Dennis Wilson was the real beach boy. He surfed, he chased girls, and was viewed as lazy. But during Brian’s “hibernation” in the 60’s, Dennis’ musical talent grew expedentially and came out from behind Brian’s shadow. He began to write amazing ballads that fit right in on The Beach Boys’ 70’s releases. He wrote Be With Me and All I Want To Do off of 20/20 and as I’ve mentioned before on this blog, Forever off of 1970’s Sunflower.

His only solo album Pacific Ocean Blues is an absolute masterpiece, and was just remastered and re-released along with his unfinished project Bamboo. I was lucky enough to find a copy before they all ran out, because it rivals the Beach Boy albums of the 1970’s. Dennis personally did not like this album, saying that it had no substance and that he was looking forward to completing his second album Bamboo. Unfortunately, Wilson drowned in California in 1983, after diving off of his boat and was never able to complete anything else.

River Song is the superb opening track from Pacific Ocean Blues, and almost all of the parts are done by this “lazy surfer”. Teaming up with Alexander Hamilton’s Double Rock Baptist Choir on this track, the song kicks off the album with a bang, and even though Dennis isn’t the greatest singer in the world, he uses his limited but raspy voice with great effect and the drums sound amazing to. enjoy