Shut Down Volume 2 review

The 5th album by The Beach Boys. Hopefully this will be better than the last one and not go on about cars quite so much.

Tracks:

1. Fun, Fun, Fun: 9/10 just look at the title. It sums the song up perfectly.

2. Don't Worry Baby: 8/10 a very effective love song that despite its uninspired concept manages not to feel forced and cheesy.

3. In the Parkin' Lot: 7/10 what could have been pretty mediocre rides on a powerful tidal wave of great harmonies and jolly music to success (Sorry, couldn't resist the surfing metaphor).

4. 'Cassius' Love Vs. 'Sonny' Wilson: 8/10 pretty funny, although it does go on for a bit too long.

5. The Warmth of the Sun: 7/10 perfectly nice, but the harmonies are overdone and it comes across as a bit whiny as a result.

6. This Car of Mine: 5/10 look, if I wanted to see loads of car porn I'd go and watch Fast and Furious!

7. Why Do Fools Fall in Love: 6/10 it sounds nice, but the vocals are hard to hear and it feels a bit slight.

8. Pom Pom Play Girl: 7/10 this sounds like much of what The Beach Boys have done before. It's pretty fun if unmemorable.

9. Keep an Eye on Summer: 8/10 this one is pretty nice to be fair, and boasts some moving harmonies.

10. Shut Down, Part II: 8/10 a speedy, jolly and overall successful instrumental.

11. Louie, Louie: 4/10 I'm not sure about this one. All it really does is say 'Louie, Louie'.

12. Denny's Drums: 8/10 a terrific drum track.

Best song: Fun, Fun, Fun
Worst song: Louie, Louie

Summary: Overall, this album is pretty good. It's better than the first and fourth albums, but weaker than the second and third ones, so this is in the middle. It's got some really good stuff. The instrumentals are unusually strong, the opening track is great and some of the songs are effective. Others are just a bit mediocre and weak however. The album starts well, sags considerably in the middle before hitting a peak again in the second half. Pretty good stuff, although it's not The Beach Boys at their best.




Final rating: 7/10