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Author Topic: 3 (Potential) Brian Wilson LPs  (Read 41125 times)
Sheriff John Stone
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« Reply #125 on: June 23, 2013, 06:12:03 PM »

The one comment I will make in regards to "The Beach Boys" and these new Wilson recordings is just this:  While I respect (although not necessarily agree) with Mike Love's decision not to go forward with the C50, the fact that Brian Wilson might be going through one of his most creative and prolific phases of his career right now could leave a lot of egg on the face of those who chose not to forge ahead with the C50.  "The Beach Boys" could've been the beneficiary of a mother load of great Brian Wilson songs and that opportunity has now for all intents and purposes passed.  The thing is I doubt Mike Love even cares, he's happy touring the circuit with his incarnation of "The Beach Boys" and that is just fine I suppose.

I basically agree with your comments, but this has been going on in varying degrees since Brian began releasing solo recordings in 1987. Every time Brian would announce a new solo project, the announcement included something about Brian being in this great place, going through another creative phase, and writing some of the best songs of his career. And, the Beach Boys - in some configuration - were standing there, waiting in the wings, wishing/hoping that Brian would be sharing this new music WITH THEM. Well, he never did, and, in a few weeks the hype of that particular solo project faded, the music turned out to be NOT what it was hyped to be, and we got another ultimately disappointing album.

I agree with you, JohnMill, the Beach Boys could've, and in my opinion, should've benefited from those Brian Wilson songs, at least the 4-5 cream of the crop ones. If you take the stronger BW songs and fill in the album with contributions from the rest of group (including Carl Wilson when he was alive), the Brian Wilson solo albums had a much better chance of succeeding, critically and comercially. Just by adding the Beach Boys' voices to the BW solo songs would've improved them significantly.

I get your point about Mike Love no longer caring. I think I know what you're getting at, but I'm not sure "caring" is the accurate term. I think Mike still cares; I also think he is disappointed that things didn't work out with Brian - again. But, things have changed. While there was a time when Mike Love was happy to just be working - in any capacity - with Brian Wilson, that no longer appears to be true. In my opinion, Mike appears to have his own terms now, and if they're not met, he will pass. I think he still cares, but, probably because of "his history with Brian", Mike will only agree to his terms. And, that's too bad. For a lot of people.

Finally, I think Mike is looking at history in another aspect. With each Brian Wilson solo project, Mike had to read and hear all of the hype, including some negative things said about him and the Beach Boys. But, Mike and the guys waited it out, and, with very few exceptions, Brian's solo albums would come and go in a relatively short period of time and make little if no impact. I could picture Mike saying, "I told you so". I wouldn't be surprised if he feels the same way about this project. History is on his side...

Depends on what you mean by impact, I suppose. If by sales, then I guess so, although BWPS and TLOS both did well. If you're talking about general critical response and fan reaction, I'd say Brian has built up a solid body of work, easily outpacing anything the Beach Boys managed since the mid-70s, if not before. I'm not sure what disappointments you're talking about.

Yes, sales would be one aspect, a significant one. First, I would put at least one asterisk next to BWPS, and I honestly have no idea how many albums TLOS sold. And, yes, I am also referring to critical response and fan reaction. I've always felt that Brian's solo work was reviewed and judged with a more than usual sympathetic ear - for obvious reasons. While there were probably more positive than negative reviews, I've never viewed the overall critical response as "this is an excellent album that you must have". As far as impact, Brian Wilson as a solo artist has left a trail of once-and-done (and some two-and-done) deals/relationships with record companies. If the quality (and sales) were significant enough, he would not have been left to walk away.  

Frankly, I find the fan response to be positive at the beginning, but the enthusiasm quick to fade. On this board alone, compare the reception of Brian's solo albums with That's Why God Made The Radio. While there are several reasons for that discrepancy in (lasting) enthusiasm, I think quality is the main one. Are Brian's solo albums played after a period of time has passed, or are they put on the shelf and rarely re-visited? Honestly, if I would use a term to describe Brian's solo albums, I believe "disappointing" would be one that I and most Beach Boys' fans would use.

I respect but don't agree with your opinion and your evaluation of Brian's solo work, that it EASILY outpaces anything the Beach Boys managed since the mid-70's, and I flatly dismiss your comparison to "if not before". You know, I often wonder how much Brian really cares about his solo music. He has done a good job at introducing new material, devoting a significant portion of his concerts to it. But then that solo music seems to disappear and that pre mid-70's material (that you compared Brian's solo material to) seems to reclaim and eventually dominate the sets. That's another example of the impact, or lack of, of Brian's solo material. In my opinion, of course... police
« Last Edit: June 23, 2013, 06:18:55 PM by Sheriff John Stone » Logged
Jonathan Blum
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« Reply #126 on: June 23, 2013, 06:46:15 PM »

I basically agree with your comments, but this has been going on in varying degrees since Brian began releasing solo recordings in 1987. Every time Brian would announce a new solo project, the announcement included something about Brian being in this great place, going through another creative phase, and writing some of the best songs of his career. And, the Beach Boys - in some configuration - were standing there, waiting in the wings, wishing/hoping that Brian would be sharing this new music WITH THEM. Well, he never did, and, in a few weeks the hype of that particular solo project faded, the music turned out to be NOT what it was hyped to be, and we got another ultimately disappointing album.

...Except for all the times that we weren't disappointed.  When we got something as lovely as "Lucky Old Sun", or as polished as Gershwin.  (Which charted at 21 and 26, so, respectably.)

Quote
Finally, I think Mike is looking at history in another aspect. With each Brian Wilson solo project, Mike had to read and hear all of the hype, including some negative things said about him and the Beach Boys. But, Mike and the guys waited it out, and, with very few exceptions, Brian's solo albums would come and go in a relatively short period of time and make little if no impact. I could picture Mike saying, "I told you so". I wouldn't be surprised if he feels the same way about this project. History is on his side...

History has been saying for about a decade now that Brian is putting out a string of acclaimed, decently-selling solo albums, followed by the Beach Boys' best-charting album in 35 years.  Where exactly is the "told you so" in that?

Cheers,
Jon Blum
« Last Edit: June 23, 2013, 06:51:20 PM by Jonathan Blum » Logged
JohnMill
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« Reply #127 on: June 23, 2013, 07:02:00 PM »

The one comment I will make in regards to "The Beach Boys" and these new Wilson recordings is just this:  While I respect (although not necessarily agree) with Mike Love's decision not to go forward with the C50, the fact that Brian Wilson might be going through one of his most creative and prolific phases of his career right now could leave a lot of egg on the face of those who chose not to forge ahead with the C50.  "The Beach Boys" could've been the beneficiary of a mother load of great Brian Wilson songs and that opportunity has now for all intents and purposes passed.  The thing is I doubt Mike Love even cares, he's happy touring the circuit with his incarnation of "The Beach Boys" and that is just fine I suppose.

I basically agree with your comments, but this has been going on in varying degrees since Brian began releasing solo recordings in 1987. Every time Brian would announce a new solo project, the announcement included something about Brian being in this great place, going through another creative phase, and writing some of the best songs of his career. And, the Beach Boys - in some configuration - were standing there, waiting in the wings, wishing/hoping that Brian would be sharing this new music WITH THEM. Well, he never did, and, in a few weeks the hype of that particular solo project faded, the music turned out to be NOT what it was hyped to be, and we got another ultimately disappointing album.

I agree with you, JohnMill, the Beach Boys could've, and in my opinion, should've benefited from those Brian Wilson songs, at least the 4-5 cream of the crop ones. If you take the stronger BW songs and fill in the album with contributions from the rest of group (including Carl Wilson when he was alive), the Brian Wilson solo albums had a much better chance of succeeding, critically and comercially. Just by adding the Beach Boys' voices to the BW solo songs would've improved them significantly.

I get your point about Mike Love no longer caring. I think I know what you're getting at, but I'm not sure "caring" is the accurate term. I think Mike still cares; I also think he is disappointed that things didn't work out with Brian - again. But, things have changed. While there was a time when Mike Love was happy to just be working - in any capacity - with Brian Wilson, that no longer appears to be true. In my opinion, Mike appears to have his own terms now, and if they're not met, he will pass. I think he still cares, but, probably because of "his history with Brian", Mike will only agree to his terms. And, that's too bad. For a lot of people.

Finally, I think Mike is looking at history in another aspect. With each Brian Wilson solo project, Mike had to read and hear all of the hype, including some negative things said about him and the Beach Boys. But, Mike and the guys waited it out, and, with very few exceptions, Brian's solo albums would come and go in a relatively short period of time and make little if no impact. I could picture Mike saying, "I told you so". I wouldn't be surprised if he feels the same way about this project. History is on his side...

Depends on what you mean by impact, I suppose. If by sales, then I guess so, although BWPS and TLOS both did well. If you're talking about general critical response and fan reaction, I'd say Brian has built up a solid body of work, easily outpacing anything the Beach Boys managed since the mid-70s, if not before. I'm not sure what disappointments you're talking about.

Yes, sales would be one aspect, a significant one. First, I would put at least one asterisk next to BWPS, and I honestly have no idea how many albums TLOS sold. And, yes, I am also referring to critical response and fan reaction. I've always felt that Brian's solo work was reviewed and judged with a more than usual sympathetic ear - for obvious reasons. While there were probably more positive than negative reviews, I've never viewed the overall critical response as "this is an excellent album that you must have". As far as impact, Brian Wilson as a solo artist has left a trail of once-and-done (and some two-and-done) deals/relationships with record companies. If the quality (and sales) were significant enough, he would not have been left to walk away.  

Frankly, I find the fan response to be positive at the beginning, but the enthusiasm quick to fade. On this board alone, compare the reception of Brian's solo albums with That's Why God Made The Radio. While there are several reasons for that discrepancy in (lasting) enthusiasm, I think quality is the main one. Are Brian's solo albums played after a period of time has passed, or are they put on the shelf and rarely re-visited? Honestly, if I would use a term to describe Brian's solo albums, I believe "disappointing" would be one that I and most Beach Boys' fans would use.

I respect but don't agree with your opinion and your evaluation of Brian's solo work, that it EASILY outpaces anything the Beach Boys managed since the mid-70's, and I flatly dismiss your comparison to "if not before". You know, I often wonder how much Brian really cares about his solo music. He has done a good job at introducing new material, devoting a significant portion of his concerts to it. But then that solo music seems to disappear and that pre mid-70's material (that you compared Brian's solo material to) seems to reclaim and eventually dominate the sets. That's another example of the impact, or lack of, of Brian's solo material. In my opinion, of course... police

Lots of good stuff here.  First off in regards to Brian Wilson as a solo artist, I think he needs to be commended and given a huge amount of credit for at the very least helping if not full out driving the renaissance The Beach Boys' brand has undergone in the past ten years or so.  If Brian had never emerged once again as a solo artist we may have been very well left with the final image of The Beach Boys either individually or collectively being the horrid "Summer In Paradise" LP and Uncle Jesse belting out Beach Boys tunes on his sitcom.  While it's a subjective opinion I've always firmly believed that The Beach Boys have no business being featured on infomercials that hock sixties hits compilations featuring the one hit wonders of the decade.  Do you ever see Beatles songs or Stones songs featured on these releases?  No you don't but unfortunately the placement of The Beach Boys among these inferior acts is all too common in my opinion.  Anything Brian Wilson has done or is doing to change the public's perception that The Beach Boys' music belongs in the same category as those one hit wonders is fine by me.

Is his music better than anything that The Beach Boys have managed since the mid seventies?  Well any response will be subjective at best and probably the best objective answer I can manage at this time is it is hard to judge.  The reason being that so much of The Beach Boys' work specifically their material from the eighties onwards sounds very dated in 2013 and by dated I mean dated not nostalgic like some of their "car songs" and "surf songs" from the sixties sound.  Brian has some great songs on all of his solo albums in my opinion including the much maligned GIOMH and he also has ones that should've been relegated to the vault.  As it was mentioned before it's somewhat of a pity that The Beach Boys at the time some of these records were being issued couldn't work with Brian to condense some of the material, add in a few songs of their own and put out some strong records.  For example I would've loved to have heard some of the tracks that were on Carl Wilson's album with Beckley and Lamm such as "I Wish For You" on "Imagination".  Obviously that was not to be but it's hard to argue that it wouldn't have made for a stronger record.

Sheriff John Stone makes a great point when comparing TWGMTR with Brian's solo works.  Subjective again but quite honestly I can't tell you when I last pulled any of Brian's solo albums off my CD rack for a spin.  It's not that they are bad records but for some reason they don't seem to have an enduring quality to them.  TWGMTR on the other hand has been in constant rotation in my CD player since it was released and probably is still my favorite "new album" I've purchased.  Now that isn't to say that record doesn't have weak songs either as there are two tracks that I've barely listened to after their initial audition in my car stereo.  However the rest of the album in my opinion holds up well against the rest of The Beach Boys' catalog.

In the end personally I'm quite dismissive as to sales figures in regards to Brian Wilson or The Beach Boys for that matter.  We had a discussion a few months back about how Mike Love was apparently upset because TWGMTR didn't stay atop the charts for a very long period of time.  Most of us kind of dismissed that notion stating that few artists from The Beach Boys' era are able to maintain long runs of success at the top of the charts and are offered the consolation prizes of positive reviews and occasionally awards.  In an era where the album at least in my eyes is a dying breed, I don't put much stock in the charts anymore.  I expect the Brian Wilson album(s) to sell significantly less than TWGMTR just because Brian's name isn't as marketable as The Beach Boys brand.  But if the record(s) gets positive reviews from the critics and is embraced by the fanbase that in enough of itself should be viewed as a victory.
« Last Edit: June 23, 2013, 07:04:37 PM by JohnMill » Logged

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Sheriff John Stone
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« Reply #128 on: June 23, 2013, 07:03:17 PM »

Quote
Finally, I think Mike is looking at history in another aspect. With each Brian Wilson solo project, Mike had to read and hear all of the hype, including some negative things said about him and the Beach Boys. But, Mike and the guys waited it out, and, with very few exceptions, Brian's solo albums would come and go in a relatively short period of time and make little if no impact. I could picture Mike saying, "I told you so". I wouldn't be surprised if he feels the same way about this project. History is on his side...

History has been saying for about a decade now that Brian is putting out a string of acclaimed, decently-selling solo albums, followed by the Beach Boys' best-charting album in 35 years.  Where exactly is the "told you so" in that?

Cheers,
Jon Blum

In my opinion, I doubt that Mike Love views Brian's solo albums as acclaimed. Hyped maybe, but not acclaimed. In the end, when the dust settles (literally) on Brian's solo albums, they will have had little or no impact, other than on Brian's attempt to sustain a solo career. In Mike's view, and in the view of many other Beach Boys' fans, the main impact was that the solo material would've been better served on a Beach Boys' album.

As far as decently-selling solo albums, Jon, I honestly don't know the sales figures. I don't THINK Brian's solo albums sold decently at all, but I guess it depends on what you consider decent.
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JohnMill
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« Reply #129 on: June 23, 2013, 07:07:10 PM »

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Finally, I think Mike is looking at history in another aspect. With each Brian Wilson solo project, Mike had to read and hear all of the hype, including some negative things said about him and the Beach Boys. But, Mike and the guys waited it out, and, with very few exceptions, Brian's solo albums would come and go in a relatively short period of time and make little if no impact. I could picture Mike saying, "I told you so". I wouldn't be surprised if he feels the same way about this project. History is on his side...

History has been saying for about a decade now that Brian is putting out a string of acclaimed, decently-selling solo albums, followed by the Beach Boys' best-charting album in 35 years.  Where exactly is the "told you so" in that?

Cheers,
Jon Blum

In my opinion, I doubt that Mike Love views Brian's solo albums as acclaimed. Hyped maybe, but not acclaimed. In the end, when the dust settles (literally) on Brian's solo albums, they will have had little or no impact, other than on Brian's attempt to sustain a solo career. In Mike's view, and in the view of many other Beach Boys' fans, the main impact was that the solo material would've been better served on a Beach Boys' album.

Something doesn't jive there so maybe you can clear it up for me.  If in your opinion Mike Love feels that Brian's solo material would be better serviced as Beach Boys recordings rather than solo efforts than why did he stomp the C50 potentially putting a halt on what may have been the biggest opportunity The Beach Boys had to strike while the iron was hot in decades?
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« Reply #130 on: June 23, 2013, 07:14:18 PM »

The one comment I will make in regards to "The Beach Boys" and these new Wilson recordings is just this:  While I respect (although not necessarily agree) with Mike Love's decision not to go forward with the C50, the fact that Brian Wilson might be going through one of his most creative and prolific phases of his career right now could leave a lot of egg on the face of those who chose not to forge ahead with the C50.  

It already is.  Let's face it, ANYYYYYTHING Brian comes up with is 10X better than what Mike would come up with.  I love Mike, wish he was along for the ride, but he knows full well what he's giving up. 
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« Reply #131 on: June 23, 2013, 07:17:44 PM »

That Lucky Old Sun is great except for the spoken parts. A little choppy yes, a bit poppy, but very good overall.

I think BWRG is pretty "Brian by numbers". It sounds like they are going for 1966 Brian and not getting close. Listen to Sharon Marie's "Summertime" and the one from the solo LP. The first is spooky, goes into odd places, is innovative in its very simplicity. The recent version sounds like someone going for "Brian Wilson" rather than Brian Wilson himself. Disney isn't worthy of comment, GIOMH is bad but not as bad maybe as Andrew thinks.

All the work with Andy Paley was pretty good. Joe Thomas...well TWGNTR is basically good, the previous stuff he did isn't. I didn't mind the auto tune so much, on vinyl it sounds darn good. BWPS helped the final Beach Boys version happen but doesn't hold a candle to the 1966-67 vocals because Brian's special voice is gone and the other guys were also terrific. Domenic Priore and I differ respectfully on a few things but he is right when he says these were the Beach Boys best vocals ever. Listen to Brian imitating a horn on the "Vegetables" tag. Simply fantastic!

I like the Xmas LP for some reason. The live albums so so/ OCA is not my style nor do I like the vocals. Soundtrack is mediocre but the 1988 remakes and the Still I dream Of It demo were truely worth hearing.
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Sheriff John Stone
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« Reply #132 on: June 23, 2013, 07:18:32 PM »

Quote
Finally, I think Mike is looking at history in another aspect. With each Brian Wilson solo project, Mike had to read and hear all of the hype, including some negative things said about him and the Beach Boys. But, Mike and the guys waited it out, and, with very few exceptions, Brian's solo albums would come and go in a relatively short period of time and make little if no impact. I could picture Mike saying, "I told you so". I wouldn't be surprised if he feels the same way about this project. History is on his side...

History has been saying for about a decade now that Brian is putting out a string of acclaimed, decently-selling solo albums, followed by the Beach Boys' best-charting album in 35 years.  Where exactly is the "told you so" in that?

Cheers,
Jon Blum

In my opinion, I doubt that Mike Love views Brian's solo albums as acclaimed. Hyped maybe, but not acclaimed. In the end, when the dust settles (literally) on Brian's solo albums, they will have had little or no impact, other than on Brian's attempt to sustain a solo career. In Mike's view, and in the view of many other Beach Boys' fans, the main impact was that the solo material would've been better served on a Beach Boys' album.

Something doesn't jive there so maybe you can clear it up for me.  If in your opinion Mike Love feels that Brian's solo material would be better serviced as Beach Boys recordings rather than solo efforts than why did he stomp the C50 potentially putting a halt on what may have been the biggest opportunity The Beach Boys had to strike while the iron was hot in decades?

I can only guess but I'm sure it will all come out eventually. I think Mike has a list of demands for future Beach Boys' recordings, and at the top of that list is more lyrical and concept contribution from Mike himself. I don't think Mike has a problem with the music that Brian has produced, he probably likes it. And, Mike probably still wants to turn it into Beach Boys' music, but on HIS (Mike's) terms. I would think that Mike thinks he could improve it, you know, by adding his touch like he did so many times in the past. I don't think Mike got his way, and an opportunity for another Beach Boys' album was lost.
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« Reply #133 on: June 23, 2013, 07:19:30 PM »

After reading through a few more comments I realized I must have strayed into Bizzaro World again... in Bizarro world, Brian Wilson hasn't made a good song in 30 years, in Bizarro world, Brian's only value is if he writes a song that has 'beach boys' on it even though half of them are dead.

In the world I'm usually in, Brian Wilson is considered a genius and has been pretty consistantly writing great songs, touring the world, and enjoying critical success for the last 10 years.  
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« Reply #134 on: June 23, 2013, 07:30:36 PM »

Quote
Finally, I think Mike is looking at history in another aspect. With each Brian Wilson solo project, Mike had to read and hear all of the hype, including some negative things said about him and the Beach Boys. But, Mike and the guys waited it out, and, with very few exceptions, Brian's solo albums would come and go in a relatively short period of time and make little if no impact. I could picture Mike saying, "I told you so". I wouldn't be surprised if he feels the same way about this project. History is on his side...

History has been saying for about a decade now that Brian is putting out a string of acclaimed, decently-selling solo albums, followed by the Beach Boys' best-charting album in 35 years.  Where exactly is the "told you so" in that?

Cheers,
Jon Blum

In my opinion, I doubt that Mike Love views Brian's solo albums as acclaimed. Hyped maybe, but not acclaimed. In the end, when the dust settles (literally) on Brian's solo albums, they will have had little or no impact, other than on Brian's attempt to sustain a solo career. In Mike's view, and in the view of many other Beach Boys' fans, the main impact was that the solo material would've been better served on a Beach Boys' album.

Something doesn't jive there so maybe you can clear it up for me.  If in your opinion Mike Love feels that Brian's solo material would be better serviced as Beach Boys recordings rather than solo efforts than why did he stomp the C50 potentially putting a halt on what may have been the biggest opportunity The Beach Boys had to strike while the iron was hot in decades?

I can only guess but I'm sure it will all come out eventually. I think Mike has a list of demands for future Beach Boys' recordings, and at the top of that list is more lyrical and concept contribution from Mike himself. I don't think Mike has a problem with the music that Brian has produced, he probably likes it. And, Mike probably still wants to turn it into Beach Boys' music, but on HIS (Mike's) terms. I would think that Mike thinks he could improve it, you know, by adding his touch like he did so many times in the past. I don't think Mike got his way, and an opportunity for another Beach Boys' album was lost.

It's impossible for me to ascertain whether or not Mike Love could actually contribute anything lyrically to a Brian Wilson song that would improve it just due to the fact that M&B don't release new original material of their own.  Mike Love was a great contributor to many of The Beach Boys' hits back in the sixties a fact that was pretty much obscured for years by some stealth maneuvering on the part of Murray Wilson.  But to quote another forum member that was "A LONG time ago, in a galaxy far,far away...."

Now subjectively I think one thing that Mike, Al, Bruce and Dave could contribute to Brian's records at this stage in his career in an immensely positive way is the vocal blend that was accomplished on TWGMTR.  I'm not sure if I'm the only one who feels like this but to me the vocals on that record seemed a lot tighter and more fluid than any of Brian's solo efforts.  It seems that in that case at least "The whole was greater than the sum of it's parts" as the boys were able to really cover for each other's shortcomings when it came to putting forth vocals for TWGMTR that really were solid in every respect.  I know it might be blasphemy to some to even suggest this but I wonder if Brian had recruited The Beach Boys (assuming the all parties would've been willing) for BWPS instead of the musicians that he used would we be viewing that record differently than we do today?  Would it hold up better to the original sixties SMiLE recordings than BWPS does?

Yeah alternate universe scenarios bug me too  Cheesy so I'm out for now.  Wishing Brian Wilson the best on all fronts and hope that birthday cake was as delicious as it looked. 
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« Reply #135 on: June 23, 2013, 08:06:07 PM »

Jardine singing ooh  na na over Brian's layered harmonies and Beck's 12 string guitar.  Now I'm starting to get excited...

Isn't it ridiculous how easy we're all getting?  This is how they described the song

 - Al Jardine's lyrics are "oooh na na na boo boo"

 - Brian wilson produced it and wrote it

 - Jeff Beck plays a guitar on it and he's really good

 - It's spooky


And we're all "BRIAN, TAKE MY 15 DOLLARS BEFORE ANYBODY ELSE, I WANNA HEAR IT FIRST!!! TAKE MY 15 DOLLARS BRIAN!!!!"

well I don't think I'm easy, particularly since I haven't really cared much for most of Brian's solo output. But I guess you know me better than  I do...
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« Reply #136 on: June 23, 2013, 08:17:45 PM »

myKe luHv's "touch" is not a necessary ingredient in any Brian project. I hope to listen to all future BW product without any participation whatsoever from luHv. Here's hoping that Brian fully distances himself from any further association from him altogether.
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« Reply #137 on: June 23, 2013, 08:26:59 PM »

After reading through a few more comments I realized I must have strayed into Bizzaro World again... in Bizarro world, Brian Wilson hasn't made a good song in 30 years, in Bizarro world, Brian's only value is if he writes a song that has 'beach boys' on it even though half of them are dead.

In the world I'm usually in, Brian Wilson is considered a genius and has been pretty consistantly writing great songs, touring the world, and enjoying critical success for the last 10 years.  

Thanks, Ron. I've missed ya, buddy.
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« Reply #138 on: June 23, 2013, 08:30:44 PM »

And the Gershwin album is really amazing. To say it's Brian by the numbers boggles my mind. Where has Brian ever recorded numbers that sound like the Porgy and Bess suite that kicks off the record? It's lush and dramatic and humorous and, at least to my ears, unlike anything he's done before.

Okay, so he did a couple of shuffle numbers. Which he's done consistently album after album since the 60s, right? Oh wait, he hadn't done one since the 60s. My bad.
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« Reply #139 on: June 23, 2013, 08:36:20 PM »

And the Gershwin album is really amazing. To say it's Brian by the numbers boggles my mind. Where has Brian ever recorded numbers that sound like the Porgy and Bess suite that kicks off the record? It's lush and dramatic and humorous and, at least to my ears, unlike anything he's done before.

Okay, so he did a couple of shuffle numbers. Which he's done consistently album after album since the 60s, right? Oh wait, he hadn't done one since the 60s. My bad.
I don't like it, give me 1961-74 Brian any day over it. He's good sometimes since then, but if the pre 1975 did not exist I would not take notice of him. Frankly it's cool Brian has hardcore fans, but it's not cool if they don't accept that not everyone is enamored by some of his music mid seventies to present. I respect your taste, but lately this whole board seems based on shouting people down. It's becoming a bully pulpit for Brian fanatics.
« Last Edit: June 23, 2013, 08:39:36 PM by Mike Eder » Logged
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« Reply #140 on: June 23, 2013, 08:44:42 PM »

So, here's my take on all this. I've been buying Brian Wilson solo albums for a while now, and I gotta admit that with nearly all of them, besides his solo debut album, they are exciting to listen to at first, but get old pretty fast. Even with That Lucky Old Sun, I just don't think it's as great as everybody says it is, although as a collection as songs, it was probably his best since the debut. By the time the Disney album came out, I didn't even bother to buy it, even though I was super excited for SMiLE to come out. The only thing that kept me somewhat excited about more current work by Brian was how great he sounded on the Buddy Holly cover, "Listen To Me".

So basically it was that, combined with the fact that he would have the other Beach Boys voices, that made me excited about That's Why God Made The Radio. Well anyways, I get the album and to this day, I still listen to it pretty regularly. To me it just seems like the best thing that Brian or the group as a whole has done since Brian's debut, or maybe even L.A. (Light Album). And I think the reason it works so well is that Brian brought some great songs to the table, but also equally how great Brian's songs sound with Al Jardine, Mike Love and Bruce Johnston singing them. That's what puts over the top. When Brian has these guys to work with, he has a larger palette to choose from, and it gives both the songs and the album as a whole more depth, more variety. Something like "From There To Back Again" probably wouldn't work again if it was Brian singing it straight through, but when you have Al and Brian both taking a lead, then Mike with his part and also group harmonies, it lifts it into the stratosphere. And that's just not something you can get with anybody. It's Brian Wilson writing great material and having some of the best voices around to work with.

So that's why I was really hoping for another Beach Boys album. And that's why I'm disappointed with Mike Love, because I felt that we are missing out on another chance to hear a great writer working some of the best voices in the business. But anyways, it is very heartening to hear that Al Jardine have some involvement in Brian's new album. Because Al's voice worked great on the few chances he had on TWGMTR, and I'm sure if given the chance again, he will deliver the goods. It's cool that David Marks will be involved, but if the credits are to be believed, he wasn't involved vocally, and so his presence doesn't matter as much. But it will be great to have three Beach Boys on Brian's new album. And because of all this, I have higher expectations for Brian's new album than I have for any of his work in a very long time. I'm expecting something as great as the last Beach Boys album, with great vocals from him and Al.
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« Reply #141 on: June 24, 2013, 01:49:50 AM »

Brian will record music until he leaves us with an unfinshed project. 

I thought he already did so in 1967... Grin
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« Reply #142 on: June 24, 2013, 02:14:49 AM »

For the most part, the backing tracks on the Gershwin album sound really bland to these ears. The singing I guess is OK but still nothing to write home about really, just "surprisingly good" and consistent in the sense that we know it could've been much worse. The promo shots of the man looked really forced and I felt a little uncomfortable with the whole Disney project so that, just like sweetdudejim, I didn't even bother to buy the second album they put out.
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« Reply #143 on: June 24, 2013, 02:36:54 AM »

And the Gershwin album is really amazing. To say it's Brian by the numbers boggles my mind. Where has Brian ever recorded numbers that sound like the Porgy and Bess suite that kicks off the record? It's lush and dramatic and humorous and, at least to my ears, unlike anything he's done before.

Okay, so he did a couple of shuffle numbers. Which he's done consistently album after album since the 60s, right? Oh wait, he hadn't done one since the 60s. My bad.
I don't like it, give me 1961-74 Brian any day over it. He's good sometimes since then, but if the pre 1975 did not exist I would not take notice of him. Frankly it's cool Brian has hardcore fans, but it's not cool if they don't accept that not everyone is enamored by some of his music mid seventies to present. I respect your taste, but lately this whole board seems based on shouting people down. It's becoming a bully pulpit for Brian fanatics.

I totally agree on the bullying and shouting down, but just by Brian fanatics? Really??? There is a contingent on here, be they Brianista's, Mike lovers, autotune apologists etc who seem intent on pushing down any negative statements regarding their chosen area of fandom. So Mike, I think it depends on your perspective.
« Last Edit: June 24, 2013, 02:37:45 AM by (Stephen Newcombe) » Logged
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« Reply #144 on: June 24, 2013, 02:39:11 AM »

I haven't had a chance to go through this thread but thought I'd chime in with how exciting this news is to me of an apparently creatively un-blocked BW. Even if the end results are patchy, the potential of 3 LPs worth of music suggests there will be a few new gems in there.

I'm particularly excited by the news that the life suite thing may be in the works. Say what you like about Joe Thomas, if the collaboration means Brian is comfortable enough to get creative and write some of his best music in decades (eg. the heavy tracks from TWGMTR), then it works for me.
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« Reply #145 on: June 24, 2013, 02:50:35 AM »

Say what you like about Joe Thomas

OK

He's a wanker
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« Reply #146 on: June 24, 2013, 05:33:27 AM »

So, here's my take on all this. I've been buying Brian Wilson solo albums for a while now, and I gotta admit that with nearly all of them, besides his solo debut album, they are exciting to listen to at first, but get old pretty fast. Even with That Lucky Old Sun, I just don't think it's as great as everybody says it is, although as a collection as songs, it was probably his best since the debut. By the time the Disney album came out, I didn't even bother to buy it, even though I was super excited for SMiLE to come out. The only thing that kept me somewhat excited about more current work by Brian was how great he sounded on the Buddy Holly cover, "Listen To Me".

So basically it was that, combined with the fact that he would have the other Beach Boys voices, that made me excited about That's Why God Made The Radio. Well anyways, I get the album and to this day, I still listen to it pretty regularly. To me it just seems like the best thing that Brian or the group as a whole has done since Brian's debut, or maybe even L.A. (Light Album). And I think the reason it works so well is that Brian brought some great songs to the table, but also equally how great Brian's songs sound with Al Jardine, Mike Love and Bruce Johnston singing them. That's what puts over the top. When Brian has these guys to work with, he has a larger palette to choose from, and it gives both the songs and the album as a whole more depth, more variety. Something like "From There To Back Again" probably wouldn't work again if it was Brian singing it straight through, but when you have Al and Brian both taking a lead, then Mike with his part and also group harmonies, it lifts it into the stratosphere. And that's just not something you can get with anybody. It's Brian Wilson writing great material and having some of the best voices around to work with.

So that's why I was really hoping for another Beach Boys album. And that's why I'm disappointed with Mike Love, because I felt that we are missing out on another chance to hear a great writer working some of the best voices in the business. But anyways, it is very heartening to hear that Al Jardine have some involvement in Brian's new album. Because Al's voice worked great on the few chances he had on TWGMTR, and I'm sure if given the chance again, he will deliver the goods. It's cool that David Marks will be involved, but if the credits are to be believed, he wasn't involved vocally, and so his presence doesn't matter as much. But it will be great to have three Beach Boys on Brian's new album. And because of all this, I have higher expectations for Brian's new album than I have for any of his work in a very long time. I'm expecting something as great as the last Beach Boys album, with great vocals from him and Al.

Marry me.

I really hope Al has at least a few leads on the new album. I know it's Brian's album, but still, I hope this is being approached as "Mike and Bruce didn't agree to tour on our schedule, so we're approaching this as another Beach Boys album, just without them." Maybe that's being way too optimistic. Probably is.

But yeah, agreed that TWGMTR is miles and miles above most of Brian's solo work overall. Hate to say that, I love the guy, but something in the songwriting of the last album was very much there that wasn't there very often before in any individual member's work since maybe some time in the 70s. Maybe even above that, there's still so much magic in hearing those guys' voices together (even if heavily processed and lacking two elements of the original blend) and it's a shame they don't realize that and put their bullshit aside (the wifeandmanagers from all parties, too). Said bullshit even manages to slightly cheapen that now seemingly distant, brief period where they did make it work.

I just really thought that while we might not see them continue touring like they did for the 50th anniversary shows, we'd at least see them continue to make Beach Boys records for the remainder of their time here. Breaks my heart that I was wrong.
« Last Edit: June 24, 2013, 05:46:46 AM by Brian Wilson » Logged

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« Reply #147 on: June 24, 2013, 07:05:27 AM »

Jardine singing ooh  na na over Brian's layered harmonies and Beck's 12 string guitar.  Now I'm starting to get excited...

Isn't it ridiculous how easy we're all getting?  This is how they described the song

 - Al Jardine's lyrics are "oooh na na na boo boo"

 - Brian wilson produced it and wrote it

 - Jeff Beck plays a guitar on it and he's really good

 - It's spooky


And we're all "BRIAN, TAKE MY 15 DOLLARS BEFORE ANYBODY ELSE, I WANNA HEAR IT FIRST!!! TAKE MY 15 DOLLARS BRIAN!!!!"

well I don't think I'm easy, particularly since I haven't really cared much for most of Brian's solo output. But I guess you know me better than  I do...

Exactly.  About time you got your ass in gear. 
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« Reply #148 on: June 24, 2013, 07:07:39 AM »

And the Gershwin album is really amazing. To say it's Brian by the numbers boggles my mind. Where has Brian ever recorded numbers that sound like the Porgy and Bess suite that kicks off the record? It's lush and dramatic and humorous and, at least to my ears, unlike anything he's done before.

Okay, so he did a couple of shuffle numbers. Which he's done consistently album after album since the 60s, right? Oh wait, he hadn't done one since the 60s. My bad.
I don't like it, give me 1961-74 Brian any day over it. He's good sometimes since then, but if the pre 1975 did not exist I would not take notice of him. Frankly it's cool Brian has hardcore fans, but it's not cool if they don't accept that not everyone is enamored by some of his music mid seventies to present. I respect your taste, but lately this whole board seems based on shouting people down. It's becoming a bully pulpit for Brian fanatics.

Who's shouting?  You're allowed to have your pessimistic, don't like anything attitude and we're allowed to have our optimistic, I like it attitude.  We just happen to be very vocal about things like happiness, goodness, wholesome family values, the sun, the beach, beautiful women, nice cars, brotherly love, harmony, great music and Love.... and you're very vocal about autotune. 
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« Reply #149 on: June 24, 2013, 07:11:14 AM »

And the Gershwin album is really amazing. To say it's Brian by the numbers boggles my mind. Where has Brian ever recorded numbers that sound like the Porgy and Bess suite that kicks off the record? It's lush and dramatic and humorous and, at least to my ears, unlike anything he's done before.

Okay, so he did a couple of shuffle numbers. Which he's done consistently album after album since the 60s, right? Oh wait, he hadn't done one since the 60s. My bad.
I don't like it, give me 1961-74 Brian any day over it. He's good sometimes since then, but if the pre 1975 did not exist I would not take notice of him. Frankly it's cool Brian has hardcore fans, but it's not cool if they don't accept that not everyone is enamored by some of his music mid seventies to present. I respect your taste, but lately this whole board seems based on shouting people down. It's becoming a bully pulpit for Brian fanatics.

Who's shouting?  You're allowed to have your pessimistic, don't like anything attitude and we're allowed to have our optimistic, I like it attitude.  We just happen to be very vocal about things like happiness, goodness, wholesome family values, the sun, the beach, beautiful women, nice cars, brotherly love, harmony, great music and Love.... and you're very vocal about autotune.  

A masterclass in the dismissive post. Shame it's total bollocks  LOL

There is no argument. There are no sides. There's just a small group of people, of which you are a big part, who seem hell bent on regulating what other people post. And using words like goodness and wholesome to describe your side of the "arguement" is one of the most ridiculous things I've ever read on here.

Seriously, if you weighed in on my side of a debate using tactics like that I'd be embarrassed and defect to the other side.
« Last Edit: June 24, 2013, 07:35:47 AM by (Stephen Newcombe) » Logged
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