Pacific Ocean Blue

Lovely stuff, would listen again.

Very enjoyable listen.

Classic

Can’t Sea What The Fuss Is About

I didn't like this as much as I hoped I would. There's a ton of instrumental variety, but nothing that coheres on first listen and nothing that evokes the supernatural charm of the Beach Boys. There are clear peaks and valleys in the tracklist, however, and I suspect there's more than I'm hearing beneath the surface.

Agreeable, well producer singer songwriter pop with hints of the beach boys.

Brilliant Album.

well, that was all over the place. double album, styles galore...weird. i'm not sure what else to feel about this one, other than that it seemed like it could've been maybe 4 different albums, but homeboy only had a deal for one or something.

While I strongly believe that Dennis Wilson's solo effort never reaches the heights of almost anything the Beach Boys ever did, Pacific Ocean Blue definitely has its moments, such as the terrific jazz elements on Dreamer and the engaging and personal lyrics on tracks like Rainbows. However, I find myself thinking that most tracks on hear sound like a more gruffy sounding Elvis Costello trying his best to make some sleazy yacht rock about a bunch of nonsense just to escape a sound that he knew worked. For Dennis, it does not. 2/5.

Haunting and beautiful in conveying the depths of Dennis Wilson's talents. The drummer moves to the forefront and the results are huge!

Wilson was into alcohol, drugs, and Manson...and it shows.

Look what happens when unencumbered. A strong set of songs.

Fängt ziemlich öde an, wird dann aber ganz ok, will aber nie so ganz richtig in die Gänge kommen. Trotzdem um Längen besser als die Pet Sounds von den Beach Boys.

Very hazy dreamy melodies, lots of slow jams. Songs are all fairly short, get their point across and then onto the next. Not bad, good chillout album. He really likes fading out to end songs.

Pretty good at times but dragged down by a few of the boring tracks. Middle of the road in the end.

I discovered this album about five years ago and I fell in love with it instantly. Dennis Wilson was a man in the midst of self-destruction in the wake of his abusive upbringing and the excesses of fame as a member of the Beach Boys. He was not known as a sensitive man, but for his drunken escapades which eventually culminated in his death by drowning. His voice was rapidly deteriorating which can be heard here and in subsequent live performances of this material. Here, Wilson is concerned with environmental devastation and love. In 'River Song' the opening track, he confronts the claustrophobia and smog of LA, opting instead to champion a cleaner, more natural environment. In the title track, 'Pacific Ocean Blue,' penned alongside cousin and bandmate Mike Love, Wilson laments the destruction of ocean wildlife. This is an album very close to my heart both for its lyrical and musical value, but also because it gives us an insight into the enigmatic and broken person that was Dennis Wilson.

Great jams. Long-ass album.

It wasn’t the beach boys

This definitely doesn't sound like a Beach Boys record. I liked this a lot. Highlights were Pacific Ocean Blues and What's Wrong

Grew on me a lot in the second listen. Very nice as background music, but some of the songs I saved were worthy of multiple listens Saved: River Song, Time*, Tug of Love

Saved Prior: None Off Rip: River Song, Time, Pacific Ocean Blues Cutting Edge: You and I Overall Notes: This guy probably had a legitimate all-time album in him, too bad he had a little run-in with one of the worst people ever to grace the Earth. River Song, Pacific Ocean Blues, and the second half of Time are great at least.

It's very long but good songs.

"Dreamer" was ok I guess. The rest of the album was pretty forgettable. Reminds me of "Eels" in some places.

really great album from the former beach boy, very enjoyable and would listen again

This is the type of album I could only tolerate at a free outdoor summer festival, with a good amount of snacks and the polite-est of friends. Each song starts off promising, until the absolute cacophony of instruments takes over, overpowering Wilson’s less than unique voice. I mean, he has a good voice I guess but I don’t think it stands out amidst these slow... weird… dramatic … almost psychedelic arrangements. Overall, the lyrics were unmemorable, maybe because I couldn't actually discern most of them from the unnecessarily epic violin playing. Seriously, why does the first half of Friday Night have an underlying THX intro? You know, that one suspenseful intro before a movie starts playing? LOL Some, like River Song, were a bit too gospel-y for my taste. And OK maybe throwing the trumpet here and there is interesting but like in Dreamer and Thoughts of You I think the way the instruments are being introduced is so arbitrary and abrupt. Too much! Headache inducing, almost. You and I & Pacific Ocean Blues were better than the previously mentioned, because of some consistent beat, but maintained the bland lyrics. My favourite was Only With You. Steady, no swell of random instruments… it was nice to actually hear the lyrics (mostly, “All I wanna do, is spend my life with you...”) but yeah still no lasting impression on me. As someone who doesn't listen to much rock I realize I don't quite have legs to stand on when critiquing this. But Wilson's meh singing makes this objectively less than mediocre. 2 stars for the effort tho, bc clearly there was a ton of effort instrument wise, despite it being over the top.

It's not going into my rotation or anything, but I quite liked this. Reminded me of Eels in places.

Not offensive but not particularly remarkable

Solid 2, was ok lots of water and rain but couldn't tell you much more didnt draw me in at all.

This is a fun album. 33 tracks is an utter marathon though and I wasn’t ready for this after a weekend of heavy drinking. I’m listening to catch up as I also had to do Tom Waits today. Following a bit of research, it’s only a 12 song record so thankfully I didn’t have to push thru the full 33 extended edition. Interesting development and departure from the Beach Boys sound so you can see why he took on a solo album to explore different directions. Dreamer is a slick groove and there are some other tracks that are nice for background noise.

First half of the album i liked a fair bit but began to drag a bit as it went on, but yeah pretty decent

This probably deserves more than a 2 but I'm honestly never going to listen to it again so I can't give it 3. The second song "what's wrong" is just terrible and it was hard to recover from that. Terrible. The album highlight for me was halfway through "thoughts of you" when it reminded me of the M*A*S*H theme song for 2 seconds.

I procrastinated listening to this because it just sounded so badly produced in my opinion. The vocals are way too far away. The lyrics are oK I guess on some tracks, but they kinda don’t feel genuine when paired with the music sometimes. Like in Moonshine, it’s like this epic movie strings section for a not-so-epic ballad. And the voice was just... I don’t want to be mean but it kinda sounded like a dude imitating 90s Michael Jackson but not quite pulling it off. I dunno. Just didn’t click, at all, for me. The cheesy, overblown instrumentals paired with the minimalist pals-out-for-karaoke singing. Feels like the guy had like 100 big investors throwing money at him and he was like ”what am I gonna do wit dis” and then like he just employs every musician in LA to make a huge production outta some medium songs that totally didn’t need a huge brass 40s Big Band. (”Dreamer”) ”Thoughts of you” could’ve been really good, and it is alright, but look at the lyrics: All things that live one day must die you know Even love and the things we hold close Look at love look at love look at love they’re too direct. Like I get it, it’s not a pop science book, you don’t have to be so direct about it. It feels like he’s trying to do something poetic and beautiful but the songwriting doesn’t hit you in the emotional soft spot at all, personally at least. And then any impact is totally neutralised by trashy lyrics like: I'm going home To where she waits To share love with me, yeah I'm the kind of guy Who loves to mess around Know a lot of women which is... alright... but... like come on decide on your tone!!🙄 it’s like something taken from the Alan Parsons Project but lacking the edge. That being said, I would respect the opinion of people who like this just for its chill roadtrip vibe energy and I could jam to it. I also might be a bit overly critical because I’ve never heard any of the songs before and because he looks so bored and uninspired in the album art... I think it would be interesting to compare why this doesn't work for me, while both "Eye in the Sky" (Alan Parsons Project) and "Rain Dogs" (Tom Waits) DO. The former has a super elaborate epic production style, like Pacific Ocean Blue, but paired with polished and poppy vocals. Rain dogs has lo-fi, minimalist, eccentric production and backing tracks paired with an equally outlandish vocal performance (I'm not saying Wilson sounds like Waits but you get the point - it's kinda gritty). The style of Wilson's album and its blend of high-end music with gritty singing is anticlimactic and sort of underwhelming whether you were hoping for yacht rock or Cemetery Polka. In Wilson's defense, I respect he may have been trying to drive home the message that even a person who has been fully swept up by the Hollywood fame factory, such as himself, can be a normal, disillusioned karaoke-loving fella. In that case I would give it maybe like an extra half star or so. Good lyrics: ”They couldn't get to heaven in their car”

There’s a lot of interesting ideas goin on within this album, especially within the instrument choices. Some you don’t hear in many albums of the era, makes the listening experience so much better since you keep anticipating what could be next. I strongly recommend listening to this album. Favorite Tracks: River Song, Dreamer, Rainbows.

It sounded nice but even the non extended version was a chore to sit through. Just kept waiting for each song to end hoping the next would strike a chord

Really relaxing, and I enjoyed it while it was on, but none of the individual songs stood out to me.

This album felt like a drugged out has been beach boy. Not a fan.

not really my thing...

Its alright, didn't feel strongly about it

Hated it. 2 albums as well jesus christ.

Listened to a few songs, I didn't really enjoy them, just not my style, and it was too long so I didn't finish. I also feel like his voice was mixed a bit weird.

Great.

Another pretty good album, will definitely return to this. Very nice, quiet, harmonised vibrant songs.

Sad, reminds me of a bad trip at points. Strange arrangement at times (overproduced, orchestral pieces). Not clamouring for a re-listen

so far good. i like dreamer, thoughts of you, time,

Man, so much of this is the kind of ambitious and maybe over-produced vibe that I can really dig. But why does his voice destroy it for me? Something about it doesn't fit, like he's trying too hard or something. Something about the whole album seems to say "This is a serious album" and I can't take it seriously. And I can't help thinking about Brian Wilson's stuff and how it's more ambitious and less serious and how I like it more than this. But not 100% more. I also just found out my folks voted for Trump a second time, so I'm not in a great mood. Sorry, Dennis.

highlights: river song, friday night, thoughts of you, time, pacific ocean blues, end of the show

Funky, bluesy, groovy rock (Clapton-esque) with a spiritual bent. Nice range of styles. Feels more mature in style and substance than the Beach Boys (Wilson's other band).

Some pretty cool melancholy jams, some beach-boy-esque vibes at times. Would listen again

Been meaning to listen to this for years. Definitely the soulful Beach Boy. Really liking this

dad rock. not for me.

heck yes!

It's ok. Kinda generic 70's grooves.

Pink floyd meets beach boys production meets bob segar.

An extremely poignant record, as Dennis Wilson, the blueprints used by the Beach Boys to bring their California sound to the 60s. The strain and melancholy in his voice combined with its richness is really something to behold. The highs of this record are undeniable, and seem like a mix of Beach Boys harmonies, with a little of Big Star's Third and a lot of heart. I can forgive the overly blues-y parts. Fav Tracks: Thoughts of You, End of The Show, Pacific Ocean Blues, River Song and Moonshine

This album is something really special. Dennis Wilson's incredible voice and rough-hewn surfer soul conveys so much pathos. I don't know who would have realized the depths of feeling he would be able to convey with this record. There are a few songs where he veers a little too close to easy listening, but never over the brink. And the incredible highs more than make up for these moments. I feel like this record highlights how he was only starting to come into his own as an artist before his tragic death. Favourite tracks: River Song, Thoughts of You, Pacific Ocean Blues, End of the Show, Farewell My Friend

Sounds good enough, pleasant to listen to. But it's also extremely unremarkable and I sort of forgot what each song sounded like as soon as the next one started. Good for background listening during work though.

Quite nice and funky, good range of songs

Damn, this is good stuff

What is this album doing on this list?

Ok

The 'cool' Beach Boy's cult solo album. Cheesy 70's rock. Best Tracks: River Song, Pacific Ocean Blues, Rainbows

I love this album but two deluxe albums combined together is waaaaaay too long for me to actually appreciate it properly. I've listened three times and I'm like what. But. It's rock n roll, it's jazzy, it's moving, it's pretty excellent.

Not bad, can hear where John Grant got some stuff

Brilliant, peaceful and polished.

Better than I expected. Some good songs.

Iets te zoet allemaal

Je comprends que cela a pu être considéré comme de la bonne musique, mais c’est pas dans mes cordes. Les années 1970 avec des sons disco funk pop jazz, je n’aime pas.

Paar aardige nummers, maar over het geheel genomen te traag en saai voor mij.

Mooi album van de drummer van de Beach Boys. Doorstaat de tand des tijds goed.

Paar hele mooie nummers, maar ook wat zwaar op de hand. Heeft misschien nog meer draaibeurten nodig om echt te landen.

Ik heb 'm niet helemaal kunnen luisteren, maar volgens mij is dit een 3.

Tämä oli omaan korvaan sopivaa rokkia. Vähän teatraalistakin jopa taustalauluineen. Merellisyyttä löytyi.

decent stuff.... just not my bag man

Did not dig

This guy is hard to get a read on. Sounds like Pink Floyd, Chicago, and what I imagine Randy Newman thinks he sounds like.

Tranquilo. Relajado. Sosegado

I quite like this. Nothing spectacular, undeserving of the hype it gets for sure, but a pleasant, breezy way to kill time with a glass of something cold and a good book

Rock melódico bastante moñas. Alguna canción más movida.

They snuck a Beach Boys song into this album on Youtube music! Sets the mood if you're into it. But a little more downbeat that I would have expected.

Definitely better than the last two albums

Running out of ways to say 'Fine'

Sorprendentemente maravilloso. Una delicia para escuchar mientras te tomas una buena copa

This album was interesting, as I love The Beach Boys, but nothing really grabbed my attention. It was enjoyable though.

les harmonies vocal des beach boy étaient géniales et leur musique orginale mais c'est vraiment pas son cas

On dirait un peu un mélange entre Seal, Cat Stevens, Pink Floyd et David Bowie qui aurait envie de caca.(dans certaines pièces) Il a l'air de retenir quelque chose quand il chante le beau Dennis! Clairement un meilleur artiste solo que batteur des Beach Boys mais j'entends tellement d'influences que j'ai de la difficulté à le cerner. J'ai bien aimé malgré tout, surtout les pistes aux sonorités Pink Floydesques. Fait cocasse, le dude chillait autrefois avec Charles Manson qui lui a même écrit des chansons.

strange

Tiene momentos a lo Pink Floyd que me han gustado, pero en general se me ha hecho aburrido. Una pena, tenía muchas esperanzas en que me gustara.

Good. Chill. It is a shame he was hanging out with Charles Manson...

Folk, rock, suave.

To me, the most memorable song on the album is "School Girl", which is memorable for the wrong reasons. I'd much rather listen to "Pet Sounds".

Seriously, these albums are so long! I like the album cover, I like some of the tunes, I quite liked the last track (“Mexico”) for a change and while I had never heard this before I am not the least bit surprised it is on this list. Every now and then it sounds like the Eagles or Don Henley to me, which ain’t my bag - but otherwise this is fine. I’d listen to a number of tracks again.

Please i would very much like to just listen to the Beach Boys instead of Beach Boy

Easy to enjoy. River Song and Pacific Ocean Blues stand out for me, though there is little to not like. Cool soft rock vibe with a light Beach Boys influence.

A little confused why this is rated so well. Probably grows on you.

Sensitive beard dudes shall endure.

Better than I was expecting

Surprisingly diverse collection of songs for what was expected from a former beach boy. Very good production throughout. Has a concept-album type feel to the music. Highlights: -River Song -You and I -Rainbows -Only with You -Holy Man -Common -

meh

listenable

who is this guy?!?!

Meh.

Interesting, soft or energic songs

@@. Some good tracks, pretty downtempo and piano-heavy.

Pretty great

Tylsä ja mitäänsanomaton levy. Pari kertaa kuuntelin ja ei herättänyt oikein mitään tunteita. Kyllä taitaa tämä Dennis Wilson ratsastaa veljensä Brianin maineella!

Fantastic - a diamond in the boomer rough

Off to a great start, has me interested. Super chill listen, like it a lot. Will look up more by this dude.

Was smooth for the day

Forgettable

I liked it. Although I listened over a week ago, so I don't really remember it now. :/

A little bluesy and mostly melancholy, there are some gems like Friday Night that are oldies playlist worthy.

Seems quite vanilla. Can't say it to my taste. Background music maybe

oh wow yeah, very nice. no prior experience with dennis wilson or the beach boys etc but this is great

Tolkuttoman pitkä! Hienoja fiiliksiä mahtui mukaan, mutta kokonaisuutena puuduttava.

Successfully walks the fine line of acknowledging the influences of the Beach Boys while claiming his own style. Expertly crafted, and a joy to listen to. Best track: River Song

Musiikkihan sinällään oli ihan ok, mut 2 vitun tuntia aivan liikaa mulle. Koko viikonlopun ajan yritin kuunnella loppuun, mut en tainnu ees ehtiä ku piti välillä muutakin kuunnella. Taidan olla musiikillisesti sivistymätön paskiainen

Peculiarly refreshing. 7-7.5/18 FT: Thoughts of you

Rock (chill), 2,5/10

Sounds very much of its time ie like Beach Boys, Beatles etc. Not for me

a

A masterpiece. You never regret going back to this one!