That Lucky Old Sun Reviews

• The Genius of Brian Wilson

  
  By AGSD1M3G9WIR0 on 2008-09-03
  That Lucky Old Sun is a work of pure genius. This isn't Wilson's best solo work, the honor still goes to Smile, but it is close.
  
  Conceptually (not sonically) it calls to mind Days of Future Passed and John Lennon's Plastic Ono Band. The concept and the mixture of spoken words and music call to mind The Moody Blues' Days of Future Passed.
  
  On Lucky Old Sun, Brian Wilson speaks directly to the listener and shares what is going on in his life just as John Lennon did on songs like Mother. There is a tremendous honesty here. The message is that Brian is back, mentally as well as physically. When he first started touring again he didn't looked very rigid and it was clear he wasn't entirely comfortable. The video in the deluxe package shows Brian smiling, animated, and looking fully engaged. It is miraculous and joyful.
  
  This is a very emotionally powerful work. I was touched by his memories of his brothers:
  
  I had this dream
  Singing with my brothers
  In harmony, supporting each other
  Tail winds, wheels spin, down the pacific coast
  Surfin' on the A. M., heard those voice again
  
  and by his description of his own struggles:
  
  At 25 I turned out the light
  Cause I couldn't handle the glare in my tired eyes
  
  This is a beautiful release. Very highly recommended. It is worth purchasing the Best Buy version with three bonus tracks including a duet with Carole King on I'm Into Something Good. King co-wrote the Herman's Hermits hit with Gerry Goffin.
  
  The deluxe version contains a DVD with a 19 minute making of feature (I think this is identical to the special broadcast on VH-1 Classic) and two live performances in the studio. The making of film and the live performances are interesting but probably essential for casual fans.
  
  
  
  

• 4 1/2 stars-- the modern Brian Wilson album we've been waitiing for.

  
  By A18IZ5QX2PRB3C on 2008-09-03
  Brian Wilson is a man with a large reputation to live up to-- to be fair, taking the next step for the guy who wrote, arranged and produced arguably the greatest album of his generation (the incomparable Pet Sounds) must have been exceedingly difficult, and with resistance from the band, it took 37 years for its followup, the magnificent SMiLE, to surface. But Wilson's career during that 37 year window was largely hit or miss-- while Beach Boys fans, myself included, will speak lovingly of many of the later Beach Boys records, many of them were true group efforts, and Brian's "comebacks", 15 Big Ones/Love You and his debut solo album Brian Wilson, while endearing and engaging, were uneven and at times felt propped up. In recent years, as his solo career took off, barring the completion of SMiLE, Brian's records have sounded like forced attempts at adult contemporary-- much as I enjoy Imagination and Gettin' in Over My Head, they've felt like someone else's idea of how Brian should grow old.
  
  Enter "That Lucky Old Sun".
  
  My expectations were a bit low, I figured on either a continuation of the adult contemporary sound or a thoroughly retro record. What I got instead is what I'd hope it'd be-- Brian Wilson getting older gracefully. Conceived as a thematic suite, "That Lucky Old Sun" is a meditation of sorts on the life of Brian Wilson in Los Angeles. Like his best records from the old days, it's full of swagger (the superb "Going Home") and melody ("Forever She'll Be My Surfer Girl"), with subtle arrangements and fantastic vocal harmonies. Ably executed by an ensemble largely drawn from Brian's touring band, the album is quite engaging and entertaining and while it feels more mature than, say, "Surfin USA" or "Wouldn't It Be Nice", it doesn't feel forced.
  
  So is this another Pet Sounds)? Not really. There's some many tracks that just didn't engage me at all ("Mexican Girl"). But is it really, really good? Definitely. And certainly, it's got some of the best songwriting that Wilson's done in a long time.
  
  This album is also available in a deluxe CD with bonus DVD edition-- for the few extra bucks, the DVD is worth checking out, it contains an entertaining, brief documentary and a couple live in the studio pieces.
  
  Bottom line is-- "That Lucky Old Sun" is a fun record. It's not the best of the best of Wilson's catalog, but it's a fine followup to SMiLE, about as high praise as I can offer.
  
  

• Pure heaven, pure Brian Wilson in great form. a worthy successor to Smile and Pet Sounds

  
  By ARWFZ5QJI051S on 2008-08-21
  This is just fantastic - Brian Wilson is in better form vocally than in many many years (to my ear anyway) - perhaps its that his pronunciation just sounds totally relaxed and unforced. That alone makes this an enormous pleasure to listen to again and again. Now I admit, I'm "programmed" to respond to the sound of that voice with a big smile and feelings of great joy - but it is soooo easy to do so with material as strong as this.
  
  The band is impeccable as always and Brian's music is (not so simply) brilliant (ok , sorry, I'm stating the obvious). The narratives (written by Wilson and Van Dyke Parks) connecting the songs are just perfect and could only have come from the two of them.
  
  To top it off the mastering, engineering and pressing of this first vinyl edition are excellent.
  
  Lucky old me: I'm really in heaven listening to this!
  
  

• Continuing the Brian Wilson saga.............

  
  By A3J5MMOFP3L546 on 2008-09-14
  Lucky Old Sun is a logical follow up to the mega project that Smile was. It is better than I had expected (based on the string of recordings that preceeded Smile). This recording doesn't take itself too seriously yet rays of brilliance and that feel good BW magic shines through to give the ear some tasty candy indeed. The songs are all embedded with Wilson's Beach Boy/Californa blend that to much of us is pretty much irresistible. Brian's orchestration of the material (instrumentation, vocals) is simply impeccable. The harmonies are as close to being as good as original Beach Boys as you could hope for. Just about every song is the kind you can listen to multiple times(just skip the short narratives, maybe). Although it's not the same caliber as Pet Sounds it does approach some of the stellar qualities of Smile in my opinion. The big question now is what will he do next? Whatever it is it's something we can look forward to.
  
  

• Like A Letter From Home

  
  By A1O0LI4451ERDQ on 2008-09-04
  Saturday morning A&E ran a Beach Boys bio from several years back, surely hoping to pick up a little bump from the all the media surrounding the release of That Lucky Old Sun. As usual, I couldn't switch the channel even though it covered old ground. The insiders interviewed all said the same thing, running along the lines of 'good to see Brian beating back the demons', 'Brian's finally found some peace', etc. Except for one guy, and this is what he said (paraphrased):
  
  "The Brian you see now, the Brian that smiles and talks about how he's finally found his way - that's not the real Brian. That's the tamed Brian. They've tamed him, or he's tamed himself, but what you're seeing now is not the real Brian Wilson."
  
  I thought that was an odd thing to say, maybe even a little cruel. But...listening to That Lucky Old Sun, I think I might know what he means. Wilson hasn't lost his arranging touch, his ability to manipulate the elements (although his partner and producer in this production played a large role), but...and I don't like saying this...there's almost none of that inventiveness that used to take my breath away. 2004's 'Smile' was really 1967's 'Smile', as far as originality goes, and the last thing I really, really liked by Brian was 'Imagination', from some years back. That one had some of the old magic.
  
  At his best, Brian conjured up incredible musical ideas - gorgeous melodies, rich, compelling vocal tracks, combinations of instruments that defied not only convention but even common sense and made it seem (like all good art) perfectly inevitable. Like it had been lying there for anyone to see, and all he did was just pick it up and show everyone. It's just not apparent, in my opinion, on That Lucky Old Sun. Well...'Midnight Is Another Day' gets partway there, and 'Southern California' is fun.
  
  I'm truly happy for the guy. If he's found peace, if he sleeps at night and looks forward to the next day, well, he has that right. He doesn't owe me anything, and I'll be happy to listen to the old stuff. Listening to That Lucky Old Sun feels to me like a letter from one of my daughters, saying "Dad, I know I'm not doing what you think I should, but I'm happy."
  
  I'm not complaining - I'll take whatever he's offering, and gladly. I just want one more "Let Him Run Wild".
  
  
  
• Disappointing
  By A3QC4SG7NA4ULG on 2008-09-04
  I've been a loyal fan of the Beach Boys from their earliest days, and I place Brian Wilson high atop my list of all-time great musicians. In July 08 I paid big bucks and traveled many miles to see Brian perform live, and it was a tremendous thrill. I purchased THAT LUCKY OLD SUN with great expectations and am saddened to report that I'm very disappointed. The beautiful, surprising melodies and harmonies of the old days are gone. In its place are trite, predictable rock 'n roll songs with standard progressions spiffed up by occasional 4-part singing and corny orchestrations. This is a concept album about the many facets of life in southern California and L.A. in particular. The songs are linked and introduced by "narratives" by Van Dyke Parks, recited by Brian in a childlike, sing-song way. As far as California concept albums, Van Dyke and Brian did this already, very successfully, with ORANGE CRATE ART, a woefully underappreciated gem. The narratives in THAT LUCKY OLD SUN are not Parks' best work, and do nothing to improve the songs in between.
  
  However, there are a couple of songs that stand out. One is "Live Let Live," about the destructive influence of human beings on the environment. As environmental anthems go, it's not as powerful as Dennis Wilson's "Pacific Ocean Blue," but the hook has great poignancy: Live, let live, not die.
  
  The other song that deserves a mention is "Midnight's Another Day," a companion piece of sorts to Brian's "Til I Die" from SURF'S UP, in which he describes his daily struggle just to be: "all these voices/all these memories/make me feel like stone...all these people/make me feel so alone." Here there are glimmers of Brian's great gift as a composer to evoke strong, clear emotional states through music. It may not be worth the price of the whole CD, but it's well worth it to download "Midnight's Another Day" and hear it as a last, great example of the large legacy Brian Wilson has left us through his charmed, troubled, cursed and blessed life. The fact that LUCKY OLD SUN is not a masterpiece does nothing to diminish my respect for Brian. It simply reminds me that unlike the sun, even geniuses can burn out.
  
  
  
• Let's see what you're doing at 65- INCREDIBLE!
  By A2VMZVMIBH7OAF on 2008-09-01
  Brian Wilson's sonic, melodic channeling of heaven is a hole I cannot close. He delivers harmony when we need it most. On the eve of Gustav in Mississippi I am crying tears of joy- "Midnight's Another Day" is as good as anything he's ever done. 'Southern California"- the ascenting voice spirals make me dizzy again- like his best. "Mexican Girl" is exhilarating. Thanking God. Don't listen long to the cynical folks who can no longer hear angels- they are still singing, in the still believing wake of Brian Wilson.
  
  
• Well crafted, at times brilliant
  By A1Q0HZQ8NY3MBU on 2008-09-09
  The range of reviews for this album are really staggering. Some think Brian's in great voice. Others suggest he should give up singing entirely, and on it goes, the disappointment and the worship. My initial response to That Lucky Old Sun was predominantly one of disappointment, although as I was experiencing that, my awareness of some really great moments coexisted with the feeling of Brian and band having come up somewhat short. Obviously this was meant to be a Big One, yet its best moments are those that are found furthest away from the "Wonder of L.A." theme, which seems a bit contrived and loosely conceived. Of particular disappointment is the set of monologues by Van Dyke Parks, who has written much better, spoken by Brian, who is hopelessly out of his element in this format.
  
  All that aside, there is plenty to love about TLOS. The song that jumped out at me first and remains a major highlight is Live Let Live, which brings together Brian and Van Dyke, but in a style much more reminiscent of Sail On Sailor than the Smile material. You can really hear the meshing of writing styles here, the end result being a classic, which I'd not be surprised hearing along with its predecessor in concert.
  
  My take on Brian's voice is somewhere in the middle. I think he's mostly in fine voice, using a lot of subtlety and emotional range but occasionally falls into lapses of roughness that reflect his age and the life he has lived. But overall, he still sings much more like Brian Wilson than he did on 15 Big Ones or Love You. Jeffrey Foskett has refined the art of seamlessly shadowing him on some of the upper parts.
  
  Another thing I got a kick out of is yet another manifestation of Brian's tendency to work and rework a theme obsessively, a la Heroes and Villains (If you've heard some of the bootlegs of the H & V sessions - or even the Good Vibrations Box Set, you know what I'm talking about.) Some of the most enjoyable moments on this recording are his different restatements of the Lucky Old Sun theme.
  
  Finally, it's nice to hear Brian's personal message coming across with more clarity, depth, straightforward honesty and optimism, all signs of a well-loved man - and for good reason. The "full circle" quality to this album - an ode to sunny California, complete with references to surfing, the year 1961 (The Beach Boys' recording career began that year) and his brothers, the late Dennis and Carl Wilson - causes one to suspect that this may be Brian's farewell. If so, he's ending on a high note. I would prefer to be wrong with my suspicion, however; it always does my heart good to hear more from this remarkable and resilient man.
  
  
• A Disney musical????
  By ABTIOC8UQETAR on 2008-09-12
  Brian Wilson is without question a pop musical genius. I throughly enjoyed '.Imagination' and 1988's 'Brian Wilson'and even found some redeeming qualities in 'Gettin' in Over My Head'. In my book, his genius can only be matched with the likes of Stevie Wonder and Lennon/McCartney.
  
  However, this collection of songs comes across as the theme music to a Disney attraction and an annoying one at that. While listening to this CD at work I found myself turning down my computer hoping I wouldn't irritate my fellow co-workers and risk losing my standing among them as a music 'Guru'.
  
  I could look past Brian's 'pitchy' vocals in the past but they've gotten worse over the last few years, usually the songwriting will allow the listener to sustain these tormented vocals. In all actuality, they're a bittersweet reminder of the pain and torment that Brian went through in his earlier years. This time however, not only are the vocals rough but the spoken word portions come across as bad acting from a afternoon soap opera.
  
  Maybe it's time Brian went in the direction of Carlos Santana and bring outside vocalists to sing his songs.
  
  
  
• Wonderful new work from a musical legend
  By A3QTSCTRZF3VGY on 2008-09-17
  The fact that Brian Wilson is creating new music after his well-documented past, and that the work is almost as good as "Smile" is worthy of monster musical headlines.
  "That Lucky Old Sun" has surprised me. Admittedly, I'm a biased fan of Brian's, so that this work has proven to be so good is truly astonishing. This 66-year old genius, who had avoided the spotlight for the better part of three decades, crippled by drugs, mental illness and insecurities about his talent, has performed the greatest comeback probably in musical history. After performing the legendary "Smile" live in London in 2004, Wilson discovered he and his work were loved, on the same level and dedication as we love the Beatles or Elvis. He was sufficiently revived to record "Smile" with his great band the "Wondermints", release a good solo album "Gettin' In Over My Head", and touring almost incessantly, something Wilson fans could never have expected.
  "That Lucky Old Sun" adds another notch in his belt, and the world is a better place for it. The CD is a conceptual piece, much like "Smile" and all the material is new, unlike previous solo efforts that had some new music but older unreleased work as well, not that it made them any worse. What we get is cohesion, making it nearly impossible to break the new work down in separate pieces. There are standouts - "Forever My Surfer Girl", and my favorite, the bouncy yet autobiographically revealing "Oxygen To The Brain", and no cut comes across as filler.
  Wilson is a superb producer - one of the best to ever make any album any time, and his work here is without peer. In a world getting seemingly darker all the time, "That Lucky Old Sun", a paeon to Brian's beloved Los Angeles and look at his own life, is a sorely needed ray of sunshine that belongs in every home.
  
  
• Brian Wilson is the Beach Boys and this CD Proves It!
  By A2NJJ5H7K6R46Y on 2008-09-05
  Many years from now, when the music lovers of the future look towards the classics, Brian Wilson's work will be among them. There are two groups of touring "Beach Boys" floating around right now, one lead by Mike Love and one by Al Jardine. But without the Wilson brothers and especially Brian, they are not the Beach Boys; they are more like those "sound alike" groups that had names designed to confuse you and that used to put out 99 cent albums of covers for those too cheap to buy the originals. (In fact, maybe Love and Jardine should pick out alternate names for their touring groups like "The Surf Boys" or "The Beach Bums".) Anyway, the point is that Brian Wilson is the only surviving member who can lay claim to the Beach Boys title and he is the only one that is putting out new material worth hearing. If you like the Beach Boys of the "Pet Sounds" and "California Girls" era, you will love this album! I first listened to it when I popped it into my car's CD player on the way to work. I enjoyed it so much that I arrived at work a little late. I drove a little longer to allow myself the chance to hear the complete work. I know this is "Beach Boys heresy" to say this but I like it more than the legendary "Smile" project that took 40 years to complete. If you're a Beach Boys fan, do yourself a favor and check this one out!
  
  
• Best Work in years...........
  By A2YSUIILMKI4PT on 2008-09-08
  On the first listen I could tell this was really going to be special. I think this cd is Wilson at his best. As much as I loved Brian Wilson Presents SMILE, I think this will appeal to more fans. Who would have thought at 66 years old Wilson would deliver such a beautiful complex (listen to those chords music lovers) masterpeice. What can anyone say about the band. Awesome, comes to mind. Can't wait to hear what's going to come next. Once again, thank you Brian. You have the heart of an angel.
  
  
• Brian's Spectacular Road Trip
  By A2DT00ZK4WGOQH on 2008-09-10
  How do you even approach a review of Brian Wilson? Do you embrace the present day musician and all of the baggage that drags into the conversation - or - just give into the powerful urge to stare up at rock's Mount Rushmore and forever see the mythic figure who is credited with among other things, "Inventing California" and pioneering production techniques that have informed every artist from the Beatles to Green Day.
  
  It is unfortunately Wilson's unique burden that both realities coexist. Against his prolific body of achievement any objective evaluation of his current work becomes distorted beyond any reasonable context - either by magnifying its' importance because he is - who he was, or by creating a sympathetic grading curve that acknowledges the impossible standards, and personal tragedy, that he created for himself.
  
  Maybe it's just easier to keep it simple. That Lucky Old Sun deserves to be experienced in the environment to which Wilson's work is best suited - in the car with the windows down and miles uninterrupted. After a few wind swept turns through the cd my conclusion was inescapable - That Lucky Old Sun is a terrific record.
  
  With the possible exception of Van Dyke Parks irritating and unnecessary spoken narrative the entire effort really sparkles. Wilson's voice is clear and unrestrained, his production is translucent and his band drives the entire celebration of Southern Californianess with a professional sheen - up and down shifting with a fusion of subtlety and power. I was particularly taken by the three songs that close the cd - Midnight's Another Day, Going Home, Southern California - if you are at all worried that TLOS is just another payday for a geriatric icon coasting on fumes - this trifecta of superbly crafted pop songs easily stands shoulder-to-shoulder with Wilson's best work.
  
  Is TLOS better than Pet Sounds? It doesn't matter. Is it a worthy follow-up to SMILE? That's not the point. TLOS is a beautiful record in its own right and that alone makes it worth the drive - even at $4 a gallon.
  
  
  
• Ears don't lie
  By A33HHM61U0ZNKN on 2008-09-22
  Not expecting anything especially wonderful after so many years, I put this on and haven't listened to anything else in two weeks. I will not try to compare this CD to any others by Brian or the BBs. There is no sense in it. This music stands on its own and my ears tell me that it is, for the most part, great.
  
  A few points:
  1) I do not understand all the criticism of Brian's singing. I think he sounds terrific when soloing and his harmonies are as exquisite as ever.
  2) His backup band here is essentially the same one he has had now for a half-dozen years or so. Judging on both instrumental prowess and vocal skills, they are FAR FAR better than the Beach Boys and are arguably the finest band on earth. They can play anything and OMG, can they sing!!!
  3) Unlike most others, I enjoyed the narrative links.
  4) Midnight's Another Day is nothing less than a miracle. I enjoy most every song on this CD a LOT, but this cut is so far above that it makes you wonder where it came from. It is one of my top two or three Brian songs of all time. There are two times when the music crescendoes to the line, They make me feel all alone. The first crescendo is accomplished with a deft string arrangement. The second one is brought on by what is to me the most brilliant bit of vocal writing in Brian's history. The 30 or so seconds leading up to that musical mountain top is the most ravishing, clever and ecstatic snippet of music of Brian's life. It sounds like Darian, not Brian, is leading the ascent vocally, but the notes all came from Brian and they are STUNNING. It should also be noted that the lyrics to this song are tremendously inspiring. Time to play it yet again.
  5) I am hoping so strongly that this CD and the growing success of the wonderful Fleet Foxes, with their amazing harmony singing are signalling a return of pop music to the glories of great vocals.
  6) Just buy this and turn to cut 14 and listen to the most dramatic set of piano chord changes you will ever hear at the beginning and then to the rest of Midnight's, a great gift from heaven sent down through Brian, whom we must now love and thank more than ever.
  
  
• The vinyl came first!
  By ACIVERYCX16RX on 2008-08-21
  First off I a big LP fan so I must comment my joy on this being released on this format first. The gatefold cover is wonderful, the special label very in tune with the rest of the artwork. The pressing is fairly quiet and the sound just jumps out at you.
  
  Brian's production is spot on which it has been ever since he started using acoustic instruments again. The songs are well writen, better then most of his solo albums, but outside of "Midnights Another Day" cannot be directly compared to his work of 1961-72. Overall the LP is kind of theatrical, a modern rock oprea. I can honestly see this being done as a play, though like the reworkings of the Who's "Tommy" a lot of the guts would probably be lost. The spoken narrative doesn't seem needed as the songs flow nicely. Brian's voice can never recapture the beauty it had when he was in his twenties, but he seems to be able to use it's reduced range with skill now. Brian's had a great solo band since he begain to tour as a solo act and it's nice to hear him do new material with them. Scott Bennett's work holds up well against the work supplied by long time Wilson co-author Van Dyke Parks. All and all Lucky Old Sun will strongly appeal to those who enjoy Brian's work, but it remains to be seen whether it can win him new fans. With today's market more open to classic acts I think he's got a shot.
  
  
• Beautiful harmonies - Excellent production - Great music!
  By A2MB2UNIHYFA05 on 2008-09-03
  I bought the CD yesterday and listened to it 3 times. I don't know why many reviewers mention the lyrics. Beach Boys and Brian Wilson music didn't achieve greatness because of the lyrics. It's the great harmonies, the interesting chord changes and outstanding arrangement and production. All of those elements are here on Brian's latest work. Musically it does not disappoint. It's beautiful.
  There are four "narrative" tracks which are thankfully short, and if he wants to include those between songs, fine. Personally I deleted the narrative tracks from my itunes.
  
  
• His Best Original Material In Years!
  By A2UBBF01TGYWAJ on 2008-09-03
  Ok- so this is not better than SMiLE....but if Pet Sounds & SMiLE are his best, and are among the highest rated albums in music history, then how fair is it to compare That Lucky Old Sun to them? SMiLE was (mostly) written in 1967, and simply stitched together and re-recorded in 2004. That being said, That Lucky Old Sun really is his likely his best solo album of orginal material. I am a huge fan of Brian Wilson '88, and this is better both sonically, and lyrically. It has a very upbeat sound to it, but still maintains the style that made him famous. Imagination was a good album, and features great vocals, but lacked substance, and was musically not all that interesting. On this one, Brian's vocals are very strong, and his band sounds fantastic on the BG's as usual. Gettin' In Over My Head had bits that were good- but some of it sounded sloppy and forced. Some of the re-recordings of Sweet Insanity were not as good as the demos from '89. This new album really gets everything right..although I'm not a huge fan of the spoken narratives. I admit I am suprised, that he could follow-up a masterpeice like SMiLE with something this good...but this is Brian Wilson, a man who has never ceased to amaze his fans dating back to 1961..
  
  Highlights for me include 'Morning Beat' and 'Going Home', both which fit in with any of his best work (including the Beach Boys). 'Southern California', 'Midnight's Another Day', 'Good Kind Of Love' are all great tracks as well. I even enjoyed 'Mexican Girl', although it reminds me of something Mike Love would have written like 'Kokomo', 'Kona Coast' or 'California's Calling'
  
  If you are a BW or Beach Boy fan, you need to own this album.....
  
  JC
  
  
• Amazing CD
  By A1SXN304B7ZWVG on 2008-09-06
  Honestly, I think this is the best Brian Wilson solo CD. Although I loved his CD w/ 'Love & Mercy' and Smile, I think this one track by track is stronger. He is truly inspiring w/ everything he's dealt w/ in his life and this CD is a look back to his life and a tribute to his home. My favorite is 'Oxygen to the Brain.' I think he may be doing his finest work right now and God Bless him for being a survivor.
  
  
  
  
• Sadly...only two-and-a-half stars from me
  By A11JMP1QKIDOYO on 2008-09-09
  This doesn't move me the way Brian Wilson recordings usually do. There are some pretty melodies (particularly "Forever She'll Be My My Surfer Girl"), but more often than not the songs sound routine and rehashed. The spoken interludes are an interesting idea, and I think they are cleverly written, but--as spoken by Brian--they don't really work. The worst moments here are "Mexican Girl" with its cringe-inducing lyrics, and the hopelessly corny "California Role." "Live Let Live" is a pleasant highlight, and both "Midnight's Another Day" and "Southern California" feature memorable refrains. The best track might actually be one of the bonus tracks (on an exclusive edition available from another retailer). It's called "Just Like Me And You," and it sounds like an outtake from Brian's first solo album.
  
  
• Instant Classic
  By A3F76BMC9G67HT on 2008-09-12
  This is just more proof that the real genius of the Beach Boys was Mike Love not Brian Wilson.Just kidding.This album is pretty much flawless and great to listen to all the way thru.It just puts me in a better mood.All the problems in the world in 2008 and here's Brian Wilson inviting you back to the summer of 1961 where he first found true love.If that don't float your boat chances are you are already drowning.The same critics who will surely knock this album are probably the same people who praise "Yellow Submarine" and "Rocky Racoon" as works of art.Five stars all the way.As Bob Dylan once said about Brian Wilson,"He's got to will that ear to the Smithsonian".
  
  
  
• ONE OF THE BEST EVER!!!
  By A2ZAS1OA2E02AS on 2008-09-19
  I can't believe that this album is so good - but it is. This would have been the equivalent of Sgt Pepper or Pet Sounds if it were issued in the 60's. Instead we get to enjoy it today and it is a breath of fresh air. Brian is in fine voice (which was something else I didn't expect) and it's like listening to vintage Beach Boys. Of course you must buy the version that "Best Buy" is selling to get the bonus tracks. Even without those tracks this is a gem!
  
  
• This man is truly blessed !!!
  By A1REYSK3NIUXUR on 2008-09-19
  I was lucky enough to go to California recently to have breakfast with Brian Wilson at the Capital Records building. This was due to a radio contest that my sister had won. The radio station and Capital Records employees were there promoting Brian's new CD. Granted, my sister and I are HUGE Brian Wilson and Beach Boys Fans, any really ANYTHING they put out is great to us, but I've got to say, that I think this new CD is one of the best collections of songs that Brian has written. They have a nostalgia feel to them, and the song "Southern California", is too beautiful for words. When all the bombastic music that seems to be popular today quickly fades away, it will be Brian's music (Rock & Rolls most gentle giant) that stands the test of time. Buy it. Relax in your comfy chair. Close your eyes. And listen as Brian takes you back to the early 60's.
  
  
• A Return to Form for Brian Wilson
  By A5KTLKG5LRZD6 on 2008-09-03
  "That Lucky Old Sun" is a wonderful return to form for Brian Wilson. Aside from "Brian Wilson Presents Smile", it is the finest achievement of his solo career so far. The songs, the lyrics, the production, his voice, the vocal and instrumental performances from his band, the overall feel of the album are all first-rate. For some reason, reviews in the media have been mixed, with some reviewers loving this record and others being disappointed. If you've ever enjoyed the music of the Beach Boys or any of Brian's solo work, you will enjoy this record. Just give it a few listens -- a first impression may not reveal everything that's going on here. Repeated listening will be well-rewarded. Even the spoken interludes are enjoyable and enhance the experience. This is truly a Brian Wilson record and for that I am extremely grateful.
  
  
• Another masterpiece by Brian
  By A3RO2VJ2V7XEJS on 2008-09-04
  So, today I finally got my grubby hands on it.
  
  After all the talk about it, I was expecting the mastering to be horrible, instead it's just as bad as in all the other Cds in creation (yes, including classical music, and believe me as I have quite a lot of them). That means that if you are accustomed to that kind of sound as you probably are by now, it won't trouble you.
  
  In any case, actually opening a package, putting a physical disc into a slot and pressing PLAY feels so much better than listening to streams!
  
  As for TLOS itself... I already knew the piece from said streams, but my first Cd listen has been actually better than I had expected. I don't know (nor care) how it compares to Pet Sounds and SMiLE... but the simple fact that it's COMPARABLE to them is an absolute miracle.
  
  TLOS has "genius" stamped everywhere.
  
  
• a lone dissenting voice
  By A18FHOIT6JK46W on 2008-09-06
  i have every beach boys record. i love the beach boys. there is nothing i'd like more than to have one or two more beach boys songs to listen to and cherish. i wanted this record to be great. so many bad records are released every year, we all need new stuff to play and of which we can be proud. that being said, there is not a single song on this record i'll continue to listen too. yes, it sounds like the beach boys. yes the backround vocals sound like the real thing. yes his voice has lost it quite a bit. but that's not the problem for me. the question is simply will i keep listening to this cd or will i rely entirely on the beach boys back catalog instead? yes, we can all feel good saying lots of positive things about this record, but it doesn't matter much if we don't keep listening to these songs or start humming these songs while we doing our daily chores. if you'd like the beach boys mixed with a touch of vaudeville and high school talent shows, your ship may have come in. if you want to fall in love with a new beach boys style song, prepare to lower your expectations.
  
  
• FIVE STARS!!! A Wonderful New Album
  By A2XBCFG8IK8JM0 on 2008-09-09
  After Brian Wilson released "Smile", fans wondered if he had any new music left in him. Well, with the release of "That Lucky Old Sun" the answer is a wonderful, and resounding YES!!!
  
  Brian's singing on this album, as well as the spoken narratives, are wonderfully uninhibited, like he was freed from the haze that seems to surround him during live performances. Sonically, the album soars, especially on songs like "Good Kind of Love" and "Forever She'll Be My Surfer Girl". Brian waxes nostalgic, and not in a morose way in "Southern California", he lovingly recalls his memories of singing with his brothers. I would say even a passing casual knowledge of the greater Los Angeles area will bring the album into sharper focus.
  
  The only problem with the album is that it is not long enough! Here's to hoping that Brian Wilson has more records in him like this!
  
  Even if you are a casual fan of the Beach Boys, or love Pop Music, BUY OR DOWNLOAD "THAT LUCKY OLD SUN TODAY" You will not be disappointed!
  
  
• Nothing I'd listen to twice
  By A21UXBO1A67KP5 on 2008-09-17
  Brian Wilson is an icon, a national treasure, but this new offering is for die-hards only. Those swayed by the legacy of days gone by and who have a soft spot in their heart for Brian will overlook the 'more of the same-but not nearly as accomplished' feel to the material. They are likely the same fans who just can't allow themselves to admit that without support, his voice is shot. Just one man's opinion, but I'd rather listen to something from his stunningly brilliant glory days than a second go-round of any song in this new collection.
  
  
• Brian will ALWAYS "call the shots around here"!!
  By A11P7PDFFZFVWO on 2008-09-18
  That line from "Your Imagination" brought me to tears the first time I heard it. It's been written that Brian Wilson invented California. And hearing him sing these new songs makes me wonder if he has any idea of just how much he's influenced the rest of the world's vision of the Golden State. I'm sure many professional reviewers are going to lambaste Brian for some of the lyrics, especially "Mexican Girl". But Brian Wilson has achieved permanent stature in history along side the likes of Beethoven, Bach, and Mozart. He is first a composer/arranger, and lyrics for Brian are simply innocent expressions....icing on a well-layered cake. Brian has been independently wealthy since his early 20's, so he can damn well do what he wants to musically. Capitol studios is one of the finest recording facilities in the world, and the sound on this CD is magnificent. It is obviously an all-digital recording, lacking some of the real bottom end and warmth you get using magnetic tape. But the tracks are beautifully produced with alot of "air", and you can hear the room sound that so many Capitol recordings are famous for. The accompanying DVD of the actual recording sessions is worth the price of this package alone. We see the master, leading his flock (the most talented group of people on the planet), in total control of the studio and the sound, and best of all, smiling.
  
  
• A Sound, a Smile and Living in Love
  By AI9MSY1HBONQR on 2008-08-20
  Brian Wilson has come home and I'm glad he's here. The Los Angeles/Southern California setting permeates the entire album. The songs themselves move from the ocean to the beach and even into the Hollywood Hills, among other places both real and imagined. The lyrics are upbeat and clever but also bittersweet, pensive and heartfelt. Some lyrical highlights are: "I am a diver a long line survivor/And man's small whale's all/Body gravity zero" from Live Let Live; and, "Pumps drunk with oil/Dance like prehistoric locusts on the hills to L.A.X." from the narrative Between Pictures. Kudos to Van Dyke Parks. The choruses in both Midnight's Another Day and Going Home are both quite amazing, the former for its lyrical content and the latter for its melancholy delivery. Wilson's backing band is great as always, with wonderful arrangements. Mexican Girl is my least favorite song, but overall, this is a great collection of songs.
  
  
• Beautiful composition, but his voice is gone
  By A3BRXI3K8YH24V on 2008-09-05
  The songs here should be beautiful, but they just aren't. Listening to the album I couldn't help but thinking that it would have been a truly world class album if only he had brought in someone for the lead vocals.
  
  The sad fact is that while Brian Wilson's songwriting ability is everything it used to be - the songs themselves are as good as Smile - he just doesn't have the voice he used to have and that really hurts the album.
  
  

• Harps & Angels
• Covers
• Pacific Ocean Blue - Legacy Edition
• Time the Conqueror
• Gift Of Screws