Beach Boy does Gershwin

This album shouldn’t work. History teaches us that a previously important rock musician must be completely washed up by the time he decides to record an album of standards.
 Yet somehow Brian Wilson’s album of reworked George Gershwin songs isn’t a sad grasp for easy money, but actually includes some interesting versions of classic songs.

The album originated with a request from the Gershwin estate that Wilson complete two unfinished George Gershwin songs and record an album of cover songs. “Brian Wilson Reimagines Gershwin” was the result.

The album is bookended with two a cappella versions of “Rhapsody In Blue,” which show off Wilson’s vocal talents. Of the two newly finished songs, “The Like In I Love You” sounds like “Pet Sounds,”  while “Nothing But Love” sounds like earlier surf-obsessed Beach Boys songs.

Wilson was the appropriate person for this project, but some songs, like “’S Wonderful,” lose their original charm.

Wilson might not have many original songs left, but his version of Gershwin is still worth celebration.