Brian Wilson - That Lucky Old Sun

Sep 4 2008 By Paul Cole

(Capitol)

HE is one of popular music’s most deeply revered figures, a legendary writer, producer, arranger and performer of some of the most cherished music in rock history.

So says Brian Wilson’s PR. The new album tells a different story – a pop pastiche of past glories packed with lazy rhyme and little reason. In trying to recreate his California youth, Wilson has slipped into parody.

Songs such as the title track and Forever She’ll Be My Surfer Girl may ride Beach Boy harmonies but they’re strictly second-rate. Go buy his former band’s Golden Greats compilation instead.