A reviewerby Anonymous

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July 16, 2007: If you love this country full of a romantic spirit touched with some melancholy, and if you love lush orchestrations, complex tricky-funny lyrics, and Brian Wilson harmonies...What? You thought I was going to recommend SMILE or Pet Sounds? Of course, but then, I say, buy this CD too. It's one of the few song cycles to which I can listen repeatedly and pick up more each time. This musical work also dedicated to the essential elements of California: the mystery behind its name, the water, the hills, the variety of cultures and creators, the adventure, the incessant need to get away from its intensity, and the truth that one's hopeful heart will be broken and redeemed. It is a complete package, wrapped musically and visually. At the end of the cycle you can look forward to covering yourself safely at bedtime in a rarely heard syncopated lullabye by Gershwin. And in the morning treat yourself by viewing actual orange crate art depicted throughout the folder, as background to the lyrics. Van Dyke Parks is one of the true originals in the same talented hall with Randy Newman. Brian Wilson occupies his own hall. Together they share a passion that works all the way through. To paraphrase Duke Ellington, this muscial travelogue is good because it sounds good.