Al Jardine Appreciation

[Dunderhead]

As Beach Boys fans, each of us connects to the personalities behind the band in different ways, but the sense of fraternity which unites them together is something everyone can relate to. We know Brian, and Carl, and Dennis and Johnston, and perhaps the most infamous Beach Boy of all, Mike Love, who's exploits are often recalled, but where does Al fit into things?

I don't know if I'm being a bit too liberal here with regards to taste, but I genuinely enjoy Postcards From California, I enjoy it above many of even Brian Wilson's solo offerings. It's probably no coincidence that the record store day appearance by Al available on youtube is also one of my favorite Beach Boys' related clips. Al's long been one of the group's standout vocalists (in a group where every member is a standout vocalist ironically), and though not especially brilliant, many of his compositions and demos from the 70s are worthy of recognition regardless.

I was wondering if anyone here who's met him could take the time to share some stories with us. Otherwise, I invite posters to chime in with their own opinions of Al's place within the band, his legacy and personality and just in general what type of guy you think he might be.
 

[JanBerryFarm]

Al was the greatest, because he eats desert before the main meal.

and he looked better in a A-fuel Dragster than Michael Dukakis looked in an army tank. 

[MBE]

Couldn't be nicer when we've talked, haven't spent a great deal of time with him but he makes a great first impression. As far as the band he added a cool folk country vibe, impeccible singing, and is excellent on stage. He is a great talent, and that he could hold his work proudly alongside the work of the Wilson's and Love says a lot.

[Don Malcolm]

My favorite story about Al is one that I've read from several sources, usually phrased "Don't let Al order first when you go to a restaurant."

Because more often than not--in fact almost always--when he hears what the next person orders, he will change his mind and order what they're ordering.

Apparently it's gotten to the point where he winds up ordering his initial choice after the last person to order chooses Al's initial selection!

Of course, a fantastic singer, who deserved more leads than he got. Just love the way he nails "Honkin' Down The Highway"!!

[mabewa]

Al rules.  And that fact that he is kinda goofy makes him even more endearing to me. 

[Pretty Funky]

I was about to type something about Al but I can't remember my opening line!

[ontor pertawst]

"Al Jardine" would be a great name for a sandwich, too. What kind of sandwich, tho?

"Let me have an Al Jardine on wheat..."

[halblaineisgood]

 this is a real nutbuster...trying to quickly come up with a funny ingredient for the Al Jardine.

[halblaineisgood]

horse meat?

EDIT It's a damn shame 

[halblaineisgood]

Hearing Al Jardine's voice in the harmony blend, that always makes me very happy. That powerful voice. He seems like a nice guy. If I were forced at gunpoint to dine with the Beach Boy of my choice, it'd probably be Al Jardine.

[Aegir]

Al's cool. His solo album annoys me though. I still listened to it a bunch when it first came out all those years ago.

[SamMcK]

Al would probably be the coolest to hang out with I imagine.

[halblaineisgood]

Remember in Doin' It Again where Dave demonstrates some of his guitar parts -- It'd be neat to see Al doin' that.  I desire deeper understanding of Al Jardine, the guitarist. Who is he?

[halblaineisgood]

Probably a simple answer. Just about as basic as an accompanist gets?

[Aegir]

there's this great video that might still be on youtube of Al at some awards show and there's a  bunch of guitarists who all do little short solo to introduce themselves, people like Tom Petty and Chuck Berry and Hubert Sumlin (these are just examples, might not have been the actual personel). and then they say, "and Al Jardine of the Beach Boys!" and he plays the worst solo. it's cute.

[buddhahat]

Yeah watching Al at the Wembley gig, I was struck by how youthful he seemed in his movements and general energy levels compared to the others. He seems the healthiest and his voice is certainly the least weathered. The songs with his leads were the real touchstones - the ones that transported me back and made me realise that this was the real deal. Watching the Jools Holland show I thought it was a missed opportunity not giving Al at least one lead. I can't understand why Brian was given all the leads on that show.

I think he's written or co written some of the best songs in the catalogue too: California, Take A Load Off Your Feet, All This Is That, Kona Coast, Crack At Your Love. Ok those last two are contentious, but I love 'em!

Watching the new Brian Wilson songwriter doc I had a moment of panic. One of the talking heads, Barney Hoskyns I think, prounounces the surname with a hard 'I' sound as in 'dine' out. It's Jardine like sardine right? een. Or have I been saying it wrong all these years?!

[Aegir]

yeah, it's like sardine. that's how the other members of the band pronounce it.

[hypehat]

Love Al Jardine. After all, he's the man who told us Smile was coming out.

[BergenWhitesMoustache]

there's this great video that might still be on youtube of Al at some awards show and there's a  bunch of guitarists who all do little short solo to introduce themselves, people like Tom Petty and Chuck Berry and Hubert Sumlin (these are just examples, might not have been the actual personel). and then they say, "and Al Jardine of the Beach Boys!" and he plays the worst solo. it's cute.

would love to see this if anyone manages to find it. I faied.

Yeah, Al was the total highlight of Wembley for me, and cosine on it being stupid not to have given him a vocal on Jools Holland. I enjoy seeing Brian, but I've been to loads of the solo shows, and y'know, despite some fanboy bluster to the contrary (The Beach Boys are hitting their peak! He sounds just like he did in 1965), his voice isn't always comfortable listening.

Was super happy to hear Al do wouldn't it be nice. Wished he'd done 'Heroes' as well! All of the ones he inherited from Brian back in the day. Not 'don't worry baby though' (carnegie '72 related murdering)

[Rocky Raccoon]

Not 'don't worry baby though' (carnegie '72 related murdering)

Al nailed "Don't Worry Baby" on the '73 live album.

[Nicko]

Al has always been one of my very favorite members of the band and remains an excellent Singer. I like quite a few of the songs that he wrote and I think he did a good job of lroducing the vocals on MIU. He also helped the bands popularity outside the U. S. with Cottonfields and Lady Lynda.

It's a shame that his efforts since 1998 have been an exercise in how not to have a solo career. And that prior to this reunion that he had wasted so many years.

[runnersdialzero]

Tried Al Jardine, but I knew he wouldn't do.

[Letsgoawayforawhile]

Smallest member, biggest voice!
I just wish him and Brian worked together more.
I really love Wake The World.

[BergenWhitesMoustache]

Not 'don't worry baby though' (carnegie '72 related murdering)

Al nailed "Don't Worry Baby" on the '73 live album.

Aha...that's the one I'm talking about. It's just too high for him, imo of course.

[Gregg]

One thing I don;t hear mentioned much regarding Al is he usually had probably the more difficult background vocals to sing. He usually took the part right below Brian's, which was often times right in that break point in the male voice. Not quite falsetto but not full voice either. His skillful singing was essential to their vocal blend.

He was also a man of many different voices. He had his bright, cutting lead voice, he could sound like Brian at times, and then he could blend in the background vocal mix so well it was sometimes hard to pick out his voice and recognize it as him.

And he seems to still be able to do all of this equally as well today!