Caribou Records
Carl Wilson
The history:
Carl Wilson's second solo album, Young Blood, advances the diverse talents of the youngest member of the Beach Boys. Differing from his early 1981 self-titled debut album in its richer production, the LP features punchy rock 'n roll songs that tap Carl's R & B roots, moving ballads and a spirited interpretation of "Young Blood," the Coasters' late-'50s classic. Carl's classic voice is alternately gutsy ("She's Mine," "What More Can I Say?"), tender ("If I Could Talk To Love") and infectiously buoyant ("What You Do To Me," "Givin' You Up").
Carl Wilson launched his solo career in March 1981 with the release of Carl Wilson. The LP exposed his rock and R & B influences and proved his voice could stand distinctively apart from the Beach Boys. "I feel like a part of me has been unchained and unbound," said Carl at the time about his personal need for recording the album. Carl Wilson's eight songs were written by Carl with Myrna Smith-Schilling, formerly of the Sweet Inspirations, a popular soul group. The ballad "Heaven" and "Hold Me," an R & B duet with Myrna, both became modest hit singles.
Following the LP's release, Carl reintroduced himself to music audiences on a six-month national concert tour. He spent three months headlining successful club dates and the rest performing as the special guest of the Doobie Brothers. During this time, Carl left the Beach Boys because of musical differences and he rejoined the group one year later, in May 1982. The man who many people credit for keeping the Beach Boys together for over 20 years, Carl revitalized the band's live concerts upon his return. A highlight of the Beach Boys' recent shows has been Carl's impassioned vocal performance on "Rockin' All Over The World," the John Fogerty song from 1975 which he updates on Young Blood.
The album:
Young Blood (Caribou/CBS), April 1983. Produced by Jeff Baxter, the ex-Doobie Brother and one-time Steely Dan guitarist who recently produced LPs for Nils Lofgren and Al Kooper. Recorded at Cherokee and Westlake studios in Los Angeles and Caribou Ranch in Colorado. Contains 11 songs including seven written by Carl with Myrna Smith-Schilling. Features musicians such as Elliott Randall, Nicky Hopkins, Billy Hinsche and Baxter and backing vocalists Timothy B. Schmit and Burton Cummings. "What You Do To Me," written by John and Johanna Hall, is the LP's first single, released in early March.
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