umph without the Beach Boys. Still songs like "Surf's Up", "Cabin Essence" and "Child is Father of the Man" are some of the best pop/rock songs ever. You're a fool if you don't go and by this album. Or I can just burn it for you. I mean, you can just borrow it.

RATING: 95%

Smiley Smile by The Beach Boys

I really don't understand (by that, I mean I hate) when people dote on Pet Sounds as the peak of the Beach Boys career. Sure, it's really good (thanks Rolling Stone). If Smiley Smile is only a glimpse into what Wilson had created for his larger than life masterpiece Smile then we really did miss out on something special. The only mistake on this album is the inclusion of "Good Vibrations" used to promote sales, which although I like as a single, doesn't work on the album (and Wilson apparently never wanted it included anyway). I'm going to say it too, this is better than any Beatles album. Yep, deal with it.

RATING: 99%