I Just Wasn't Made For These Times

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. more...

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 energised 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 colouring 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.

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..."

NME (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..."