'' - despite its title - is
The Beach Boys ' one and only foray into the world of
Country Music , released in
1996 . With the genre at its most popular in the mid-1990's, thanks to the likes of
Garth Brooks , The Beach Boys decided to place their music in a country context by having some of its stars guest on new incarnations of some of their classics.
With
Brian Wilson recently remarried and in his most stable state in over two decades, he was persuaded to join the project alongside the remaining Beach Boys and co-produce the album. Although no one knew it at the time, it was the last time the band would record an album with either Brian,
Carl Wilson or
Al Jardine , making ''Stars and Stripes Vol .1'', almost certainly, the last studio album by The Beach Boys.
Most of the acts rounded up were not mainstream country superstars who had crossed over into the pop market, although
Toby Keith has since emerged as one.
Willie Nelson was easily the most recognizable name on the album, and
Timothy B. Schmit was best known for his time in
The Eagles .
Tammy Wynette had recorded a version of "In My Room" with Brian Wilson, but it was saved for the projected ''Stars and Stripes Vol. 2'', which never appeared.
Released in
August 1996, ''Stars and Stripes Vol. 1'' easily outsold ''
Summer In Paradise '', but was not the hit everyone involved hoped it would be. Consequently, with the addition of the chilly critical reaction, potential further volumes in the series were scrapped.
''Stars and Stripes Vol. 1'' is currently out of print.
#"Don't Worry Baby" (
Brian Wilson /Roger Christian) - 3:16
#"Little Deuce Coupe" (Brian Wilson/Roger Christian) - 2:50
#"409" (Brian Wilson/Mike Love/Gary Usher) - 2:20
#"Long Tall Texan" (Henry Strzelecki) - 4:02
#"I Get Around" (Brian Wilson/Mike Love) - 2:29
#"Be True To Your School" (Brian Wilson/Mike Love) - 3:18
#"Fun Fun Fun" (Brian Wilson/Mike Love) - 2:20
#"Help Me Rhonda" (Brian Wilson/Mike Love) - 3:10
#"The Warmth Of The Sun" (Brian Wilson/Mike Love) - 3:18
#"Sloop John B" (Trad. Arr. Brian Wilson) - 3:45
#"Caroline, No" (Brian Wilson/Tony Asher) - 3:19
- "I Can Hear Music" (River North 3011), August 1996
''Stars and Stripes Vol. 1'' (River North 76974 2096) hit in the US during a chart stay of 8 weeks.
- ''Stars and Stripes Vol. 1'' CD booklet notes, Robert K. Oermann
- All Music Guide.com
