Pacific Ocean Blue

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Though various Beach Boys documentaries would have you believe otherwise, Dennis Wilson was much more than the Wilson who befriended Charles Manson or the troubled drummer who sang scratchy versions of "You Are So Beautiful." Here is the proof. Wilson's 1977 solo debut <i>Pacific Ocean Blue</i> shows him coming into his own as a producer, singer and arranger. The lush "River Song" opens like a panoramic choral epic as Alexander Hamilton's Double Rock Baptist Choir sings heavenly harmonies that soar over strings, horns and keyboards. Contrasted nicely with Wilson's whispery rasp, it's a huge and phenomenal sound that has since largely influenced Spiritualized's gospel tinged, damaged guy, pocket orchestras. <i>Pacific Ocean Blue</i> also reveals Wilson as a peerless songwriter unraveling down a deep well of beautiful and tortured songs like "Time." The previously unreleased (but often bootlegged) sophomore album <i>Bambu</i> surfaces with the beautifully disturbing "Love Surrounds Me" as an immediate standout. The self depreciating "He's A Bum" and the dipsomaniac dirge of "Cocktails" work their magic best with repeated listens.

via Apple Music

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