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| Dennis Wilson (1944-1983) |
Dennis Wilson was a proper Beach Boy; the only Wilson who could surf, for one. Probably better than his drumming, that's for sure (his percussion parts were regularly overdubbed in the studio by session guys). Not that it bothered him; Dennis was a rock star - he had money to spend, drugs to take, gangs to join, women to fuck and cars to trash.
But the middle brother came good during the band's fallow period in the early 70s when Brian's head began to unravel. Some of his songs, whilst maybe not as pitch perfect as his elder sibling's symphonic masterpieces, nevertheless had a certain unique quality that carried the group through their quieter years. Cuddle Up, co-written with 'Captain' Daryl Dragon (he and his partner, Toni Tennille, were both bona fide Beach Boys [and girl] at the time) is a nailed on classic. It's a timeless song that sits rightly at any top table of classic Beach Boys records. I love it.
The Beach Boys - Cuddle Up (1972)
Beautiful stuff - Reminds me of... George Harrison? Or am I wrong there.
ReplyDeleteNew info for me re the 'Captain' and Tennille. Always something new to learn.
Good call, Alyson; you could be on to something.
DeleteJust for you, here's Captain & Tennille's version.
Dennis had a few great but often forgotten moments on the band's albums, especially in the very late '60s. Forever is probably my favorite.
ReplyDeletePerfect. You should write a few words about it...
DeletePacific Ocean Blue is a better album than Smile ... there, I've said it.
ReplyDeleteI won't argue with that, RD.
DeleteLive fast, die young... or grow old with issues.
ReplyDeleteIs it better to burn out than fade away?