On Sat, 29 May 2004, Miguel Motta wrote:

>>I know that for some this is gonna sound as bland as a Britney Spears review... but I grew up with this kind of stuff... This is a comment on the new Wilson-Phillips CD "California" which, in my opinion, should be checked out by those of you who are into tight harmonies and pure California laid-back-grooves ... The CD is all cover versions of songs by The Eagles / Mamas & Papas / Neil Young / Jackson Browne / Fleetwood Mac & Byrds amongst others... Dunno about you but this CD is the sweet scent of a fresh California breeze... anyway, my two-cents for what it's worth... If you're into the 60's-70's California sound then this CD is right up your alley... <<

Miguel:

On the other hand--and "I grew up with this kind of stuff," too--I think Wilson Phillips' new album will be something of a disappointment, even for their fans.  Technically well-sung, sure, but they miss the soul of these songs by a mile in most cases.  Least convincing are their versions of "Already Gone"--which is included twice, once as a "hidden" acoustic track--and "Doctor My Eyes."  In general, this is polished, sterile adult-contemporary pop.  Pleasant background music, at most.  (And producer Peter Asher should be shot for leaving guest vocalist Brian Wilson's spoken-word comment to remain audible in the fade of "In My Room," which is otherwise the best track to be found here.)

Chuck Limmer