He pulls that off quite superbly here. Inspired by the multi-tracked perfection of Trevor Horn but with its heart and soul in American 1970s rock, Rare Birds transcends its central theme – a failed relationship – in a flurry of uplifting, gospel-tinged pop (There’s A Light), swooping, George Harrison-style guitars (Rare Birds) and a clutch of achingly good ballads.
The best of these, 49 Hairflips, builds into a track of simply huge proportions as Wilson suggests we all throw caution to the wind and have sex in public because “oh, these kids will never rock again…”
It has some of the same slightly jaundiced but ultimately hopeful air as the Father John Misty album although there are also shades of World Party, Crowded House and Roger Waters, with whom Wilson has worked.
The great Lana Del Rey adds backing vocals: Yup, it’s that good.