Covered By The Beach Boys CD

 interesting but odd compilation
Here is the track list for this CD, since at the time of writing this review the songs are not listed on this page: 1. California Dreamin' 2. Do You Wanna Dance 3. School Days (Ring Ring Goes the Bell) 4. Walk on By 5. Come Go with Me 6. Johnny B. Goode 7. Palisades Park 8. Then I Kissed Her 9. The Wanderer 10. Summertime Blues 11. The Letter 12. With a Little Help from My Friends This is a unique Beach Boys compilation, in that it collects several cover songs that the Beach Boys did throughout their career. The project could have been a great one, but falls short of the mark. There are a few redeeming qualities, though, that make it a must-have for serious Beach Boys fans. Here is an overview of pros and cons: PROS: You get two very rare songs that at present are not available on any other release. Those songs are "The Letter" and "With A Little Help From My Friends," both of which had only been temporarily released on an album called "Rarities" in the 80s, which was removed from circulation after only a brief run. It was latter pressed to CD in small quantities (I believe in Japan only), after which it has remained off the market. Thus, if you're a Beach Boys collector wanting everything they've done and missed out on "Rarities" and don't want to pay out the wazzoo for it on eBay, here's your chance to get these two songs. Also, "Johnny B Goode" is a different mix from what appears on the "Concert / Live In London" two-fer CD, and it's a much better mix at that, bringing the vocals out where you can actually hear them well this time around. CONS: Some very noteworthy covers that the Beach Boys did have beem omitted, including the hits "Sloop John B," "Barbara Ann," "I Can Hear Music" and "Rock And Roll Music," as well as some other great recordings such as "Why Do Fools Fall In Love," "Kiss Me Baby," "Hushabye," "Cotton Fields" (single version), "I Was Made To Love Her" and "Just Once In My Life." All of these would have been very welcome inclusions (though I personally would opt for the "Live In London" version of "Barbara Ann" over the hit version). Also, "Walk On By" is an incomplete recording, and since it is already available as a bonus track on the "Friends / 20/20" two-fer, the incomplete song should not have been included on this project. CONCLUSION: As already noted, this project could have been great. As it is, it is not bad but nothing all that special, though it's definitely a must have for serious fans on the basis of the pros mentioned above.
Submitted by Brad (Chambersburg, PA, USA) 
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