The Beach Boys Songbook Vol. 2

The Hollyridge Strings were inveterate hit-takers during the '60s and '70s, covering the hits of the era's top acts with a layer of symphonic touches — strings, muted brass, occasional solos — spread upon the basic melodies. After an LP devoted to the Beatles became a big hit, the group returned with a volume on the Beach Boys. (The fact that all three artists were on the same label, Capitol, was mostly a coincidence; the Beach Boys and Beatles were, after all, the two biggest rock acts of the mid-'60s.) Released in 1964, The Beach Boys Song Book was followed three years later by a second volume. Yet, despite the fact that the Beach Boys were viewed as one of the most musically advanced groups in rock, most of the 11 songs were the uptempo novelties most known by radio listeners ("Good Vibrations," "Sloop John B," "Help Me, Rhonda"). Throughout both records, the Hollyridge Strings play stately versions of standards from the repertoire, balancing a few of the uptempo hits with more reflective material that suits the strings treatment. Obviously, this isn't going to be much of a treat except for Beach Boys fanatics or easy listening mavens, but the songs are well handled by arranger Stu Phillips.