Tag Archives: Van Dyke Parks

California Dreaming: Vine Street

Posted on February 23, 2015 by Andrew Hickey

Van Dyke Parks’ big break had broken. The album on which he had been collaborating with Brian Wilson, Smile, had fallen apart, and Heroes & Villains, the single that was originally to be the basis for the album, had been … Continue reading →

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Van Dyke Parks at the Borderline

Posted on May 7, 2013 by Andrew Hickey

Seeing Van Dyke Parks live is a fascinating experience. I believe I’ve seen him at every solo show he’s done in the UK (I’ve not seen the appearances he’s made on multi-artist bills or at the Meltdown and All Tomorrow’s … Continue reading →

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The Beach Boys On CD: Holland

Posted on January 17, 2013 by Andrew Hickey

Holland is, in many ways, the last gasp for the Beach Boys as an artistic group. They would produce good work again, both as a band or as individuals, but in future their work would be driven by one or … Continue reading →

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Happy Birthday to Van Dyke Parks

Posted on January 3, 2013 by Andrew Hickey

Van Dyke Parks, who turns 70 today, is one of the very greatest songwriters alive today, as well as being a great arranger and producer. He’s best known for his work as a lyricist on the Beach Boys’ Smile, and … Continue reading →

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The Beach Boys On CD: Surf’s Up

Posted on December 31, 2012 by Andrew Hickey

Shortly after the release of Sunflower, the Beach Boys hired former journalist and DJ Jack Rieley as their manager. Outside of the band members themselves, Rieley rapidly became the most important figure in the band’s story for the next few … Continue reading →

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