Tell Me Why - Brian Wilson

Tell Me Why - Brian Wilson

3:40

No Pier Pressure, 2015

Written by Brian Wilson and Joe Thomas

This ends, for now, this blog's tribute to Brian Wilson, RIP.  This song is not the Beatles song, also covered by the Beach Boys.  A conclusion I've to from this perforce hasty and superficial tour of Wilson's solo work is that generally the quality isn't as high as in the Beach Boys days (but isn't that true of nearly every aging performer), and that as he gets older he eschews those uptempo overlapping harmonies that I love for measured, orchestral ballads.  On this song, accompanied by Al Jardine on the choruses, Wilson sings of something lost.  It could be lover or a friend, or maybe, if you squint a bit, the halcyon days of a band.  "I think about that ocean view / And all the dreams I shared with you / I guess they won't be coming true / At least for you and me / But now you're gone and I've gotta get on with my life."

My Hobo Heart - Brian Wilson and Van Dyke Parks

My Hobo Heart - Brian Wilson and Van Dyke Parks

3:16

Orange Crate Art, 1995

Written by Van Dyke Parks

The narrator of this song had a girl in every town, like a sailor but for land.  Like Dion's Wanderer, he found new ladies wherever he went.  But!  He met someone who changed all that.  "And now my travelin' days are through / And ridin' horses in the sand / Or walkin' with you hand in hand will do."  The song doesn't extol the praises of the girl in question or say why he changed; it's not exactly an introspective song.  Parks' and Wilson's harmonies are nice, if a bit sleepy.

Too Much Sugar - Brian Wilson

Too Much Sugar - Brian Wilson

2:38

Brian Wilson, 1988 [2000 expanded version]

Written by Brian Wilson

This is one of Wilson's silly-yet-earnest songs about daily life or health, like "Vega-Tables."  Moving between a deep register to those soaring falsettos, Wilson lectures us about sugar and its effects.  "Stuff you eat can poison you / Make you feel real lazy too," he advises, telling the listener to avoid not just sugar but fats, and to get exercise "just like Jane Fonda."  Everyone can appreciate cutting back on sweets when it's wrapped in those honeyed harmonies!

Let It Shine - Brian Wilson

Let It Shine - Brian Wilson

3:58

Brian Wilson, 1988

Written by Brian Wilson and Jeff Lynne

Brian Wilson died yesterday, and thus one of the brightest lights in pop is dimmed.  There have been other taskmasters and perfectionists, but probably none so maniacal, fastidious, and endearingly oddball as Wilson.  Tis song, case in point, is sort of like a love song, but the lyrics could also be taken as an epiphany, or moving from one field of consciousness to another — maybe fitting for this occasion.  "The stars all send / Their silver light to me / Forever shine / On me eternally."  Yes, this song's production is all ice and synth percussion, but the gospel chorus and positive vibes give it enough warmth.