Dennis Wilson

I broke out The Beach Boys' "Hawthorne, CA" compilation earlier today. If you are not familiar with this release, it is a pretty cool insight to the band with outtakes, live stuff, rehearsals, backing tracks, etc. One track I always spin a few times when I play this compilation is the backing track to "Be With Me." "Be With Me" is a Dennis Wilson penned and produced song that was originally found on the "20/20" album. Hearing the backing track without the vocals really highlights the intense beauty and elaborate production of the song. Dennis was the hidden genius in the band and a gifted producer (hopefully his lost solo album "Pacific Ocean Blue" is issued on CD again soon. This masterpiece has been out of print for far too long).

Often times it is easy to overlook the actual music within The Beach Boys' songs as the amazing vocals and harmonies steal the show, but hearing the backing track to "Be With Me" is a reminder of how musically skilled and talented the band was. Fortunately Capitol Records has released plenty of examples of Beach Boys songs without vocals to showcase the band's incredible musical compositions and production techniques.

Dennis Wilson was a great many things and his non-music related activities is what he seems to be most famous for, but his talent as an artist is the highlight for me. "Be With Me" is a romantic and inspiring musical piece; a definite hidden gem by Dennis Wilson and The Beach Boys.