Music Review: Beach Boys - Surf's Up
Published May 06, 2008
“Student Demonstration Time” is either a song that you love or hate. Personally, I have always liked this song. Mike Love took the music from “Riot In Cell Block Number 9” and re-wrote the words to fit the chaos of the early 70s. The Beach Boys use brass and rock a little harder than usual here.
Brian Wilson reaches back to Smile for the last three songs on the album. “A Day In The Life Of A Tree” is underpinned by a somber dirge like organ. Brian Wilson’s vocals float above harmonies as he sings about life passing by. “Til I Die” is another depressing song about death and killing of the soul, but is hidden in muted harmonies. “Surf’s Up” is a brilliant creation where a simple piano note sets up the song structure. The use of textured harmonies and lyrics only serve as another reminder of how unique a creative Smile would have been.
Surf’s Up may have been a product of its time but it continues to hold up musically 37 years later. Few albums can make that claim.
- Music Review: Beach Boys - Surf's Up
- Published: May 06, 2008
- Type: Review
- Section: Music
- Filed Under: Music: Pop, Music: Rock
- Part of a feature: The Discographer
- Writer: David Bowling
- David Bowling's BC Writer page
- David Bowling's personal site
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and i'm pretty sure that "til i die" and "a day in the life of a tree" were NOT written for smile.
wilson claims to have written "til i die" in the spring of 71, but i've seen claims that it had been around for a few years at that point, maybe in a different recording or mix.
"a day in the life of a tree" was also recorded in 1971, and i think the lyrics and musical style are very representative of brian's post-smile style.
that said, a good review. would have liked to have seen a little more on the title track, as it is one of the true classics of the rock era. as you say, surf's up is really the last totally listenable beach boys album, and really, only the second side is great front-to-back.
The lead for 'Tree' was sung by their manager at the time, Jack Rieley.
Hey zing - I tracked down a copy of Smile.... either it's brilliant, or you are, or maybe both. I don't know what I missed the first time - maybe just not ready for it. Thanx for the push.
Point of correction: Jack Reiley wrote the lyrics to "Long Promised Road" (and "Feel Flows"), not Carl Wilson.
Lovin' the reviews!
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Hi, wrong cover again. Thanks for the reviews.