Holland sounds like it was recorded in Rembrandt light. It's got a really 'woody' (not wooden), homey timbral quality. It's worth cherishing, not only for that quality, but because it fully showcases the fully-realized talents of the other Beach Boys besides Brian. Giggens is right. Holland is a warm, surreal, often poetic, and thoroughly beautiful record that gives lie to the notion that Brian Wilson alone is the Beach Boys, or even the only talented member of the band. I've been a fan of the Beach Boys since I was eight. I discovered them during their early to mid 70's comeback, and because of Endless Summer. However, my interest in them didn't stop there, and in the waning days of vinyl, procured all of their original studio albums. Aside from Pet Sounds, my hands-down favorite material is the stuff from what I like to call 'the wilderness years'--that period of time between the collapse of 'Smile' and the emergence of 'Endless Summer'. That period of time when they were no longer fashionable, had lost their rudder, and actually, for the first time, had a great deal to prove. And they would have proved it if America had been listening. All of the albums from this period have something to recommend them. Some of it is very strange, some of it very personal, some of it blatant attempts at radio play, very little of it bad. Sadly, thanks to the resurgence in popularity of their early-sixties material, the world would soon forget this music ever existed. Thanks, Giggens. The review was thoughtful, and very well-informed.

"Steamboat" is a wonderful piece of music. Listen to the complex background vocals at the end. I'm almost 70 and it is a song that still resonates with me.

Classic and criminally underrated album. Thanks for the review, really enjoyed it.

Holland is a beautiful album, one of my favorites from the BB.

Just love "Only With You" And "Steamboat" And I think "Only with You" would have been a perfect single.The powers that be really dropped the ball on "Holland". It should have been promoted more.It is a CLASSIC! One of their very best!

I just love this album. My favorites are The traider, Only with you, California Saga and Steamboat. Perfect album. Ahhh and I love the cover as well. Great review, mate!

This is one of my favorite Beach Boys Albums, this is so far ahead of its time until Mike Love hijacked them and turned them into a has been oldies Surf band.

It’s good to see your take on a band I grew up with. My first Beach Boys concert was in the Civic Auditorium in Omaha, Nebraska on a Saturday afternoon in 1964. The whole audience fit on a basketball court with platforms they were on on one end of the court. When they had played all of their songs- they had 2 or 3 albums by then- they asked for requests. I bought every album as they came out. I really enjoyed their 20/20 album but didn’t get another one until the Holland album. Your take on them trying to find themselves is spot on. They had a lot of new music potential. But I think in the Love and Mercy movie addressed what happened and why they fell back on their old songs. I saw them in the mid80s playing in the ball Park I had seen them 20 years before. At that point their career was to become a cover band playing their own songs. It’s kind of sad but their music lives on in young people like you because of it. Fortunately you wanted and knew there was more to The Beach Boys than that. I’m sure Carl and Dennis are smiling down and nodding with approval. Thank you for your reviews. And keeping the spirit of the heartbeat of my generation alive.

Love your beach boys album reviews Giggens. Holland was my first beach boys album that I bought, forty years ago now and I love it. How about reviewing some of Brian's solo albums ? There's some good music on them, I have them all on vinyl.

Funky Pretty is was and will always be a song I enjoy hearing. Most people I introduce this song to can't believe it's the Beach Boys.

Love the review. Thanks. My al time favourite album. This period was their best, by far.

Holland so tough.surfs and sunflower.4 best ever.sould have continued this way!!

Thanks for reviewing this very overloaded album by the Beach Boys. And as you said, it was last album before they became an oldies act. With exception of 'Beach Boys Love You', which sounded like a Brian solo record. I really enjoyed your review of Holland, you made many great points about the album. I didn't discover this album for a long time, but I'm glad I have in my collection now.

Only with you. I would say one of the best love songs ever written. We played it at our second time around wedding. God bless you Brian Wilson. Miss you Carl miss you Dennis forever.

I was taken aback by this album, Holland. In particular "Steamboat." I loved "The Beaks of Eagles" as well, but I just wanted to focus on Steamboat. The music and lyrics are mesmerizing. When I hear it there is a phrase that takes me, and it plays in the background. It kind of ties it together. "Don't worry Mr Fulton. We'll get your steamboat rolling." In all the marvels of experience, that phrase holds it all together with the idea that making anything work is a community effort. Mr Fulton is nothing without society. All the details that go into it's workings depend on the collaborations exercised by the social existence that came before. I really love this song. You start with experiences, and emotions, and "heroes." But let us not forget that the heroes and marvels vanish without the continuity that is afforded by the continuity of society and the interconnectedness of, dare I say, we, the people. I think we may be wishing it will continue on forever. But history seems to question that. Perhaps that's the lead in to "The Beaks of Eagles."

Love Holland! They played "Trader" first time I saw them in 1975.

Steamboat and Funky Pretty forever!!! Best songs on Holland!

Brain sings that counterpart pieces in The Beaks of Eagles. I like to hear his voice on this as much as I can, though he wasn't much into anything else on this other than his magic transistor radio at the time.

This album makes me yearn for what might have been had Endless Summer never been released and if Brian had been left alone by the industry and allowed to heal at his own pace leaving this version of the band to keep moving forward.

Since I was a child my mum has played this album on the first day of proper summer, the day she is sure that is the start of continuing good weather. Couldn't listen to it at any other time of year now. It makes me so happy and calm and is so underrated

The last classic Beach Boys album

Damn, though great for cementing their place in history, Endless Summer really messed up where they were heading and could have gotten to. No wonder Dennis wanted to do his own thing. I really adore this album and the highlight for me is Steamboat! I cannot explain enough how great I think it is. It just slowly goes onwards and has some gorgeous backing vocals and slide guitar. And the chord change that goes from "Ohhh don't worry Mr (can't recall the name)" *change* "we'll get your steamboat going" is just ugh! Melt on the spot beautiful!!

Hey mate im continuing to enjoy your BB reviews....for me California Saga is the standout piece on this...i picked up a vinyl copy in England a couple of years ago...didnt realise until I got home that the 7" record within was missing....black mark to the record shop for not noticing...this record is a grower no doubt about it

the stuff from '66 to '73 is really great; unfortunately they had been dismissed as being square

Another fantastic review of what is true masterpiece, also it's amazing to hear everything that the band were up to during the making of this album. In my opinion from 1970 up to 1974/75 was the best period in the Beach Boys history, maybe not commercially but certainly crytically musically and they were probably among the top 5/6 live attractions in the world. This album more than any other album proved that the Beach Boys could still make great music. There's not a weak track on it, personally I like the whole California Saga thing, I thought at the time how cool it was that a group that a few years earlier sang about Cottonfields could come up with this type of music. Sadly your closing comment are so true regarding the Endless Summer album, it totally destroyed everything the guys had been striving for musically for almost 10 years and 8 albums mainly without Brian . Then after a very long wait we got 15 Big Once, I remember putting this record on my turntable and it broke my heart. Another great and honest review Giggens. Thanks again

I really enjoyed this album review. I'm a huge Beach Boys fan myself. And I already knew about "Holland" and some of the history behind it. However, i had never listened to the songs Only With You and Leaving This Town before I saw your review of this album. And now I enjoy listening to those songs along with my other favorite Beach Boys deep cuts. So thanks Giggens. Keep up the good work.

Nicely done! One of my fave BB albums. You hit all the strong points but I must say I love the piano/moog passage in Leaving This Town. The plodding repetition as so hypnotic. Turn it up and flow into it!

Mike's legit masterpiece "Big Sur"... "California" ... when those chorus harmonies kick in "Water... water..." ... I'm taken to another plane.

Really enjoying discovering The Beach boys early 70’s albums! Largely thanks to the re-issue ‘feel flows’ I have gotten to know Carl and the passions & Holland just in time for the release of Sail on Sailor. I think they are both fantastic albums once you get to know them, but I’m glad you mentioned the California Saga, I find the beaks of eagles hard to swallow and it would have certainly been much better had it been left out. 7 years too late, but thanks for another great review!!!!

Love this unique album, i saw the Brian Wilson band last night in Montreal, they played California (sung by Jardine) and Sail on Sailor (sung by Chaplin) .

You got it right. It's a classic. Pity they didn't kick on from there but i guess their legacy was like a black hole that they couldn't escape. Thanks for the review.

How old are you dude? You are wise beyond your years indeed. Played “Holland” and “Surfs Up” ALOT back in the day. You review like someone from the 1970’s. Thank you Giggens!

I wanted to do this on my KZfaq channel but you do it so much better. Just Subscribed. I love the Beach Boys vinyl you have. I collect the same stuff....Great Videos

Btw, anyone any idea of where the reference to "Thurso" could come from in California Saga??

If I could go back in time and have A&R control over the Beach Boys, my track listing for this album would be (adding a few songs, keeping within LP time limitations and removing only "The Beaks Of Eagles") Side One: Sail On, Sailor Steamboat California Saga: Big Sur California Saga: California We Got Love Side Two: Hard Times The Trader Leaving This Town Only With You Funky Pretty

This album is great. I like the magic transistor radio stuff but I just wish they’d have made a full album of songs because the songs on the album are some of beach boys best work.

Bravo! I'm impressed, you totally nailed it. Makes me want to pull my Blondie signed copy out and give it a spin

A beautiful, heartfelt review. Thank you, Giggens.

HOLLAND!!!! LOVE IT! great to see a fellow reviewer!

The algorithm has blessed me with vintage Giggens

Great review Giggens. Possibly the most underrated Beach Boys album? I listened to this last week and it is so strong! I do agree the California saga is OK, but definitely not the centerpiece of the record.

Recently saw a 1972 test pressing/acetate of the original LP on eBay for only $50.00 US. Track listing was before "Sail On Sailor" was added at the beginning. LP opens with "Steamboat", which is too mellow to open an album, and Side A closes with "We Got Love". Side B keeps the same order. For me, the only weakness to the released LP was that the fairy tale EP should have been narrated by one of the band members, like Dennis (same goes for "A Day In The Life Of A Tree"). And "We Got Love" should've been kept on.

Just finished listening to this album for the first time now. Wow it is amazing. The second side is off the charts. Just beautiful. And the track We Got Love is also amazing. It could be one of the best albums I’ve ever heard. I agree the California Saga is not as good as the rest of the album, but wow the rest of the album is on point. Didn’t know the Beach Boys has that heart and soul and rhythm in them. I’m just floored.

“God Only Knows” what could have been if “SMILE” was released on time and followed up with “Holland” right after. The Beach Boys would have been in a whole different conversation as far as Rock Royalty is concerned.

Great job! 1 or 2 little mistakes but everything else was a great well thought out and insightful review. The greatest, the most accurate and perhaps saddest thing you said was that this shows what they COULD have been. Also have a look at the Brian's "SMILE" album another great look at what they could have been. In closing I LOVED the Beach we are not likely to see anything like them again. For now go see Brian Wilson and don't bother with "Mike Love's wedding band" (the current en-carnation of the Beach Boys)

Great review man, fully agree with everything you said. 'Holland' has always been a favourite of mine. I'd like to hear your thoughts on the 'Surf's Up' album too. Keep it up!

Great album grows on me every time I come back to it. Much more creative than anything after. They should put the opening track sos on all their live sets.!

Wow, Giggens in the past. I give this review a Giggens score of 6.0 hehe. You've really come a long way - glad you kept up your channel and your reviews. I hope you're able to read this in 2015 so it gives you motivation to keep going hahahaha

Probably my third or fourth favorite Beach Boys album of all time. Really good stuff. Artful sounds and lyrics that take me someplace special. Endless Summer... man, what a tragic step backward, and one they never really recouped from. As for post-Endless Summer material (with the exception of Love You and Adult Child) I feel I need to turn my attention to Brian Wilson and Dennis Wilson solo works to continue enjoying art at or near the level of Holland.

superb review mate....I agree 100%....this is a great album and Blondie and Ricky add great vibes and flavour

Thanks for the wonderful and informative review. I've only recently discovered Holland and think it's fantastic. I really enjoyed hearing your take on it.

Holland is my 3rd favorite album by them hands-down

I know I'm 7 years late, but thanks for this. BTW agree that "California Saga" is not the opus magnum it was probably meant to be. Currently messing around with my own Holland-review (in German though).

What a brilliant album, my favorite. Got to agree with the other people who are asking what would the music have been like if they had of continued in that vein instead of 15 Big Ones.

One of my all time favorite albums, and absolútely thé bést éver they ever did !

The ironic thing about the single Sail on Sailor was I remember it being played the 2nd time around in 1975 when it was released again a whole lot more than when it was issued the first time around in 1973. For my their last truly great statement.

Thanks for turning me on to this omission in my collection. I can describe this album in two words WONDERFUL I know that is only one word but it is worth saying it twice a Wonderful Wonderful album.

Always been one of my favorites! Despite the California Saga not quite living up to its expectations, I think Big Sur (in either of its versions) is Mike's shining moment and by a fairly good margin the best song he wrote the music for. Other favorites are Sail on Sailor, The Trader, Steamboat, and Only With You

"Sunflower" through "Holland" - the BEST span of work by The Beach Boys.

Excellent review, Giggens! Every track is solid and I feel that, still, people still sleep on this album. Great work, great insights.

Giggens, you are truly the KZfaq version of @EsotericCD on Twitter when he goes on his music tweetstorms. And now you've doomed me to another month of listening to nonstop post-Pet Sounds Beach Boys that no one's ever heard of....

Great job. It’s a wonderful album, Giggens my favorite Beach Boys’ song is ‘Marcella’. I don’t believe many know about that treasure. But that was the forgotten period for them. Cheers!

I really like this album a lot,not a bad song on it at all. Have a friend that lives in the Netherlands.I sent him a cd of the album,he doesn’t like it at all,in fact he wanted to send it back.I told him maybe you should give it a couple more listens. Artistically it proves that the Boys could do more than just surf music,they are poetic as well.Thanks

Perseverance is a great description. Saga, while not the strongest part musically, is such a mood. This whole album takes me to a place, overcoming life as a middle age man. Cheers!

Another album that got into the uk album chart ,in the top 20 .

Been a BEACH BOYS tragic since my first BEACH BOYS record in 1966. I have all their Albums and am one of their biggist critics. The potential of this band to keep evolving and producing great music was always stunted by internal rivalry and disenchantment. Gems would always crop up in their work as proof of their potential but it seemed easier to fall back on the old hits which were constantly remarketed. On every Album you will find one or two outstanding pieces and proof that all the members had something valuable to contribute. As The band now performs as a tribute band simply to earn money and having lost Dennis and Carl, it no longer has much relevance. I still believe it was one of the greatest Rock groups and would have rivalled the Beatles had it not torn itself apart. The potential was there for all to see...They live on their classics from the 60's but some of their finest work can be found in later albums...but who was listening?

really cool beach boys, n stuff, reviews !!! thanks

This record review sounds like a eulogy for 'The (progressive) Beach Boys' and I know exactly where you are coming from Giggens. Endless Summer killed the band that made this record. Its really sad that we never heard more from the group that made Holland. I note that Holland reached #12 in my country of Canada!

My favorite album of all time. Underrated for sure.

Great review of a fascinating record and time. I have always been curious about Blondie and Ricky joining the group it just seems such an un expected development, and you have to admire them for leaving too. Sail on sailor has Only with you on the flip side on my 1975 single and that is a lot of magic on just 7 inches of vinyl.

The sad thing is that....Brian was evolving too fast in 66/67....the other guys in the band weren't ready for Brian's Music....but finally 6/7 years later the guys were there!! It's like Brian first reclusive period was a way to wait the other Beach Boys!! And when everything is perfect, and the 1973 live record is the celebration (Celebrate The News!!! ;) of a "new" beginning....Destiny Strikes Again...Endless Summer...End Of The Band's Summer...real summer.... :(

I like your reviews + your slightly nerdy hipster vibe too

Cool review. I absolutely love Holland, it is great in that it shows that the Beach Boys weren't just Brian Wilson, it was a real group effort that showcased what all the other band members could do. I think the addition of Ricky Fataar and Blondie Chaplin bought a lot to the Beach Boys, they had a R'n'B background and an innate musicality that added an interesting rawness and aggression to the band. You pose an interesting question as to what the band would have sounded like had they continued in the Holland vein, I can only wish they had. I recommend any fans who dig this era of Beach Boys get the 'In Concert' album from around this time if they have not already done so, it contains several flaming versions of cuts from Holland that actually improve on the originals.PS Not sure if Only with You is a better track than Forever!

That was one of the first BBs albums I ever bought when I was 10 years old--and I KICK myself now because somehow my copy didn't have the little Brian Wilson record inside! I don't they just forgot to put the record in with the one I bought, or it somehow fell out and went missing when I took the record out for the first time, or it was stolen from the package or what? Now I feel like I'm REALLY missing out by not having that mini-record! That does it--I'm going to buy another copy of Holland, and this time--it better have "Mount Vernon and Fairway" or I'm going to feel cheated!

Nice BB collection mate!

I love this album, except I've never been able to warm to the California Saga. I absolutely adore the rest of it, though

Their SUNFLOWER album was very interesting.. I have all the albums. Bought my first beach boys EP in 1966.

Great review. Nice to see people taking this work seriously.

Hated it when I first heard it - now I love it!

Pretty much perfect album besides for the last 7 songs.

American spring terrific

Good review Giggens. So many people miss this great album! Steamboat. Funky Pretty. Sailor. Saga. Only with You. Pretty good. Marcella is my all time Beach Boys' song. I know it's on 'Passions,' but you get the point. Hey, where did you buy your record shelves? I can't seem to find one for all my vinyl. Keep up the great work!

Very well said man, great video!

I love your album storage. Where can I get one of those?

The last classic Beach Boys studio album. They should have included "We Got Love" on the album.

Such a spot on review. Their last really great album. 15 Big Ones was such a disappointment after this.

Nicely done.

You know, I've always felt Sail On Sailor was about 7 years ahead of its time because in the late 70's there seemed to be a lot songs in that style!! When I heard stuff like "Hold The Line" and "Magnet And Steel" etc........12/8 time signature stuff!!! I think Sail On Sailor would have done better in that 1978 environment!!! ?? Perhaps🤔

Found this album a while ago- and just rewatched this vid now- to re-hear your Beach Boys Expert opinion Except for The Beaks of Eagles thing- every song in here is great! 'Only with you'- does Dennis or Carl sing it better?? Steamboat- I agree with Brian, who in his 2016 autobiography said it 'kicks ass!". Funky Pretty- just genuis, The Trader is under rated!!! I do have to find Mount Vernon- my copy didn't have it w/ it.

I compare Only with you, with the song from 1979 Lady Lynda, a Beautiful ballad. Both are Very passionate ballads, but you were right they had tough times, but the beachb oys Came out with great songs that Should have peaked but just Didn't. its a great Review, I do like the California Saga some Songs you really gotta think about the Song. But Endless Summer ruined a potentially Good Experimental music, and the Beach boys became a Nostalgia Group sadly.

Yes, this really was an excellent album and also great "what if". I have a friend who is really into music but because of the dad rock era and all that they did in the eighties and nineties just labels the Beach Boys as rubbish. He won't even listen to the 67-73 albums because it is the Beach Boys and it's not cool. When I do talk about them he listens in a way that shows he is indulging me! Still, it is his loss but I am sure that there are many who are the same sadly!

Dude, you are very much alright in your love of the Beach Boys and The Who. If you could somehow come to appreciate the Grateful Dead....

it was not only brian, all of them did something good, even mike love

WHat happened to the EP that came with the album, giggens?

Very cool what you're doing attempting to bring some of these classics back to the forefront but you're talking a little to much and not letting enough of this incredibly flavored album be ingested. Play it first and then review. Great job !!!

Hey you Anthony Edwards looking R.O.T.N! Geek'ins Don't low-rate the song California Saga/California...it is a brilliant piece of work and is in fact, the centerpiece of the Holland Album. You obviously are not a true musician, as I am in royal conservatory. The smooth layering, lyrics and incorporation of an old cowboy trail-strum song mixed with the amazing description of some of the best parts of California. Listen to this loud while driving the Cali coast then let the rest of the album take you there. If you don't get goosebumps you are not a true fan nor musician. Other than that Geekins, not a bad album review.

Their last great album.Good on you

What's better to you, California Saga or Mt. Vernon and Fairway. I feel that's an even comparison, I like Mt. Vernon and Fairway more.

I prefer Beaks Of The Eagles to California, in terms of Al compositions. California was a good single, but in typical plagi-Al-rism, it's a knock off of the California Girls beat with the Cool Cool Water lyrics. It's a good production, but the composition is nothing special. I appreciate that Beaks Of The Eagles tries to do something new, even if the results don't quite make it. Those sung choruses are just so damn memorable, and the spoken word sections and minor key piano climbs are just so atmospheric.

A Pisces lady loves romance.