The Beach Boys – Holland (1973) [APO Remaster 2016] {SACD ISO + FLAC 24bit/88,2kHz}

The surprisingly weak result of a concerted effort by both band and label to push the Beach Boys back into the Top 40 (they succeeded, barely), Holland continued the muddy sound of Carl and the Passions – So Tough. The highlights here – Carl’s “The Trader,” Brian’s “Sail on, Sailor” and “Funky Pretty” – are marginally better than their immediate predecessors, though “Leavin’ This Town” (from recent addition Blondie Chaplin) is rather tiresome. Also, Al Jardine and Mike Love’s three-part “California Saga” shows the effects of their environmentalist spirituality left to bake in the sun a few minutes too long (though the conclusion, “California,” is a solid return to the harmony-laden sun-and-surf ’60s). “Only with You” is yet another tender ballad given an excellent reading by Carl.

Tracklist:
01. Sail On, Sailor
02. Steamboat
03. California Saga: Big Sur
04. California Saga: The Beaks of Eagles
05. California Saga: California
06. The Trader
07. Leaving This Town
08. Only with You
09. Funky Pretty
10. Mt. Vernon and Fairway – Theme
11. I’m the Pied Piper – Instrumental
12. Better Get Back in Bed
13. Magic Transistor Radio
14. I’m the Pied Piper
15. Radio King Dom
16. We Got Love