Carl Wilson - Youngblood (1983)

Youngblood, originally released by Caribou/Epic Records in 1983, was the second solo album from legendary Beach Boys vocalist Carl Wilson. In contrast to the bright pop and airy ballads with which Wilson made his reputation in the Beach Boys, "Youngblood" bursts from the speakers with a pair of tough rockers powered by the guitar of album producer Jeff "Skunk" Baxter (Steely Dan, The Doobie Brothers). "Youngblood" continues with dramatic balladry ("Givin' You Up," whose lyric may be seen as a commentary on the state of the Beach Boys at the time; "One More Night Alone," penned by Wilson's then brother-in-law Billy Hinsche who also wrote new liner notes for this reissue) and finds space for some good old fashioned Rock & Roll, both from Wilson's own pen and those of John Fogerty (Creedence Clearwater Revival) and John Hall (Orleans). Although commercially unsuccessful upon release, demand for Carl Wilson's solo material has increased dramatically since his tragic death in 1998. "Youngblood" only ever saw release on CD in a very limited Japanese pressing; this Iconoclassic reissue, remastered from the original master tapes, marks the first wide release of Carl Wilson's solo music on CD. File under: Beach Boys.