THE BEACH BOYS/SHUT DOWN VOLUME 2 T 2027 (-64) UK MONO

 A kind of follow-up to the 1963 Capitol multi-artist compilation "Shut Down", this time with Beach Boys tracks only. Counted as the band's fifth album and first of three issued 1964. Apart from two covers - "Why Do Fools Fall In Love" and "Louie Louie" - all penned by the band. You should think that the pace they had back then with concerts and studio time would have made an impact on this and resulted in some kind of half-ass work, but no. Two of the cuts can be called fillers - "Cassius Love Vs. Sonny Wilson" and "Danny's Drums" - but the rest are absolutely beautiful. In songs like "Don't Worry Baby", "The Warmth Of The Sun", "Why Do Fools Fall In Love" and "Keep An Eye On Summer" the harmonies are no less than heavenly - so at the same time both tuned and strong they go right to my gut. Add to that the classic "Fun Fun Fun" and a happy "Louie Louie" version and it all adds up to a great album. Also this mono provides perfect listening - strong, clear and well separated, making the voices come out just right. High class all the way!  Issued and reissued pretty much all over the world on LP and CD through the years, also 4-track, 8-track and cassette. Premiere US on Capitol (T/ST 2027). First UK had structured label as shown here in a laminated flip/back cover with larger "mono" on top right front. Since this copy has the smaller "mono" it has to be a somewhat later press.  (BÅB*)