June 1, 2012
The Beach Boys - 'That's Why God Made The Radio'
A sound which screams 'past their heyday'
6 / 10
The news that Brian Wilson had rejoined The Beach Boys should have been greeted with the fervour of a Smiths reunion. That it wasn’t is largely due to the band’s wretched output over the past three decades, including the nauseous ‘Kokomo’. The Boys’ return is being sold as a throwback to ‘Pet Sounds’, and at times that’s tantalisingly close to the truth: ‘Think About The Days’ is a haunting piece of harmony straight from the ’60s, while the title track has flashes of the orchestral pop genius that flowered back in 1966. Sadly, it doesn’t last, and the band swiftly revert to the gilded AOR that has become their default setting. It’s good to have them back – but only just.
Ben Cardew
To read all our reviews first - days before they appear online - check out NME magazine, on sale every Wednesday
- Previous Album Review : Big KRIT - 'Live From The Underground'
- Next Album Review : Patti Smith - 'Banga'
Please login to add your comment.