Vocal bands

[Magic Transistor Radio]

There are a lot of bands that play there instruments that often use 2, maybe 3 part harmonies. But isn't it true that the Beach Boys are rare to be known for 4 and 5 part harmonies AND play their instruments? Most groups that harmonize like the Beach Boys are r & b type groups that just sing. I believe George Harrison said that when they did 'Paperback Writer' live, it was the hardest thing they had done up to that point. I am sure he had an appreciation for Carl and Al in that regard. Glen Campbell also said it was weird playing bass while singing falsetto.

As for me, I sing, but don't play instruments any better than Mike. So, for those that do, how hard is it to sing a part of a complex harmony while playing an instrument? What are some of the most difficult songs that you have tried to sing and play and what instrument and vocal part?

[Jon Stebbins]

There are a lot of bands that play there instruments that often use 2, maybe 3 part harmonies. But isn't it true that the Beach Boys are rare to be known for 4 and 5 part harmonies AND play their instruments? Most groups that harmonize like the Beach Boys are r & b type groups that just sing. I believe George Harrison said that when they did 'Paperback Writer' live, it was the hardest thing they had done up to that point. I am sure he had an appreciation for Carl and Al in that regard. Glen Campbell also said it was weird playing bass while singing falsetto.

As for me, I sing, but don't play instruments any better than Mike. So, for those that do, how hard is it to sing a part of a complex harmony while playing an instrument? What are some of the most difficult songs that you have tried to sing and play and what instrument and vocal part?

The Beach Boys definitely had the most complex harmonies to sing both in the studio and live thanks to Brian's incredible arrangements, but there have been a lot of bands in rock history that play their instruments while singing some pretty serious harmonies...off the top of my head, the Bee Gees, the Cowsills, CSNY, Byrds, Jackson 5, Bangles, Four Seasons are just a few. I'm sure there are many more that I'm forgetting at the moment.

[bringahorseinhere?]

The Eagles too! 

[Pinder's Gone To Kokomo And Back Again]

All I know is playing the guitar part for Sloop John B and singing is a damn bitch!!!!

[MBE]

Describes The First Edition to a tee.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iyoaHFkVGpg

[Moon Dawg]

Moby Grape excelled at this also. Listen to "8:05" off their debut album.

[Gabo]

Most groups that harmonize like the Beach Boys are r & b type groups that just sing. I believe George Harrison said that when they did 'Paperback Writer' live, it was the hardest thing they had done up to that point.

I'd like to see the Mop-Tops match that! I'd like to see Mick Jagger get out on this stage and do I Get Around versus Jumpin' Jack Flash.

[Moon Dawg]

Most groups that harmonize like the Beach Boys are r & b type groups that just sing. I believe George Harrison said that when they did 'Paperback Writer' live, it was the hardest thing they had done up to that point.

I'd like to see the Mop-Tops match that! I'd like to see Mick Jagger get out on this stage and do I Get Around versus Jumpin' Jack Flash.

 Mick would kick Mike's butt into next week. Without trying.

[Pinder's Gone To Kokomo And Back Again]

Most groups that harmonize like the Beach Boys are r & b type groups that just sing. I believe George Harrison said that when they did 'Paperback Writer' live, it was the hardest thing they had done up to that point.

I'd like to see the Mop-Tops match that! I'd like to see Mick Jagger get out on this stage and do I Get Around versus Jumpin' Jack Flash.

 Mick would kick Mike's butt into next week. Without trying.

Doesn't Mike like, tower over the guy?

[Moon Dawg]

Most groups that harmonize like the Beach Boys are r & b type groups that just sing. I believe George Harrison said that when they did 'Paperback Writer' live, it was the hardest thing they had done up to that point.

I'd like to see the Mop-Tops match that! I'd like to see Mick Jagger get out on this stage and do I Get Around versus Jumpin' Jack Flash.

 Mick would kick Mike's butt into next week. Without trying.

Doesn't Mike like, tower over the guy?

 Mike is maybe an inch or two taller than Mick and definitely outweighs him at this point. I meant Mick would kick Mike's butt as a frontman. Not to derail from the vocal groups theme, but Mike's sub-Jagger moves circa 1976 are much more embarrassing than his 1964-65 chicken dance.

 You have to wonder where the animosity Love displays toward Jagger comes from. Maybe Mick refused to marry Mike? Who knows?

[Pinder's Gone To Kokomo And Back Again]

Most groups that harmonize like the Beach Boys are r & b type groups that just sing. I believe George Harrison said that when they did 'Paperback Writer' live, it was the hardest thing they had done up to that point.

I'd like to see the Mop-Tops match that! I'd like to see Mick Jagger get out on this stage and do I Get Around versus Jumpin' Jack Flash.

 Mick would kick Mike's butt into next week. Without trying.

Doesn't Mike like, tower over the guy?

 Mike is maybe an inch or two taller than Mick and definitely outweighs him at this point. I meant Mick would kick Mike's butt as a frontman. Not to derail from the vocal groups theme, but Mike's sub-Jagger moves circa 1976 are much more embarrassing than his 1964-65 chicken dance.

 You have to wonder where the animosity Love displays toward Jagger comes from. Maybe Mick refused to marry Mike? Who knows?

Mick: 5'10, Mike: 6'1!   Always thought Mick was shorter!!!

Anyhow: the Mike bashing on this board is getting positively troll-like. I long for the subtlety and nuance of OSD!!!!!!

[Moon Dawg]

Hey Pinder- I engage in very little Mike Love bashing. If you want to defend his dancing moves to "Rock and Roll Music", be my guest.

[Pinder's Gone To Kokomo And Back Again]

Get over yourself Pinder-I am not bashing Mike Love so much as having a bit of fun.

Get over myself? I made the Mellotron COOL!!!!

I wasn't referring to you, BTW. Should have pointed that out.

[Moon Dawg]

No problem. This thread is derailed now, thanks to me.

 Marvin Gaye was a brilliant one man vocal band on albums like WHAT'S GOING ON, LET'S GET IT ON and I WANT YOU.

[Pinder's Gone To Kokomo And Back Again]

No problem. This thread is derailed now, thanks to me.

 Marvin Gaye was a brilliant one man vocal band on albums like WHAT'S GOING ON, LET'S GET IT ON and I WANT YOU.

Oh, man! He was as much a groundbreaker vocal-wise as Brian and the boys!

Seems weird to think that when What's Goin On came out, it was almost unheard of/unthinkable for a singer to harmonize with themselves on record.

[oldsurferdude]

Most groups that harmonize like the Beach Boys are r & b type groups that just sing. I believe George Harrison said that when they did 'Paperback Writer' live, it was the hardest thing they had done up to that point.

I'd like to see the Mop-Tops match that! I'd like to see Mick Jagger get out on this stage and do I Get Around versus Jumpin' Jack Flash.

 Mick would kick Mike's butt into next week. Without trying.

Doesn't Mike like, tower over the guy?

 Mike is maybe an inch or two taller than Mick and definitely outweighs him at this point. I meant Mick would kick Mike's butt as a frontman. Not to derail from the vocal groups theme, but Mike's sub-Jagger moves circa 1976 are much more embarrassing than his 1964-65 chicken dance.

 You have to wonder where the animosity Love displays toward Jagger comes from. Maybe Mick refused to marry Mike? Who knows?

[Magic Transistor Radio]

There are a lot of bands that play there instruments that often use 2, maybe 3 part harmonies. But isn't it true that the Beach Boys are rare to be known for 4 and 5 part harmonies AND play their instruments? Most groups that harmonize like the Beach Boys are r & b type groups that just sing. I believe George Harrison said that when they did 'Paperback Writer' live, it was the hardest thing they had done up to that point. I am sure he had an appreciation for Carl and Al in that regard. Glen Campbell also said it was weird playing bass while singing falsetto.

As for me, I sing, but don't play instruments any better than Mike. So, for those that do, how hard is it to sing a part of a complex harmony while playing an instrument? What are some of the most difficult songs that you have tried to sing and play and what instrument and vocal part?

The Beach Boys definitely had the most complex harmonies to sing both in the studio and live thanks to Brian's incredible arrangements, but there have been a lot of bands in rock history that play their instruments while singing some pretty serious harmonies...off the top of my head, the Bee Gees, the Cowsills, CSNY, Byrds, Jackson 5, Bangles, Four Seasons are just a few. I'm sure there are many more that I'm forgetting at the moment.

Yes, you mentioned more than I could think of when I started this topic. I didn't know the Jackson 5 played their own instruments live (?). I also just thought of Queen, Kansas, and the Fleet Foxes.

Somehow this has turned into a bash Mike conversation. How? But since its been brought up, I am not sure that Mic is any more of an artist or performer than Mike. I like what they both do as front men.

[lostbeachboy]

America, The Association, The Four Tops, The Spinners & The Temptations.

[Pretty Funky]

The Hollies. Probably very well known in the UK and R&R Hall of Famers.  Graham Nash of course is well known as a member of Crosby, Stills, and Nash (and Young).

A taste live. 3 part harmony but very good at it.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DjvAiSLx6fs