Sail On Sailor (1975) 3/26/20

This one falls under the category: "Great Song of the '70s You've Either Forgotten...or "Never Heard in the First Place." :)

For the most part, the '70s were NOT kind to the Beach Boys. Brian Wilson's mental illness, non-stop infighting among group members, alcohol and drug addiction, personnel changes, and a perception by the public that the Boys were no longer relevant were all threatening their continued existence.

But in 1973, they recorded their "Holland" album and returned to the spotlight...in a place they were not usually heard: FM AOR (Album Oriented Rock) Stations.

Just before recording the album, they added two members of the South African group, "The Flame" to their lineup: drummer Ricky Fataar and guitarist/vocalist Blondie Chaplin.

Their record company, Brother/Reprise, originally didn't like the album. They demanded that Brian Wilson (who at this point was in no condition to contribute) be involved, or they wouldn't release the album--or any singles FROM it.

Luckily, Brian was able to surface long enough to offer a song he'd been tinkering with for a few years--along with 4 other writers--none of whom were Beach Boys. Carl Wilson, however, liked the song and decided to produce it for the album--and single--release.

First, he had Dennis Wilson record the vocal, but after one take, Dennis bailed. Carl tried it himself and didn't like the way he sounded. Mike and Al were nowhere to be found, and Bruce had temporarily left the group, so he asked Blondie to sing it. And that's exactly what the song needed.

"Sail On, Sailor" was released in 1973 and scraped its way to just #79 on the Hot 100. It was re-released it in 1975, and it went to #49.

Obviously, those numbers are less than impressive...BUT...FM radio played it constantly, and it became a classic rock staple. It still is! In fact, most music critics feel it's the only Beach Boys song that doesn't sound like an oldie--even today, 45 years later.

TRIVIA: The only Beach Boys on the song are Carl, Blondie and Ricky...and yet the smooth harmonies (provided in part by America's Gerry Beckley) sound as if all the Boys were on hand.

It may not have been a chart topper...or even a top 40 hit...but it has staying power. (Blondie still sings it—and stops the show--when he appears with Brian and Al in concert!)

To me, that staying power is what makes "Sail on Sailor" a Great Song of 1973...and 1975!