Music review: Brian Wilson – 鈥楢t My Piano鈥�
Sometimes less is definitely more. That is certainly the case with the latest release by Brian Wilson.
For 鈥淎t My Piano,鈥� Wilson offers solo instrumental renditions of some of his most memorable creations. As an architect of the California sound of the 1960s, 79-year-old Wilson pares down his musical masterpieces into intimate one-on-one sessions to be appreciated and absorbed in quiet reflectiveness.
Accompanied by only his piano, the genius takes us on a sentimental journey through 15 memorable Wilson numbers that simply sparkle during their organic revealing.
鈥淕od Only Knows鈥� opens the set and steals the show early. Even without words, this glorious number touches the deepest areas of the soul with its emotional expression of love and vulnerability at the most basic and honest level.
The beauty of 鈥淚n My Room鈥� is showcased as a fragile confessional by detailing a special place where one can go to lock out all worries and fears within the comfort of four familiar walls.
One can鈥檛 help but smile while listening to the optimism and satisfaction radiating from selections like 鈥淐alifornia Girls,鈥� 鈥淲ouldn鈥檛 It Be Nice鈥� and 鈥淕ood Vibrations.鈥�
Not everything is always bright and sunny in Wilson鈥檚 world. In his loving hands, tracks such as 鈥淚 Just Wasn鈥檛 Made for These Times鈥� and 鈥淪urf鈥檚 Up鈥� are incredibly complex melodies that freely flow while navigating a variety of feelings.
For me, the highlight of the album comes on 鈥淟ove and Mercy.鈥� Originally released on his debut solo album back in 1988, the track contains Wilson鈥檚 wish for a world united in love, mercy and understanding.
鈥淵ou Still Believe in Me鈥� and 鈥淔riends鈥� are other noteworthy numbers that highlight Wilson鈥檚 incredible knack for crafting brilliant arrangements that still have an impact decades later.
Just like the vibe of the entire album, Wilson demonstrates that a little love, mercy and compassion can go a long way in making things just a little better for all of us.