I think big news is coming...

[JohnMill]

Are you saying this is the only reason those albums were successful

No, not really. But I don't think they (including Cloud Nine) would have been nearly as successful had they been released, say, in the late 90s.

as I think "Cloud Nine" for example is held by Beatles fans as being one of George's better solo records.

It's got a good reputation but not as good as Brainwashed which didn't do nearly as well (didn't go Platinum in the States like C9) and even that was released in the wake of George's death. I'd say Macca has put out stuff that is better than the stuff he did in the 80s, but he hasn't had a Top 40 hit in the States since My Brave Face in 1989.

I think there could be other factors at work though some of which have interested me because they parallel what has happened to networks like Nick At Nite and TV LAND over the past decade.  Until recently I was unaware that the over sixty demographic is considered mostly irrelevant by those who chart television ratings and such.  I learned of this information while trying to ascertain why N@N & TVLAND no longer made it stock and trade in shows from the fifties and sixties and instead now broadcast "Friends" and "Everybody Loves Raymond".  From what I ascertained baby boomers are no longer considered to be a viable audience when it comes to television viewing so few networks (even N@N & TVLAND surprisingly) will cater to them any more.  

I wonder if this somehow ties back into the lack of sales success of solo Beatle records in the nineties in that the baby boomer audience that was still buying records in the late eighties had gradually begun to stop by the end of the next decade.  There is a trend to be found there somewhere I'm sure.

It is truly amazing, as my baby boomer ass still spends more money than the younger generation TV is catering to. Many can't find jobs to buy the things they are advertising to them.

Truly amazing and truly sad that so many of those shows are now relegated to the DVD bin.  I'm nowhere near the baby boomer generation but I love those shows and honestly haven't watched a minute of TVLAND since they started broadcasting shows from the eighties (the seventies is where I draw my own personal line as far as classic tv goes).

One final comment on the Beach Boys upcoming tour.  I don't undervalue the early music of The Beach Boys, in fact I'm a huge fan of it.  I don't consider it the best music they ever made although it is easily the most commercially successful music they ever made.  As far as the setlist for the upcoming tour I'm sure we are going to get a ton of hits scattered throughout the setlist but Mr. Jardine's comments as of late really has me wondering if this isn't going to by a by the numbers setlist.  I know he mentioned around a week ago that they don't want to be perceived any longer as a nostalgia act which is a pretty powerful comment considering that more than a fair amount of tickets to these concerts will be sold due to the nostalgia aspect of the group.  I wonder if they will truly follow through on not putting on a nostalgia show?

[JohnMill]

I wonder if this somehow ties back into the lack of sales success of solo Beatle records in the nineties in that the baby boomer audience that was still buying records in the late eighties had gradually begun to stop by the end of the next decade.  There is a trend to be found there somewhere I'm sure.

Yeah, absolutely. I mean, my own thoughts about it were pretty much echoed above -- that by, say, 1987, the 60s music fan was heading into his or her 40s. It was the perfect time to start looking back. And it just so happened that several artists from the 60s were themselves beginning to make songs that bared some kind of resemblance to songs from the 60s.

I think a lot of it had to do with the decade of the eighties too.  Paul McCartney for example made an album in 1986 I believe ("Press To Play") where he tried to fit in musically with the popular music of the day and the album sunk like a stone.  Neil Young I believe also made a record around this time which was so out of character for the types of records he usually made that his record label actually sued him for "making uncommercial music that didn't sound like Neil Young".  It's really no surprise that due to these failures a lot of the successful acts of the sixties went back to their stock and trade by the end of the decade.  In fact thinking about it now I'm struggling to think of one major act from the sixties that didn't struggle commercially during the eighties.  McCartney, Beach Boys, Harrison, Neil Young, Dylan all had their fair share of eighties clunkers. 

[drbeachboy]

 

Interesting.. i speak up for peace and everyone that's arguing  turns around and attacks me..Isn't human nature grand..I saw that coming also + im not trying to impress insiders . I just like their insight that's all. Sorry about speaking up.. Ive actually have listened to BB for 50 years so im an old fart. Ill be quiet and go back to my oatmeal + wheel chair.

It's cool, don't worry about it. I did that once and was told to shut my F'n hippy, peace loving mouth.

[Chocolate Shake Man]

I wonder if this somehow ties back into the lack of sales success of solo Beatle records in the nineties in that the baby boomer audience that was still buying records in the late eighties had gradually begun to stop by the end of the next decade.  There is a trend to be found there somewhere I'm sure.

Yeah, absolutely. I mean, my own thoughts about it were pretty much echoed above -- that by, say, 1987, the 60s music fan was heading into his or her 40s. It was the perfect time to start looking back. And it just so happened that several artists from the 60s were themselves beginning to make songs that bared some kind of resemblance to songs from the 60s.

I think a lot of it had to do with the decade of the eighties too.  Paul McCartney for example made an album in 1986 I believe ("Press To Play") where he tried to fit in musically with the popular music of the day and the album sunk like a stone.  Neil Young I believe also made a record around this time which was so out of character for the types of records he usually made that his record label actually sued him for "making uncommercial music that didn't sound like Neil Young".  It's really no surprise that due to these failures a lot of the successful acts of the sixties went back to their stock and trade by the end of the decade.  In fact thinking about it now I'm struggling to think of one major act from the sixties that didn't struggle commercially during the eighties.  McCartney, Beach Boys, Harrison, Neil Young, Dylan all had their fair share of eighties clunkers.  

Yes, certainly. Like I mentioned above, the artists themselves put out music that resembled some of the stuff they did from the 60s. The Neil Young story is fantastic. He was signed to Geffen and then put out a series of experimental albums. They were great in their own way, though. Just not Harvest. And certainly not what Geffen were expecting.

[b00ts]

Did somebody just say Kokomo is better than cabin essence

Yeah he says stuff like that quite often, perhaps because he believes it, but certainly because he loves provoking people and gaining attention for himself. Still, the relative merits of "Kokomo" vs. "Cabinessence" are subjective - it may sound crazy to the rest of us, but it is ostensibly his opinion, which means that going back and forth with him about it is an argument you can't win - and one that he seems to relish.

A few weeks ago in the Grammy thread, he posted something about Katy Perry and The Beach Boys both being pop artists, with little difference between the two. Nobody responded. That's the best way to deal with this sort of statement, as otherwise it is a losing proposition.

It seems to me that he is trying to be inflammatory, but who knows, maybe he really does prefer Kokomo and thinks that Katy Perry is on par with The Beach Boys. Perhaps scholars in the future will regard Katy Perry as a musical genius who blows away Brian Wilson. More importantly, who cares? We have all this great music at our fingertips and that's what counts.

[OGoldin]

The folks who are want to hear the hits, for nostalgia sake, have been able to hear "The Beach Boys" at state fairs and casinos for decades.  They will likely pass on the hassles of the bigger crowds and higher prices.  This tour is largely for us (if I may).  I think the band -- even Mike -- realizes that. 

[Jim V.]

Not to be a bummer, but when I started this thread, I was kinda assuming maybe we were gonna go some news about some of the new releases. But I guess not yet. I wasn't really expecting anything yet, but AGD's post made me think some info was imminent.

[drbeachboy]

The folks who are want to hear the hits, for nostalgia sake, have been able to hear "The Beach Boys" at state fairs and casinos for decades.  They will likely pass on the hassles of the bigger crowds and higher prices.  This tour is largely for us (if I may).  I think the band -- even Mike -- realizes that.  

You may get something close to the 93 tour, but don't fool yourself into thinking it won't be a Beach Boys, Beach Boys concert.

[Mr. Wilson]

Cabinessence is wonderful piece of music. The 1st time i heard it live was 04 1st SMILE tour..It had such power + beauty.!  By the time they got to the Grand Coolie Damn part i was in tears levitating out of my seat.! I was shocked not only by the beauty of the music but the PRECISION with which they played it.! A memory ill never forget.I still haven't gotten over that experience + i hope i never will..Kokomo i like also for numerous reasons but it doesn't come close.  It was a proud moment to see it hit#1..For a BB fan being picked on all the time i was vindicated when it hit #1..

[Wirestone]

The folks who are want to hear the hits, for nostalgia sake, have been able to hear "The Beach Boys" at state fairs and casinos for decades.  They will likely pass on the hassles of the bigger crowds and higher prices.  This tour is largely for us (if I may).  I think the band -- even Mike -- realizes that.  

You may get something close to the 93 tour, but don't fool yourself into thinking it won't be a Beach Boys, Beach Boys concert.

I think most people -- including the hardest of the hardcore -- would be thrilled with 93-style set lists.

I would be concerned if there is a cool "small theater setlist" and a more rote "amphitheatre setlist." Because I can only get to those bigger venue shows. That being said, any DVD from the tour would surely come from one of the indoor shows -- easier to film and mix.

[Heysaboda]

Cabinessence is wonderful piece of music. The 1st time i heard it live was 04 1st SMILE tour..It had such power + beauty.!  By the time they got to the Grand Coolie Damn part i was in tears levitating out of my seat.! I was shocked not only by the beauty of the music but the PRECISION with which they played it.! A memory ill never forget.I still haven't gotten over that experience + i hope i never will..

I feel the same way about Cabinessence.  I saw SMiLE at Disney in LA in 2004.  Unbelievable.  What a joyful show!

[Andrew G. Doe]

Not to be a bummer, but when I started this thread, I was kinda assuming maybe we were gonna go some news about some of the new releases. But I guess not yet. I wasn't really expecting anything yet, but AGD's post made me think some info was imminent.

Tour dates not sufficient ? Kids these days... 

[hypehat]

The folks who are want to hear the hits, for nostalgia sake, have been able to hear "The Beach Boys" at state fairs and casinos for decades.  They will likely pass on the hassles of the bigger crowds and higher prices.  This tour is largely for us (if I may).  I think the band -- even Mike -- realizes that.  

You may get something close to the 93 tour, but don't fool yourself into thinking it won't be a Beach Boys, Beach Boys concert.

I think most people -- including the hardest of the hardcore -- would be thrilled with 93-style set lists.

I would be concerned if there is a cool "small theater setlist" and a more rote "amphitheatre setlist." Because I can only get to those bigger venue shows. That being said, any DVD from the tour would surely come from one of the indoor shows -- easier to film and mix.

Damn skippy - My only problem with the '93 set is the performances and instrumentation, cheap keyboards and the like. The only thing is that now Carl's no longer with us, the logistics of putting something like Wonderful or Caroline No in the set change. Brian could handle it, possibly.

This thread got insane last night, didn't it?

[Shady]

Somebody actually said Kokomo was better than cabin essence

[SMiLE Brian]

Somebody actually said Kokomo was better than cabin essence

Scary isn't it?  

[LostArt]

I know we're all waiting for more news.  I know it gets a little slow around here sometimes.  I know that some people just like stirring the pot.  But, wow, four or five pages of absolutely useless bitching, moaning, and name calling...I had to skip over nearly every post.  I shouldn't even comment because it's obvious that some people like to argue about nothing, and some people might even like to read other people arguing about nothing.  It's a waste of time for me, but like everything posted by anyone on a message board, that's just one person's opinion.

Let's look at what we know.

Al has hinted that it won't be strictly a 'fun in the sun, beach, girls, cars' set on the tour.

Mike has stated that he knows that the set list will have to cover all eras of The Beach Boys career.

Brian has stated that the new album will have a mellow vibe.

Mike has stated that the songs and harmonies on the new album will take you back to '64 or '65.

Bruce has stated that they are not concerned with making a 'hit'.

Al has mentioned Pet Sounds while talking about the new album.

Bruce really likes one of Brian's compositions, and plays it over and over.

Rumors of song titles on the album include "Shelter", "The Private Life of Bill and Sue", "That's Why God Made the Radio", and "Do It Again".

"Do It Again" was recorded, and a video was made.

Have I missed any facts here?  It doesn't sound like strictly "Fun, Fun, Fun" to me.  Can you all please argue talk about stuff that we do know?  I'd like to read something worthwhile today.  That's all.

[drbeachboy]

I know we're all waiting for more news.  I know it gets a little slow around here sometimes.  I know that some people just like stirring the pot.  But, wow, four or five pages of absolutely useless bitching, moaning, and name calling...I had to skip over nearly every post.  I shouldn't even comment because it's obvious that some people like to argue about nothing, and some people might even like to read other people arguing about nothing.  It's a waste of time for me, but like everything posted by anyone on a message board, that's just my opinion.

Let's look at what we know.

Al has hinted that it won't be strictly a 'fun in the sun, beach, girls, cars' set on the tour.

Mike has stated that he knows that the set list will have to cover all eras of The Beach Boys career.

Brian has stated that the new album will have a mellow vibe.

Mike has stated that the songs and harmonies on the new album will take you back to '64 or '65.

Bruce has stated that they are not concerned with making a 'hit'.

Al has mentioned Pet Sounds while talking about the new album.

Bruce really likes one of Brian's compositions, and plays it over and over.

Rumors of song titles on the album include "Shelter", "The Private Life of Bill and Sue", "That's Why God Made the Radio", and "Do It Again".

"Do It Again" was recorded, and a video was made.

Have I missed any facts here?  It doesn't sound like strictly "Fun, Fun, Fun" to me.  Can you all please argue talk about stuff that we do know?  I'd like to read something worthwhile today.  That's all.

Basically, what you just stated is, we hardly know jack-sh*t. So, what are we supposed to talk about? All we can do is speculate and then argue over the speculation. Why start a thread so early to begin with? What really amazes me throughout the discussion and arguing, is how much we're so different from each other in what we expect from The Boys.

[LostArt]

Basically, what you just stated is, we hardly know jack-sh*t. So, what are we supposed to talk about? All we can do is speculate and then argue over the speculation. Why start a thread so early to begin with? What really amazes me throughout the discussion and arguing, is how much we're so different from each other in what we expect from The Boys.

Yeah, I hear you.  But that's the thing about Beach Boys fans.  The Beach Boys have such an eclectic mix of songs in their repertiore, and their fans include folks in their teens, folks in their '70s, and every age group in between.  We are all fans, though, because something about the music or the lyrics or the backstory interests us or moves us.  And it's different for everybody.  Why waste time with 'Kokomo is better than Cabinessence', or 'Today is better than Smile', because nobody is wrong, and everybody is right.  What moves you, moves you.  For me, the music of The Beach Boys is a very spiritual thing.  I don't like every song they've recorded, but I can find something on all of their albums that I like.  I just don't get arguing stuff that, really, shouldn't be argued.

I like red.
Are you kidding? Blue is much better.

[drbeachboy]

The folks who are want to hear the hits, for nostalgia sake, have been able to hear "The Beach Boys" at state fairs and casinos for decades.  They will likely pass on the hassles of the bigger crowds and higher prices.  This tour is largely for us (if I may).  I think the band -- even Mike -- realizes that.  

You may get something close to the 93 tour, but don't fool yourself into thinking it won't be a Beach Boys, Beach Boys concert.

I think most people -- including the hardest of the hardcore -- would be thrilled with 93-style set lists.

I would be concerned if there is a cool "small theater setlist" and a more rote "amphitheatre setlist." Because I can only get to those bigger venue shows. That being said, any DVD from the tour would surely come from one of the indoor shows -- easier to film and mix.

That would also mean a much longer show. The 93 Tour show that I attended was around 2 and 1/2 hours or so. I'm not sure we are gonna get that this time around. For U.S. fans that would mean adding Heroes and Villains, Wonderful, VegaTables, which they would never do otherwise. For Pet Sounds, we always get the standard 3 tunes, so we might get additional two with Caroline No and You still Believe In Me. Throw in a few more album cuts and there you have it. The Greatest Hits show, plus 8 or so extra (if the shows run 2 full hours. I'd be OK with that, because the old songs are a lot of fun and make the shows feel festive. And this is a Celebration Tour, after all.

[LostArt]

Yep, this is a celebration tour, and if the stars align and I'm fortunate enough to go to one of the shows, I will be celebrating.  I don't care if they play Barbara Ann or Mona or Bull Session with Big Daddy or It's Over Now.  I don't care if they are 70 years old, I want to hear me some Fun, Fun, Fun, damnit.  I want to see these guys on stage, doing the thing that they do best.  Doing the songs that brought them together, and doing the songs that pushed them apart.  I want to hear Mike Love's voice singing "Wheeeeeeeeennnnnnnnnnnnn".  I want to see him doing the chicken dance to Little Honda and wiggling his fingers to the woo-woo machine in Good Vibrations.  I want to see Brian do his awkward hand movements and tell everybody the cigarette lighter joke, and then sing 'Til I Die .  I want to hear David play some surf guitar.  I want to hear Kokomo, and I don't care if John Stamos pretends to play guitar on it.  Hell, this is The Beach Boys in 2012, and I'm happy for them for being able to brush aside any past differences that they have had, and come together for this celebration of their music...all of it, no matter what they choose to give me.  There will be some cheese.  There will be some incredibly moving moments.  That's The Beach Boys.  Always has been, and always will be.  Bring it.  

[Mikie]

Mr Wilson came off worst in this sh*t storm

I think you came off worse by being a f*cking nerd, Shady.  

[Andrew G. Doe]

And what you DONT know is that your running the insiders AWAY.. As the arguing increases they POST LESS..!

You don't know it either: just because they don't post doesn't mean a watching brief isn't being held. Additionally, there may be insiders posting here whose names you don't know. Think about it.

[MarcellaHasDirtyFeet]

And what you DONT know is that your running the insiders AWAY.. As the arguing increases they POST LESS..!

You don't know it either: just because they don't post doesn't mean a watching brief isn't being held. Additionally, there may be insiders posting here whose names you don't know. Think about it.

I might know the answer already, but just to be sure... What's a watching brief? Is it as official as it sounds?

[Jim V.]

Not to be a bummer, but when I started this thread, I was kinda assuming maybe we were gonna go some news about some of the new releases. But I guess not yet. I wasn't really expecting anything yet, but AGD's post made me think some info was imminent.

Tour dates not sufficient ? Kids these days... 

Tour dates were MORE than sufficient! But.....

It was you sir that got me excited by the prospect of hearing some big news on new and unreleased music being released. If you hadn't said anything, I wouldn't have expected anything!

[Heysaboda]

Yep, this is a celebration tour, and if the stars align and I'm fortunate enough to go to one of the shows, I will be celebrating.  I don't care if they play Barbara Ann or Mona or Bull Session with Big Daddy or It's Over Now.  I don't care if they are 70 years old, I want to hear me some Fun, Fun, Fun, damnit.  I want to see these guys on stage, doing the thing that they do best.  Doing the songs that brought them together, and doing the songs that pushed them apart.  I want to hear Mike Love's voice singing "Wheeeeeeeeennnnnnnnnnnnn".  I want to see him doing the chicken dance to Little Honda and wiggling his fingers to the woo-woo machine in Good Vibrations.  I want to see Brian do his awkward hand movements and tell everybody the cigarette lighter joke, and then sing 'Til I Die .  I want to hear David play some surf guitar.  I want to hear Kokomo, and I don't care if John Stamos pretends to play guitar on it.  Hell, this is The Beach Boys in 2012, and I'm happy for them for being able to brush aside any past differences that they have had, and come together for this celebration of their music...all of it, no matter what they choose to give me.  There will be some cheese.  There will be some incredibly moving moments.  That's The Beach Boys.  Always has been, and always will be.  Bring it.  

POST OF THE WEEK!

Bring it on, Boys!