Add Some Music
Omnivore, 2021
8/10
A project spearheaded by The Beach Boys historian and documentarian David Beard, California Music brings the unwavering talent of The Beach Boys and their family to songs recorded by Mike Love, Al Jardine, David Marks, Bruce Johnston and longtime associate Jeffrey Foskett.
“Add Some Music To Your Day” starts the listen with no shortage of vocal harmonies as acoustic guitars, violin and cello add much to the sunny, glorious opener, and “Ram Raj” follows with lead vocals from Love as strong percussion by Eric Breslow, soothing chanting and a dreamy quality enter the warm climate.
Halfway through, “Long Promised Road” resides near jam band territory with its intricate guitar work and vocals thanks to David Marks, while “Friends” flows with a ‘60s approach as folk ideas unfold alongside singing from Carnie Wilson, Matt Jardine, and Christian Love, among others. “Golden State”, one of the album’s best, then displays Ron Bonfiglio’s skills to a lush, textured landscape of precise beauty.
The final two songs are both different versions of “Add Some Music To Your Day”- A cappella and instrumental- which makes a total of three times this tune appears, but since it’s one of the greatest songs penned by The Beach Boys, you won’t hear me complain.
After recognizing that families were going hungry during the pandemic, Beard decided to donate a portion of the proceeds of the record to Feeding America, so not only do we get to hear timeless interpretations of classic songs, but are supporting a very important cause. For fans of anything related to The Beach Boys and those who adore vocal harmonies, you won’t be disappointed here.
Travels well with: Brian Wilson & Van Dyke Parks- Orange Crate Art; Cat Stevens- Back To Earth