The Smiley Smile Message Board

As posted by the BB Official YouTube:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=23U7kegA5gc

Nice video, with a lot more Dave than the earlier one.

Thank You.!

Thanks for posting!  This does sound better each time I hear it.  The new album could be quite respectable with proper QC.

I have NEVER complained about Jeff's falsetto....but ???....It just sticks out like a sore thumb in this track. And they mixed Brian's voice down way too low in the track.

Okay, those are my complaints. Love the sound of the instrumentals - Mike's voice is Ok, and I LOVE Brian's vocal right after the first chorus (during the "With a girl" part). Again, I can't wait to hear this song in the context of the album!

Interesting. There's a lot to like in this rendition -- I like the sound of it, largely, some of the leads are quite good, and the video is very sweet.

But this is from last summer's sessions, right? To me, it sounds like a band (and production crew) still getting the hang of working with each other. Some of the performances, especially out of the rhythm section, sound a little stiff. Not bad, but it doesn't totally gel yet.

It's a strong effort, and I'm more optimistic after seeing this. But I hope that the album sounds much tighter.

Mono. Nice.  :hat

Also, David's the man. Looks like he was really feeling that solo.

Anyone hear any differences in the guitar solo?  That leaves me thinking that Scott's lead from the original video was replaced by David, presumably because he was added later. Or maybe not.

I still hope it won't be on the new album. Imo there's not enough bass or deepness. It's ok and good to use this as the promotional video (I believe that was the plan, right?) for the big tour but it shouldn't be on the album, although you have Dennis playing the intro. Maybe the plan with the album is to use old recording parts to make new songs a la Beatles love (no way that would happen, just kidding).

I wonder if there'll be an announcement that this video is now up and running

It's already up on their Facebook...which is just as good as announcing it.  I'm sure they'll embed the video on the front page of their site soon.

Do it Again! ;D

When I first heard Foskett's high part in earlier incarnations of the video, I just thought the autotune was overused and his slip was showing. But now, I think it sounds like a purposeful decision to make that part distinctively sound "treated." Maybe to sound like more of an "update" and to distinguish the new version from the original?

Also, I can't figure out if Mike's verse vocals are autotuned (and maybe stretched so he can seem to hold the notes longer) or if it's just a weird side effect that is produced when you double track a vocal for an older gentleman.

I'm pretty sure they are autotuned.

The drums at the beginning are really weird.  The first several lines sound like a sample of the original treated drums, but when Mike comes in, they add a weird extra snare hit on the '3' that sounds right out of Garageband or something.  Then after the first lines Cowsill finally comes in and it starts sounding like normal drums.

When did Myke take up smoking ? :o

Highlights for me are Dave's guitar solo and Brian harmonizing with himself on the "With a girl..." part.

the official (new) video seems to have a better handle on Mike Love's vocal and it doesn't sound quite as treated as before.. but the drums seem to be toned down slightly (boo) and it seems to be a new (but similar) guitar solo ( Dave this time around?)

honestly, while I like it, it seems closer to the original now , which is to say, to me, a bit boring.. the little quirks in the previous mix were rather endearing (except for ML's auto tune)

I noticed the different guitar solo...I believe there might be a little more on the end of Dave's than Scott's. I'm really happy with this...and I believe it's a little better than the one we had before.

I so wish there had been more of that sound in there! I love that sound of his voice, shame it only comes in at one point in the song!

It is a sample of the original recording, and that tom hit on the 3 is amazing and is funnily enough played by that guy sitting behind that drumkit there.

Noticed that too.  And it's crazy distracting.  That was definitley not in the original video that was leaked very briefly a few months ago.  The first hit of the snare in that video came right when Mike starts singing.  Sounds like they definitely added it in post.  Not sure why they inserted it in such an awkward timing as they did.

Oh yeah, you're right - they've changed it from a tom to a hi-hat or a snare. Why change the one addition to the arrangement that was great?

Yes, I agree.

It's a bummer, mostly because by this point there's really nothing to be ashamed of when it comes to BW's singing.

I hear no difference, I only see difference.

It's great to see them altogether but this and even the original don't hold a candle to the Brian/Wilson sisters version from 1995.  There's just so much raw energy in it that you don't get from the Beach Boys versions.
  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N0DWT-VO5pQ&ob=av2e

When Mike sings "Been so long," he should be belting it out!  I don't know, there's just something kinda dull about this version.

I don't know this version sort of makes me cringe/is kind of depressing.  Brian, while he is energetic, doesn't sound quite so good.

If you listen, they added Dennis' drum line BACK in at the end, too, when Mike starts the last verse.  Or somewhere around there.  Listen to it, you'l hear it. 

And then I listened on headphones, not my shitty computer speakers, and found they haven't changed a damn thing.  :lol

Given my ears have already failed me once tonight, I am going to go out on an almighty limb and say this is pretty much the same mix from the leaked video.

Sounds good but needs that killer organ which blasts you like the sun they sing of.

No matter how many times I view it, this video never gets old.  God I love these guys!

IMO this kicks ass. The boys sound great. When was the last time you heard the BBs do a rocker on record? Mike using his tenor lead range, owning the song... When was the las time he sang a tenor lead on a BB record?

I tell you, the only problem is that hungry fans get just one song and it is overanalyzed. Suddenly there are legions of autotune experts. People start hearing things that don't even exist.

I say keep going, Beach Boys

Oh, and seeing them makes me so happy that I don't wanna complain about anything. I've dreamt of this for so long, and I like these guys so much, that at this point I find it inappropriate to criticize them.

Preach It Brother!

Yep Yep.  I've actually been overwhelmed as to how positive the feedback has been outside of The Beach Boys' community to this reunion.  The affection the public holds for these guys is pretty evident.  People who were there in the sixties and those who received the vibrations second hand.  Either way this is going to be awesome and I wouldn't worry too much about the critics, there are quite a few people within the fan community that never wanted this reunion to happen in the first place.

The hit on the 3? Nah I just watched the video that leaked a few months back and it's on that too. I never noticed it until someone pointed it out and now I can't help but concentrate on it.

Very happy to see this video up and running in final edited form!  Just an observation...does anyone think that this video has been designed for the modern-day average joe who has an attention span of about 3 seconds?  I counted the scene changes, and depending on how you count, there are at LEAST 129 different scene changes in this 177-second video!  No exaggeration! 

Not a complaint, just an observation!!! 

and WOW

what a great, great solo from David, spot on!

All right!  The boy can play!   ;D

...and he got a reserved parking space at Capitol! ;D

I wonder if

1. they forgot to include it in the original video

or

2. they had to set the entire damn shot up again just to film it with David's name

or

3. It's just CGI or some sh*t. 

Except autotune IS used here. Not to T-Pain like extents, but it's still not really necessary. Again I'll say that a touch of manual pitch correction does the trick - f*cking with the entire vocal by just throwing an autotune filter on it is lazy and unnecessary.

And as much as some folks have said it and as much as I hate sounding so cruel, damn: I'm so tired of Jeff's voice absolutely dominating every recording and performance that Brian Wilson is associated with, and now on what will be the final Beach Boys album. It's not right. Meanwhile much more capable vocalists like Matt Jardine or Christian Love have nothing to do with this, and Jeff gets a free pass for being one of Brian's minders.

I'd bet both testicles that Al could still pull off a good falsetto vocal. Dude's still got the chops he's had since the 70s, if maybe with the slightest bit of reduced range and maybe not quite as much stamina. Why he isn't at the very least doing it on the new Beach Boys recordings (maybe not the tour, as I'm sure that'd be strain enough) is waaaay beyond me.

Jeff has been involved for over 30 years.

He does not get a free pass for that. He toured with Mike and then the Beach Boys band for years. He is known and trusted and liked by everyone. Someone who can collaborate both with Datian and Mike is a rarity. And he has a voice that does absolute justice to the music.

Jeff's voice is terrible. He does no "justice" to anything, to my ears. His atonal wailing and obnoxious modifications to Brian's parts =/= justice.

I don't care if he's been part of the act for 30 years. He joined as a touring member of the Beach Boys in the 80s. The Beach Boys. In the 80s. What else needs to be said?

And I'll bet you lot ANYTHING that him being one of Brian's minders gave him a world of leverage that he'd otherwise not have. The guy is creepy and annoying, and I just get these vibes that he steals Brian's underwear when no one's looking or something.

Also, I find it amusing that a lot of people who champion Jeff solely because of the time he's been with the band are the same who will condemn Stamos left and right, all the while it'd be easy for someone to say, "But he's been with them for over two decades!"

In all honesty, I never thought Al could pull off a good falsetto voice.  His voice was never meant to sing that high and it shows when he would painfully handle the leads on "Don't Worry Baby" and other songs.  I do agree there is some pitch correction going on here.  And dare I say it--all the harmonies sound a little too over-produced and manufactured.  Carl's voice is sorely missed.  :-(

Still this is not a bad little re-recording.  I actually like them flying in the original drum track at the beginning of the song. 

Actually, he's all over the backups.  Listen on headphones, and remind yourself Foskett seemingly is the only non-BB singing...then Brian's parts become much clearer. He's singing the highest non-Foskett part in the backups.

Jeff's voice doesn't bother me none.  I'm glad he's involved with the vocals.  

okay

I'd be happy if the new album were just called "Do It Again".  this tune really cooks!

It's actually a PERFECT album title, and may make potential new listeners hunt for 20/20 so they can hear the original. Win-win.

Bawww, really? I always loved Al's falsetto, and thought it was just as good as Carl's and, on a good day, maybe even rivaled Brian's.



Nop! Can't disagree there.

I think the main vid was shot before David became involved in the reunion

Suspect so…

In PC's world maybe!

A smooth outing; boxes ticked.

- Artistic and musical integrity maintained/restored - It's pretty cool, I really like it
- Contemporary visuals spiced with expected but not over the top nostalgia
AND
- Prominent Gibson product placement for major tour sponsor (in the solo)

Hope they release a dvd of this footage uncut! You got Brian singing with the boys at the piano - Al and Brian rehearsing the song together - David doing guitar solos - BRIAN AND MIKE IN THE SAME ROOM TALKING TO EACH OTHER
I guess I'm weird, but I like the banter they share back and fourth.

Al used to have a great falsetto (Be Here in the Morning) but even at the knebworth show 32 years ago he was having trouble with Barbara Ann. I'm sure if anyone tried they could pull off a weak falsetto in the studio but definitely not live.

He did have in the studio. But it was weak in live performances even in the 60s. That is, he did a fine job considering how much stronger and fuller the guy's falsetto was that he had to replace

Neither do I.  Plus, the footage of Dave playing doesn't even come close to portraying what is actually being played.  I'm thinking Scott played the lead on this song before David became involved.  Either that or David did play it and they didn't bothering matching the visual up with what's being played for the video.  Even still, why would Scott be playing lead on the original leaked video?

I also notice the extra snare hit on the 3 and it's quite annoying.  I'm hoping that doesn't make the record.

Because David was not involved in the project to begin with.

Alan's falsetto was poor, even in his youth. Not suited for the songs he was supposed to sing. And the harmony blend i destroyed if any of the guys sing a part other than their own. Alan must sing his part. Jeff must sing Brian's original parts.

Dave definitely recorded multiple lead and rhythm parts for the Do It Again track, I doubt the video shows the actual takes that were used, as I doubt the video of the guys singing is the actual take in most instances. Its Hollywood dude.

I've been seeing people say 'flying in' parts with regard to digital audio editing. I view that term as a misnomer.

One aspect of flying in audio parts had to do with making overdubs using a mechanical/fixed sound source, such as another tape machine; this process was done manually and took time,  patience and skill (and luck) to successfully accomplish the task. I once sat in on a fly in session. There was lots of , "OK, now," and "OK, one more time," and, "close...once more." 

Tacking on the original Do It Again drum sample to the new Do It Again track was a basic audio editing function, with some EQ matching and beat matching where needed. No out of the ordinary skill is required to do that.

Isn't there a better term to use?

Oh! I see.  You downloaded a bootleg version of Pro Tools and now you can tell the rest of us what words to use.

Why don't you just let people call it what they want, you know what the hell they're talking about!

Isn't their an open schoolmarm position somewhere you can apply for?

 ;D

Wish list for 'Do It Again'. How about an extended guitar workout by Scott and David plus the band during the live gigs?

Harks back to the "Leaving This Town" instrumental section of the 'In Concert' days.

Now that would so ROCK!  8)

Schoolmarm? Yes, you can call things what you want.

I wouldn't call it poor...if it was that bad they wouldn't have had him sing so many falsetto parts for over 15 years... Not as strong as Brian's sure, but Al's strong voice at least was strong and could be heard. Better on some songs than others for sure, it was great on God Only Knows and Surfer Girl. Bruce's falsetto on the other hand is almost impossible to hear on a lot of concert recordings.

Alan"s falsetto.? Well it may not be falsetto{Alto?] but In concert  lp 1973 Al sings DWB + YSBIM..Wonderfully.!. There is a live recording 79-80 on a boot {Philly ?} Where at the end of Good Timin as the song hits the ending + band fades out Bruce goes so high its like total nosebleed seats. And its great.! Ive heard him do that on Disney Girls + IWTS also.

...um, if it's ok with you I'm going to stick with the term "flying in".  Thanks.

To each his own but you *really* thought Al's take on "Don't Worry Baby" was wonderful?  I just listened to it again; it's a pretty wobbly performance at best and he is definitely struggling there.  Thankfully Carl rescues the chorus.  I will give you that Al made up for this with his lead vocals on "You Still Believe In Me" and "Heroes And Villains".  Also while we're on the subject of Al handling Brian's parts, I also never got much out of his lead vocals on "Wouldn't It Be Nice".  Glad Carl took this over in the 80's and 90's. 

honestly i think part of the reason i like Al"s take on DWB is i hear the slight struggle and fight to do the song justice. To me it sounds soulful.. Does that make any sense.? Not sure. but then again its not the same struggle like BW in 81+82. Those were just off key to make a comparison.

That brings to mind a song that was stuck in my head the whole day!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1prhCWO_518&ob=av2e

Couldn't agree more, Al's take on DWB is in fact one of my very favorite moments on the In Concert album. In the end he does the song justice by giving it his best and adding something sad or even mournful to the beautiful naivete of the original song.

I totally understand that.  I'm not naive enough to think that they actually use footage of the solo as is.  It just seemed weird that in the early version of the vid, Scott Bennet is shown playing the exact same lead part.  That being said, I certainly trust your word that it's Dave playing. 

Well, let's keep realistic. It's good and he played it well. Very close to Carl's original. Not more, not less. He's certainly capable of better stuff

My word would not know that unless I mixed the final version of the track. All I know is what I posted above. Dave was brought in to replace or add parts...I have no idea what they actually used in the mix. Odds are he's in there because Brian made it clear that he wanted Dave on the track.

First off, it's Scott Tottten shown playing the solo.

Second, the reason Scott was shown in the early cut of the video is that Dave had not yet joined the reunion.

My bad on my Scott era.  I got the wrong one. 

So if Dave wasn't involved yet when the first cut of the video was done and the guitar solo on both cuts of the video are the same, then I'd assume that in the official video, Dave is miming to Scott Totten's guitar solo, correct?  Or did he just replay it note for note?  I'm not at home to watch the old video, but to these ears, they sound identical.

I'm not trying to stir the pot or anything, I'm just curious.  It doesn't matter to me in the least who it is and I certainly trust Mr. Stebbins word that Dave did play something on the track considering the fact that he mixed it.

Uh, Jon said he wouldn't know what exactly was on the final track unless he mixed it...which he didn't.  He's saying he knows Dave tracked guitar parts for the song, but he doesn't know what was used of those tracks in the final mix, thought it's a good bet that you are hearing some of his parts in there.  It's also possible that it's still some or all of Scott Totten's solo.

I think the "leaked" early version of the video had placeholder shots in it (Getty Images etc...) because it was a rough cut that was still being sorted. Same with the track, which was definitely worked on beyond what was on the rough cut video. The Beach Boys/Capitol/EMI were really bummed that the video leaked in an incomplete form. As far as Dave not being a part of the "reunion" early on, I think that's semantics. When the Beach Boys announced an official reunion Dave was part of it. When they released an official Do It Again video Dave was part of it. When they made their first public appearance at the Grammys...Dave was there. So, Wirestone, when you say he wasn't part of the reunion originally, then you assume the in progress Do It Again session/video was the initiation of said reunion. I was told, as it was happening, that the Do It Again vocal session with Mike, Brian, Bruce and Al was a trial balloon. Just to see if it could still work. I also heard there was some tension at that session (not between Brian and Mike)...but that the vocals turned out good, and the thing went forward. As that was happening Dave was being told he was going to be brought into this process once things solidified. They did, he was, Brian and Mike asked him to add some lead and rhythm to Do It Again, that session was filmed. And not until AFTER all of that happened was the official reunion announcement made.

I'm 90% sure that it's a different guitar solo, I had the audio playing w/o the video once and thought "this sounds different" and it makes sense to me that Scott put down the solo first then, when David came aboard, he replaced it with his. If David wasn't originally going to be a part of the reunion then this seems a logical explanation (to me at least).

Sounds like a different solo to me, too. Not radically different, but enough to be noticeable.


Good point. I don't mean to suggest that Dave has any less right to be in the reunion than anyone else -- indeed, I feel his presence adds substantial legitimacy. (And speaks really well of the other guys.) Just was making the point that the in-progress track and video didn't include Dave because he wasn't part of that early "trial balloon" work.

Yeah, the politics and logistics that fell into place to make this all happen might have an odd chronology from our perspective, but its the Beach Boys and there's always a narrative happening behind the scenes that will explain why things happened the way they did. When I can share all of the ins and outs in a future work I certainly will delve into how this came down. It will also be interesting to see if the same lineup finishes the tour that stood on the Grammy stage. I certainly hope so, and I expect they will, but in the BB's world its never 100%. For now, its nice to see them together, being productive and, from what I hear, getting along great.

Translated: Will the rest of the guys be able to put up with Al for an entire tour?  ;D

Don't laugh, Wirestone.  Al would be the one to keep an eye on.  After what happened with The Beach Boys in '98 and with Brian in '07......

Jon, will this (when tour and album are over) now be a new "final chapter" for the  new edition of "The Lost Beach Boy"? Certainly would make me buy it again.

I'm not laughing, exactly. I'm trying to keep it light while pondering the unthinkable.

You know, through the years I heard the same Jardine stories every fan knows. But to this day, I find it hard to accept that this most normal beach boy, who is such a nice person and a true gentleman, is so hard to deal with.

I'm not sure if I only saw the in-progress version before, but watching this again now I'm pretty pleased/encouraged with how it turned out.

Also, Brian doing the lead on the bridge fits better than Carl's voice on the original release (since the song was supposed to be a "throwback", even in 1968).  I was like "wow, that's what was missing that was bothering me a bit on the original track".