Brian Wilson Taping Soundstage Special With Special Guests

[HeyJude]

"Wild Honey" looks and sounds great too. It's too bad it's logistically too difficult probably to get all those guys on stage on the full tour.

Pretty awesome to see Brian, Al, Ricky, and Blondie all on stage together. I actually caught Ricky playing with Brian and Al during an encore in January '07 for 40th Anniversary PS tour, and then saw Blondie of course with Brian, Al, and Dave at the same venue in 2013.

Watched the "trailer" and "The Right Time" again as well, and I really like both Ike and Matt both singing with the full band. Wonder if there's anyway to make that happen for the full tour.

Assuming these songs all make the cut on the PBS airing, I have to give them credit for including a bunch of "non-hits."

Any soundcheck footage of the band doing "Lookin' at Tomorrow" with Al?

[Andrew G. Doe]

I've never cared it someone disagreed with my opinions, particularly about music.  If someone doesn't like Bossa Nova or Zooey's voice, why would I personally care?  My problem was with words and phrases like "insipid," "sickeningly cute," and "solipsistic."  I can't imagine what was in the clip that would require such nasty descriptions, and I do wonder if they would have been used for a young male singer.

My use of "insipid" referred to the vocal, as in "lacking vigour or interest"... and sure, if anyone else sang like that - old, young, male, female, gay, straight, black, white... anyone - I'd consider it insipid too. 'Cause to these (admittedly wonky) ears, it would be.

[Jesse Reiswig]

I realize I'm crazy late to the party with this, but holy cow, "Hold On, Dear Brother"? That's f-in awesome!!??!!!!

[John Manning]

Great stuff! A real highlight of that night. Blondie/Ricky/Billy! Fantastic. One tiny minor quibble: let Darian do the solo on keys, Mertens' horn doesn't work as well.

I suspect Blondie's guitar work on that mid-section might prove to be my favourite moment in this concert. Stellar.

[Ziggy Stardust]

The Wild Honey performance is out-of-this-world, this line up is daydream: Brian - Al - Ricky - Blondie and Matt replacing Jeff! the rock'n'roll album needs to happen now, look at Blondie rockin' that guitar solo, and with his voice and Al voice, oh man, heaven! let's do this.

[Wirestone]

My total guess is that there’s at least a decent chance we’ll see this show released on DVD/Blu. If it does happen, it may not happen for awhile. The best immediate hope for those who can’t get it on TV might be if someone manages to get the show up on YouTube for any length of time.

BW and his folks have been very good about getting his concerts out on DVD over the years. About every major BW solo release has had one -- Imagination, the live albums, BWPS, TLOS -- they're all out there. Two different tribute shows have been issued too.

I think it's a good bet this will come out too, given the star power, setlist and general production quality.

[The LEGENDARY OSD]

If I'm guilty of doing anything it's trying to share some of my thoughts on a specific style and genre of music that I love, and suggest that some of the opinions and comparisons to other artists might not be accurate or applicable based on the premise. I am a fan of Bossa Nova, especially from the early to mid 60's. I have collected Bossa Nova vinyl, CD's, box sets, etc for several decades and I simply enjoy the music. Keep in mind this is music that for years going back to the 60's was derided and almost dismissed as "easy listening" or "elevator music", yet there were fans of it who ignored all that and simply enjoyed it because it struck a chord. Call it a sub-genre? Call it whatever, but if you're into it, you know the elements of those records and you like to hear them a certain way.

Some might not like the style, that's fine. Some might not like a certain song or performer, that's fine.

But what if a Beach Boys fan here were to play something like Wonderful for a non-fan, and that fan starts bashing it by saying the vocal sounds like Wooly Bully or something similarly disconnected. Many would probably debate that basis of the criticism rather strongly, right? It's the new listeners right to like or not like, but to base a critique on a vocal sounding like Wooly Bully that objectively or subjectively sounds nothing like Wooly Bully to that person who played Wonderful, they'd naturally disagree.

So when I hear Zooey's vocal on the various clips, I hear a very authentic vocal style and delivery that can be heard on many Bossa Nova records. And in some of those records, a style which goes back to Julie London in the mid 50's.

***Listen to Astrud Gilberto from the 60's. Specifically the songs she recorded with Brazilian organist Walter Wanderley, specifically when she sang Jobim with Stan Getz, etc. ***

From what I heard on the clips, Zooey is simply *nailing* that sound, tone, and delivery in her vocal on Brian's Bossa Nova track. Not just that, but the instrumental backing is very authentic to those records I mentioned.

So I see comments comparing it to Blossom Dearie, to me it's linking Wonderful to Wooly Bully. They're simply two different styles. I read comments comparing it to Jimmy Buffett and his brand of tropical music, they're two entirely different styles and sounds. I read comments about Zooey's girly voice and delivery, whatever the case, yet she is singing almost *exactly* the same way as Gilberto and with a damn near perfect emulation of Astrud Gilberto on those classic records from the 60's, and Astrud was the female voice of Bossa Nova for many listeners in that era.

So *I* think it's cool to hear someone doing that very specific vocal sound on an authentic Bossa Nova song and instrumental sound in 2015. It strikes a chord with me. And from how that vocal sounds, I'm guessing Zooey and I may have some of the same 60's vinyl albums in our collections, specifically the Gilberto records. Brian is already known to not only be a fan of Bossa but also be able to apply it very authentically to his own music going back to 1968. And my debate in this case was seeing criticisms whose premise seemed unrelated to what's actually going on in the recording, and where those sounds are coming from.

And if someone gets a chance to hear some of the original recordings I mentioned, I'd hope they'd do so, and maybe the way I commented about them would have more context than what it's being given here based on the reactions.

I do have opinions, and I can voice them as well speaking as a fan. And I will continue to do so.  

Let me jump in on this.  I am a huge Bossa Nova fan ; the Sinatra / Jobim record is in my all time top five , Julie London; it is a beautiful genre.  Brian cuts authentic Bossa Nova' " Busy Doin' Nothin' " , " S'Wonderful' and now " On the Island". When I first heard it last year , I loved it instantly; simple yet complex with those 11th and 13th chords. I believe at the time I said that the lead vocal reminded me of a young Rosemary Clooney; still does. To be clear , I really like Zooey Deschanel's voice, and I think she authentically executes the true Bossa Nova feel or vibe;.
 
Check out this 1966 recording by Astrud Gilberto and Walter Wanderley, " Samba De Verao" ( Summer Samba) aka "So Nice".  It is almost the exact feel Brian went for in " On the Island"; and Zooey absolutely nails Astrud Gilberto's style.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K0Rm11Bl8xQ

 
 
 
My taste , anyway.   Some people will love it , some people won't ; I don't skip over it, it resonates with me

Also, Brian mentioned (just yesterday!) that his favorite song off of Pacific Ocean Blue was 'You and I', which has a similar feel, so that definitely rings true.

Great comparison to Rosemary Clooney too, just spot on.

Man, I wish Brian would do a straight up bossa nova album . Certainly has a feel for the genre.


A more recent (relatively...damn, almost 30 years already?!) favorite of mine, from an artist who had covered many many different genres in his career, and one I sadly miss. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O8g7hfDKwJg  A different take on it (several different styles are mashed in) but still one of my favorites.

Another favorite of mine  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n6T_PODAqoc  Just a great album overall.

I've never cared it someone disagreed with my opinions, particularly about music.  If someone doesn't like Bossa Nova or Zooey's voice, why would I personally care?  My problem was with words and phrases like "insipid," "sickeningly cute," and "solipsistic."  I can't imagine what was in the clip that would require such nasty descriptions, and I do wonder if they would have been used for a young male singer.

 Totally reading between the lines of your post, Deb. Maybe I'm misinterpreting, but one does have to wonder about the YMS part don't they?? By the way, the use of the word solipsistic in this case is rather arcane. Totally a poor choice of description given the subject. A sincere case of throwing big words around to get recognized. Similar to wearing turbans, feathers, robes, sandals, sequined skin tight tops and pants that show body parts no one cares or needs to see.

[donald]

Some folk like coffee, others, like me, don't. Nothing to do with anything bar personal preference. I don't like Deschanel's voice. Simple as that. Doesn't matter to me how "authentic" it might be or how far the tradition goes back... don't like her voice, never will. If you think I'm doing it just for effect, finding a fault just to post about it, fine, I can't make you think otherwise. But permit me my considered opinion, expressed politely and grammatically correctly, without inferring I'm trolling.

but Andrew, she is just so damn cute,   Can't you overlook the rest?    I'll bet Brian and the boys did!

[Debbie Keil-Leavitt]

I've never cared it someone disagreed with my opinions, particularly about music.  If someone doesn't like Bossa Nova or Zooey's voice, why would I personally care?  My problem was with words and phrases like "insipid," "sickeningly cute," and "solipsistic."  I can't imagine what was in the clip that would require such nasty descriptions, and I do wonder if they would have been used for a young male singer.

My use of "insipid" referred to the vocal, as in "lacking vigour or interest"... and sure, if anyone else sang like that - old, young, male, female, gay, straight, black, white... anyone - I'd consider it insipid too. 'Cause to these (admittedly wonky) ears, it would be.

Great, Andrew.  Someday you can educate me as to what makes certain singing insipid.  To me a laid back piece would tend to lack vigour, appropriately.  I guess I could use a few examples.

[GhostyTMRS]

The big surprise for me is how darn good Nate Reuss is. The tracks I've heard from his band FUN are boring and bland as all get out, but he really shines here. I kind of wish he'd quit his band and just join Brian full time. Man, he's got chops.

As for Zooey...well, I wouldn't go so far as to compare her to Astrud Gilberto. Zooey has a more nasal tone than Astrud to these ears, but it doesn't take away from the song.

I still haven't warmed to "Runaway Dancer", though I think the live version has more going for it the studio version.   

[Bud Shaver]

Some folk like coffee, others, like me, don't. Nothing to do with anything bar personal preference. I don't like Deschanel's voice. Simple as that. Doesn't matter to me how "authentic" it might be or how far the tradition goes back... don't like her voice, never will. If you think I'm doing it just for effect, finding a fault just to post about it, fine, I can't make you think otherwise. But permit me my considered opinion, expressed politely and grammatically correctly, without inferring I'm trolling.

I think the proper term for your stance is 'douchey'. 

[tpesky]

If you had told me any time before 1993, that in 2015 there would be 4 Beach Boys on a stage in 2015. Brian, Al, Ricky, and Blondie would have been about my last guess.  Hell if you told Al you will be singing with 4 BB, guess the 4 and the song in 2015 and then you told him...he would have called security to escort you away.

[startBBtoday]

The big surprise for me is how darn good Nate Reuss is. The tracks I've heard from his band FUN are boring and bland as all get out, but he really shines here. I kind of wish he'd quit his band and just join Brian full time. Man, he's got chops.

As for Zooey...well, I wouldn't go so far as to compare her to Astrud Gilberto. Zooey has a more nasal tone than Astrud to these ears, but it doesn't take away from the song.

I still haven't warmed to "Runaway Dancer", though I think the live version has more going for it the studio version.   

His band The Format was a lot more interesting. "Dog Problems" is a great song.

[the professor]

Nate was born to sing with the BB--just inspired.

The big surprise for me is how darn good Nate Reuss is. The tracks I've heard from his band FUN are boring and bland as all get out, but he really shines here. I kind of wish he'd quit his band and just join Brian full time. Man, he's got chops.

As for Zooey...well, I wouldn't go so far as to compare her to Astrud Gilberto. Zooey has a more nasal tone than Astrud to these ears, but it doesn't take away from the song.

I still haven't warmed to "Runaway Dancer", though I think the live version has more going for it the studio version.   

His band The Format was a lot more interesting. "Dog Problems" is a great song.

[Moz from Oz]

The venue looks beautiful, the stage setting and lighting looks great and it looks stunningly shot. I want, I want !!!!

[Ron]

I'm going to say it, it's blasphemy, but Blondie does a better job with the song than Carl Wilson did.  And that's really, really saying something.  Holy sh*t. 

[Andrew G. Doe]

I still haven't warmed to "Runaway Dancer", though I think the live version has more going for it the studio version.   

Studio version is a definite grower for me. I can see it surprising a lot of folk.

[Mike's Beard]

Good stuff. As much as I hate FUN, Nate did a fantastic job on Hold On Dear Brother. Blondie still knows how to rock Wild Honey - I wish they'd included the freak out jam ending they used to do back in the day though. Only minus was Zooey seemed to be singing from a coma.

[Pretty Funky]

...or an off camera auto cue.

[Jesse Reiswig]

Apologies if this has already come up/somebody's already posted it, but for anyone who hasn't already seen it, here's a surprisingly great little interview between Zooey and Brian in 2008 right after Lucky Old Sun came out:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tJkBdEIFur8

[Fall Breaks]

I love the way Blondie's right eye closes when he sings certain notes high in his register. 

Me too! It made my new avatar!

[John Manning]

Some of this flack for Zooey seems to based on her facial expression (or lack thereof) during the clip (and it is just a clip, still)… I find that if I close my eyes and actually listen to her voice - which I'm guessing is the part of her that Brian hoped to use on the album all along - it's darn perfect. It's a laid back number (I mean "clip") sung in a laid back style. And to date it's one of my favourite sections from what we've heard from the album.

[Fall Breaks]

Same here!

Does anyone else hear a similarity between:

"A cigarette burn on the living room table"

and

"I've been cruisin' 'round the town, now, with the guys for quite awhile"?

[RiC]

To me, On the Island seems to be TPLOBS of NPP. It doesn't move me bit and seems to be the most boring track of them all. But I might be wrong, who konws. At least it's a short track.

[Sam_BFC]

Hold On Dear Brother I have always really liked so it is so cool for me that such a deep cut is getting this kind of treatment at this stage of the game and it looks so good in the clip.  Do we know if Blondie shares any of the lead on that one?  That would be quite a thrill.

I think I'm gonna really like Sail Away.

Did Blondie get to sing Sail On Sailor too? He could have shared the lead with Billy H.

Haven't heard enough of On The Island to judge yet, but I don't think it will be like Bill and Sue, in the sense that Bill and Sue has some great Beach Boys vocals.