Considering the Beach Boys’ dodgy recording history since the ‘70s, and the absence of Dennis and Carl Wilson, this is rather shockingly good. Brian Wilson shows up in strong voice, along with a stack of songs that echo Pet Sounds-era glories while daring to bring in a more autumnal mood, especially in the lovely closing suite. The group vocals are still unmistakably Beach Boys, lending a warmth to the proceedings that even the best of Brian’s solo recordings could have used.
