I've got to admit it's getting better... (Brian Wilson post-BWRG)

[the captain]

I see what you're saying then (connecting bravery and inspiration). I'd still hold my guess that Brian's inspiration is less in the way of Smile and more in the way of the rest of his life's work. I think his ultimate inspiration is more along the lines of California Girls and In My Room than it is Surf's Up or Mrs. O'Leary's Cow, with the Smile era more a sidetrack. (An amazing one, obviously.)

[Wirestone]

Well, Jerry Garcia was open to inspiration until it killed him.

And Clapton is still working, albeit in a restrained way.

I think for artists who struggled with drugs, that casting the doors open wide to bizarre creativity reminds them of casting the doors open to unhealthy and dangerous behaviors. So they draw away from that to their core interests and strengths, which aren't always the kind of thing that made them famous or drew them fans in the first place.

[Margarita]

I can't even try to predict what is next for Brian.  I still think back to sitting in the Beacon Theatre in June of 1999, marveling at the miracle of finally seeing him in concert and fully expecting it to be his only solo tour.  Seriously, I sat there thinking how wonderful it would be to hear him perform "Surf's Up" or "Heroes and Villains" in concert, and thinking "Nah, it'll never happen!".  So I just enjoy the treasures we've been given over the past 11 years (except GIOMH!) and look forward to BWRG. 

Going forward, who knows.  All that matters is that Brian is happy and healthy.  Even if he just sits at his piano every day and makes music for himself, his dogs, and his children...if that's what he wants, then so be it.  He's given us so much already to listen and study and enjoy.

[Aum Bop Diddit]

I was at that Beacon Show -- it was a pinch yourself experience -- as Smile at Carnegie Hall, Pet Sounds with the orchestra, having an usher kindly sneak me into the theater for the premiere of I Just Wasn't Made for These Times where Brian was sitting (I sat behind the Smithereens!)....  We are far far past where we first got on the gravy train.  If Brian releases an album of fart humor it wouldn't tarnish his gargantuan legacy and songbook for me.  Actually that is something he might have done at one point.

Maybe Phil Spector can produce the "rock and roll" album, Mikie!

[Ron]

I think of how Clapton says that when he plays now he holds back and tries to stay in control because he is afraid of just opening up, the way he used to.  The unpredictable can be frightening.  And we see the difference in Clapton's playing -- it has gone from magic and inspired to classy and tasteful. 

I'm not a die hard Clapton fan that buys all his albums, but through his singles I see your point.  Ironically, supposedly Brian had him re-record the solo to "City Blues", and told him it was supposed to be a "Happy Blues" song, lol.  Then talked Clapton into playing that blistering solo like he USED to play.  I think it sounds great... he really let it wail there for a second. 

[Curtis Leon]

I thought the Gershwin album /was/ the Disney album. Am I confused?

As part of the two record deal with Disney, first is the Gershwin album which drops in under two weeks, and next up is an album of classic Disney songs.

Ah, I see. Got any word on that? Track listings, perhaps?

[GoofyJeff]

Ah, I see. Got any word on that? Track listings, perhaps?

To borrow filmmaking terminology, I think it's still in pre-production.  Could be mistaken...

[Curtis Leon]

Ah, I see. Got any word on that? Track listings, perhaps?

To borrow filmmaking terminology, I think it's still in pre-production.  Could be mistaken...

Indeed. I hope it turns out at least as good as the Gershwin album.

[Andrew G. Doe]

Ah, I see. Got any word on that? Track listings, perhaps?

To borrow filmmaking terminology, I think it's still in pre-production.  Could be mistaken...

Titles are being auditioned.

[hypehat]

When do you reckon we'll have it then? Late 2011?

I just hope he stays as interested in the Disney album as he was in the Gershwin album. I mean, he went to the label and basically said 'Let me make this record', so it was hardly at the fore of his mind. Could it be he sees it as the obligation he needs to fufill to make his Gershwin album?

Of course, I'm probably just worrying too much.

[Magic Transistor Radio]

Maybe the reunion arrangement could be that Brian produce new songs written by all the surviving Beach Boys using his band. But they do live shows with Mike's band along with Carl, Dennis, Brian and Al's sons and daughters.

[Awesoman]

If forced to bet, I'd bet no more studio albums after the Disney tunes album. I have no evidence, that's just a total gut feeling. He's doing this one, he'll tour (again) in 2010-11, he'll do another album, and may tour that. He's going to be 70. I wouldn't be at all surprised to see him at least slow down, maybe do some shows here and there or even the occasional songs, but I don't think he's going to do much more in the way of originals.

I wouldn't be surprised if this were the case, but then again, you have artists in their 70's and 80's (such as Jerry Lee Lewis and Tony Bennett) who are still recording music.  A lot of artists I listen to are hitting the 70 year mark and are still going particularly strong.  You never know.

[Ron]

Yeah, I think people make a bit much of that.  I present as evidence Exhibit A: The Grand Ol' Opry.  I listen to it every few weeks, and theres tons of people there WELL into their 70's that still sound pretty damn good.

Jim Ed Brown, etc.  Not to mention Little Jimmy Dickens, 89 I believe and still singing two or three tiems a week.  I mean that's a different ballgame than this, but it's not unheard of for people to perform late in life.