Brian Wilson I Just Wasn't Made For These Times CD

I JUST WASN'T MADE FOR THESE TIMES is the soundtrack to the documentary film.

Brian Wilson transforms feelings of isolation and loneliness into music that approaches the divine. For those interested in checking out the man's much-vaunted genius, this soundtrack to a bio-documentary on Wilson is a fine place to start. Hearing these songs outside of their usual Beach Boys settings allows the listener to appreciate Wilson's gifts as songwriter and singer from a new perspective.

Expertly recorded by veteran producer Don Was, these pristine versions are faithful to the originals (most notably in the succinct arrangements). The classic "Caroline No" retains its utter poignancy, gaining additional resonance from the 30-some years that have past since Wilson first sang this song of loss. He sounds energized by the spirited backup vocals of his daughters on the rocking "Do it Again," and he sings like an angel on "Love and Mercy." The oddly touching "Still I Dream of It," rendered here in a primitive home recording, contrasts with the otherwise smooth production, reminding the listener of Wilson's longtime insistence on coloring outside the lines. The final song, almost a benediction, is "Til I Die," which certainly ranks among the most gorgeous songs in pop music history. Check it out here, in all its wondrous layers.

Recorded at Ocean Way, Hollywood California. Includes liner notes by Don Was.

Personnel: Brian Wilson (vocals, piano); Mark Goldenberg, Waddy Wachtel (guitar); David McMurray (saxophone, flute); Benmont Tench (piano, organ); James "Hutch" Hutchinson (bass); Jim Keltner (drums); Carnie Wilson, Wendy Wilson, Sweet Pea Atkinson, Sir Harry Bowens, Donald Ray Mitchell, Jeff Pescetto, Andrew Gold, Kip Lennon (background vocals).Uncut (p.115) - 3 stars out of 5 - "The wobbly demo of 'Still I Dream Of It' offers a glimpse of Wilson unvarnished."
Melody Maker (9/2/95, p.45) - Bloody Essential - "...Don Was...managed to get an apparently rejuvenated Wilson into a recording situation, hauling him through the darkest, most intimate areas of his back catalogue, and...reawakening his dormant gifts....spine-chillingly beautiful..."
Mojo (Publisher) (p.122) - 3 stars out of 5 - "[T]hese reinterpretations are very good indeed. 'This Whole World' is particularly vibrant..."
NME (Magazine) (8/26/95, p.44) - 8 (out of 10) - "...a historic, startling and near unique document....the songs have been taken almost straight from the rehearsal room, preserving the still innocent-sounding, mid-twenties yearning, romance and heartache that created these songs..."