A Tribute to Brian Wilson

A TRIBUTE TO BRIAN WILSONArranged, produced, and performed by Cameron Michael ParkesVarese Sarabande RecordsA TRIBUTE TO BRIAN WILSON is now available on Varese Sarabande Records (distributed by Universal Music). This is a re-mastered version with bonus tracks, including "Sweet Mountain," "Saturday Morning in the City," "Vegetables (Alternative Version)", and "Spirit of Rock and Roll. Buy the Album Online This album evolved over a ten year period. I am a film and television composer, songwriter (pop/musical theater), and producer by trade (with a wife and three kids) who recorded this labor-of-love in my "spare time", usually between 11:00 p.m. and 4:00 a.m., which may account for the album's nocturnal vibe.The first time I encountered Brian Wilson was at Brother Studio while the Beach Boys were recording 15 BIG ONES. Growing up in Malibu, California during the '60s and '70s the music of the Beach Boys provided the perfect soundtrack to my adolescence. I remember vividly the first time I heard "California Girls" while washing the family car. This incredible sound poured out of the radio and I just had to know who was behind it. The songs presented on this album not only span Brian's forty-year career but also represent his versatility. Many thanks to Brian's collaborators Van Dyke Parks and Tony Asher for their insight and assistance.When it comes to the subject of the music of Brian Wilson, the uninitiated generally fall into two camps: hard-core rockers who dismiss it as "sissy surf music" or classical snobs who denounce it (and all pop music in general) as too "four chord simple." When I beg their indulgence by playing "Our Prayer" from the 20/20 album, it’s always interesting to see some sort of transformation take place. "Thomas Tallis, Palestrina, Monteverdi"? No ... it’s the kid from Hawthorne!Brian’s music has a knack for sounding simple on the surface, but it’s never simplistic. In the "production wars" of the '60s, Brian had some stiff competition and he single-handedly rose to the occasion. The Beatles had George Martin and Phil Spector had his "Wall Of Sound." Brian’s "wall" was filled with stained-glass windows and that’s what made his productions in the '60s so unique. Another underlying reason his work endures is due to the healing power of his music.Brian’s pioneering innovations in pop music are so far reaching that we who write and produce have all been under his influence — whether we realize it consciously or not. If Brian never writes another note it will be fine with me. He's done more than enough. But thankfully Brian is as active as ever with writing, recording, and touring.Cameron Michael ParkesTRACK LIST: Intro (My Prayer)
(Parkes)
Gonna Hustle You
(Jan Berry- Brian Wilson)
Number One
(Wilson-Usher)
I Do
(Wilson)
She Rides With Me
(Wilson-Christian)
Wonderful
(Wilson-Parks)
Wind Chimes
(Wilson-Parks)
Vegetables
(Wilson-Parks)
I Went to Sleep
(B. Wilson-C. Wilson)
Little Children
(Wilson)
I'll Bet He's Nice
(Wilson)
Almost Summer
(Wilson-Love-Jardine)
Solar System
(Wilson)
A Day in the Life of a Tree
(Wilson-Rieley)
I Wanna Pick You Up
(Wilson)
Everything I Need
(Wilson-Asher)
BONUS TRACKS: Sweet Mountain
(Wilson-Sandler)
Saturday Morning in the City
(Wilson-Paley)
Vegetables (Alternative Version)
(Wilson-Parks)
Spirit of Rock and Roll
(Wilson-Usher)
Cameron Michael Parkes is currently co-producing a Jan Berry / Jan & Dean Tribute Album with Mark A. Moore. Visit the page for the project on MySpace to hear track previews, etc.REVIEWS"I love your CD. Thanks."
— Brian Wilson
"Awesome !!"
— Jan Berry of Jan & Dean
"Mainstream Brian Wilson fans will find Box o' Clox a wonderful collection of the composer's lesser known work — beautifully performed by a very gifted and sensitive Cameron Michael Parkes. For those who haven't heard most or all of these songs, it's like finding a secret cache of treasure-filled eggs after the Easter egg hunt is long over. Moreover, these are the musical equivalent of Faberge Eggs! For those who already know the material, Cameron has polished, refined and made manifest the full brilliance of these songs that was only hinted at in earlier versions. Here they magically come to life — both melodically and lyrically — thanks to the many talents and loving attention of Mr. Parkes who, amazingly, does it all by himself."
— Tony Asher, Brian Wilson collaborator, lyricist on PET SOUNDS
"I enjoyed listening to Cameron Michael Parkes' Box o' Clox CD. I especially enjoyed where he went with his version of "Vegetables." It was very original and one of the most inspired versions of any Brian Wilson cut that I have heard."
— Jeffrey Foskett, Brian Wilson band member
"Cameron's soaring vocals and fascinating arrangements offer new twists while facilitating an even greater appreciation of Brian Wilson's originals. This album is a masterful tribute to one of the great musical legends of our time. Every track will inspire repeated listens."
— Mark A. Moore, Co-Producer, Jan Berry / Jan & Dean Tribute Album
"Fantastic! The arrangements are wonderful and I can't imagine one person playing and singing everything so perfectly. These versions have provided an even greater insight into Brian's genius for composition. I never would have thought that "I'll Bet He's Nice" would have fit on "Pet Sounds" as Cameron suggested, but I'll be damned if he wasn't right. Cameron's arrangement proved that what many might think to be a lightweight song from "Love You" is actually a beautiful piece of music that is worthy of "Pet Sounds." "Wonderful" is wonderful — again, Cameron has given the song another dimension, and the harpischord and orchestra are simply gorgeous. As a fan, I'm thankful for "A Day In The Life Of A Tree." I always loved the melody — it's like a beautiful, sweeping movie theme. Unfortunately, Brian's original production was treated somewhat as a joke with a lead vocal that was nearly unlistenable. We finally have a version that is as beautiful as the melody. "Saturday Morning In The City" is a newer song that most of Brian's fans haven't heard. Cameron's version proves that Brian's "still got it": fun lyrics, inventive production and a classic melody are going to have listeners humming to this whether they like it or not. Of course it's tough to top Brian's original productions, but these songs can stand proudly alongside the originals — it's a great collection and Brian's fans will love them!"
— Michael deMartin, brianwilson.com
The wholly unique and breathtaking album art by Chloe Cumming that adorns this disc, Box O’ Clox: A Brian Wilson Tribute by Cameron Michael Parkes, lets the listener know that this is not your run-of-the-mill homage to the Chief Beach Boy. Curiosity has drawn me to the strains of tributes to Brian Wilson before, with decidedly mixed results. Too often I’ve encountered the cheeky band who wants to lovingly dismantle a particular song — except in their efforts to please, they’ve torn apart a perfectly good “409” and reassembled the pieces it into a rickshaw. Fortunately, this is not the case here.Cameron Michael Parkes shows a marked reverence and gentle playfulness with this tribute. His offerings are not forgeries, nor are they meant to be. Rather, these songs are such remarkable reinterpretations that you can’t help notice that they sit along perfectly with the originals. The cd kicks off with “Intro (My Prayer)” which naturally bears melodic and sonic similarities to “Our Prayer”, and yet it is an original Parkes creation. I hasten to add that he achieves a cathedral-like quality in his little intro that maybe even surpassed Brian’s original attempt (blasphemy, I know).For the outright SMiLE-hungry aficionado like myself, the proof is in the pudding — and we get a delicious helping with Parkes’ rendition of “Wind Chimes” which combines elements of the SMiLE and Smiley Smile versions, mixed in with Parkes’ own distinct touches. Can a so-called copy of a song put the same tears in your eyes as the original? You better believe it! And listen up: real wind chimes sparkle throughout!Parkes also chases the more subtle pieces in the Wilson canon, such as “I Went To Sleep”. What makes the CMP version so rewarding is the recognition on his part that this song was deserving of a tribute, and Parkes gives it Gershwin-esque touches (dig the sweeping and apropos harp) that the original lacked. I dare say, he improved upon the masterwork.I won’t spoil the other surprises, but understand that Parkes is incredibly ambitious. He has the guts to cover songs like “I’ll Bet He’s Nice” and “A Day in the Life of a Tree”, if that tells you anything. Parkes’ voice is smooth and complimentary to every one of these songs on the disc, and the musicianship herein stands alongside Brian’s current recording and touring outfit. Yes, that good. So I find myself endorsing a tribute album with the urgent reminder that this is not just another tribute album; it’s made of the same stuff as the originals: unparalleled talent. Seek it out and enjoy!
— John Lane, Ear Candy, June 2004
Cameron Michael Parkes must really love the Beach Boys a lot, and in particular Brian Wilson. So much so that this film and television composer, under the moniker of Box O' Clox, recorded this album of Brian Wilson songs that pays homage to both the boys of summer and Wilson's pop classicism.The good thing about this record is that it doesn't concentrate on the Beach Boys' well-known and popular songs (sorry, no "Surfin' USA," "Good Vibrations," or "Barbara Ann" here) but rather obscure and forgotten tracks that are on a par with the hits. Most important, these songs takes one back to the Pet Sounds/Smile era (i.e. "Vegetables," "Wind Chimes," "I'll Bet He's Nice"), when Wilson really came to the fore as a musical genius; each of the tracks here are like two- to three-minute pop symphonies with strings and the famous harmonies (Parkes manages to sound very similar to singers Carl and Brian Wilson and Mike Love as well). Parkes also plays the instruments on the record and arranged the music. The result is some lovely tracks such as "I Wanna Pick You Up" and "Everything I Need."Aside from the current music coming from Brian Wilson himself, Box O'Clox comes a very close second creating a faithful homage to Beach Boys music.
— David Chiu, Indie-Music.com, June 12, 2004
A wonderful and canny tribute album by solo artist Cameron Michael Parkes, Box O' Clox is a thickly arranged masterwork that manages to be eclectic in its song approach, faithful in the execution, and a joy to listen to. According to Parkes' own notes, this album was a labor of love, cobbled together during late-night sessions when he was home from work and his family was sleeping.Parkes' voice is very nice, smooth and supple, and the multi-tracking that he's done to recreate the magnificent harmonies of the Beach Boys is remarkable. (I'm generally not a fan of multi-tracked harmonies by a single voice; it makes the harmonies too "vanilla" and alike, but this is an exception.)The song list is what's really intriguing: 1. My Prayer (intro), 2. Gonna Hustle You, 3. Number One, 4. I Do, 5. She Rides With Me, 6. Wonderful, 7. Wind Chimes, 8. Vegetables, 9. I Went To Sleep, 10. Little Children, 11. I'll Bet He's Nice, 12. Almost Summer, 13. Solar System, 14. A Day In The Life Of A Tree, 15. I Wanna Pick You Up, 16. Everything I Need.Cameron is obviously a serious fanatic, everything from early stuff given away to other artists, to Brian Wilson solo tracks are included, and the rarer tracks here make this a really enjoyable listen; especially when he tackles a flawed piece like "A Day In The Life Of A Tree" which has a lovely melody, but has always been sideswiped by manager Jack Rieley's wimpy vocal — now I can enjoy it to its fullest thanks to Parkes' beautiful rendition.Same goes for "I'll Bet He's Nice" off of the Love You album. I love the original, but the version here simply has tighter, cleaner vocals. And the whole album is like that — songs given a bright new polish by the very talented Mr. Parkes. Also rates point from me for using the sensitive artwork of artist Chloe Cumming in the booklet.
— Bret Wheadon, beachboys.com
Commentary on the initial independent release of the album:Great Tribute - Real unity and Strong identity - You have to listen it !
I have received the CD on february 14th, a Valentine day ! Good sign ! And this is really a great CD. I am a huge fan of Brian Wilson and Beach Boys and I love to collect also all type of covers and tributes. The CD "Box O'Clox", both by the choice of the tracks covered, and the personal style and production of Cameron Parkes, has a real unity and strong identity, which was, for such different tunes, no easy to do. I have no personal favorites, all songs are very well arranged. Great vocals, great arrangements. I give this CD five stars on my own little website WetSounds in the "Tributes" section. I agree with the comment of Mark A Moore : " (this tribute cd) ... facilitates an even greater appreciation of Brian Wilson's originals. " This is, for me, the trademark ot the greatest Tributes. Great work ! Wilan.
Ranks among the top of Tribute releases!
Stuart Houston
This disc needs to be heard to be fully appreciated!
I could not be happier with my decision to purchase this CD! Cameron and Co. do to these tunes what Brian Wilson and the Beach Boys didn't have the time to do. These tracks are faithful to the originals but they have been embellished with further arrangeing and production in the style of Brian Wilson. It's incredible how odd choices like She Rides With Me and Number One sound when played on the same disc as Solar System and Everything I Need. You need to hear how easily the melody of With Me Tonight fits into the structure of Vegetables. Amazing! Little Children is given a California Girls-type treatment which only adds to the joyous feel of this tune. A Day In The Life Of A Tree needs to be heard to be fully appreciated. For me, the disc worth the asking price just for the "tag" section of Wind Chimes alone!! SPINE-TINGELING-LY BEAUTIFUL!! The mp3 sample at this site doesn't do this track justice. Again, this vocal arrangement needs to be heard. Cameron and his band have selected a rather eclectic mix of Beach Boys songs for this collection but through their performances, have presented the very esscence of Brian Wilson. Cameron's Intro(My Prayer) shows just what a student of Brian Wilson can create on his own as well. Dazzleing! Forget some of the other Tribute-type discs, if you're a Beach Boys or a Brian Wilson fan, this disc needs to be in your CD collection! Steven Wells
Awesome
This CD is fantastic. Great vocals and wonderful arrangements! I cannot wait for the next one! Uwe
Great all the perfumes of my youth back you have to get it !
I buy it and I like this CD a lot because it really reminds me of my youth from the other side of the world. Metier Catherine
great album!
Great album. A must for every Brian Wilson fan. Jim Crane
Smooth, accomplished and enjoyable full career overview
An interesting selection of some well known and less Brian Wilson pieces. Any Smile afficianado will enjoy the selection but there will be debates about the Love You, Smiley Smile etc. songs. Peculiarly tight and even obsessional - but I liked it. I will have to play it several more times than the 4 times so far, before coming to a fair judgment. However, so far, enjoyable. Of course, lovely Cover Art - from Chloe. Mike Dolan
Fresh remakes of obscure Wilson classics
Cameron M. Parkes' "Box O' Clox" is a fine addition to your BB/BW collection. It's always refreshing to hear new interpretations of the well-known Brian Wilson compositions, but Parkes has dug deeper into the archives to find some real gems, especially from the SMiLE album and some of the lesser-known tunes from Wilson's 70s productions. A particularly nice surprise was Parkes' "California Girls"-style arrangement of Wilson's "Little Children" from his 1988 solo debut album. Jerry Boyd
A great mix of songs...a great tribute!
A carefully crafted CD with some unexpected, yet completely appropriate arrangements in the tradition of Brian Wilson himself. Also unexpected is the selection of songs - many of the lesser knowns spanning Brian's entire career are reverently and tastefully done. Mr. Parkes handles all the vocal parts, bass to falsetto, and does so to perfection. Box O' Clox is a welcome addition to my CD collection. It's a great mix of songs and a truly enjoyable tribute to the genius from Hawthorne, CA. Add this one to your collection! gibby
Awesome JUST AWESOME!!!
This is just a wondeful awesome CD tribute to the master of the California sound,BRIAN WILSON. It´s just sooo good. Come again, looking foreward to vol.2 Thank You. Niels Molsted Christensen
A wonderful CD !
Nearly like the old times with Brian and the boys. A Vol.2 would be great! Manfred Schiemann
First Class All The Way!
This is easily the best tribute disc I've ever heard. Luscious, intricate vocals and wonderful, striking interpretations of some of Brian Wilson's most beautiful compositions. I especially appreciated the selection of songs (many of them more obscure) which covered Wilson's entire career. Wind Chimes absolutely melted me! I was struck by the highly professional quality of this CD and look forward to more work by this talented artist. Highly recommended! Pete Sferra
awesome!
this is really an album that brings a big smile on your face. great vocals, and even some versions actually better than the original. I hope this really gets big! leo bestenbreur
A very commendable effort - even my wife liked it!
It is a very good album - easy to listen to and uplifting, making the most of some great Brian Wilson tunes. It is a very pleasing sound. Well done! David Kelly
Great, waiting for next one
One of the best Brian Wilson tributes I know (and I know them all...). Good choice of new songs (the old songs are only OK). A second volume, focusing on the new work would be very welcome. I enjoyed the whole album and hope Box O Clox will spend many more night recording the follow up! Keep up the good work, Thanks, Erik Nilsson
Fantastic album Cameron . When are you touring !!!!
This album is never out of the player in my car . I have played it so much that I forget it is not brian Wilson singing . It is a wonderful feelgood album . Love it ! Looking forward to the Jan and Dean one also Clox Vol 2. andy williams
sounds great
o.k. so this is how it sounds like if Brian would still have a nice singing voice. It's in my cd player almost every day and I think this is really a production we've all been waiting for. Thank you for this wonderful music!!! Monty - Holland - Europe. monty
I love this album - great voice/great songs ++++
Steve Palmer
Great CD!!!
The vocals and music are great!I especially like the selection of songs.It really shows Brian Wilson's genius on songs a lot of people haven't heard before.Looking forward to the Tribute to Jan Berry also. Philip Streva
A Beautiful CD. A Wonderful Tribute to Brian Wilson
Cameron Michael Parkes has created a beautiful tribute to Brian Wilson and his music. This CD is a 'must have' for BW and Beach Boys fans. Mr. Parkes' skillful performance and creative arrangements reveal the overlooked depth of Brian's writing on songs like, "I'll Bet He's Nice", "Solar System" and "I Want To Pick You Up." Thanks for all your late night work, Cameron! I'm looking forward to Volume 2! Rich Moore
Great CD. Appreciate artists covering BB/BW material.
Great CD, great production, didn't know it was out there till I searched CD baby web site. Thanks; Johnny Quinton
Wonderful! What a great tribute to Brian Wilson! Thanks!
Wonderful! What a great tribute to Brian Wilson! Thanks! Mary Garrison
Captures the Mood
This CD creates such a wonderful mood. The song selection, particularly "Gonna Hustle You", "I Bet He's Nice" and "I Want to Pick You Up", just transports me into a better place. This is a terrific tribute to Mr. Wilson. And obviously recorded late at night -- that mood! Dean Hanley
A beautiful and relevant tribute
This is a beautiful collection of songs in tribute to Brian Wilson. The performance is stunning as is the production. The CD artwork enhances the whole package. A must for anyone with a love for Brian and his music! Steve Blackman
Beach Boys Harmonies Are Back
If you miss the harmonies of the Beach Boys and the good feelings you got from listening to them, then this album is for you. It is spirit lifting and just plain fun to listen to. Cameron does a masterful job of bring it all back. You forget that you are not listening to Brian Wilson and company. A real joy to listen to and a must have for your music collection. William Filbert
A faithful, enjoyable tribute to Brian's music
This CD captures Brian's vibe wonderfully. There are early rockers and some that came later and are Brian's most introspective and beautiful. The songs here are faithful to the original versions, with just the right amount of "artistic license" added to make them special. If you love Brian, the Beach Boys, or just great harmonies, you need to buy this CD. I play it constantly. Kevin Witts
Excellent CD that echoes the best of Brian Wilson.
This is one terrific CD. Anyone who appreciates the genius of Brian Wilson, and especially the stuff he has done the past 3 years touring with the Wondermints, will LOVE this CD. I liked it so much that I purchased 2 extra copies to give out as gifts to friends (who happen to be musicians). HIGHEST recommendation (5 stars!!!) Robbie White
A summer (and year round) treat!
Summer is here and so is Box O'Clox... and just in time too... I challenge you to listen to the opening cut "My Prayer" and not be tempted to turn up your player's volume as to soak in the beautiful harmonies that just drench you in all the goodness that Brian Wilson ever intended when he wrote it... Simply stated, if you like the Beach Boys, California grooves and good playing; incredible harmonies and good music then this is the one to get! Michael Fla
Totally Awesome!!!
For any Brian Wilson/Beach Boys fan, this is an absolute gift and it is truly totally awesome!!! Dave Lady