Whenever we think of The Beach Boys, we think of synchronized harmonies, easy, yet smooth melodies, and of course their instant classics like, “Wouldn’t it Be Nice,” “Sloop John B,” “I Get Around,” and many more. But, let me tell you that in 1973, the band was beginning to move into a different direction. They wanted to drift away from your typical corny harmonies, and wanted to go for something more developed. Enters the record “Holland,” an underrated, and well crafted gem. But, before going further in this record, I have to point out my favourite song, “Sail On, Sailor.” You’ve your typical Beach Boys vocal harmonies, but that’s being accompanied by this sort of bluesy melody. I love it!
Jumping right back into this record, It’s very rare to find a record that’s divided into two stories. I don’t even think I ever heard of a record that has two completely different stories, because initially you’ve only got one, and most likely it’s gonna appear as either a single, or a double record. And let me tell you that specifically with, “Holland,” it doesn’t recite as your corny ballad, but it’s divided into interesting segments. Let’s take a dive right in!
The first part starts with the track, “California Saga: Big Sur,” depicting on wanting to join the 1960s, early 1970’s bohemian California hippie life, because that was the place to be. But, during their voyage, the destination becomes very uncertain. But then, we find ourselves segueing into “California Saga: The Breaks of Eagles. “ This song just fascinates me, because it’s not only how the melody brings me back memories of watching classic spaghetti western movies. But, what’s cool is how Mike Love’s reading the lyrics, it sounds as if he’s trying to portray his tone just like Jim Morrison’s serious poetic voice. AMAZING! And finally, the story draws itself with “California Saga: California,” where the melody is a copy and paste from their hit, “California Girls.” I mean, it’s your typical Beach Boys song. Harmonized vocals, and cheeky melody, describing to you the beauty of California with its lovely beaches, and waters.
Now, the last part of the record takes a different turn, because it then unfolds itself into another story. And, listening to the narration reminded me of when David Bowie was narrating Prokofiev’s “Peter and the Wolf.” But, “Mt. Vernon and Fairway (Theme),” until “Radio King Dom,” recounts this tale of a prince who finds this ordinary broken down transistor radio. But, somehow manages to summon this sort of magical creature called the “Pied Piper,” who then transforms this ordinary radio into this sort of magical piece of equipment, broadcasting music from the “unknown world.” The music coming out of this world, replicates your Beach Boys music with beautiful melodies, and synchronized harmonies. But, to me what really adds the “cherry to the cake,” was the closing track closing track, “We Got Love.” No, not Mike Love. But, this celebration contains this great musical beat, expressing this notion that after experiencing this long, and unexpected voyage, we now got love. I mean, just see for yourselves.
“Are you taken by surprise
When your fellow man decides
That what you’re doing isn’t right
Do you listen, know you’re right
Well, you can keep on telling lies
That keep you deaf from people’s cries
Well, there’s something you should see
We got love to keep us free.”