**** For this album the group left California, packed everything (equipment, instruments and family members) and moved to recorded an album in Holland (Netherlands). Partly too get Brian away from the L.A. drug scene and hopefully to invigorate he's creative juices. Well both failed...first thing Brian did was source out the local dealer...fell into depression and homesickness and just sat in his rented house all day, everyday (this is where he wrote "Mt.Vernon And Fairway" the albums bonus EP).<br><br>The rest of the album also saw other band mates suffering from homesickness, the brilliant three piece suite "California Saga" was a result of this...easily the albums centerpiece. Carl's "Trader" and Dennis' "Steamboat" being other highlights. <br><br>Yet again Reprise Records rejected the album on the bands return to the States after months in Holland...one track was dropped and a Brian song written a year earlier "Sail On Sailor" was added with more involvement again from Van Dyke Parks...it worked...it's the best track on the album.<br><br>One of the bands better albums of the 70's...but after it's release Brian would retreat into the abyss of drugs and would not be seen or heard for 3 years.... Last edited: 14.10.2013 10:29 |