The Beach Boys – The Very Best Of The Beach Boys (Volume 2)

The Beach Boys – The Very Best Of The Beach Boys (Volume 2)

The Very Best Of The Beach Boys (Volume 2) brings together an exceptional selection of the Beach Boys' classic mid-to-late 1960s recordings, covering the period when the group moved beyond their early surf-pop sound into the richly arranged, sophisticated pop of Brian Wilson's most celebrated creative period. From “You're So Good To Me” and “Sloop John B” through to “Good Vibrations”, “Heroes And Villains” and “God Only Knows”, this collection is packed with some of the band's most enduring recordings.

The earlier material includes “You're So Good To Me”, originally recorded in 1965, alongside “Sloop John B”, “God Only Knows” and “Wouldn't It Be Nice” from the landmark Pet Sounds era. “Good Vibrations”, recorded during 1966 and released later that year, demonstrates Brian Wilson's increasingly experimental approach to production, while “Heroes And Villains” comes from the ambitious SMiLE project and was released in 1967.

The collection then moves into the group's late-1960s period with “Wild Honey”, “Darlin'”, “Friends” and “Do It Again”, before closing with later favourites including “Bluebirds Over The Mountain”, “I Can Hear Music”, “Break Away” and “Cottonfields”. These recordings show the Beach Boys evolving from their famous California surf sound towards a broader mixture of sunshine pop, rock, folk and increasingly sophisticated vocal arrangements.

For fans of The Beach Boys, Brian Wilson, California pop, 1960s rock and classic vinyl compilations, this is a superb overview of the group's most celebrated period. With recordings dating from approximately 1965–1969, it brings together songs from Summer Days (And Summer Nights!!), Pet Sounds, Smiley Smile, Wild Honey, Friends and the group's subsequent late-1960s catalogue in one collection.

Original recording years: Approximately 1965–1969
Compilation: The Very Best Of The Beach Boys (Volume 2)
Format: Vinyl LP

Tracklist

Side A

1. You're So Good To Me
2. Then I Kissed Her
3. Sloop John B
4. God Only Knows
5. Wouldn't It Be Nice
6. Here Today
7. Good Vibrations
8. Heroes And Villains
9. Wild Honey

Side B

1. Darlin'
2. Country Air
3. Here Comes The Night
4. Friends
5. Do It Again
6. Bluebirds Over The Mountain
7. I Can Hear Music
8. Break Away
9. Cottonfields