"Carl And The Passions: So Tough" 1972 Album
Review of The Beach Boys' 1972 LP: A Forgotten Gem
The Beach Boys were at a crossroads of sorts with the May 1972 release of Carl and the Passions: So Tough (CATPST). Brian Wilson, the leader, composer, producer, vocalist, and bassist for the group since the beginning, was losing interest in the band, in the midst of his long battle with mental illness, not helped by over-eating, drug use, non-exercise, and constant sleeping.
Younger brother Carl Wilson had been demonstrating his production skills since the “Wild Honey” LP from 1967, gradually taking over the leadership reins from Brian, although the producer credit on each album still listed “Produced by the Beach Boys.”
Ever since the Smile debacle in 1967 and their no-show at the Monterey Pop Festival that same year, the Beach Boys’ commercial success was dwindling. “I Can Hear Music,” a single released in February 1969, had been their last single to reach the Top 25, peaking at #24 Pop. Their album sales were not much better in the U.S., except for “Surf’s Up,” which had reached a high of #29 on Billboard.
Finding Jack Rieley, Blondie Chaplin, and Ricky Fataar
Enter new manager Jack Rieley, who came on the scene in the fall of 1970 after the failure of the “Sunflower” LP. His ideas included having the band appeal to the hippie generation by playing extended sets, writing more socially conscious songs, and adding two South African musicians to the line-up, Blondie Chaplin (guitar) and Ricky Fataar (drums).
Originally part of the UK group The Flame, Blondie and Ricky were discovered by Carl Wilson in a London club. In order to beef up their sound, Blondie first joined the group in 1971, with the Beach Boys now having three guitar players. By the end of that year, Dennis Wilson suffered a hand injury that forced him to leave his drum seat for several years, necessitating the addition of Ricky on drums, although Dennis was still able to play keyboards.
Bruce Johnston Leaves The Band
Recording sessions for CATPST commenced in December 1971. Bruce Johnston, who replaced Brian Wilson on the road and in the studio to a certain extent in 1965, got into a disagreement with Rieley, quitting the band suddenly, with his only appearance on the album consisting of backing vocals on “Marcella.” With one less band member, the presence of Blondie and Ricky was all over the subsequent LP, since they also played multiple instruments, wrote songs, and sang lead vocals.
The Best Songs, featuring "Mess of Help" and "Marcella"
"You Need a Mess of Help To Stand Alone,” written by Brian and Jack Rieley, is one of the best opening cuts on a Beach Boys album, period. Completely out of left field, a lot of folks back then probably didn't think the boys were capable of such a rocking, powerful song. They exemplify a rock band on that one. Originally released as the album’s 1st single in May 1972, the song didn’t chart in either the US or UK. It certainly deserves more attention than it gets. Think about playing this cut to friends, and tell them the band's identity after they hear it, and watch for their surprised reactions.
“Marcella” should have been a comeback hit single for the band, but it only managed a dismal #110 on the Billboard Bubbling Under Pop Charts in June 1972. “All This Is That” is such an atmospheric song with a tranquil groove and vibe. "Here She Comes" also has its merits, perhaps because it sounds so different to most any song they recorded (written by Blondie and Ricky). The drums are way up front, with a good guitar solo to boot. It makes the listener appreciate the contributions of Blondie and Ricky.
“Hold On, Dear Brother,” another Chaplin/Fataar composition, featuring Blondie Chaplin’s soul-filled vocal is quite country oriented featuring pedal steel guitar, and the gospel vocals/organ on “He Come Down” are a plus, too. Most of the songs are enjoyable because the boys were stretching their musical boundaries. This unfortunately didn't happen very often after their next LP, 1973’s “Holland”.
The Songs of Dennis Wilson
One thing that may put listeners off is the slower songs. Perhaps it was not the best decision to put them all together on the second side. The first few times listening to the album, it was difficult to resist moving on to another track. Dennis Wilson, who co-wrote “Cuddle Up” and “Make It Good” with Daryl Dragon of future pop duo Captain & Tenille, was extraordinarily talented, yet his song output and variety was better on 1970’s “Sunflower” LP. His songs were too over-wrought and dramatic, production-wise, to this listener on CATPST. Regardless, “Cuddle Up” is better than Make It Good. Dennis's voice was excellent on this album, though.
Chart Success and Elton John
Unbelievably paired with the seminal Pet Sounds LP during its initial release, CATPST was doomed from the start, only charting at #50 on the Billboard Albums chart. In the UK, public reaction was kinder, where it reached #25. In fact, throughout the late ‘60s and early ‘70s, the Beach Boys had greater success and public acceptance in the UK.
CATPST should easily rank in the Top 10 best Beach Boys’ albums, along with any from 1966--1973. CATPST is now available on the two for one Capital Records cd, featuring informative liner notes by Elton John (played concerts with the boys, & their backing vocals are also found on "Don't Let The Sun Go Down On Me"). Released in 2000, along with the “Holland” LP, these two albums flow as one statement from a band who took a chance by hiring two South African musicians and allowing Carl Wilson to take the production reins when his brother Brian was not capable of doing so.
Required Listening:
- You Need A Mess Of Help To Stand Alone
- Marcella
- All This Is That
- Hold On, Dear Brother
References
- All Music Guide: Carl And The Passions: So Tough entryhttp://www.allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=10:kzfrxq95ldhe
- Badman, Keith. The Beach Boys: The Definitive Diary of America's Greatest Band. Backbeat Books, 2004.
- Joel Whitburn's Record Research: Music Vault website. http://www.recordresearch.com/index.php
Carl And The Passions: So Tough 1972 LP
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