Pedigreed '90s pop sirens ride movie cameo and
reality TV show into new prominence
By Kurt B. Reighley Special to MSN Music
Last summer, moviegoers nationwide exited showings of the hit comedy "Bridesmaids" humming "Hold On" and wondering,
"What are Wilson Phillips doing these days?" The answer:
striking while the iron is hot. This month marks not only the release of
"Dedicated," the vocal trio's first non-holiday album in eight years, but also
the debut of "Wilson
Phillips: Still Holding On," their new reality program for TV Guide
Network. There hasn't been this much buzz around Wilson Phillips since the early
1990s, when their multiplatinum eponymous debut spawned three No. 1 singles:
"Hold On," "Release Me" and "You're in Love."
Although Wilson Phillips co-wrote all three of their
biggest hits, "Dedicated" is comprised exclusively of covers --
specifically songs made famous by the members' parents, Carnie and Wendy
Wilson's dad, Brian Wilson of the Beach Boys, and Chynna Phillips' mother and father, John and
Michelle Phillips of the Mamas & the Papas. (Sorry diehards, nothing by
the Honeys, the '60s surf rock girl group featuring Carnie and Wendy's mom,
Marilyn Rovell.) It isn't the first time Wilson Phillips have dipped their toes
in this territory -- "Monday, Monday," "In My Room," and "Dance, Dance, Dance"
all popped up on their 2004 concept album "California" -- but this time they
immersed themselves completely in that famous gene pool.
But
choosing songs wasn't as easy as riffling through old greatest hits collections.
"We love and appreciate every song that the Beach Boys and the Mamas & the
Papas did, and felt like we had to do a few personal favorites," says Carnie.
"Songs that resonated with us, but also songs that were hit records. How could
you not do 'California Dreamin'' or 'God Only Knows'?" They also made room for
less-familiar choices like "I Can Hear Music," a Brill Building classic that the
Ronettes cut three years before the Beach Boys, and "Twelve Thirty," a
lesser-known single off 1968's "The Papas & The Mamas" LP.
Compared to recordings from their first flush of fame, "Dedicated"
sounds more organic and relaxed; at points, the poppy folk-rock arrangements and
intricate harmonies recall the Bangles. The band credits producer Rob Bonfiglio
(who is Carnie's husband) for crafting that atmosphere. "That's just Rob's
personality," says Wendy. "He's a very organic, earthy guy and a true musician.
He would never dream of making a record that sounds overproduced or slick."
"Wilson Phillips fans really want to hear the harmonies, the three
of us singing together," she adds.
The Middle:'The Middle' sneak peek: It can be arranged
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Description:
As graduation day approaches, tension begins to build between Frankie and Axl when he ignores her requests for answers about the graduation party she's planning for his special day. "The Middle" airs Wednesdays at 8 p.m. ET/PT on ABC.
