The Beach Boys - California Saga: Big Sur/ The Beaks Of Eagles/ California

[Shakey719]

What a beautiful song(s): How have I not heard this Beach Boys song/album before?! Thanks for posting!

[Brooklyn50s]

During this same period, the Beatles were making "Bubblegum" music compared to the Beach Boys. This is elegantly beautiful layered music that paints a picture while sounding so good.

[michelforest]

Big Sur is one of the most beautiful places I've ever seen. I was there last June and I've kept thinking about it since then. Enchanting, magical, breathtaking...

[almoothie]

Magic a most underrated Beach Boys album,always been a favourite of mine

[dcowboys107]

is that Brian singing the first two lines of California for real? Can't believe it. . .

[MrM1GarandGuy]

@dcowboys107 wow I never realized that!

[taliesen1953]

@dcowboys107 Brian didn't sing on the Holland Album.....he was holed up...

[boyders16]

@taliesen1953 He has parts here and there, but wasn't involved in the main you're right.

[boyders16]

@dcowboys107 Yeah the "On my way to sunny Californi-a" bit :)

[redsfanstu]

As good as it gets! "California Saga" is to The Beach Boys what "Day In The Life" was to The Beatles, just a By God classic effort encased in a relly great long player! Boonfield thanks for the upload, You Tube, as always thanks for the power and space and to Brian and the rest of the remaining Boys, by all means carry on! What a great JAM!

[MrM1GarandGuy]

these are great! thank you for this video ! :)

[alexandertarangerkin]

Hey where did the original Big Sur recorded in 1970 for the aborted Landlocked album go??? it was here just a few weeks ago :S

[gerontos]

i have been living in Big Sur for the past 20 years and i adore this song... Al lives here and gave us a fabulous concert with his band at the Henry Miller library last october... yes Big Sur is magic and so is the music of the Beach Boys...

[Argonaut121]

I can't remember how many times, in my late teens, I would sit in my room in the middle of a Canadian winter listening to this song and dreaming of sunny days and cool evenings in the Big Sur. I haven't listened to this in 35 years or more but, as I listened to it again now, it sent chills up my spine and brought tears to these 56-year old eyes. What a glorious piece of music.

[peterp21]

The one thing I always liked about the Beach Boys - and I think a lot of folks overlook this - is their lyrical songwriting (and of the music itself, esp. Brian's '63-'66 glory days) is very simple yet heartfelt and sincere. I know the critics and the music snobs appreciate complex lyrics, or pseudo-deep Jim Morrison'esque poetry. But there's something to be said for simple honesty that I think any listener can relate to. You really can tell that Mike and Al love California from these songs.

[peterp21]

A favorite (or 3 actually) from the Holland album. A real shame the Beach Boys' image was shot during 1968-74. A real adventurous time with a lot of worthy music produced. "Big Sur" has a very Neil Young feel to it. The "Beaks of Eagles" portion is a little artsy but still a nice composition, but the best part is how it builds, pauses and boom, "On My Way to Sunny Californ-i-ay!" In fact, Neil Young shared vocals with Al on his recent album's version of this song.

[nicistyx]

get yourself in that cool cool water...magical and memorable.youth is wasted on the young x

[seagbb]

man i wish i lived in california

[drex23100]

This track represents the very best music the Beach Boys ever made. A great piece of Americana.

[dcowboys107]

Carl's voice surely shines in the chorus. So beautiful.

[achanook]

It shouldn't surprise anyone that this album came out in 1973: the greatest year in music ever. What was in the water in 1973

[TheMarishka9]

Holland is not my fave rave with Sail on sailor and Leaving this town above all the tracks - sorry, don't like Chaplin's voice - but California Saga is so sunny and catchy I just hit rewind button on my playlist again and again. Specially I like the 2nd part, Beaks Of Eagles. One of Al's the best vocals and overall his best composition.

[mohawk3881]

The first two songs are boring then it suddenly explodes into one of their best ever songs at the end !

[ENACODNOM]

That's three tracks, not just one, right?

[Boonfield]

@ENACODNOM Yes :)

[Border0Riever]

I was in "Thurso" (Scotland) a couple of years ago..this song came to mind as i looked out over the Atlantic Ocean on a lovely summers day..priceless.

[dimiballas]

This song stands as a shining stone in music history...

[WazziGltd]

how can you get two dislikes on this? it's outstanding!

[ronetteloverz]

@WazziGltd....Two knuckleheads without one brain between them.

[nedcro]

@WazziGltd some people have problems with buttons I suppose.

greets from Holland/the Netherlands (that tiny country where this album was recorded once).

it was'nt the bestseller like other albums, but to me it's still one of their BEST today !.

[lonlinke]

found it...."California", stuck in the back of the "Big Sur"/"Beaks of Eagles"/"California" trilogy ...I'm an idiot.....(patience, my friend, patience)

[lonlinke]

I thought there was a track entitled..."Water"...can't find 'Holland' everywhere....and that track i talking about....been searching for years....loved it!

[illonaillonacfbgf]

naughty girls dating site mworld5.info

[Kingmick58]

Love this album. Memories from many years ago. For me, a different Beach Boys sound. Cool man . From the old Aussie.

[Argonaut121]

In my high school days, almost (almost 40 years ago now!), when all my friends were listening to English "art rock" (King Crimson, Pink Floyd, Supertramp and such), this is what I listened to, along with Poco, the Raspberries, David Ackles, 10cc, Nils Lofgren (pre-E Street) and bunch of other artists that I thought only I listened to. Too bad YouTube wasn't around in those days.

[Argonaut121]

In my high school days, almost (40 years ago now!), when all my friends were listening to English "art rock" (King Crimson, Pink Floyd, Supertramp and such), this is what I listened to, along with Poco, the Raspberries, David Ackles, 10cc, Nils Lofgren (pre-E Street) and bunch of other artists that I thought only I listened to. Too bad YouTube wasn't around in those days.

[GigiKong7]

probably the only thing Mike Love did great.... but damn he did real great

[SouthCoastMackem]

Briliant collage from a very underrated album. Thanks for posting it,

[francoboy100]

I got this album when it first got out, and just now did i realize the picture was a relfection upside down

[joeyd1957]

Big Sur I've got plans for you. Me and mine are going to add ourselvs to your lengthly list of lovers.

[TheUpperRoom477]

Man ive listend to the Entire "Holland" 3 fucking times today!!!! SO UNDERRATED!!!!!!!!!!

[joeyd1957]

@TheUpperRoom477

Three times is great . Why swear ? This was my song to get ready for a High School Hockey Game. I ws pretty smal but fast !!!

[TheUpperRoom477]

@joeyd1957 Why not swear?

[lonlinke]

@TheUpperRoom477 I so agree....is there a track entitled...."water"?

[saullouis]

1st heard this when the album came out. Wondered for a long time what Big Sur was. Finally went there 5 years ago and camped in the redwood forest with my kids. Met wonderful people and went back for the next 3 years. All the way from Schenectady New York. Later discovered that one of my oldest friends lives in the redwood forest in Ft Bragg in northern Cal. And that became another great trip. Ahhhhh.

[solobo12]

Lived in Santa Cruz Ca in the early 70's, my love and I spent may days (and nights)

in and around Big Sur and Ventana. We listened to this over and over again, many times bringing a tear to our eyes... listening today it feels like we are right there, hearing and smelling the sea... thanks, it's great. Solo Lobo... I am the Lone Wolf

[280553vs]

wow, incredible

[eye4west]

Seems I wasn't such a turd for loving this album in the early 70's - I now feel my taste to be validated by the previous posts!

[jlharpfish54241]

brings me back to highschool..best beach boys ever!!! Thanks !!

[GoTitans747]

Best song ever from the Beach Boys. Classic tale of early California before the pristine was polluted by the obscene: freeways, strip malls, billboards, etc.

I especially like the references to John Steinbeck and Salinas, Travels with Charlie. An excellent song about the wonders of the "natural" resources of the Golden State: sunny days, simple ways, beautiful coastline and hearkening back to a freer time.

[spectrum99122]

This album was incredibley under rated. Glad i have still got it on vinyl behind the settee. Need to rescue it and get it on digital.

[fien343]

@spectrum99122

I know, I even think this is their best album.

[belliose]

@fien343,

Ditto. With Surf's Up a real close second.

[dclaryjr]

I bought this album in Berlin in 1973, and it's been one of my favorites for all that time. I still have the original vinyl with the $2.95 price tag on it!

[grizzliegator]

@dclaryjr hey clary would you believe i graduated high school in south florida in 1973? yeah, it has been 37 years. i had to check your addition cuz i couldn't believe its been that long. the track i mentioned as "water" may actually be the last part in this trilogy california saga ("california"). Holland - the place, must inspire creativity as i know the artist keith haring spent a lot of time there too. i sure wish i still had my copy of this album. i took such great care of my LPs. ; <(

[grizzliegator]

this album is the best stuff the beach boys recorded in their long and illustrious career. so good to hear it again. this LP includes "sail on, sailor" and "water". check it out you won't be disappointed.

[dclaryjr]

@grizzliegator I agree--my favorite Beach Boy album for aound 37 years!

[Windstorm19]

Very actual here in NL

[MrBangBangNumeroUno]

LOVE AND PEACE TO EVERYONE !!!!!!! :-)

[jazzbsimon]

Like many of you, I have been a fan of this album since it was released . . . but if you have not gone to Boonfield's site please do. His own music will knock you sideways, I loved it instanty.

[eli10az]

Outstanding!!!! Thanks for posting. One of my all time favorites

[lindapaintergirl]

Great song!! I love this...Thanks for posting!

183 2xd

[spalmharb]

I received a Christmas Card from a distant relative. The return address said "Salinas CA." My mind went to the Holland Album, and the medley. I looked it up, played it, and have been playing it ever since! It has been almost 40 years since I've been to California (yes, I am clean-shaven, 30- years-sober, and a grandfather). I started singing out loud from the first time I heard it (every word from memory!). This is just awesome music! Have you ever been to a festival? Here it is! Thanks.

[music4me831]

@spalmharb

congrats on the sobriety.. thats a mountain challenge and reaching the summits is your own victory to protect and never forget.. I did the same thing when I was younger.. still know all the words..

[joeyd1957]

@spalmharb

Big Sur I've got plans for you. Me and mine are going to add ourselves  to your lengthy list of lovers.

[meesterperfect]

discovered this song in my old house , it was left by the previous owners

I was 8 or 9, listened to it a million times.

[9erfandex]

Hey Boonfield thank you very much for the upload! "Holland" was my all time fave from The Boys, l.p. wise anyway, and the Big Sur Medley is, was, and always will be the highlighted centerpiece, I just love the efforts of Al Jardine on this jam! Long live the spirit and wizardry that drives the imaginations of all The Beach Boys! If only Murray Wilson could have left them alone, at least long enough so that Brian would not have flipped out! 'God Only Knows" how much better they could have been!!

[CindyLeeBlankenship]

"Big Sur I've got plans for you...add ourselves to your lengthy list of lovers..." :-)

Thanks so much for sharing this! Long time since I've heard this or seen the Sur.

Too long.

[csaw59]

This album still makes me go weak at the knees ... outstanding

[PMCcty]

I first heard the Beaks of Eagles in 1977 as an 11 year old on Dutch Radio.Not knowing that this album was recorded in Holland 4 years earlier....A whole otherside of Beach Boys was revealed to me......Magic!

[romcallis]

don't know if they have it on youtube but they played this last part of this trilogy in the old surfing movie Five Summer Stories...it's actually a hangliding sea over Big Sur...you gotta see it

[grawagrubennieder]

After 36 years it still remains a wonderful saga with that characteristic sound and atmosphere.

Thank you so much for posting it. Greetz from Holland.

[mchetakuso]

As wonderful as this is, check out the early version of "Big Sur" over at BeachBoysRarities. Which version do you think is "better"?

[heli0tr0pe]

The Boys could indeed be great without Brian...and this is Exhibit A.

[MikeTB]

thank god! i've been waiting and watching for this one for a LONG time.

[Guedingen]

Bless you for uploading this - and God bless YouTube!

[Thetexpat]

Greatest tracks that the Beach Boys ever laid down! If you've lived in northern California, you'll understand! Bought the vinyl LP several decades ago; now have the CD! Prized possessions!

[joeyd1957]

Fantastic. I'm a guy from Toronto who should have been born in Hawthorne.

Seen the Beach Boys every year up hear going back to the late 60's. I have been down your way only once. But it was Aneheim area. I'm from Toronto.

[clockwise770]

Great track from Holland,must get the album again ,thanks for this .could you post 'Steamboat 'please.

[Boonfield]

Done.

[joeyd1957]

Thanks a million. I could'nt find it.

Me and mine are going to, add our selves to your lengthy list of lovers.

Fantastic

[joeyd1957]

@Boonfield

Boonfield you ar OK !!

[taliesen1953]

"she was lately fledged"....love that California twang.....great stuff

[AcrossfromtheAlamo]

For all his faults, Mike Love had a gift of wordsmithing and painting a beautiful image of the Big Sur coast. You can almost taste the dust from the avacado fields and the salt spray coming off a cool west breeze. Welcome to summer!

[Kubooxooki]

"The Beaks of Eagles" is a poem by California poet Robinson Jeffers. Genius!

[curtmanners01]

I have been looking for this cut -- "California" -- since 1974 (really!). Reminds me why I love the state (just as some of the Beach Boys' *hits* remind me why I shouldn't). Thanks so much for posting it!

[cawshat]

You have to really give Al Jardine and Mike Love credit on this one. Its a gorgeous piece of music!

[LuiECuomo]

Fantastic trilogy of music! I particularly enjoy "California." :)