Brian Wilson Reimagines Gershwin***

Cover albums are generally risky endeavours, but when it's Brian Wilson covering George Gershwin, it puts a slightly different slant on things. The Beach Boy's "reimaginations" of standards such as Summertimeand I Loves You Porgyinevitably means the addition of his trademark vocal harmonies and melodic refrains, but some alterations work better than others. Wilson is indubitably respectful of Gershwin's legacy, but the beautiful orchestration of the originals are occasionally lost in a haze of pop, as heard on I Got Rhythm, which practically sounds like an out-take from the Pet Soundssessions. Then again, as the title states, that is the point of this album. There are two unfinished Gershwin compositions tidied up by Wilson here, too, but, as always, it's the standards that impress most. See brianwilson.com

Download tracks: It Ain't Necessarily So, I Got Rhythm