The Smiley Smile Message Board

 Al Jardine's web site has posted a new sample of "California Dreamin'"
from his forthcoming solo album.

Singing on the song is David Crosby and Glen Campbell with John Stamos on bongos.

In the posted sample, you can hear Al on the lead and David Crosby backing him.

www.AlJardine.com

Bleh.

Come on, if Al REALLY didn't have original material available, couldn't he cover ANY OTHER John Philips song? What about "Monday Monday"? Al's nuts.

He is indeed. - The true nutter within the Beach Boys.

What about Topanga Canyon? Now that's a John Phillips song that really fits the style I would love to hear from Al.

Come on, if Al REALLY didn't have original material available, couldn't he cover ANY OTHER John Philips song? What about "Monday Monday"?

Well I guess he wants to stick with the California theme.

A remake of a song he has already remade seems a bit pointless. There must be a few unknown Californian gems out there somewhere.

 :-D A remake of a remake of a remake....

I wonder who Al listens to for feedback, if anybody? When Al decides to remake all of these songs, who is saying, "Yeah, great idea. Don't bother writing any new material, re-record as many old songs as you can. That's what the fans want". ::)Is Al doing this because HE finds it fulfilling?

It could be Brian Wilson and Bob Dylan on lead vocals and I wouldn't listen, nobody needs a new version of California Dreamin

It's John Stamos on bongos people. I can't wait!

Oh, I dunno, maybe he's listened to the people who've bitched every time he has recorded a new song.  As shown by the rapturous reception given to "PT Cruiser" and "California Energy Blues".  Fans will bite the hand no matter what it feeds them.

Or maybe he's noticed that Brian Wilson's comeback doesn't seem to have been hurt by a few re-recordings over the years...

Cheers,
Jon Blum

Whatever guys, I don't care if he re-covers songs, it's a NEW SONG from one of THE BEACH BOYS. Shouldn't that be all that matters at this point?

Hopefully. Because whether I agree with him (I don't: vehemently), that's the reason to make music. If he sat around in focus groups or reading message boards to hear what people wanted, I'd be far more disappointed in him. A musician should do what a musician wants to do. If I don't like it, that's my problem.

It was a new song back in 1965.

dont like this version. Why not do a remake from the song: Dont go near the water. Like that one a lot, especcialy the chorus with Carl.

An album with "California Dreamin'" and "Help Me, Rhonda" sells more than one without.

You may have a point there...

Al's remake of this sounds to me just like a demo vocal version. And a bit slower. Like it lost it's wind. Listen to the original Mama's and Papas version, the 1983 Beach Boys one, the 1986 Beach Boys one, then this one. Wouldn't you agree? It needs more to it.

I think that's what they are going for: a stripped-down, unplugged, folksy, sitting-around-the-campfire arrangement.

I don't know about that. The folks who are buying Al's CD are those who have Beach Boys CDs in their collection. Those who probably own or at least know the video made for the Beach Boys version. Even if we stretch it to those who made the latest Beach Boys comps a success... Another version of California Dreamin'? I don't know.

The 'occasional buyers' don't even buy Brian's solo CDs, so I doubt they'll feel moved to give Al Jardine a chance.

Um, let's try and figure this one out, Brainiac.  An integral part of the BB vocal mix and a much underrated one at that, but Al's no writer, is he?  He's put his name to a handful of decent-good songs for the BB over the years, but nothing more, right?  So you were expecting what?  Bob Dylan. It's clear that you don't look at Al as some sort of musical aesthete in the first place so why expect more? The guy's 66 and he's bringing out an album largely of covers - including some covers of his own stuff.  The stuff I've heard sounds reasonably pleasant; some of it better than that.  There's probably some cheese - nothing new in BB history.  Why California Dreamin'?  Is it a cover of a cover?  Not unless it has the crappy drums and awful sax break of the BB version.  It isn't going to sell a lot (though I'll buy it), nd certainly not to occasional buyers, but it's not going to be the worst solo BB album and it's got some good BB guest spots (and make the most of Campbell's because his recentshows in the UK were notable for his onstage beffudlement and being guided by his daughter and other band members in a way that makes me fear the worst - unless it's the drink again).  I'm surprised you're getting so worked up about it, unless you're just carping because you feel he jumped ship and deserted Mike and Bruce.

WTF? Hey, if you wanna bring it on Male Ego style, I can deliver it as good as anyone. Get a clue.

I feel like whining about Al's decision to rerecord CD. So what? If Mike rerecorded 'Hot Fun in the Summertime' for a solo CD I'd say the same thing.


Nah, he was kicked out. Don't you read his interviews? Al deserves better diehard fans.

Am I alone in really enjoying this?

Crosby's velvet voice holds together the minimal Friends-like track, and Al shows he's the only BB left with a full voice that doesn't need pro-tooling.

I wish Brian would record more in this vein, like he did with Walking Down the Path of Life.

The merits of recording another cover are neither here nor there with Al's album, it's not that kind of record.

Can't wait for the album.

"WTF? Hey, if you wanna bring it on Male Ego style, I can deliver it as good as anyone."  Evidently not.  

You're living in a fool's paranoid. Why do you assume this was aimed at you?

You - "The 'occasional buyers' don't even buy Brian's solo CDs, so I doubt they'll feel moved to give Al Jardine a chance."
Me - "It isn't going to sell a lot (though I'll buy it), and certainly not to occasional buyers"

Unless it was your crack about it being a new song back in 65, but, as I said, why do you expect more from Al, particularly now?  It would be nice if he'd come up with all new songs, but that's never been his bag, so we get 'typical' Al - a few 'new' songs, some covers, some derivative stuff - all pleasantly delivered and sung well with some unnecessary guest stars (though the fact that Mike, Brian, Carl and David feature is a major plus this late in the Beach Boy game).

Brainiac...

Wow....someone's definitely gonna have a bruised ego after that one. Male Ego couldn't stoop lower.

Gimme a break.

(http://i115.photobucket.com/albums/n295/ttorres99/waahmbulance.jpg?t=1226445905)

Oh, come on.  ::)

I'm surprised somebody posting on this board would have to ask that question. So, I'll answer it for you.

1. Al Jardine has been writing and recording songs for over 40 years now. His songs have not always been represented on Beach Boys albums in large numbers, usually one per album, if that. So, one might think he would enthused about the opportunity to record an album of almost ALL Al Jardine songs, and not have to share the space. Not that Al is egotistical, I'm not insinuating that, but most artists record albums to share THEIR songs.

2. Again, because Al has been writing music for over 40 years, one would think he would have a large number of HIS songs in his back catalogue; songs that were unfinished, rejected, or just not right for a Beach Boys' album. Now would be the logical time to revisit them.

3. This is a solo album. Most solo albums mean that the artist prefers to share his songs, his voice, his playing, his vision, his lyrics, his whatever. One would think that a main purpose for a solo album, again for an artist as experienced as Al who has never recorded a solo album, would be to record SOLO SONGS, not covers of others' songs. Been there, done that, several times.

4. Al owns the studio; he could EXPERIMENT as long as his little heart desires. Al's an artist, right? Why not do something a little more "out of the box". Just suggesting it, it's Al's choice of course, but still one wonders why he's taking a conservative route.

5. Al brought in an eclectic mix of musicians, many of them outstanding songwriters/lyricists as well as instrumentalists. Collaborations, on new songs, maybe? I mean, was it really necessary for their guitar or singing skills? Oh, it will sound nice, but what about some writing?

6. In Al's last years with the Beach Boys, he was very critical of Mike Love's direction, both in concert and in the studio. In my posts, I have been critical of Al about his complaining, referring to him/it as hypocrisy. I believe Al's solo career has proven my posts to be accurate. Now, when Al can do whatever the hell he wants to - away from Mike Love and the Beach Boys - Al chooses to record "Honkin' Down The Highway", "Help Me Rhonda", California Dreamin", "California Feeling", "California Saga", and a song called "Drivin'". Nevermind "PT Cruiser". While I can't say that I'm totally surprised that Al chose this direction, I think the above points that I have made do lead to some surprise and disappontment from Al Jardine/Beach Boys fans who have followed his career.

Al could buy some original material if he wanted too.  Al should put together an album that re-issues all the songs he sang lead on over the years.  That might be an interesting  cd.

Otherwise the whole thing is a big yawn!  :-\

It shocks me to say, but it sounds like there is going to eventually be a piece of Beach Boys related product that is....a rip off.

You seem to have confused "solo artist" with "singer-songwriter".

Al Jardine is a guy who's written a scattering of songs over his years as primarily a singer/guitarist.  So he's more of a performer than a songwriter -- big deal, the same is true for everyone from Elvis to Joss Stone...

Cheers,
Jon Blum

Al has never claimed to be a 'Brian Wilson'.  It's easy being a back seat driver but I guess Al is doing what he thinks will be 'most commercial' (kinda a 'Stars n Stripes' formula).  I'll be thankful for a new BB solo album and would buy it anyhow just for 'Drivin' (Brian and Al sound great on that one).  For those who don't find it their cup of tea, don't buy it (or just the tracks you like, on iTunes)

"Oh, come on. "

I dunno, I read the whole thread. So you were expecting a wonder record from Al?

 Al's not a singer songwriter, Sheriff.  You know that.  You've also read a few months back about the sort of stuff that's going to be on the album.  California Dreamin' seems to fit the tone (though SJB...?).  What the hell if he wants to record a whole album of covers? He's 66.  He's served his time.

I wonder if your sixth point doesn't inform the rest of your thinking...

Anyhow, don't like it: don't buy it, but don't like it for something it didn't set out to be.

Part of people's frustration with the Beach Boys might be that what these guys might consider as "most commercial" has been proven totally wrong over the course of so many years. Stars & Stripes, Keepin' The Summer Alive, Summer In Paradise, you name it, all very likely made with high expectations in mind in terms of sales. Yet people at concerts being most enthusiastic when all the old ones are being played does not mean they want to buy an album of dodgy remakes or all too obvious nods to the glory days. That's a lesson the Beach Boys have failed to learn and they have been wrong with this kind of stuff for 30 years minimum, as in the end most of these ill-fated projects presented the group at their uttermost "uncommercial".

Yes, exactly!

He was at one point. Not the major one, but from 1969 onwards, he could be expected to produce, what, two or three songs on an album, and a few more in co-writes? That's the equal to George Harrison's contributions in the Beatles. George was a singer-songwriter, no?



Not in the arena of showing us what he can do, he hasn't. There's plenty of old guys, who weren't the main songwriter in their band, who still produce something better than lame re-recordings and callbacks to their glory days. To carry on the Beatles analogy, Al is a George, but acting like a Ringo, who also produces songs made specifically out of references to other songs or the 1960s. Al could've mustered 10 friggin' songs, especially including the old unreleased stuff like Don't Fight The Sea.

Some of you guys are acting like we're expecting SMiLE or something. We're expecting a TLOS, or to finalise the analogy, a Brainwashed. Harrison managed to make that - ten songs nobody had heard - while preoccupied with his cancer, and his attack, and still pushing 60. Al can't muster ten songs? Feh.

I guess not, but Al's no Harrison, is he? And he wasn't way back either.  Of course, the annoying thing is that there are going to be two or three songs on this dating from late 70s-early 80s that would've been better than some of the stuff released on MIU, LA and KTSA.  Same with stuff on Mike's unreleased album.

I dunno, I don't think he's as good a songwriter quality-wise as Harrison, but his songs are solid enough, and as I say, he seems to have contributed at least two tunes to every album from, like Friends onwards, with the exception of Love You. And he fulfils the same kind of niche in the band - a lesser ranked songwriter whose work is sometimes slightly derivative but can always be relied upon to be at least thoughtful.  It's only Al's lack of ambition which is keeping him from being a Harrison.

Maybe he's lazy. He's had a career relying on others, so maybe you're right - no ambition - or he's happy with it that way. It's just that we want more!  :)

I found your last post to be insulting . . .

Al has been working very hard to make this album a quality project. 
Take a look at the guest list: Brian Wilson, David Marks, Steve Miller,
Neal Young, Flea, Glen Campbell, David Crosby, Gerry Beckley (AMERICA), Dewey Bunnell (AMERICA),
and Stephen Stills to name a few.  Now consider schedules and logistics and you can see why it is taking time to finish this album.

Please be patient and keep it positive . . . and try to appreciate the preview samples released.

heck, i'm happy just getting anything from any group member now....i too would like brand new songs, projects that stretch out, rocking songs but that hasn't happened, on an lp scale, since '73. i accept that fact and just enjoy whatever comes out nowadays.

But those guys could just as easily be playing on ten of Al's newer songs written between 1998 and today. Hey, I'm just devil's adovcating here. I'd rather hear Al solo on acoustic guitar playing something I've never heard before than all those guests playing on re-recordings. That's all I'm saying.  I dig Al's work and want more of it.

I was being devil's avocado too. Lazy from our point of view. As I said earlier, the guy's 66; let's face it, whether certain 'fans' like it or not, he's doing what he wants to do at his own pace.    I don't have problems with the covers (except maybe his signature Help Me Rhonda) but I guess my initial hope was that we'd get some kind of California folk-type stuff with BB calibre singing and harmonies - the kind of stuff I've read he's written or heard boots of from the late 70s (though I realise we're getting some of those too).  I just got a little pissed at people jumping all over him for - I suspect - being Al Jardine.

Hmm, re-reading this and the previous posts, I confess that my real - possibly only - beef with Al is that for a time in the mid-late 70s, he was attempting to write what might be called 'mature' BB songs in the Holland mode and yet none of them made the albums, including the one he oversaw, until  Bruce's syrupy production of Santa Ana Winds (possibly the best thing on KTSA).  Ironically, the only other person displaying any ambition in the songwriting seems to have been Dennis, but the band fractured and Al seems to have stood with Mike and gone for the summer-is-fun thing - though let's face it, the name of Brian Wilson is on a lot of those songs! I don't want to make any claims for Al being as good as writer as Dennis, because he wasn't, but between them, with the odd number by the others (including, Bruce, a more acclaimed songwriter, whose album also contained covers, remakes and a few new numbers, and who seems to show no interest in releasing anything he's written and is surely more a target for your ire than Jardine), we could have had some decent BB albums that might have garnered critical as well as fan respect, instead of the horrible winding down of a great band that did occur.

Al seem to do well in an ensemble.  Maybe this is it.   I'm ready to hear it.

Very well stated.

While there is nothing really exceptional about this track (which he's already covered before), I don't mind it.  I just think it's cool to have David Crosby singing on it.  I'm cool with the stripped-down approach.  I think the reason Al does so many covers is mostly due to the fact that's where he's had the most success.  He's not much of a songwriter.  He's just playing to his strengths.  :-)