Album report card: Wilson Phillips 'California'
Aug 16, 2004 10:20:42 GMT -5
Post by Pet Shop Boy on Aug 16, 2004 10:20:42 GMT -5
I picked this up the other day and I'm LOVING it. Really, really great cover versions. I always loved the girl's harmonies, and I love how they've played with the arrangements of these songs. If anyone else has it i'd love to know their opinions....
1. You're No Good: A
Brilliant power-pop. If Hilary Duff did this it'd go top 5 at pop, but even though these 3 are all vastly more talented singers, it'd never happen..... Chynna does lead on this, but the Wilsons do some great harmonies near the end. It really works excellently.
2. Old Man: A+
My Current fave. How amazingly fitting is this song for Carnie? She sings lead. Hers is definitely my favourite voice in the group, she's so talented. This couldn've been really mawkish and cheesy, but it's really understated and believable Brilliant stuff. An AC smash waiting to happen, but I dunno if it'll get a chance cos they're releasing the other Carnie-led single next (Get Together).
3. California: C-
I'm not keen on Wendy's voice at all. On harmonies she's fine, but solo she has this wierd cluelessness, like she could be singing her shopping list. This is boring, cos she doesn't sound like she's feeling it at all.
4. Already Gone: A
More great power-pop. Shame this got no attention on Hot AC. Again, I feel it's because the group aren't 'cool' these days. Still, it's a really good group effort with those great harmonies.
5. Go Your Own Way: A-
A really different take on this one, that really works. There's better on the album, but this is really beautiful anyway. Not sure I would've chosen it as the lead single myself, but I guess it did OK.
6. Turn Turn Turn: B
This is nice, but it feels a bit too sped up. I wish they'dve slowed it down a tad. As with everything they do, the harmonies save it.
7. Monday Monday: A
Second Chynna-led song, and again she transforms it into a great power-pop song. A lot of people have compared this to the bangles, and I can see why. It 's got that great sunny pop sound.
8. Get Together A+
Another gem from Carnie. She really strips this one down, it's subtle but really beautiful.
9. Doctor My Eyes: B
Wendy Again. She does better on this one, because it's just a fun throwaway kinda song anyway, so she doesn't need to sound particularly deep. Her voice is still kind of irritating though.
10. Dance Dance Dance: B
First beach-boys cover. It's pretty good, not much else to say about it.
11. In My Room (F/Brian Wilson): A-
I was really looking forward to this, cos it's my favourite Beach Boys song. It's pretty good, but like 'Turn Turn Turn' it's too sped up, it clocks in at under 2 minutes, and it's just slightly too fast for me. Still, some of the best harmonies on the album. Carnie does some GREAT high notes with her dad near the end, it's spine-tingling.
1. You're No Good: A
Brilliant power-pop. If Hilary Duff did this it'd go top 5 at pop, but even though these 3 are all vastly more talented singers, it'd never happen..... Chynna does lead on this, but the Wilsons do some great harmonies near the end. It really works excellently.
2. Old Man: A+
My Current fave. How amazingly fitting is this song for Carnie? She sings lead. Hers is definitely my favourite voice in the group, she's so talented. This couldn've been really mawkish and cheesy, but it's really understated and believable Brilliant stuff. An AC smash waiting to happen, but I dunno if it'll get a chance cos they're releasing the other Carnie-led single next (Get Together).
3. California: C-
I'm not keen on Wendy's voice at all. On harmonies she's fine, but solo she has this wierd cluelessness, like she could be singing her shopping list. This is boring, cos she doesn't sound like she's feeling it at all.
4. Already Gone: A
More great power-pop. Shame this got no attention on Hot AC. Again, I feel it's because the group aren't 'cool' these days. Still, it's a really good group effort with those great harmonies.
5. Go Your Own Way: A-
A really different take on this one, that really works. There's better on the album, but this is really beautiful anyway. Not sure I would've chosen it as the lead single myself, but I guess it did OK.
6. Turn Turn Turn: B
This is nice, but it feels a bit too sped up. I wish they'dve slowed it down a tad. As with everything they do, the harmonies save it.
7. Monday Monday: A
Second Chynna-led song, and again she transforms it into a great power-pop song. A lot of people have compared this to the bangles, and I can see why. It 's got that great sunny pop sound.
8. Get Together A+
Another gem from Carnie. She really strips this one down, it's subtle but really beautiful.
9. Doctor My Eyes: B
Wendy Again. She does better on this one, because it's just a fun throwaway kinda song anyway, so she doesn't need to sound particularly deep. Her voice is still kind of irritating though.
10. Dance Dance Dance: B
First beach-boys cover. It's pretty good, not much else to say about it.
11. In My Room (F/Brian Wilson): A-
I was really looking forward to this, cos it's my favourite Beach Boys song. It's pretty good, but like 'Turn Turn Turn' it's too sped up, it clocks in at under 2 minutes, and it's just slightly too fast for me. Still, some of the best harmonies on the album. Carnie does some GREAT high notes with her dad near the end, it's spine-tingling.
