BWRG 2nd week - #53.

[Andrew G. Doe]

Also dropped out of the Jazz Top 15. 

[Andrew G. Doe]

So... I think now would be a good time to ask the world in general, in a loud voice, "exactly what the f*** are Disney playing at ?"

They paid Brian $250K to record the album, got Al Schmitt (and he doesn't come cheap) to do a remix that wasn't really needed, manufactured that thing, did some reasonable pre-publicity... and then dropped the ball completely. Amazon ran out of their #1 seller... no special displays in the stores... seriously poor merchandising... Did they think the reviews alone would suffice ? Is it a tax write-off ?  Are they more interested in the movie songs album ?

Here's my bright idea: once the movie songs album is done, and the 50th is past, Brian's next album should be released on BriMel via the website, CD Baby, amazon.(your country here) and the like. Drop the 'Major Label' mentality - it's 2010, not 1964. Might not get a Billboard ranking, but with the middleman cut out, the points will be higher and there's a guaranteed market. Oh, and did I say 'archive' releases ? Yes, I just did.

Bottom line: outstandingly fine album, outstandingly inept promotion. Meet the new boss/Same as the old boss.

[Ron]

I'm with you.  I'm not a record exec, so I won't pretend to know what's going on... but you had the absolute highest people at Disney acting like they completely loved the album, and it appeared genuine.  Then they did pretty good marketing for it leading up to the release.  They invested major resources in it by having it be THE album that has new Gershwin material, when they could have let anybody do that... then they held all those listening parties and got out good review upon good review, talked all the talk about how they wanted it to be a runaway hit like Susan Boyle or whatever.... and then pressed about 10,000 copies.  WTF

If they didn't want to make copies available, why did they spend so much money on the album?  It's kind of baffling.

There is ONE more explanation, i'll see what you think.  Maybe they just wanted the album to claim it, and didn't care if it sold well?  It adds legitimacy to their portfolio, because it's a very well done album. 

[Don't Back Down]

.

[The Heartical Don]

To return to the 'problem': I stick by my idea that the album will be a sleeper. Not something that kids queue up for as if it were the iPad or something. More like an album one hears at dinner with good friends, and asks: what's that? Sounds terrific... old-fashioned and modern sounding at the same time...

(Mind: I'm with Andrews criticism of course. The dichotomy between the production values of BWRG and its marketing is incomprehensibly huge. But it will find its way eventually to all interested parties, I am convinced.)

[filledeplage]

So... I think now would be a good time to ask the world in general, in a loud voice, "exactly what the f*** are Disney playing at ?"

They paid Brian $250K to record the album, got Al Schmitt (and he doesn't come cheap) to do a remix that wasn't really needed, manufactured that thing, did some reasonable pre-publicity... and then dropped the ball completely. Amazon ran out of their #1 seller... no special displays in the stores... seriously poor merchandising... Did they think the reviews alone would suffice ? Is it a tax write-off ?  Are they more interested in the movie songs album ?

Here's my bright idea: once the movie songs album is done, and the 50th is past, Brian's next album should be released on BriMel via the website, CD Baby, amazon.(your country here) and the like. Drop the 'Major Label' mentality - it's 2010, not 1964. Might not get a Billboard ranking, but with the middleman cut out, the points will be higher and there's a guaranteed market. Oh, and did I say 'archive' releases ? Yes, I just did.

Bottom line: outstandingly fine album, outstandingly inept promotion. Meet the new boss/Same as the old boss.

Andrew - I am in the States, waiting to see Brian on the talk-u-tainment shows.  ABC and Disney are one and the same network.  When a new CD is promoted, here, there is a worldwind TV show "tour" where a couple of songs are sampled, a little chit-chat for the people and everyone in the audience goes home with a copy, gratis.  A big bang for the buck.

Now, there were some "heady" music reviews and a Nightline (ABC/Disney) interview which was pretty good of Brian.  However the "package" is nowhere to be found.  There is a captive audience just waiting to be "captured." And all the "ABC News" outlets and morning news shows where they do an entertainment spot.  They are not the only game in town.  There are many major networks, and the subsidiaries and cable stations...

All that work...and poor promotion.  They know better. 

When the Beach Boys debuted a new album, they often did that "talk show" circuit, Mike Douglas, Merv Griffin, The Tonight Show.  Brian was even on Home Shopping Network, with his Christmas ( I think.) Album...

And with someone else further down,  I want to go into the store and put it in my hand.  It is part of the charm...

Online just has no "soul" for me!

   

[Wirestone]

Keeping Brian out of that TV show tour was one of the major promotional accomplishments of this album.

The man's TV appearances are almost always problematic -- I doubt it would sell many records to have this weird old guy on Leno.

He does best on radio -- when you can play whole songs from the record -- or something tightly edited like the Nightline spot.

[filledeplage]

Keeping Brian out of that TV show tour was one of the major promotional accomplishments of this album.

The man's TV appearances are almost always problematic -- I doubt it would sell many records to have this weird old guy on Leno.

He does best on radio -- when you can play whole songs from the record -- or something tightly edited like the Nightline spot.

Reasonable minds can differ.  Brian did a fantastic job on the Nightline interview; it flowed freely and he was very relaxed.  If that is "where he is" in the communication domain, he gets an A from me. 

And people want to hear his music, so the "banter" takes second place.  I disagree that if he were on Leno/Ellen/Oprah/HSN it would not boost sales.  You have a huge "mixed-market" dynamic, most of whom are certainly familiar with the "back-story." 

That is like saying that an incumbent politician does not have to go out and campaign.  They have to "go through the motions" because their inaction is construed as "arrogance" or "sloppiness" and certainly very poor public relations.  The re-election of an incumbent, is "theirs to lose."

Brian has a gem, here, not a dud.  If you want sales, you have to play the game, knowing the numbers of  your demographic.   

The "momentum" of that " drop in week #2 - in my view, needless and shows sloppiness. It is not even out in Europe, which baffles me completely.  Radio, you have to "look for" and it is sort of a "niche," and, not mainstream - with TV you have the visual and the convenience of the "one stop" place in the news/entertainment arena.  It is "integrated promotion."

And Brian is not a "weird old guy"  - just an all grown up Beach Boy!       

[Ron]

The difference in Brian's crazy interviews and his beautiful music is very jarring.  I always love seeing him on the interviews, but maybe Disney just wasn't down with it, I don't know. 

[jiggityjars]

I agree Andrew, it's very strange to drop the ball at this point. Maybe Disney did all of this for a future Grammy?

[filledeplage]

The difference in Brian's crazy interviews and his beautiful music is very jarring.  I always love seeing him on the interviews, but maybe Disney just wasn't down with it, I don't know. 

Brian seems pretty hinged together to me.  I am not personally privy to what is going on, so it is just the long time fan's perspective.

It might be that this is essentially an "Art for art's sake" project for Disney.  That would seem counter intuitive to me having been to their parks a gazillion times, including the Paris park.  They are the masters of promotion.  

Would they throw so much dough down the rabbit hole for nothing and relinquish control  (or appear to) of the promotional part?  For "Art's" sake and for the Gershwin legacy?  I don't know.  

But people tend to behave "consistently" and this seems so inconsistent with the way they handle every thing else "Disney."  It is always full court press for them and at full-throttle.  

Borders' bookstore where I bought my copy, had the CD on the speaker system, promoting it "internally."   It is not a reflection of the work (I hope) and merely a "misfire" of promotion.  

But, it feels sure like déjà vue...(Pet Sounds.)

[Wirestone]

I just think he tends to not come across very well in live TV appearances.

It has nothing to do with the incumbent effect -- just what will promote this lush, artistic album best. Go to YouTube and look at the clips of Brian's appearances on Leno, Conan, etc. Read the comments. The general audience finds his live voice and behavior odd.

[Ron]

I agree that Disney always makes money, but art for arts sake isn't lost on them.  I was just reading up on my favorite ride of all time, the Drop Zone Tower of Terror! in Florida, and there are little touches all through the ride that they didn't have to do, but that add to the experience only for the die hard Twilight Zone fans.  Even down to the room numbers and things on the wall.

So maybe they just wanted this to make their portfolio look good.  I don't know.  OR, maybe it'll sell perennially. 

[Smilin Ed H]

And on top of that, people think he's a Muslim Communist! That won't go down well with middle America, you know. Unfortunately, we live in a dumb world full of dumb people, dumb corporations and the dumb media we deserve.

[Ron]

I suppose.  I happen to think we live in a great world full of beautiful people, places, things, and music.  I guess to each his own!

[filledeplage]

I just think he tends to not come across very well in live TV appearances.

It has nothing to do with the incumbent effect -- just what will promote this lush, artistic album best. Go to YouTube and look at the clips of Brian's appearances on Leno, Conan, etc. Read the comments. The general audience finds his live voice and behavior odd.

A person comes across as well as the interviewer, and the level of sensitivity and professionalism, is exercised.  That said, some formats might be better suited to Brian.  He did well on Larry King, a number of years back, and several others, where he might not end up as the "butt of the joke" in a monologue-based and or satire-based show.  

They might not be the correct fit, however, with the right match of "come from behind" story that Brian owns, and everyone is into "recovery" stories these days. There are ABC/Disney (they own the store!) venues, in my lowly opinion which fit the bill.  

They know he is not a "Song and Dance" man but has proven him to be quite the "crooner."  I am all for Brian and his success, in this new work, and would not want to see him ridiculed in any manner.  He has done better recently and seems very confident.  The issue is finding the best interviewers.  

I cannot be convinced  that Barbara Walters could not interview him, successfully, compassionately and with her unique touch of class. And, then do a song or two.  She is a master at this delicate, sensitive interview process and works for ABC/Disney.

JMHO

[drbeachboy]

I always thought Brian came off well on both the Tonight Show and Letterman. Both Jay, and especially Dave, have a high regard for Brian. He is always treated with the utmost respect and never mocked, at least as I recall, anyway.

Brian looks more comfortable and seems to do best behind a grand piano, playing and singing. I wish he would do that now, instead of the no-play piano, arm waver who looks wanting for something to do.

[Mike's Beard]

Brain may not be the best interview subject in the world but he has definitely improved since the days of this.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-q72y52p7IM

Hint - wait till near the end of the clip.

[Jason]

If Disney's so worried about art for art's sake, we'd have uncensored versions of Fantasia, Aladdin, The Rescuers, and The Little Mermaid. Plus, Song of the South would be available to buy. "Art for art's sake" my ass. Disney is a global conglomerate, bothered mainly by the bottom line. Brian Wilson is not a blip on their radar. We should just accept that.

PS - Can someone PLEASE tell me what's so racist about Song of the South? I don't see it. And I'm not a hick from Alabama.

[TdHabib]

Art of art's sake, money for God's sake.

[filledeplage]

If Disney's so worried about art for art's sake, we'd have uncensored versions of Fantasia, Aladdin, The Rescuers, and The Little Mermaid. Plus, Song of the South would be available to buy. "Art for art's sake" my ass. Disney is a global conglomerate, bothered mainly by the bottom line. Brian Wilson is not a blip on their radar. We should just accept that.

PS - Can someone PLEASE tell me what's so racist about Song of the South? I don't see it. And I'm not a hick from Alabama.

You and the man below finished the argument...Now that is settled. 

However, I can't respond about "Song of the South" issue except that we were "discouraged from using it" in school.  It was linked in terms of the "master-servant" and "dialectical" thing.  The school system I taught in was under a desegregation order and it was construed as "racially insensitive."  I did not make the rules and never used it.  I used the Disney Anthology (sheet music) every day, and a lot of their work that was true to the old masters (Grimm, etc.) for fairy and folk tales, geared to my grade.  Great stuff.     

Still unanswered but troublesome is the "non-event" for BWRG, for this "global conglomerate."  Hopefully someone in Brian's organization or Disney will "take the bull by the horns" and start "turning this thing around" if it is not intended as Art for Art's sake, and not "Money, for God's sake." (You gave me a good giggle!) It was the Pet Sounds journey for a long time and painful for those of us on the sidelines to witness.   

Maybe Capitol should give them a jingle; seems they learned to eat their words with a "fork and spoon."      

And that was a hilarious YouTube with Joan Rivers. 

[absinthe_boy]

If Disney's so worried about art for art's sake, we'd have uncensored versions of Fantasia, Aladdin, The Rescuers, and The Little Mermaid. Plus, Song of the South would be available to buy. "Art for art's sake" my ass. Disney is a global conglomerate, bothered mainly by the bottom line. Brian Wilson is not a blip on their radar. We should just accept that.

PS - Can someone PLEASE tell me what's so racist about Song of the South? I don't see it. And I'm not a hick from Alabama.

 As a transatlantic person, I am given to understand that it is the part where the black cotton pickers are singing about how they love picking cotton.

Song of the South has been released in the UK and is even shown on TV. We've worked out that it is of its time, and not intended to be racist...and in fact isn't racist.  A few years ago I recorded it from an airing on the BBC, had it converted to NTSC and shipped to relatives in the USA who had been waiting years to see it.

Not the briar patch!

[Ron]

If Disney's so worried about art for art's sake, we'd have uncensored versions of Fantasia, Aladdin, The Rescuers, and The Little Mermaid. Plus, Song of the South would be available to buy. "Art for art's sake" my ass. Disney is a global conglomerate, bothered mainly by the bottom line. Brian Wilson is not a blip on their radar. We should just accept that.

PS - Can someone PLEASE tell me what's so racist about Song of the South? I don't see it. And I'm not a hick from Alabama.

If your diatribe against disney were true, they would have never paid Brian to record the album.  They would have tried to get him to produce the Jonas Brothers.  Lay off Disney. 

[Ron]

As a transatlantic person, I am given to understand that it is the part where the black cotton pickers are singing about how they love picking cotton.

Song of the South has been released in the UK and is even shown on TV. We've worked out that it is of its time, and not intended to be racist...and in fact isn't racist.  A few years ago I recorded it from an airing on the BBC, had it converted to NTSC and shipped to relatives in the USA who had been waiting years to see it.

Not the briar patch!

The U.S. is all I can comment on, and over here everybody's hyper sensitive about racial things.  Of course the movie isn't racist.  Ignoring racial differences and history isn't the way to eradicate racism; acting like nothing ever happened or professing till you're blue in the face that whites and blacks are identical is a losing game.  I live in the south, and blacks and whites intermingle everywhere, they work together, they live in the same communities, etc.  Hell they used to pick cotton together.  I've got lots of old white friends who tell me all the time about what a great memory they have of picking cotton before the bull weevils destroyed it all.  I'm not kidding, i'm serious. 

[donald]

I have long been critical of Disney and the period of Eisner's management.   I understand that Disney "let" Brian do this as incentive for doing the children's album.  So I would have been surprised if they promoted it more than they did.  However, I suspect they didn't anticipate the beauty and potential of the album.  Maybe they will give it a second push?

Song of the South?  I don't see it was any worse than the crows in Dumbo.   AS for the movie being "of its time" I think there is some merit to that arguement.  Amos and Andy went years off the air but shows up occasionally as a historical piece on public television or some such venue.  Notable Black entertainers have expressed mixed feelings about this series being permanently shelved as it provides some of the only early television moments of Black actors back in the 50's.   I don't think Amos and Andy were portrayed as any dumber than say, Ralph and Norton.