Carl and the Passions — "So Tough"

The Beach Boys

(Capitol)

With Brian Wilson deep in the throes of drug addiction and mental illness, brother Carl stepped forward as the putative head of the band, as evidenced by the title of this strangely put-together disc. With two new members on board (Ricky Fataar and Blondie Chaplin, who would both play a larger role on the subsequent Holland), some of the songs had a stronger R&B feel, while another pushed into the realm of country. But at the heart of this collection is Carl Wilson's angelic and soaring voice — on Brian's pop gem "Marcella" and the haunting, meditative "All This is That." Enjoy its eclectic reach and still-brilliant harmonies, but treasure it for capturing Carl at his best.

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