1990s
Brian released two albums simultaneously in 1995. The first was the soundtrack to Don Was's documentary I Just Wasn't Made for These Times, which consisted of new versions of several Beach Boys and solo songs. The second, Orange Crate Art, saw Brian as lead vocalist on an album produced, arranged and written by Van Dyke Parks. I Just Wasn't Made for These Times includes Brian performing for the first time with his now-adult daughters, Wendy and Carnie of the group Wilson Phillips. During the early 1990s, Brian also worked on some tracks with power pop band Jellyfish, which remain unreleased. In 1997, Wilson and his daughters Carnie and Wendy would release an album together, titled The Wilsons (1997).
In 1998, Brian wrote recorded and co-produced the album Imagination with Joe Thomas. A return to form, the album contained top-shelf songs including the title track, “Cry,” “She Says That She Needs Me,” and “Lay Down Burden,” dedicated to brother Carl, who passed away in 1998. For the first time in decades, Brian started to perform live consistently, including performing the entire Pet Sounds album live throughout the US, UK and Europe. Other tour highlights include a successful tour of Japan and a performance at Neil Young’s annual Bridge School Benefit in 1999, where Brian shared billing with Young, Pearl Jam, Emmylou Harris, The Who, Sheryl Crow, Green Day, Tom Waits and others. Brian was truly back.
The Albums
I JUST WASN’T MADE FOR THESE TIMES: 1995
ORANGE CRATE ART: 1995
IMAGINATION: 1998
1990s Demos
In the mid-1990s’ Brian reunited with Andy Paley, who helped with Brian’s 1988 solo debut album. The material Brian and Andy wrote ranged from full-blown rockers to delicate ballads. These demos make up the first five of six demos below. The last track “Sunshine,” was a demo for Brian’s 1998 album Imagination. Three of these Wilson/Paley demos were re-recorded and appeared on Brian’s 2004 album Gettin’ In Over My Head. “Soul Searchin’” and “You’re Still a Mystery” were recorded with the Beach Boys and were unreleased until the 2013 compilation album Made in California. The only track that has not been released is the rocker “I’m Broke,” featuring Brian and Andy on all instruments.
A Return to the Stage
After years out of the spotlight of touring, Brian started to perform live for the first time in decades. The results were astounding: critical acclaim and selling out venues, Brian would start touring the world, which continues to this day.
Memorable performances included Neil Young’s Bridge School Benefit on October 30, 1999, had Brian performing on a bill including Neil, Pearl Jam, Emmylou Harris, The Who, Sheryl Crow, Green Day, Tom Waits and others. 1999 also included a wildly successful tour of Japan, with sell-out crowds and ecstatic reviews.
“I like doing the concerts, you know? I get standing ovations wherever I go – its a trip.”
