Review Of "The Right Time" Single Posted On Examiner (Link)

[ESQ Editor]

"... We don't wait for new Brian Wilson music because of who Brian is today, we wait because of the amazing music Wilson created between 1962-1970 as a member of The Beach Boys. That's the truth..."  Please don't include me in your "we," sir.  Yes, I fell in love with Brian's music in 1962, but I love Brian's solo work and his band, and have looked forward to each of his new records.  If there's one thing this record proves (as if "Brian Wilson," TLOS, and BWPS as examples, didn't), it's that it doesn't really matter who Brian's working with as long as they have the talent to express his creative vision.

Debbie, you selectively left out: "Brian has had plenty of interesting musical moments over the years, but without those career-defining albums from The Beach Boys, we wouldn't care.

But we do care. And we should.

We fall in love with Wilson's muse each time he releases anything musical. With good reason. Brian's knack for unique compositional and vocal arrangements are a one-of-a-kind. The California-based architect of music is a living legend, and if we spend our time on anything other than the music, we miss out."

This text echoes your sentiment.

Yes, I left that out - I'm not certain how "selectively" - as I was trying not to include the entire article in a single post.  I certainly don’t feel that your comments echo my sentiments.  Saying that there were, “interesting musical moments” hardly shows respect for his solo career.  You are still saying that "We don't wait for new Brian Wilson music because of who Brian is today" and I find that to be insulting to the man who produced this music far beyond 1970 - like in the last few years, which is the music you’re supposedly reviewing. “…but without those career-defining albums from The Beach Boys, we wouldn't care…” implies that the Beach Boys defined Brian as an artist, rather than the other way around.

I think you took this out of context.  That Lucky Old Sun and Reimagines Gershwin are among my favorites.  I did not suggest he hasn't done anything worthwhile.  

I see you've done some edits to the article since the original posting of it that I responded to by cutting and pasting it here for my reply.  That should be helpful.  I definitely saw no commentary in your review on TLOS or BWRG.

You've made a comment here that indicates another poster lacks credibility.  Since it is my understanding that Mike essentially removed himself from this record by ending the C50 tour, what can you share with us about what happened?

Debbie, Brian has had so many great moments in music, that I felt if I had gone into each one, then any conversation about "The Right Time" would be lost.  As it is, I think that's happened.  My first dance wedding song on 11-11-11 was "The Like In I Love You."  Okay?  Does that validate my love for Brian's music for you?

As for your question regarding 2012… Respectfully, there is nothing that I can share that is my business to share.  If and when those details come to light it will be done so by the members.  Brian and Mike have books coming out, so we might see something there.

[The Shift]

I found the review peculiar as well. It certainly now reads as though ESQ has taken a position in the dispute between Mike and Brian.

Beach Boys Examiner is owned by AXS Entertainment.  Endless Summer Quarterly is not.  If you want to know what I — as the editor of ESQ — have to say about the song: It's gorgeous.  Very pretty.  Not quite a hair standing on your arms as "From There To Back Again," or as satisfying as "Pacific Coast Highway," but certainly as good as "That's Why God Made The Radio" and "Isn't It Time."

Brian's bass vocals are particularly interesting.  I'm willing to bet the best is yet to come.

That's my stance as the editor of ESQ on this message board.  

Am I reading this right? You have one opinion for Examiner and a different opinion for ESQ/SmileySmile? Or does AXS dictate what you're allowed to say on Examiner?

[JohnMill]

I am so pissed off right now.  For most of today this forum has been aggravating.  Lemonade break!

[Gerry]

You know I don't think there is any dispute between Brian and Mike. I think that when Brian goes in the studio his only interest is in serving the material, by any means necessary. I think he could care less about any disputes, real or imagined. There are some people on this board that love to get into the Brian vs. Mike bs. That does a disservice to Brian who is on a whole 'nother level from Mike. I firmly believe that Brian could care less. However this has been a very entertaining discussion.

[The Shift]

You know I don't think there is any dispute between Brian and Mike. I think that when Brian goes in the studio his only interest is in serving the material, by any means necessary. I think he could care less about any disputes, real or imagined. There are some people on this board that love to get into the Brian vs. Mike bs. That does a disservice to Brian who is on a whole 'nother level from Mike. I firmly believe that Brian could care less. However this has been a very entertaining discussion.

I think I'm with you on this. I bet they still share a beer from time to time. People should share a beer - or a cocoa - more often.

[Pretty Funky]

The title 'No Pier Pressure' has been mentioned as a nod against Mike, which may be the case although its never been stated. I've read here for years that Mike can't hold a candle to Brian but now he's a Peer (Pier)? Wow!

Can I suggest it may also be a few other reasons, or does that not fit a few posters agenda?

-Brian attempting to show he is not afraid to come out from the shadows, is equal and not intimidated by his greatest work with 'The Beach Boys'.
-He is not afraid of having younger artists interpret his new work.
-He acknowledges Al Jardine still has the chops so has no problem giving him the lead on the current single.
-For what ever reason, Jeff Beck and others are no longer on the album. Did Brian decide "Nah....Don't need em."

In other words, has Brian made some choices regardless of what others may think? "I'm f***ing Brian Wilson and I'm over 70 years old and I can do as I want. I'll hire or cut anyone on this album!"

[The Cincinnati Kid]

It's funny and sad that nearly everyone I would expect to whine about this article has come into this thread to do just that.  You guys seriously need to get out more.  You guys care more about this than Mike or Brian.  If one actually reads the article within context of what he was actually referring to, there is no controversy.  The only thing I take issue with is we wouldn't care about this if Brian wasn't doing anything from 1962-1970.  It's a "well duh" statement, but still I get what he's trying to say.    

Also, I think it's high time we get some facts about just WHY this isn't a Beach Boys album.  David, you clearly say it has not as simple as what people say, and AGD can back you up.  I've heard at least part of the story from a reliable source, but I know other things had to have been at play.  Would really burn any bridges if you guys are telling the truth of what happened?  Or do we have to wait until Mike or Brian's book to get the whole story?  Honestly I'm just sick of how childish most here act about it.

[Wirestone]

You guys care more about this than Mike or Brian.

Brian Wilson: "I was so proud of how the Boys were singing. Then it just ended." "I was writing for the Boys, so I thought, 'What am I gonna do without them?'"

Brian Wilson:  "Mike not wanting or letting Al, David and me tour with the band, it sort of feels like we're being fired. What's a bummer to Al and me is that we have numerous offers to continue, so why wouldn't we want to?"

[rab2591]

You guys care more about this than Mike or Brian.

Brian Wilson: "I was so proud of how the Boys were singing. Then it just ended." "I was writing for the Boys, so I thought, 'What am I gonna do without them?'"

Brian Wilson:  "Mike not wanting or letting Al, David and me tour with the band, it sort of feels like we're being fired. What's a bummer to Al and me is that we have numerous offers to continue, so why wouldn't we want to?"

Another:

Brian Wilson: "While I appreciate the nice cool things Mike said about me in his letter, and I do and always will love him as my cousin and bandmate, at the same time I’m still left wondering why he doesn’t want to continue this great trip we're on. Al and I want to keep going because we believe we owe it to the music."

[The Cincinnati Kid]

Again, you guys care more about this than Mike or Brian.  You also don't know the whole story. 

[The Shift]

Again, you guys care more about this than Mike or Brian.  You also don't know the whole story. 

Care to enlighten us? 

And do you mean we care more about the issue than we care about Mike or Brian, or that we care more about the issue than Mike of Brian care about the issue?

[Wirestone]

There is no great mystery about the dissolution of the tour. Read the statements and interviews. Read relevant posts on this board. If there was some secret, huge reason for the split, it would be known by now (as opposed to wives bickering, or a bunch of other things we can imagine and are probably ultimately irrelevant).

Mike was unwilling to continue unless Brian did things differently. Brian was unwilling to change in the way that Mike wanted. Given that the contracts ran out at a certain point, Mike chose to let that to happen rather than make the compromises necessary to keep the band together. One can say that Brian refused to make the compromises, but he was at a fundamental disadvantage: Brian wanted to stay in the Beach Boys, and his fallback was being a solo artist. Mike's fallback position was to keep touring in a group called the Beach Boys. One of the two could win without changing a thing.

It's truly not complicated. What's complicated is if you're on Brian or Mike's side of this. It becomes easy to take parts of emails out of context (as if people never threatened things they didn't intend to do in negotiations) or make assertions without factual basis. Brian says it feels like being fired. Mike says they did what they set out to do.

Both are right. Both are wrong.

I'm a Brian fan, so I incline to his perspective on this. But I have never been an objective observer, and I've not claimed to be. But I do have sufficient perspective to know that the simplest decision can be spun an infinite number of ways given the number of observers and agendas involved. But that doesn't mean that something is being hidden.

[ForHerCryingSoul]

It's funny and sad that nearly everyone I would expect to whine about this article has come into this thread to do just that.  You guys seriously need to get out more.  You guys care more about this than Mike or Brian.  If one actually reads the article within context of what he was actually referring to, there is no controversy.  The only thing I take issue with is we wouldn't care about this if Brian wasn't doing anything from 1962-1970.  It's a "well duh" statement, but still I get what he's trying to say.    

I don't think being rude to others is going to advance or prove your argument.

Also, I think it's high time we get some facts about just WHY this isn't a Beach Boys album.  David, you clearly say it has not as simple as what people say, and AGD can back you up.  I've heard at least part of the story from a reliable source, but I know other things had to have been at play.  Would really burn any bridges if you guys are telling the truth of what happened?  Or do we have to wait until Mike or Brian's book to get the whole story?  Honestly I'm just sick of how childish most here act about it.

Care to tell us the 'reliable source's' story?

[The Shift]

Great summation Wirestone, many thanks.

The Cinncinati Kid though implies there's more stuff we don't know about, that hasn't been in the public domain… I'm intrigued.

[The Cincinnati Kid]

Again, you guys care more about this than Mike or Brian.  You also don't know the whole story. 

Care to enlighten us? 

And do you mean we care more about the issue than we care about Mike or Brian, or that we care more about the issue than Mike of Brian care about the issue?

The person who told me can enlighten you if he wants.  He has posted in this thread.  At the time he asked that I keep it between me and him, so I'll respect that.  I can tell you that he's a very well respected member of this board.

I mean that you guys care more about the issue than Mike or Brian do.  I really do enjoy reading everyone's posts here, but I just roll my eyes when I see this continue to get brought up over two years after the tour ended.    

[Debbie Keil-Leavitt]

"... We don't wait for new Brian Wilson music because of who Brian is today, we wait because of the amazing music Wilson created between 1962-1970 as a member of The Beach Boys. That's the truth..."  Please don't include me in your "we," sir.  Yes, I fell in love with Brian's music in 1962, but I love Brian's solo work and his band, and have looked forward to each of his new records.  If there's one thing this record proves (as if "Brian Wilson," TLOS, and BWPS as examples, didn't), it's that it doesn't really matter who Brian's working with as long as they have the talent to express his creative vision.

Debbie, you selectively left out: "Brian has had plenty of interesting musical moments over the years, but without those career-defining albums from The Beach Boys, we wouldn't care.

But we do care. And we should.

We fall in love with Wilson's muse each time he releases anything musical. With good reason. Brian's knack for unique compositional and vocal arrangements are a one-of-a-kind. The California-based architect of music is a living legend, and if we spend our time on anything other than the music, we miss out."

This text echoes your sentiment.

Yes, I left that out - I'm not certain how "selectively" - as I was trying not to include the entire article in a single post.  I certainly don’t feel that your comments echo my sentiments.  Saying that there were, “interesting musical moments” hardly shows respect for his solo career.  You are still saying that "We don't wait for new Brian Wilson music because of who Brian is today" and I find that to be insulting to the man who produced this music far beyond 1970 - like in the last few years, which is the music you’re supposedly reviewing. “…but without those career-defining albums from The Beach Boys, we wouldn't care…” implies that the Beach Boys defined Brian as an artist, rather than the other way around.

I think you took this out of context.  That Lucky Old Sun and Reimagines Gershwin are among my favorites.  I did not suggest he hasn't done anything worthwhile.  

I see you've done some edits to the article since the original posting of it that I responded to by cutting and pasting it here for my reply.  That should be helpful.  I definitely saw no commentary in your review on TLOS or BWRG.

You've made a comment here that indicates another poster lacks credibility.  Since it is my understanding that Mike essentially removed himself from this record by ending the C50 tour, what can you share with us about what happened?

Debbie, Brian has had so many great moments in music, that I felt if I had gone into each one, then any conversation about "The Right Time" would be lost.  As it is, I think that's happened.  My first dance wedding song on 11-11-11 was "The Like In I Love You."  Okay?  Does that validate my love for Brian's music for you?

As for your question regarding 2012… Respectfully, there is nothing that I can share that is my business to share.  If and when those details come to light it will be done so by the members.  Brian and Mike have books coming out, so we might see something there.

I certainly appreciate your edits to your original story from:  "... We don't wait for new Brian Wilson music because of who Brian is today, we wait because of the amazing music Wilson created between 1962-1970 as a member of The Beach Boys..."  to:  "We wait for new Brian Wilson music because of the amazing music he created between 1962-1970 as a member of The Beach Boys..."  I'm glad you paid attention to our objections.

I asked about 2012 since the article referenced it, as did your comments to another poster that he lacked credibility in his version of what happened.  I'm quite satisfied with my understanding of events, which is what Brian said publicly and the only thing that makes any sense.  So if you weren't implying anything else, that's great...no need to re-write history.

[The LEGENDARY OSD]

This article is more about defending M&B than BW's new song.

Already 2 reader comment and they're both anti-Beard. One comment pointed to the fact that 28.9 % of the review was devoted to defending myKe luHv's absence on NPP.

"Everybody knows this would've been a Beach Boys album if it wasn't for the greed and idiocy of Mike Love, he'll need a better PR campaign than David Beard to avoid the mockery coming his way in every review of this album."

I guess some people really don't like that article!

Your statement about Mike is inaccurate.  Maybe AGD will weigh in.

Oh God, please spare us. 

[Empire Of Love]

Again, you guys care more about this than Mike or Brian.  You also don't know the whole story.  

Care to enlighten us?  

And do you mean we care more about the issue than we care about Mike or Brian, or that we care more about the issue than Mike of Brian care about the issue?

The person who told me can enlighten you if he wants.  He has posted in this thread.  At the time he asked that I keep it between me and him, so I'll respect that.  I can tell you that he's a very well respected member of this board.

I mean that you guys care more about the issue than Mike or Brian do.  I really do enjoy reading everyone's posts here, but I just roll my eyes when I see this continue to get brought up over two years after the tour ended.    

Except for the fact that Brian chose to directly reference it in the marketing for his new album...

[Lee Marshall]

Well...THIS sure has been an interesting 3 pages worth of reading.  I have NO idea what the album might have sounded like with Mike and Bruce participating vocally.  It may even be that Bruce has been kind of forced into the corner he occupies because of the corner he occupies...rather than due to having a realistic choice in the matter.  'Cause EVERYBODY here knows how much Bruce admires and likes Brian.     Otherwise 4 of the 5 surviving Beach Boys might well have been on the album.  Then?  We would clearly see that, while a KEY contributor to the sound and success historically, one of the least creative members of the unit holds all of the leverage on the use of the group's name.  In essence then?  Mike Love ...and Mike Love alone... is the Beach Boys.

1962 to 1970 [with time off for bad behavior/Smiley Smile] was foundational and provides some of the the gist of why we attend here...and buy the new releases.  It's 'The whole 9 yards' which contributes majorly to why we flock to Brian's concerts...because they are important events which include LOADS of music from his newest releases as well as the classics.  IF he had finished his career in 1970?  One can only speculate.  I think that concept pretty much sells the man short and gives him nowhere near the credit he has earned.

To dismiss bgas as only being a collector is assholish.  First consider why he collects WHAT he collects.  Man!!!  So you only wrote the 'review' of the new song so you could ride in on your white mule to defend Mikeddy?  And you did that because he provides a useful "quote" to help promote/validate your fanzine?  See what I just did there?  THAT was a stupid thing to say too.  [And I KNOW it.  Don't mean it.  Just making a point]

Like I said, other than 30 second clips, I can't comment on the new album...BUT...I do own TWGMTR...and I hear what the BBs sound like of late.  I do watch LIVE concerts online and I hear what they sound like both as a group and as a duo.  Brian's backing crew is more impressive than Mike's.  More expensive too I'd wager.  Jeff will help Mike and the Beach Boys...but...the absolute weekest notes sung collectively or by the two distinct units come from Michael Edward.  It's just an age thing.  That and the FACT that he really didn't have as much to work with to begin with.

Yes he's made the most of it.  Yes he tours and brings outstanding music to millions of grateful fans EVERY year.  Yes he is lining the bank account of BRI with his efforts.  Yes he cares about the Beach Boys.  But it's HIS Beach Boys he cares about most.  He is who he is and who he's been from WAY back when ... when gradually it stopped being just 'his' Beach Boys...like in 1966 going forward.  That he ISN'T on No 'Peer' Pressure does not bother me at all.  

Maybe on his 'solo album' he can give us HIS version of One For the Boys?

Ya right.

[ESQ Editor]

Well...THIS sure has been an interesting 3 pages worth of reading.  I have NO idea what the album might have sounded like with Mike and Bruce participating vocally.  It may even be that Bruce has been kind of forced into the corner he occupies because of the corner he occupies...rather than due to having a realistic choice in the matter.  'Cause EVERYBODY here knows how much Bruce admires and likes Brian.     Otherwise 4 of the 5 surviving Beach Boys might well have been on the album.  Then?  We would clearly see that, while a KEY contributor to the sound and success historically, one of the least creative members of the unit holds all of the leverage on the use of the group's name.  In essence then?  Mike Love ...and Mike Love alone... is the Beach Boys.

1962 to 1970 [with time off for bad behavior/Smiley Smile] was foundational and provides some of the the gist of why we attend here...and buy the new releases.  It's 'The whole 9 yards' which contributes majorly to why we flock to Brian's concerts...because they are important events which include LOADS of music from his newest releases as well as the classics.  IF he had finished his career in 1970?  One can only speculate.  I think that concept pretty much sells the man short and gives him nowhere near the credit he has earned.

To dismiss bgas as only being a collector is assholish.  First consider why he collects WHAT he collects.  Man!!!  So you only wrote the 'review' of the new song so you could ride in on your white mule to defend Mikeddy?  And you did that because he provides a useful "quote" to help promote/validate your fanzine?  See what I just did there?  THAT was a stupid thing to say too.  [And I KNOW it.  Don't mean it.  Just making a point]

Like I said, other than 30 second clips, I can't comment on the new album...BUT...I do own TWGMTR...and I hear what the BBs sound like of late.  I do watch LIVE concerts online and I hear what they sound like both as a group and as a duo.  Brian's backing crew is more impressive than Mike's.  More expensive too I'd wager.  Jeff will help Mike and the Beach Boys...but...the absolute weekest notes sung collectively or by the two distinct units come from Michael Edward.  It's just an age thing.  That and the FACT that he really didn't have as much to work with to begin with.

Yes he's made the most of it.  Yes he tours and brings outstanding music to millions of grateful fans EVERY year.  Yes he is lining the bank account of BRI with his efforts.  Yes he cares about the Beach Boys.  But it's HIS Beach Boys he cares about most.  He is who he is and who he's been from WAY back when ... when gradually it stopped being just 'his' Beach Boys...like in 1966 going forward.  That he ISN'T on No 'Peer' Pressure does not bother me at all.  

Maybe on his 'solo album' he can give us HIS version of One For the Boys?

Ya right.

Bgas' attack on me was unwarranted.  If defending myself, doesn't sit well with you, then so be it. 

I stand beside all the Beach Boys, and they know it.  I follow a moral code, but I'm not someone who thinks they are anything special.  In life I have been called to be a father, a husband, a Tenor in a church choir, and someone who loves to listen and write about The Beach Boys.  I'm very blessed.

Any quotes from the Boys in support of me or ESQ are old, but have been earned.

[Matt Etherton]

My 2 cents in reading these posts: The new song isn't anything special. I wish it were, but honestly, it sounds like a TWGMTR reject. I suspect Brian being surrounded by people who think he's The Messiah doesn't help..."hey, another classic Brian!", "Best ever boss". No Mike Love to dare question anything....and speaking of Brian/Mike, for my second point,  those who think they have a beer and talk, you are WRONG. Very wrong...

[ForHerCryingSoul]

Based on these posts, it looks like we are never going to get a true report of Brian and Mike's relationship or Brian's relationship with the Beach Boys.  I'm going to wait until I get the details from both 1st party sources, Brian and Mike, together.

[clack]

The Right Time would only be the what? -- 8th or 9th best song on an lp like Today! Which is actually fairly high praise -- Brian is still adding, if not classic, at least good songs to his already extensive oeuvre. I'm excited to hear anything new from my favorite songwriter.

I think it has been established that Brian wanted this to be a Beach Boys record, but that Mike, for some still undisclosed reason, didn't. Maybe Mike's reason is justified, hard to say without knowing what it is.

My objection to this article is that it hints that Mike is not to blame for NPP being a solo rather than a group lp. David knows a secret, but he's not telling us. We are just to take his word for it. Not fair journalism. Either spill the beans, or don't even touch on the subject.

[Alan Smith]

To dismiss bgas as only being a collector is assholish.  

Lee, for bgas to have a little conniption and proclaim ESQ no longer has any credibility on the basis of his take on the article is equally assholish (sounds like a niche lubricant, btw). Will you call bgas on that?

And for you to "call" David assholish is, well...as noted. First consider why he writes WHAT he writes.

So, there we have it - bgas took a crack at David, David took a crack at bgas, you took a crack at David, I'm taking a crack at you (and maybe bgas as well).  Nothin' like new BB or BW product to bring out the best in us all, is there.

[bgas]

Bgas' attack on me was unwarranted.  If defending myself, doesn't sit well with you, then so be it.  

I stand beside all the Beach Boys, and they know it.  I follow a moral code, but I'm not someone who thinks they are anything special.  In life I have been called to be a father, a husband, a Tenor in a church choir, and someone who loves to listen and write about The Beach Boys.  I'm very blessed.

Any quotes from the Boys in support of me or ESQ are old, but have been earned.

   You're such a slub Dave.  I called you on what you wrote; you don't like it. Gee,  too bad; don't write crap to pad your articles then edit them later to try to make yourself look better

To dismiss bgas as only being a collector is assholish.  

Lee, for bgas to have a little conniption and proclaim ESQ no longer has any credibility on the basis of his take on the article is equally assholish (sounds like a niche lubricant, btw). Will you call bgas on that?

And for you to "call" David assholish is, well...as noted. First consider why he writes WHAT he writes.

So, there we have it - bgas took a crack at David, David took a crack at bgas, you took a crack at David, I'm taking a crack at you (and maybe bgas as well).  Nothin' like new BB or BW product to bring out the best in us all, is there.

Alan Alan....  If you're taking a crack at me, don't forget to take one at Brian and Al for writing Crack at Your Love