Brian says Beach Boys reunion album sounds "mellow".

[SMiLE Brian]

They need a Beach Boys lead guitar player with Carl gone, and David is perfect to play lead along with Al on Rhythm.

[punkinhead]

Cool Head is pretty mellow...along with a couple other tunes from Mike's solo stuff of that era, wonder if he'll offer those.

[Wirestone]

They should be more concerned with doing something new, interesting, you know good, rather than wasting their time with some misty eyed tribute to "history". I don't see David Marks' participation as being anything other than symbolic. If he's there, fine. If he's not, that's fine too. The best way they respect the wonderful legacy of The Beach Boys is by going out on a high note, by doing something original, and honest that stands with their best work.

Elegantly (and correctly, in my view) stated.

I'd love the reunion to produce a strong new album... but realistically, it won't: these guys are all, bar David, 69/70 now.

What does age have to do with it? Brian created two of his strongest solo albums in '08 and '10. If he has decent new material and sympathetic production (both big ifs, I understand) you could have at least a decent record. Maybe BB85 quality, at least.

[STE]

Probably an external producer is needed in order to ensure that all BB members will have the feeling that their input is appreciated.
Maybe Joe Thomas is the only external producer that they could think of who already knows the BB and their personalities and who already managed to successfully work with them (just think about all the egos in play) and actually get an album completed and released.

I didn't mind the Imagination production too much, the vocals were especially well produced.  I'm just hoping he takes it easy on nylon guitars this time..


IMO, David should be definitely be part of this, at least for some solid guitar work.

[Ron]

Musicianship, history.

They should be more concerned with doing something new, interesting, you know good, rather than wasting their time with some misty eyed tribute to "history". I don't see David Marks' participation as being anything other than symbolic. If he's there, fine. If he's not, that's fine too. The best way they respect the wonderful legacy of The Beach Boys is by going out on a high note, by doing something original, and honest that stands with their best work.

You could argue that the Beatles Archeology reunion could have done without Ringo then, as he brings nothing to the table other than musicianship. And yes, I know, Ringo was there from the start through the end… oh, hang on… he wasn't the original drummer? He walked out during the White Album sessions?

You might be right, his presence might not be essential to the finished product but his guitar will lend it more validity as a BBs' product, in my opinion. It's wrong to talk of who has rights and who doesn't – that's for the guys (and their ladies) to sort out between them I reckons – but he's a Beach Boy. Jeff ain't.

From my fan's perspective, I say "let David in, bring him home".

As for Carl & Dennis vox on the album, I say "not essential". Nice if there's something worthy of inclusion, but no tokenism, please. Let the guys rest in peace and let their memory endure.

Soooo.... your analogy for why David should be in the reunion, is that the Beatles didn't let Pete Best in the reunion.  Gotcha. 

[Ron]

They should be more concerned with doing something new, interesting, you know good, rather than wasting their time with some misty eyed tribute to "history". I don't see David Marks' participation as being anything other than symbolic. If he's there, fine. If he's not, that's fine too. The best way they respect the wonderful legacy of The Beach Boys is by going out on a high note, by doing something original, and honest that stands with their best work.

Elegantly (and correctly, in my view) stated.

I'd love the reunion to produce a strong new album... but realistically, it won't: these guys are all, bar David, 69/70 now.

What does age have to do with it? Brian created two of his strongest solo albums in '08 and '10. If he has decent new material and sympathetic production (both big ifs, I understand) you could have at least a decent record. Maybe BB85 quality, at least.

I agree (although, honestly I wouldn't MIND David being there, just don't really care one way or the other).  Instead of trying to 'look back with Love' I think that they should look towards the future.  Also, what's all this talk about them 'going out'.... they aren't going anywhere!  You think Mike's EVER going to retire?  Hell no.  He'll die in a hotel room after a show some day.

Thankfully, it appears Brian is looking towards the future, too.  All new songs.  WHOO HOOO!!!

[Ron]

Probably an external producer is needed in order to ensure that all BB members will have the feeling that their input is appreciated.
Maybe Joe Thomas is the only external producer that they could think of who already knows the BB and their personalities and who already managed to successfully work with them (just think about all the egos in play) and actually get an album completed and released.

I think that's it too.  I also think you'll see a lot of Mike's band on this album.  Jeff could be the compromise.  Brian brings Jeff (and maybe a band member or two) to the table, Mike and his band get to to do some Studio work with Brian, they pick Joe Thomas to keep everybody particularly MELLOW, lol. 

You know folks: It is what it is.  listen to it, and enjoy it. 

[Cliff1000uk]

Sorry if this sounds a little naive (and we know the BBs don't exactly have the most straightforward of histories) but if AGD was told by 2 people that the door has been left open, maybe it's David who is holding off any commitment.

I think David should be included in any anniversary plans, whether it's the album or live shows

In fact, seeing him play a few years back at the Hammersmith Apollo with Mike had a sense of history about it-these guys go a long way back.

In terms of the album, I was hoping Darian and Scott would be involved but I suppose Jeff goes back the furthest-hasn't he played recently with Mike?

[HeyJude]

The whole thing sounds a bit vague and wonky at this point, so it’s probably not safe to assume much. I think it might be worth at least pausing on the “David isn’t on it but Jeff is” stuff, because it appears that Mike, Al, and Bruce aren’t on this stuff yet either.

Based on the idea of this supposed “trial” take of “Do It Again” and Brian recording stuff on his own for possible BB usage, it’s interesting to see how they are taking a very measured, non-committal, easing-into-it approach with this. This may well be the best way to tackle such a project, to avoid the possibility that all of these guys clear their schedule for album sessions and a tour only to see it crash and burn. I think there is a built-in “out” on what they’re doing right now. If moods change or other factors change, this could easily turn into a Brian album, or the sessions could go on the shelf without some huge “cancelled reunion” looming over them.

Seems like what Brian is doing on his own might work, or at least is part of what might work. Rather than force these guys to sit down and write together, maybe it’s better to have them all record some stuff on their own, then contribute to each other’s tracks (writing-wise in some cases, and certainly performance-wise), and just do as many tracks as they can, and then mold an album from that. Such an album won’t sound terribly cohesive necessarily, but I’d rather have good songs in a non-cohesive setting than an album like “Imagination” that, if nothing else, certainly sounds like it was all written, produced, and recorded by one team.

The quality of the material is obviously the most important aspect, and there’s no way to know how that might turn out. Brian just kind of casually doing some backing tracks with Joe Thomas and singing with Jeff doesn’t strike me as an indication that they have this amazing reunion-worthy material just waiting for the other BB’s to add vocals to, but maybe it is awesome stuff. Based on a few reports, it sounds like they are using at least some of Thomas’ session players, and that doesn’t bode well in my mind. I think many of us are hoping Thomas’ production style has changed, or at least will be different now for Brian knowing what Brian has done in the intervening years since “Imagination.” But still using the same session guys isn’t a strong indicator that his “sound” or “style” has changed.

The David Marks issue is one that likely will not be solved to many fans’ satisfaction. I’ve said this before, but regardless of the talent the guy has, it’s simply a condition of what has happened that he doesn’t fit snugly into a modern-era Beach Boys project. He never sang substantially with the band, and his guitar playing focuses on a particular era of their career. I think playing guitar on new recordings, and joining a live reunion show/tour would be great. But anything beyond that will not seem like the BB’s to me. Having him sing lead vocals in a BB concert, or having him contribute songs to an album, would just seem out of place. But a “reunion” is symbolic, as many have said, and that certainly means to me that not having him involved at all would lessen the impact of a “reunion.” The fact that the other BB’s have in some way acknowledged David in more recent years is a cool thing,  and that’s a cool aspect of a potential reunion.

As for Carl and Dennis, I don’t think a bit of “Free as a Bird-ish” content on a new album would be a bad thing. Let’s face it, any reunion album is going to seem a bit gimmicky anyway. I just don’t see this getting to a sort of organic, Rick Rubin production-esque, true rebirth of the group. So let’s get them all on there. Finish the BB version of “Soul Searchin’”, and include “You’re Still a Mystery” which at least presumably has Carl in there somewhere. Have Brian finish “Oh Lord” to represent Dennis, or maybe overdub a strong Dennis track (but don’t give us “Wouldn’t It Be Nice to Live Again” presented as a “new album” song; just use that stuff on archival releases).

A lot of interesting possibilities and scenarios could happen here. It’s part of the excitement, right? The whole thing could totally blow up into craziness, or it could even be a good one.

[Iron Horse-Apples]

Bring back David, and Blondie and Ricky.

[RONDEMON]

I wish Thomas wasn't involved.
Imagination is my least favorite record of ANY BW/BB-related project.

Too slick. Brian doesn't sound like himself. Lots of auto-tune. It's 80s production with 90s technology. It doesn't sound REAL. Worst reverbs too. UGHHH.

I'm hoping that this project doesn't pander to the Jimmy Buffett "adult contemporary" crowd.

EVERYONE likes the Beach Boys not just baby-boomers.

[donald]

A few comments;

Jeff Foskett is the guy who tours with brian and listens and watches his every move on stage, filling in missed lyrics, picking up the lead when Brian's voice falters, and generally making Brian appear to perform more seamlessly.   I think he may be needed for vocals but for general support.   

As for production and Joe Thomas, I am hopeful that he will do better this time especially having this group of performers to work with.  Imagination was trying to blend Brians vocal pieces into a smooth, professional (MOR)   mix.
There should be more personality in this record, less sterile sounding.

There are far too many people in the three bands (Al, Mike, and Brian's bands) to employ everyone.  Some people will inevitably be disappointed with the final choices.  Bringing Al, Brian, Bruce and Jeff into Mike's very fine band sounds like the best we can expect.  Would round it out more nicely if Matt could Join Dad in the reunion with Mike and Christian.   I think the harmony sound could be nicely captured with that lineup.

[runnersdialzero]

Jeff Foskett is the guy who tours with brian and listens and watches his every move on stage, filling in missed lyrics, picking up the lead when Brian's voice falters, and generally making Brian appear to perform more seamlessly.   I think he may be needed for vocals but for general support.  

Then let him support - not sing.

[Jim V.]

So yeah, the David Marks thing. I've read Jon Stebbins book about David, and I definitely understand that he was on the first three (or four?) albums and played on some major, major hits. He was in the band for 2 years in the '60s. Then we have Blondie Chaplin. Who I think also would majorly deserve to be part of the group too. I think Mr. Stebbins is all for David's return because he got close to him while writing his book. I'm sure if he wrote a book on Blondie Chaplin, he would be in his cheering section too. Btw, no offense intended, Mr. Stebbins. Anyways, back to the my point. Blondie sang on "Sail On Sailor", rightly recognized as one of the last Beach Boys classics. He was on three albums, and was in the band for nearly two years. Then you got Ricky, who also played on three albums.

Maybe it's just me, but I think the main reason there is an uprising for David is that he's kinda had a rough go at life since he left The Beach Boys, whereas somebody like Blondie is ok since he's since played with The Band and The Rolling Stones.

Now, David seems like an awesome guy (I'd probably like to hang out with him more than Mike Love or Bruce Johnston or Jeff Foskett) and he's a great musician, but I'm also gonna throw out a guess here and say this album (and the reunion in general) is gonna portray the group as the "artists" that made Today!, Pet Sounds, SMiLE, and Sunflower, ALONG with those early hits. That may have been a way to get Brian involved. To have it be less Mike-centric than the 25th anniversary and the Stars & Stripes reunions were. Honestly, I would say it woulda made more sense to have David on Stars & Stripes, as that focused more on the early material.

Now, its verrrry possible I'm way off the mark here. But that's just my opinion.

I also gotta say, it looks like it's gonna be a (what's left of) "classic-era" reunion. Which means you get Brian, Mike, Al, and Bruce. Just as if The Byrds reunited, you'd get Jim McGuinn, David Crosby, and Chris Hillman. Even though Gene Parsons and John York played on albums (and hits) they won't be part of reunion, because most likely they will wanna portray the most "classic" lineup.

If it was up to me, I would LOVE for the 2012 Beach Boys to be Brian Wilson, Mike Love, Al Jardine, Bruce Johnston, David Marks, Blondie Chaplin, and Ricky Fataar, but it just ain't gonna happen.

[onkster]

Maybe I'm misreading the Pete Best/David Marks comparison, but it's a silly analogy.

Pete Best was ditched because he wasn't very good. David was ditched for reasons other than musical talent.

[Heysaboda]

I also gotta say, it looks like it's gonna be a (what's left of) "classic-era" reunion. Which means you get Brian, Mike, Al, and Bruce. Just as if The Byrds reunited, you'd get Jim McGuinn, David Crosby, and Chris Hillman. Even though Gene Parsons and John York played on albums (and hits) they won't be part of reunion, because most likely they will wanna portray the most "classic" lineup.

Well, McGuinn, Crosby and Hillman could use a drummer (Gene Parsons) and an additional bass player (John York) to free up Chris.  Gene Parsons is a VERY talented singer, writer, and multi-instrumentalist, and he sang a bunch o' GORGEOUS songs in the latter day Byrds with Clarence White.

[Mike's Beard]

I think the reason David Marks is overlooked so often in the band's history is because he easily had the lowest profile in the group. Mike fronted the band, Brian wrote the songs and sang the high bits, Dennis was the one all the girls wanted to shag and Carl got to do all the guitar solos. That left Dave playing the rhythm (and he wasn't even allowed to sing). The focus was never on him. The same can be said for Al when he joined. It was only when the lead vocals started getting spread around more that anyone really noticed him. Dave will always suffer from 'the other guy syndrome' as far as the BB's go.

[pixletwin]

Maybe I'm misreading the Pete Best/David Marks comparison, but it's a silly analogy.

Pete Best was ditched because he wasn't very good. David was ditched for reasons other than musical talent.

PLUS Pete Best was never on any of the officially released Beatles albums. Not. A. One.

David Marks on the other hand.....

[Howie Edelson]

David Marks has never been ditched from The Beach Boys. Ever. Not in the '60's, not in the '90s.
(First time he walked was because he couldn't take the bullsh** and the second time was so he didn't die.)

As far as the seemingly endless hatred of Jeff Foskett (not to mention the silly and immature use of his name in song titles) without Jeff, it doesn't happen; there is no "modern era Brian Wilson" without Jeff Foskett. There's no studio work and there's no tour. If three minutes before show time Jeff falls ill -- the show is off. That's how important Jeff is to the state of affairs today. He acts as Brian's aide/valet offstage and keeps things so cool both on and offstage that people are STILL claiming that "Brian Is Back!" Seeing as how many people on this board don't really know him (or think they know him because they HEARD he "hates" Love You) let me be the first to say he's really a good guy, he loves the music as much as any of us, and we're lucky to have him on our side.

Where anyone got the idea that Jeff is involved in the reunion "in lieu" of anyone -- specifically David is far beyond me.

[acedecade75]

Jeff Foskett is the guy who tours with brian and listens and watches his every move on stage, filling in missed lyrics, picking up the lead when Brian's voice falters, and generally making Brian appear to perform more seamlessly.   I think he may be needed for vocals but for general support.  

Then let him support - not sing.

Amen!  Please use Matt Jardine for vocals and not Jeff!

[Jon Stebbins]

Maybe the easiest way to communicate why David Marks matters is the fact that he was part of the band that sold millions of records and made the Beach Boys a household name. His guitar can still be heard everyday on the airwaves, yes even today, whenever some radio station or TV show or movie plays "Surfin' U.S.A." or "Surfer Girl" or "In My Room" or "Little Deuce Coupe" or "Catch A Wave" or one of the other iconic Beach Boys records that he is on. He's part of that. I think the fact that he is one of the five(or six) orig. Beach Boys who made those songs warrants a spot in any reunion.

Blondie and Ricky cannot make the above claim, but to me they deserve a spot in the reunion too...because they were an essential part of one of the great Beach Boys eras, not a commercially successful one, but one that is historically important and artistically nourishing. Blondie is a friend, I hope he's there too. But to me David gets picked first because of his role in the band's genesis and rise to fame.

[SMiLE Brian]

I was no problem with Jeff, he can do the high parts, toured with both Brian and Mike, and keeps Brian calm.

[adamghost]

It's a really good point that bears repeating -- regardless of how fans think things should play out (and even may be right, artistically), you have to have certain things for the comfort level of the participants (e.g. Jeff Foskett) to make it work at all.

I'm not thrilled with Joe Thomas -- I'm dubious that producers can change their spots to such a degree, that you can willfully change from IMAGINATION to a more commercial Andy Paley sound, even given the water under the bridge.  Part of what makes a producer a producer is an aesthetic sense that you're invested in and that you organize sound around.  You don't just toss that overboard.  That said, I think what was said upthread is probably the right answer:  maybe he's the only guy that everyone is comfortable with.  And you know, if that's what it takes to get it done, then that's that, even though it may foreclose some better sonic outcomes for such an album.

Ditto what was said about easing into it.  This is a very smart way to go if that's what they're doing.  

The thing about David, and Blondie and Ricky is that when you put them in the mix, you kind of have a different band on your hands.  Which is not necessarily a bad thing.  But I can see why it's something everyone would want to think over.

[Jim V.]

First off, I wanna say that I don't wanna be counted among those who "hate" Jeff Foskett. My only problem is that his current band's harmony blend sounds like the Backstreet Boys, and that Jeff's falsetto (for the most part) has annoyed the living piss out of me. I think that live, yes, he should be around, but in the studio with the combination of Brian, Al, and Bruce, I'm sure they could pull off the needed falsetto parts. And if they didn't want to, then use Adam Jardine, who sounds way better. But then, at the same time, if that is what Brian Wilson himself truly wants, then that should be what goes.

And lastly, I have to think that ultimately what dictates the reunion is how Brian feels. And if he for some reason didn't want Bruce or Al there, I'd bet that wouldn't be. So maybe the Brian, Al, Bruce, Mike lineup is the one that works best for Brian in the studio.

So hey, have it this way:

Studio: Brian, Mike, Al, Bruce
Live: Brian (if he wants to), Mike, Al, Bruce, Dave, Blondie?, Ricky?

Dave gets to be part of the "reunion", and so do Blondie and Ricky if they even have any interest.

[joe_blow]

I would guess The Beach Boys contributions to instruments being played on a reunion album would be minimal. How many instrumental credits did the band have on Still Cruisin' (new songs), Stars and Stripes,or Summer in Paradise? My bet would be afterall the tracks are in the can David gets invited for filming to give it a more legitimate feel. Just my thoughts.

Barry Williams might be a good addition as well.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vftmfk92zZY