Interesting recollection of "Rooftop Harry" session

[Jim V.]

Hey, so I found this online. Never read anything about it before, but it's a pretty in depth recollection of the session for "Rooftop Harry" by recording engineer Barry Rudolph. He talks about how Brian played a bunch of instruments, instructed Michael Clarke (formerly of The Byrds) on the drum part he wanted, and how Bruce never shut up, apparently talking and talking on some socio-political rant or something (sounds familiar about Bruce!)

Anyways, the guy says the song was never completed to his knowledge, but it sure sounds interesting. I wonder if they got to the point of adding vocals, and if they got anything releasable out of it. If so, it might be something that could possibly make it onto Made In California. This song title always intrigued me and it was cool to read this.

http://www.barryrudolph.com/stories/beach.html

[Dunderhead]

I really can't imagine that Bruce wasn't on something during this session.

[Jim V.]

I really can't imagine that Bruce wasn't on something during this session.

I know. That just straight up sounds like a guy high on cocaine. But apparently Bruce is just known as a super high energy guy. And I can't imagine him doing drugs, well, ever.

[c-man]

I really can't imagine that Bruce wasn't on something during this session.

Bruce commented on this on the Beach Boys Britain a few years ago...said they'd probably had a few Watusies at the local lounge, or something to that effect.

[Dunderhead]

I know that Bruce has said for example that he didn't go to Hawaii in '67 because of the drug use, and I don't necessarily *not* believe him, but sometimes I can't help but be skeptical. 

[halblaineisgood]

what year was this session? 5/15/72

[Jim V.]

I really can't imagine that Bruce wasn't on something during this session.

Bruce commented on this on the Beach Boys Britain a few years ago...said they'd probably had a few Watusies at the local lounge, or something to that effect.

Really, Bruce commented about this session on BBB? Weird. And since you're the sessions guy c-man, do you know if this one still exists in the vaults?

Or AGD, any info on this one?

[rn57]

what year was this session? 5/15/72

If the session was that close to the point Jack Rieley forced Bruce out of the band, that could explain his hyperactivity and overbearingness rather than coke.

The mystery upright bassist....well, Tandyn Almer would still have been hangin with Brian at this point...had, I think, been known to play double bass back in his Troubadour days...and also had a knack for unexpectedly appearing and vanishing...

[Mike's Beard]

I would love to hear the song but as it's a Brian Wilson written song and production that didn't get finished and released at a time when his contributions were drying up it makes me wonder if the track isn't that great.

[Rocker]

Thanks for the link! This period is so mysterious in terms of Brian working in the studio that such info is needed very much

[Jim V.]

I would love to hear the song but as it's a Brian Wilson written song and production that didn't get finished and released at a time when his contributions were drying up it makes me wonder if the track isn't that great.

I hear what you're saying, but given the track record (no pun intended) Brian really was really doing consistently great material from '64 til about '74. And I don't see why this song would be any different. It also sounds like something that was relatively well though out, with a calliope, a toy piano, and basses all playing parts. Other songs that didn't get released (at least for a while) around the time when his contributions were drying up include "California Feelin'", "Burlesque", "Good Timin'", "Where Is She" and others. So I'm not sure we can judge the quality of the song by whether it was released around the time it was recorded.

Anybody have any info on this song?

[Andrew G. Doe]

I'm told it's nothing special.

[DonnyL]

I'm curious about this 'calliope' ...  I'm wondering if it was an actual calliope ... or maybe this very rare RMI electronic Calliope (same manufacturer as the Rocksichord). or maybe just a pipe organ.