Drum machines on "Til I Die" + "Lady"

[CenturyDeprived]

Does anyone know why Brian and Dennis used drum machines (instead of real drums) on the final, released versions of these songs?

Wondering if it was something done for the demo, where the song started out like that (with an intention to replace the drum machine with actual drums), but when all the parts were finally layered, that those songs actually wound up working well with the minimal drum machines, and well enough was left alone.

I actually totally dig the sound, really unique to the Beach Boys from that early '70s period period.

[metal flake paint]

Not sure why Brian or dennis used that particular sound but there's more discussion about it here:

http://smileysmile.net/board/index.php/topic,604.msg14609.html#msg14609

[phirnis]

(Please ignore, posted a question that was already answered in the other thread...)

[DonnyL]

Maestro Rhythm King.  Also featured on 'Big Sur' (orig. version), 'Farewell My Friend' and probably mixed in less noticeably on other tracks as well ... especially Sunflower & Surf's Up material.  I have one and it's quite useful.  I even recorded a song w/ mostly a Rhythm King & RMI Rock-Si-Chord to see if I could get close to this classic combo sound.  sounds pretty bitchin'.

[PongHit]

Watch/hear demo here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u7b1KMc7xos&feature=related

[Stephen W. Desper]

Does anyone know why Brian and Dennis used drum machines (instead of real drums) on the final, released versions of these songs?

Wondering if it was something done for the demo, where the song started out like that (with an intention to replace the drum machine with actual drums), but when all the parts were finally layered, that those songs actually wound up working well with the minimal drum machines, and well enough was left alone.

I actually totally dig the sound, really unique to the Beach Boys from that early '70s period period.

COMMENT:  I believe these songs were started during the time when Dennis hurt his hand on the road and could not play in the studio.  ~swd