Brian Wilson Reimagines Gershwin

Background

In the summer of 2009, Walt Disney Records approached Wilson about recording his own arrangements of songs from Disney films; however, Wilson first wanted to record an album of Gershwin covers, which the label agreed to support. He and band member Paul Mertens picked the songs to record based on Wilson's vocal range, and which ones he thought he could sing "appropriately."

In addition to the covers, the Gershwin estate granted Wilson access to over 100 unfinished Gershwin songs and fragments for the project to use for new material. Two songs were completed by Wilson and Scott Bennett (who provided lyrics) mainly based on two fragments: "Will You Remember Me", which was originally written in 1924 for the musical Lady, Be Good, was completed as "The Like in I Love You", while "Say My Say", which was unfinished by the Gershwin brothers in 1929, was completed as "Nothing But Love".

Recording of the album began at the start of 2010. Wilson served as producer, with Mertens writing out the arrangements as well as the linking pieces between tracks. The instrumental tracks were produced using his backing band, who also supplied backing vocals; however, the Rhapsody in Blue harmonies that bookend the album were done entirely by Wilson. According to Mertens, Wilson would spend eight hours a day in the studio perfecting vocal tracks. Elaborating on Wilson's role as arranger, Mertens said:

Mixing took place in the spring. Walt Disney Records' reaction to the final product was positive, though they hired recording engineer Al Schmitt to remix the original tracks prepared by Wilson.

Release and reception

On June 28, 2010, "The Like In I Love You" was released for streaming on Wilson's website in advance of the album's release. The album was released on CD on August 17, 2010, while a limited edition vinyl version of the album was released on August 24, 2010. Upon its release, it charted at #26 in the Billboard 200, falling to #53 in the second week. It also reached #1 on Amazon.com and the Billboard Jazz Albums chart.

Critical reaction was generally positive. Adam Gershwin, George Gershwin's great-nephew, stated that "[the songs on the album are] unlike anything I’ve heard before, but I would expect nothing less from Brian." Rolling Stone described the album as "lovely, weird, subtly psychedelic symphonic lounge music." In particular, the album's arrangements were praised for their uniqueness. Allmusic's John Bush wrote, "As usual, Wilson's musical instincts are impeccable, and with a full orchestra lending additional weight to these songs, it's easily the best production on a Brian Wilson record since 2004's SMiLE." Certain songs, such as "I Got Rhythm" and "They Can't Take That Away From Me," were noted for their Beach Boys' influences. The new songs completed by Wilson and Bennett were also generally well-received; GQ described "Nothing But Love" as "suitably celestial."

Some reviews, however, were less favorable, mostly concerning the quality of the arrangements. Stephen Holden of The New York Times wrote, "On an album that feels like a posthumous competition, Mr. Wilson emerges the clear loser." Michael Hann of The Guardian was particularly critical of the covers, describing the songs as being "reconfigured into pastiches of past Wilson classics."

Personnel