I was a Bum, I told a Lie....

[NightHider]

Soul Searchin'  - Really like this 'waltz' style tune on GIOMH and curious about it's history: 

Wondering:

1. What year Carl worked on this vocal?

2. What album was it for?

3. Did the guys record background harmonies for it? Hhow completed was it?

3. Did Carl sing the whole thing thru or did Brian(or maybe Al) come in on the original at the same place where Brian comes in on the GIOMH duet version?

4.  Is the original version available out there somewhere?  Have you heard it?  Comments?
Thanks!

[the captain]

A few answers.

First, it isn't really a waltz--it's more a 12/8 feel, meaning it's still four beats to a measure, but rather than dividing them one-two, one-two, they're each divided into three parts.

It was done in the mid-90s for a Beach Boys album that was abandoned only two or three songs in. Yes, the band sang on it, and it is relatively complete (for an unfinished song). There are versions with both Carl straight through and, I believe, Brian straight through. You could probably find a recording of it, although not on any official releases.

[Andrew G. Doe]

There are versions with both Carl straight through and, I believe, Brian straight through.

This is something that's always puzzled me - the so-called BW lead version - in as much as it doesn't sound anything like Brian. Which of course it wouldn't, as it's Andy Paley.

[the captain]

There are versions with both Carl straight through and, I believe, Brian straight through.

This is something that's always puzzled me - the so-called BW lead version - in as much as it doesn't sound anything like Brian. Which of course it wouldn't, as it's Andy Paley.

I had heard there was such a thing, but hadn't heard it (hence the "I believe") for that part. Thanks for setting me straight on it.

[Wirestone]

The tragedy of the released version is that Brian's bridge vocal replaces Carl's -- which was truly one of the last great bits of recorded singing from the man.

Have very mixed feelings about this one. The song on its own is pretty simple -- so you look to the details. The things that made it great in the BBs version -- Mike's bass vocal, Carl taking off on the bridge, the kitschy organ solo -- were all trashed for the released version. So the song becomes not as good. Not nearly as good.

That being said, I don't mind all the reworkings on GIOMH. The title track (which, despite the liner notes is a Joe Thomas co-production on the backing track) has a somewhat less-focused, lush sound, which fits it well. Also, You've Touched Me is preferred to Turning Point. I prefer almost all of the Sweet Insanity re-recordings, too, with the notable exception of Make a Wish. That song should have stayed buried.

But Soul Searchin. Hm. I just wish BW hadn't messed with it.

[LostArt]

God, that album was such a disappointment.  I do like the title track, though, and I don't mind Saturday Morning and Dancing.  The Waltz has a certain charm, too, despite Brian's vocals, but I could do without everything else.  You are absolutely right, claymcc, about the bridge of Soul Searchin'.  Carl nailed that part.  That album could have been so much better, without a great deal of effort.  I can not believe that Brian would want that thing released in that state.  Why oh why didn't he let the other members of his band sing on that album (I know they did some background vox on Desert Drive, but that song just sort of plods along).  Hmm (shrugs shoulders). 

[Andrew G. Doe]

"Desert Drive" was recorded fall 2002. A track from the abortive Wilson-Paley-Foskett sessions.

I'm informed that Brian doing all the bvs wasn't his idea. Bit like the track selection. 

[LostArt]

"Desert Drive" was recorded fall 2002. A track from the abortive Wilson-Paley-Foskett sessions.

I'm informed that Brian doing all the bvs wasn't his idea. Bit like the track selection. 

Isn't the track for Desert Drive faster on the Paley sessions?  That Wilson/Paley instrumental version is cool, but it seems to me as if they had to slow it down for the GIOMH album so that Brian could get all those words in.  Andrew, it seems that you know and communicate with more than a few 'insiders'.  There are many questions that I would love to ask you, and I wish I could attend Susan's convention. but I can not.  Have you heard anything about That Lucky Old Sun?  I do remember you saying at one time that there was a lot left to do on that composition.  Have you heard anything lately about the project?  Have you heard if Brian is interested and involved, or is the project another one of someone else's 'good ideas'?     

[♩♬🐸 Billy C ♯♫♩🐇]

Isn't the track for Desert Drive faster on the Paley sessions?

Different sessions...this is a 2002 session with Paley.

[LostArt]

Isn't the track for Desert Drive faster on the Paley sessions?

Different sessions...this is a 2002 session with Paley.

Ahh, got it.  Thanks.   

[NightHider]

Did Carl ever perform this song live?  If so, at which concerts?

And am I correct that I might hear the Carl lead with the awesome bridge on a "Wilson/Paley Sessions" recording?

[Andrew G. Doe]

No, the BB nver did it live.

The CW lead is usually included on any decent boot of the Wilson/paley sessions, along with "You're Still A Mystery".

OT - it's looking like the end of the world here - lowering sky, damn great thunderbolts, rising wind, driving rain.

[Wirestone]

I believe those 2002 sessions also produced the version of "California Feelin'" on the BW picks BB classics album. Not the best of sessions, perhaps. Brian sings as though his tongue is numb.

[Andrew G. Doe]

Don't think so - that album was released in July 2002 and in the liners Brian says he recorded it "a few months ago".

[matt-zeus]

I can't imagine why in the world the Wilson-Paley version of GIOMH wasn't used on the album, obviously 'Soul Searchin' and 'Saturday Morning...' are from the mid-90s sessions so why not this one as well? The original has a much better backing track and Brians vocals is one of his best ever vocals post 1970s.
The remake (from the Imagination sessions?) is dreary, AOR sounding and his vocals have no charm whatsoever. the similarities between Brian and Ozzy Osbournes voice are very apparent here!

[MBE]

The original GIOMH is the best post 74 vocal I have heard from him

[Andrew G. Doe]

Which is pretty darn amazing considering it was only a work vocal. That said, the bit in the middle-eight where he engages warp drive never fails to make every hair on my body stand to attention.

[MBE]

I know what you mean Andrew, I had to pinch myself (and my girlfriend  ) to make sure that it was really the 1994 Brian singing.

[matt-zeus]

I know the BB career is full of odd decisions regarding different versions of tracks, but this was a very foolish one, anyone with half a brain can hear that the original is better!

[Andrew G. Doe]

I know what you mean Andrew, I had to pinch myself (and my girlfriend  ) to make sure that it was really the 1994 Brian singing.

Ummmm... I was talking about Carl's vocal: Brian doesn't have a lead on the original "SS".

'Course it would help if I'd read the original post correctly (duh !)... but what you say holds true - that's a great BW latter-day vocal.

[matt-zeus]

AGD, I was wondering if you have (or are going to have) a supplement for your BB book (much like you did before the updated version with the solo stuff etc.) with unreleased tracks on it, and I don't mean just listed like on your site but with a few sentences and insights written about them?

[Andrew G. Doe]

That might be cool, even if i'd have to lie about having heard some of them. 

[matt-zeus]

I'm sure you could get away with it...

[NightHider]

Some more info if you will:

Is the boot known as Landy-locked the same as this Paley Sessions set or is Landy-locked something different?

Was Still a Mystery on the Paley sessions recorded in 1996?  Was this song original in '96 or was it out of the can?

Other than Soul Searchin' and Mystery, were there any other songs recorded with all the Boys at this time?

Aside from Stars and Stripes, what were the last few recordings of original or new material that featured all the Boys?

[c-man]

Some more info if you will:

Is the boot known as Landy-locked the same as this Paley Sessions set or is Landy-locked something different?  ******Same material, quality may be better or worse******


Was Still a Mystery on the Paley sessions recorded in 1996?  Was this song original in '96 or was it out of the can? ******Actually 1995 (fall, I believe), same session as "Soul Searchin'", but the music track from the early Wilson/Paley sessions was later "flown in" to create the versions we hear here******

Other than Soul Searchin' and Mystery, were there any other songs recorded with all the Boys at this time? ******Nope, although Mike wanted really bad to write new lyrics to "Chain Reaction Of Love" (sounds like his kind of song, doesn't it?)******

Aside from Stars and Stripes, what were the last few recordings of original or new material that featured all the Boys? ******"Soul Searchin'" and "Still A Mystery To Me"******