Product ReviewsThe Best of the Beach Boys, Vol. 1 by The Beach Boys (CD, Nov-1988, Capitol/EMI Records)

An instant Classic worthy of any collection!

When this was an album, it is one I owned and played and played and played, this "album" was around and still do it's exactly the same as when it came out in the 60's. I know a lot of their material is not on this album because it didn't exist when this album was recorded, there are a couple of songs that could have been eliminated and substituted for others, notably Louie, Louie, but that's true on any greatest hits albums. I loved this because of the songs of course, but also, it takes this 60 year old back to 16, and when I listen to it I'm there, insecurities, girls, cars, parents etc.and one of the great things, is this recording, like my 45's, were never real clear and this album and even the CD are not perfect and that is what is great. Recordings today of our music from the 60's and 70's were not crystal clear, remastered and God knows what else, maybe the word sanitized, but that what makes them great. The music, which was current then, was blasting out of transistor radios on the AM dial and the way they sounded, even with a scratch was the way our music was enjoyed millions of times over. This particular Capitol recording is very much like that. There are a few more, Beach Boys and others, that are still around and sound as they did back then, and that's why I love them. It's not the sanitized version, but it has the heart of the times. I still own the 45's of these, and many other songs, and this particular one in album form. The beach, girls, cars, girlfriends sitting on your shoulders during concerts, make out music, it was America of that time, the music brings me back.

One of the most concise compilations of Beach Boys' earlier work. This is the get-in-the-car and go-for-the-fun album. Also, because it is shorter than most of their greatest-hits compilations, listening to "The Best of the Beach Boys" will leave you feeling satiated and not over-full or maxed out on the all-American Beach-Boys vibe.Read full review...

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Not The Best !

The Beach Boys have some great music, but many are not listed on this release. This cd is like most Best Of cds. They miss some of the favorite songs, because of a hurry to get it out and make the money, and they rush it to production. When we think of the Beach Boys we think of Good Vibrations, God Only Knows, 409, and many others that aren't listed here. I bought it because I am an avid fan, but really think this is a poor representation of the guys' best music. It states that the Beach Boys personally selected the songs for this cd themselves, but I really doubt that to be the case. I am giving it an average rating only because of Surfin' USA, Fun,Fun,Fun, My Little Duece Coupe,Catch a Wave, and In My Room.Read full review...

Beach Boys and Sand.............

Great going down memory lane in my bathing suit and the Beach Boys' songs and the sand on my blanket!

Memories of the Beach Boys

I grew up listening to the Beach Boys and still Love their Music

Verified purchase:  Yes | Condition: pre-owned | Sold by: second.sale

CD

Good quality product

Verified purchase:  Yes | Condition: pre-owned | Sold by: second.sale

don't buy it

This cd though out of print is in mono. Don't let the details fool you. I recommend All Summer Long, or the latest complilation, with new stereo tracks

identical

same as my vinyl copy, just wanted it on cd too

Verified purchase:  Yes | Condition: pre-owned | Sold by: wonderbooks