Miracle after miracle?

[Magic Transistor Radio]

I was just thinking about how many seeming impossiblities have come to past in recent years. The idea of Brian having a solo career with quality new albums just 15 years ago? Imaginations was exciting, but then the idea of him going out on tours? The idea of Brian recording another master piece? Then we got Lucky Old Sun!

The release of SMiLE? Back in the 98 VH1 doc Brian said that SMiLE would never come out. To most of us fans, it was wishful thinking. Even for the few years following. Then after Brian did the Pet Sounds tour he announced a SMiLE tour. Certainly many fans had doubts on the quality of this IF it happened at all. Turned out incredible. Then we got the SMiLE sessions box!! 

Also the idea of a Beach Boys reunion tour was discussed amongst us fans for the last few years, but all we heard was discouraging words from the insiders. Even just one year ago, some of the BBs themseleves said it isn't going to happen. The only hope was a one off tv special or dvd release. And knowing Mike, he would insist on using his musicians and doing things his way. The idea of a new studio recording was just us stupid fans hoping for a miracle. And if they did do anything, it would probably be Mike in charge doing super cheesy songs like 'nursery home surfers' or 'wheel chair drag racing USA' or some nonsense.

Honestly, when I first became a BB fan in the mid 90s, I thought that their best was in the past. That all we were going to get was old guys in mullets and Hawaiian shirts making appearances on Full House. Summer in Paradise, Nascar, the Country album. This is what it had come to. I am truly greatful for the chance to see great things from the band in my generation. Still wish I was old enought to experience the early 70s band, but still. What has been happening is great!

[the professor]

amen brother. I have given up all other forms of distraction and entertainment (except thee Donna Summer songs in her honor yesterday).  This is a joy from head to toe, despite autotune and all the micro-analysis of Mike and Brian or who is dissing Smile or PS or something.  The micro analysis is killing me. the songs are majestic and serious and the detractors are fewer and fewer in the press, as thee see the wave coming.

[Mark H]

Well said!

I was thinking last night (as I looked around my untidy living room!) how awesome it is that we have a truly great BW album in TLOS, a finished BW and VDP SMiLE album (as well as the sessions box set) and on top of that a new studio album by the band that, by most accounts, is an awesome addition to their catalogue. 

You wouldn't have dreamed of this back in the mid 90's.

[onkster]

Maybe we should start dreaming up more impossible things to happen...just so they can happen!

OK, I'm going to dream about a new BB album written by BW/VDP that rivals SMiLE in beauty and complexity, with all newly-written material; and nobody goes nuts during the creation of it.

There. I've put it out there. Now kicking back, and waiting for the news.

[ArchStanton]

Very well said.  And possibly more good things to come depending on what they hit us with for the box set, re-releases, etc.  Great time to be a fan of a great group.

[Magic Transistor Radio]

I also forgot to mention the cd release of Pacific Ocean Blue, the books on Dennis and Dave. Books on Brian are always great too, but he has been written about for many years. Now I am waiting for books on Carl, Mike and Al.

[lance]

2004: Gettin in over my head
         BWPS
2005: What I Really Want for Christmas
2008: TLOS/Bambu+pob reiussue
2010: Gershwin
2011: Disney, SMILE
2012: Wait, is there anything happening this year?

Not counting smile and pob we have had 8 albums worth of material in 8 years. My second favorite artist, Justin Timberlake, should hope to match that and he is much younger.

[Jonathan Blum]

You left out the true hell-has-frozen-over element from that list:

Al Jardine put out a solo album.

Cheers,
Jon Blum

[Alan Smith]

A GOOD solo album!

[lance]

Oooh, I totally forgot about Al. That deserves to be on that list, I like it.

[Ron]

A minor one: When Brian's bandmate was lost in the Tsunami, he appeared on a benefit concert, with no piano safety blanket... they also sang the full version of "Love and Mercy" with the nice middle part. 

I know that's not as miraculous as some of the others, but when I saw him sitting there on a stool with no piano, singing so well... I thought it was a huge step in a positive direction. 

[Magic Transistor Radio]

It'd be cool for the BBs to make a record that wins the Grammy! Also to collaborate with modern US musicians and come to Russia! The latter is my biggest fantasy.

Not going to happen! Unless of course there is a miracle.