Final numbers in, Beach Boys #3

[JohnMill]

Astonishing. And the Brits could only struggle up to #15...what gives?

Complete and total lack of promotion?  No buzz until recently regarding the band coming in for a tour because they waited to schedule the UK date(s)? 

[Ziggy Stardust]

Man, some people did certainly get hopes WAY too high, i didn't even think it would make the top 10! imagine my surprise when Billboard said it was gonna be number 5 and now it's number 3, holy moly.

But thing is, it will probably be the last great/big chart performance of the band, with all the things that helped this success (Brian's Back, 50 anniversary, first album in 20 years..) that they won't be able to use again for another record, cause yeah, we all know at this point they're gonna make another one (Brian not wanting to call the album Summer's Gone and the success it's getting, ect).

[Shady]

The boys had it hard, up against the moms and the country people, literally the two demo's who still buy CD's 

[Jason]

Astonishing. And the Brits could only struggle up to #15...what gives?

Complete and total lack of promotion?  No buzz until recently regarding the band coming in for a tour because they waited to schedule the UK date(s)? 

Well, you guys all tout yourselves as "TEH BEST FANS EVAR"...I just thought a #1 would have been in your reach!

I am kidding with my xenophobia. This is a great achievement for the band.

[JohnMill]

Astonishing. And the Brits could only struggle up to #15...what gives?

Complete and total lack of promotion?  No buzz until recently regarding the band coming in for a tour because they waited to schedule the UK date(s)? 

Well, you guys all tout yourselves as "TEH BEST FANS EVAR"...I just thought a #1 would have been in your reach!

I am kidding with my xenophobia. This is a great achievement for the band.

Hey I'm American.  So don't blame me for the sins of the fatherland! 

[JohnMill]

Man, some people did certainly get hopes WAY too high, i didn't even think it would make the top 10! imagine my surprise when Billboard said it was gonna be number 5 and now it's number 3, holy moly.

But thing is, it will probably be the last great/big chart performance of the band, with all the things that helped this success (Brian's Back, 50 anniversary, first album in 20 years..) that they won't be able to use again for another record, cause yeah, we all know at this point they're gonna make another one (Brian not wanting to call the album Summer's Gone and the success it's getting, ect).

Eh I would say another top ten isn't out of their reach if promoted properly.  The good news is in this day and age there are many different avenues to get the music out to the public.  If The Beach Boys put on a full court press again they could scrape the top ten with their next release.  I'm actually really interested to see where this upcoming box set places.  Box sets usually aren't big sellers but if aimed at the Christmas market and rolling off the back of a successful tour I think it could do more than adequate numbers.  The thing is though, I think that new "hits" package that was being talked about being released later on this year as well is going to take some numbers away from the box although that probably won't matter except to us diehards who are probably more interested in seeing future archival releases rather than future hits packages.

[Zach95]

Man, some people did certainly get hopes WAY too high, i didn't even think it would make the top 10! imagine my surprise when Billboard said it was gonna be number 5 and now it's number 3, holy moly.

But thing is, it will probably be the last great/big chart performance of the band, with all the things that helped this success (Brian's Back, 50 anniversary, first album in 20 years..) that they won't be able to use again for another record, cause yeah, we all know at this point they're gonna make another one (Brian not wanting to call the album Summer's Gone and the success it's getting, ect).

Eh I would say another top ten isn't out of their reach if promoted properly.  The good news is in this day and age there are many different avenues to get the music out to the public.  If The Beach Boys put on a full court press again they could scrape the top ten with their next release.  I'm actually really interested to see where this upcoming box set places.  Box sets usually aren't big sellers but if aimed at the Christmas market and rolling off the back of a successful tour I think it could do more than adequate numbers.  The thing is though, I think that new "hits" package that was being talked about being released later on this year as well is going to take some numbers away from the box although that probably won't matter except to us diehards who are probably more interested in seeing future archival releases rather than future hits packages.

I'd go as far to say that Hits package might chart pretty high, considering the demographic they're selling to.

[Ziggy Stardust]

Man, some people did certainly get hopes WAY too high, i didn't even think it would make the top 10! imagine my surprise when Billboard said it was gonna be number 5 and now it's number 3, holy moly.

But thing is, it will probably be the last great/big chart performance of the band, with all the things that helped this success (Brian's Back, 50 anniversary, first album in 20 years..) that they won't be able to use again for another record, cause yeah, we all know at this point they're gonna make another one (Brian not wanting to call the album Summer's Gone and the success it's getting, ect).

Eh I would say another top ten isn't out of their reach if promoted properly.  The good news is in this day and age there are many different avenues to get the music out to the public.  If The Beach Boys put on a full court press again they could scrape the top ten with their next release.  I'm actually really interested to see where this upcoming box set places.  Box sets usually aren't big sellers but if aimed at the Christmas market and rolling off the back of a successful tour I think it could do more than adequate numbers.  The thing is though, I think that new "hits" package that was being talked about being released later on this year as well is going to take some numbers away from the box although that probably won't matter except to us diehards who are probably more interested in seeing future archival releases rather than future hits packages.

Well yeah probably could make the top ten again (after all the music in general these days doesn't sell that much, as we all know..) but just sayin', this is probably the highest they'll get! tho it is far good enough obviously, best since what, 1965? it's incredible, i bet they are mindblown.

But hey you know, with all the things that came in before they got back for that album, like the official release of SMiLE, i thought they would totally gain confidence again and take it as a relief, take the opportunity to try something as experimental and artistic again.. tho they're almost in their 70's, just thought it was natural for Biran you know, after he did TLOS in 2008 : not that long ago..

And tho there is some nice moments (Life Suite obviously comes close to that idea) it still has some "safe" moments, so now that the album has a really big success, prehaps we can hope for more on the next album.. but heh, i'm just sayin' this like i don't care that much, i'm still happy how this is workin' for the band and how the album turned out to be, it's all good and exciting.

Tho there is this whole great Life Suite on the album and other interesting songs,

[Landlocked]

I'm happy for them but I'd also be lying if I didn't say that I'm disappointed. I wanted a #1. I actually came to expect a #2. I didn't see #3. Fug you, Country-man Jackson. I hate you and your stupid cowboy hats and your songs about women with black eyes but strong wills. (Note: I've never seen Alan Jackson, nor heard his songs, but I'm fairly confident my description is accurate).

I'm also not that impressed by #3. Why? (a) Because this album was promoted pretty damn well, (b) their target demographic consists of people who still actually pay for music, and (c) it was a big deal because they hadn't made an album in a very long time, (d) it had the whole "this is a comeback that we're making against all odds!" Rocky-style thing going for it, and (e) because this was obviously something Brian was heavily involved in, and considering he's currently riding a pretty high crest with the hip crowd, that should have given them at least a few more sales with groups outside of their target demographic.

#3's great, but I definite expected 2 and wanted 1.

[18thofMay]

I'm happy for them but I'd also be lying if I didn't say that I'm disappointed. I wanted a #1. I actually came to expect a #2. I didn't see #3. Fug you, Country-man Jackson. I hate you and your stupid cowboy hats and your songs about women with black eyes but strong wills. (Note: I've never seen Alan Jackson, nor heard his songs, but I'm fairly confident my description is accurate).

I'm also not that impressed by #3. Why? (a) Because this album was promoted pretty damn well, (b) their target demographic consists of people who still actually pay for music, and (c) it was a big deal because they hadn't made an album in a very long time, (d) it had the whole "this is a comeback that we're making against all odds!" Rocky-style thing going for it, and (e) because this was obviously something Brian was heavily involved in, and considering he's currently riding a pretty high crest with the hip crowd, that should have given them at least a few more sales with groups outside of their target demographic.

#3's great, but I definite expected 2 and wanted 1.

No his songs are about , lonely rides, sweet hearts gone but not forgotten, someones eyes, missing dogs and living tough but with a gentle soul!

[Jonathan Blum]

Astonishing. And the Brits could only struggle up to #15...what gives?

No QVC or concert sales in the UK.

#3...  I don't know what universe I've fallen into, but I like it here!

Cheers,
Jon Blum

[Wirestone]

Astonishing. And the Brits could only struggle up to #15...what gives?

No QVC or concert sales in the UK.

#3...  I don't know what universe I've fallen into, but I like it here!

Cheers,
Jon Blum

From the looks of it, though, they didn't even need QVC to make it to #3. They would have gotten there on their own.

[Justin]

I'm happy for them but I'd also be lying if I didn't say that I'm disappointed. I wanted a #1. I actually came to expect a #2. I didn't see #3. Fug you, Country-man Jackson. I hate you and your stupid cowboy hats and your songs about women with black eyes but strong wills. (Note: I've never seen Alan Jackson, nor heard his songs, but I'm fairly confident my description is accurate).

Shame.

[Summertime Blooz]

To put things in their proper historical perspective, TWGMTR has a long way to go to even reach the sales numbers of Still Cruisin' which was certified gold in '89 and platinum in '03. Talk of being their biggest album since the '60s is way premature. Here's an interesting page with the BBs RIAA certifications:

http://www.btinternet.com/~bellagio/Riaa.html

[Wirestone]

To put things in their proper historical perspective, TWGMTR has a long way to go to even reach the sales numbers of Still Cruisin' which was certified gold in '89 and platinum in '03. Talk of being their biggest album since the '60s is way premature. Here's an interesting page with the BBs RIAA certifications:

http://www.btinternet.com/~bellagio/Riaa.html

"Proper" is relative. No albums today sell like albums in the '80s. Or albums in the '60s. Does that mean sales records for all albums sold in the last decade are worthless?

Of course not. The placings are the placings. This is the highest charting BB studio album since "Summer Days." Period.

[Les Chan]

# 3... Awesome  indeed!!

We ,the fans , are amazing!  The product is good and the marketing so far has been out of this world!

Anyone know sales figures for Stars and Strips  and Summer In Paradise?

[18thofMay]

To put things in their proper historical perspective, TWGMTR has a long way to go to even reach the sales numbers of Still Cruisin' which was certified gold in '89 and platinum in '03. Talk of being their biggest album since the '60s is way premature. Here's an interesting page with the BBs RIAA certifications:

http://www.btinternet.com/~bellagio/Riaa.html

PERSPECTIVE

[Andrew G. Doe]

Highest chart peak for a new Beach Boys album since 1965. Awesome news! I hope B Dub is pumped.

Exactly. How can anyone find that disappointing?

I know, I know, but for the last few days we all got sucked in to the thought we could have a number 1, admit it

Speak for yourself, but not for me, please.

[absinthe_boy]

I don't think you can compare sales numbers in 1965 or even 1985 with 2012.

All you can say is that TWGMTR was the 3rd best selling album in the USA last week. And that is better than most of us expected. It was the 15th best selling in the UK, without any tour, TV spots and with little in the way of promotion.

Just imagine yourself two years ago....if you had been told that Brian would return to the Beach Boys for a reunion tour you'd probably not be too surprised. If you'd also been told that a somewhat Brian-lead album would be produced, with him co-writing most of the songs....that said album would not suck and would actually contain a few genuinely great tracks....and that it would debut at #3....you'd have thought the person telling you was smoking something.

It is a real achievement for a band who's members are all around 70 years old, who may well not be relevant to 'youth', to score such a hit.

[The Heartical Don]

I don't think you can compare sales numbers in 1965 or even 1985 with 2012.

All you can say is that TWGMTR was the 3rd best selling album in the USA last week. And that is better than most of us expected. It was the 15th best selling in the UK, without any tour, TV spots and with little in the way of promotion.

Just imagine yourself two years ago....if you had been told that Brian would return to the Beach Boys for a reunion tour you'd probably not be too surprised. If you'd also been told that a somewhat Brian-lead album would be produced, with him co-writing most of the songs....that said album would not suck and would actually contain a few genuinely great tracks....and that it would debut at #3....you'd have thought the person telling you was smoking something.

It is a real achievement for a band who's members are all around 70 years old, who may well not be relevant to 'youth', to score such a hit.

+1,000

[AndrewHickey]

Highest chart peak for a new Beach Boys album since 1965. Awesome news! I hope B Dub is pumped.

Exactly. How can anyone find that disappointing?

I know, I know, but for the last few days we all got sucked in to the thought we could have a number 1, admit it

Speak for yourself, but not for me, please.

Totally agreed here. There is nothing more annoying than "admit it, you really think like me about this!".

Personally, I don't really care how the album does sales-wise, except insofar as it affects whether the band make any more albums, but I'm glad for them and think number three is more than impressive.

As for the UK chart placing being lower, that only makes sense -- the band have been touring the US for the last six weeks, have appeared on some of the most popular TV shows, played to crowds of hundreds of thousands at some of the biggest festivals, had their own special on PBS, did an hour on QVC... the UK promotion has consisted of a few newspaper reviews and some radio play of the single. That's still been enough to get a *lot* of people who would not normally even consider a new Beach Boys album to buy it, but it's not on the same level.

[TV Forces]

The Beach Boys can blame their own fans for the album not going to #1.  If more of the folks spending $100 on tickets would have spent $7.99 on their new album, it would be an easy chart topper for sure.

Too bad most of the crowds are greatest hits crowds..  Us hardcores can't get the job done on our own.

[Ziggy Stardust]

lol..

[Andrew G. Doe]

The Beach Boys can blame their own fans for the album not going to #1.  If more of the folks spending $100 on tickets would have spent $7.99 on their new album, it would be an easy chart topper for sure.

Too bad most of the crowds are greatest hits crowds..  Us hardcores can't get the job done on our own.

Sir, you are a fool and a buffoon.

[shelter]

The Beach Boys can blame their own fans for the album not going to #1.  If more of the folks spending $100 on tickets would have spent $7.99 on their new album, it would be an easy chart topper for sure.

Too bad most of the crowds are greatest hits crowds..  Us hardcores can't get the job done on our own.

First of all: a new album by a group of mostly 70 year olds going to #3 is incredible. That almost never happens. Being dissapointed because it didn't go to #1 is kinda like winning 10 million in the lottery and complaining that you didn't win 11 million. There are people with problems far, far worse than the fact that their new album went to #3 instead of #1.

Second: are you really going to blame people for giving "just" 100 instead of 108 of their hard-earned dollars to a bunch of multi-millionaires?