The Beach Boys

Feel Flows (The Sunflower & Surf’s Up Sessions; 1969-1971)

More good vibrations from 60s surf-rock sensations

For many, The Beach Boys are best remembered for two periods; the early surf-based songs (Surfer Girl, Surfing USA) and the 1966 album, Pet Sounds, which featured

Good Vibrations. While these are important for the band’s legacy, there is another period that is arguably as fruitful, with 1970’s Sunflower and 1971’s Surf’s Up albums. The version here features five CDs and is a wealth of vibrant music. While there are too many songs to reference, highlights include Carl Wilson’s vocals on This Whole World and Our Sweet Love, Bruce Johnston’s Tears In

The Morning and Dennis Wilson on his gorgeous Forever.

For Surf’s Up, Bruce is exquisite on Disney Girls, Carl on the trippily sweet Feel Flows, Brian on the floaty ’Til I Die and he and Carl on Surf’s Up. As far as iconic everlasting commercial music is concerned, this release illuminates why The Beach Boys represent the absolute zenith of great pop music. An absolute sonic joy. [JS]

Standout track: Surf’s Up

For fans of: The Beatles, The Everly Brothers