The Smiley Smile Message Board

'Girl, You'll Be A Woman Soon'

Best thing the Diamond Geezer ever wrote. Spanish-style verse, and full melodic release in the chorus. Carl could've done that verse, in his most soulful style, and the full group kicking in on the chorus.

Heavenly. In fact, in my view of Heaven, St. Peter hands out a real 45 at the Gate to everyone interested.

"I'm Into Something Good"

The bonus track on TLOS got me thinking...what if the Beach Boys had covered that on the Love You album?  That would've been cool.

or

"Sailing"

with Carl on lead with some new background harmonies.

"Everything That Touches You"

I mentioned this in another post but: This Could Be The Night by The Modern Folk Quartet. For anyone unfamiliar with it, it's basically Phil Spector's attempt to produce a Beach Boys style record and it's fabulous. Whether the boys could've topped the original is questionable as Spector's production is incredibe, but vocally I'd have loved to have heard them give it a try.

Conversely I would give my right arm to hear some of Spector's girl groups singing tracks (or the whole of) Pet Sounds, plus Spector producing it.

Lovely call. TCBTN was done by Brian Wilson (I have it on '21 Little Ones', or rather, I don't have it on that one that I don't have either); but that is too thin, soundwise. The Boys could have done it in a gorgeous way. However, Spector's steel guitar trickery can't be surpassed, IMHO. BTW, I have a cover of TCBTN on a Spector tribute album, 'Bionic Gold', produced by Jon Tiven, on some super-rare indie label. It's a great, great album, and one Vince Whirlwind, aged 17 then, does TCBTN. I fell in love with it when I was 19 myself, and it never left me since. The rhythm is changed considerably (slowed down), and all kinds of spanish guitar and mandolin sounds adorn this thing of beauty. It realizes the lyrical content of the song in full: the musings of a boy/man who's expecting his first sexual encounter with a girl he's been dating for some time. As far as I know, the LP never reached CD status.

Hmmm... imagine the Ronettes doing 'That's Not Me'.... my current fave is 'When I Saw You' by them. Stunning. Uplifting. The lot.

"Saturday Night at the Movies" by the Drifters.

Andrew - the Association song?

Sure. :-)

I only heard the BW version recently  and it made me smile. Obviously not a patch on the original but fun to hear.

The indie version you mention sounds very interesting. Will have to seek out this Bionic Gold (sounds like some super strength pot)!

I have overlooked When I saw You - will have to give it a listen. My current fave is Do I Love You. You can't beat the voice of Ronnie Spector or Darlene Love. I recently stumbled on the following clip of Darlene Love performing Christmas on Letterman - unbelievable that she still has that voice. Literally bought a tear to my eye!


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WQ7iyRJrFg8

Thank you mr Hat sir! -

that Darlene Love thing is so good... and Do I Love You is another gem. In fact, when I got older, I got more of an ear for the more understated material of Spector.

btw if you haven't read it I can highly recommend Tearing Down the Wall of Sound by Mick Brown. A fascinating look at Spector's tragic life.

Will investigate!

Wishin' You Were Here with Dennis on lead

Nowhere Man

Laugh all you want but I think an 'in their prime' Beach Boys could have done an amazing cover of "The Lion Sleeps Tonight". Mike would have owned the "owhima, owhima, owhima" part.

How about Bacharach's "Alfie", sung by Brian in "Still I Dream of It" style.

I think they could've done a beautiful version of Ian & Sylvia's "Four Strong Winds".

I also have occasionally figured they could do a good job with some of the stuff on The Modern Lovers' sole album: "Someone I Care About" or "Pablo Picasso"!

(Wish they'd finished 'Come To The Sunshine'.)

— A BBs version of VDP's 'Clang of The Yankee Reaper' would be a stonker.

— It's A Beautiful Day's 'White Bird'.

— Led Zeppelin's 'Thank You'.

That's one of my all-time favorite songs by anyone. But to be perfectly honest, I can't really see it working as a BB song... Who do you think should take the lead here?

My suggestion: Here, There and Everywhere.

Or how about this one: Birds And Bees by Warm Sounds... My second favorite song of all time, right after God Only Knows.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SE2YQMndU6g

Just a thought... but with 'Love You'-era farting Moogs or 'L.A.' lush strings.. :o)

(Each member takes a line like 'Add Some Music' —) The sun never set on the empire
Prince Albert came in a can
If you expire before you retire
And end up an "also-ran"
It's fine time to drink tea from China
Do drop a line
Let me know I am fine

(Band harmonies —) Sun in the moonlight, in the moonlight

(Brian's raw yearning voice  —) Gone, just like I said
The good old days are dead
Better get it through your head
As you harken to
The clang of The Yankee Reaper
(Mike —) It's like I said
The good old days are dead
As you harken to
The clang of the Yankee Reaper

(Each member takes a line —) Out in the rude wild abandon
The Shah of Iran bought the plan
Seen with the Queen he was all smiles
He just bailed out the British Isles
It's time to drink tea from fine china
Just think of him when your light
Starts to dim

(Band harmonies —) Sun in the moonlight, in the moonlight

(Dennis —) Gone, just like I said
The good old days are dead
Better get it through your head
As you harken to
The clang of The Yankee Reaper
(Al —) It's like I said
The good old days are dead
As you harken to
The clang of the Yankee Reaper

(Massed harmonies —) Harken to the clang of the Yankee Reaper
The good old days are dead
As you harken to clang of the Yankee Reaper...

Buddy Holly's "Words of Love" if done in the mid-60s, a full, lush production. Those gorgeous 2-part harmonies could have been fleshed out in true Wilsonian splendor. Or for you Brits, Canadians, and Aussies, splendour.

Any of the Spectorheads here think that the cover of 'Then I Kissed Her' is seriously weak in the production stakes?

I thought the stereo remix on The Warmth of the Sun helped quite a bit. That said, "Then He Kissed Me" is still more grand to these ears.

I'll name two:


B.J. Thomas' "Rock And Roll Lullaby"

It was rumored for many years that The Beach Boys did the backing vocals, so why not make it a reality?


Elton John's "Take Me Down To The Ocean"

The B-side of "Empty Garden (Hey Hey Johnny)." Could there be more perfect lyrics for The Beach Boys?

I reckon they would have made a really good job with this one.  What I love about this thread is that with every suggestion I find myself running the existing version through my head and imagine what the BB's would do with it.

Thank you sir! That was my intent. I have this disorder all of the time: I hear a good song, and 'translate' that inside to a BBs version. In my version of Heaven, there is some kind of BBs translator machine. A device that has an input: 'put song in here', and an output: 'this is the best imaginable BBs version of song'.

However, I am afraid that, should all of us meet eventually around that big machine in the sky, there would be a fistfight to end all fistfights. And we'd end up in Hell.

Or we would all end up in Hell, where your Beach Boys translator machine would indeed exist but the dial would be stuck on the "Summer in Paradise" setting!!

I would love a version of Poli High by Nilsson, even though it's essentially a BB's tune anyway - all those interlocking harmonies!

 :lol this one had me in stitches. Brilliant!

River Deep, Mountain High--Carl on lead, of course.

Just think what Brian could have done with the backing arrangement!

She's Leaving Home

Helplessly Hoping

Groovin'

and I agree with AGD, something by the Association; either Cherish or Everything....

With Adrian Baker's falsetto dominating everything!!!!!!! :lol :lol :lol :lol

I'm no authority on spector, but for my money what Phil S has over Brian is the ability to convey power. Spector's productions sometimes sound like he's set a machine gun up against the entire world, and is gleefully mowing us down one by one. I know Terry Melcher said that you can hear the anger in Phil's records, and as I've got older I can hear it more and more. The guy expresses anger and frustration like no other. The drums so often sound like guns which is clearly no coincidence considering his obsession. I don't know what the general consesnus is here, but I'd say Spector is the more sophisticated, genius producer. His records just sound more impressive. Don't get me wrong - I love Brian's producing, but you can't deny he borrowed an awful lot from Spector.

They already did this one...it's called "Hey Little Tomboy"  ;D

Some songs that I'd love to hear the Boys cover:
(and since this is a fantasy list, I'm including newer songs by modern artists)

Blue Ridge Mountains by Fleet Foxes (especially in a Surf's Up LP style)

I Can't Tell You Why by The Eagles (Carl would sound brilliant on the chorus, and screw it, I want Bruce on the verses!)

No Surprises by Radiohead (I can see this getting a Til I Die meets Pet Sounds treatment)

Ballad of El Goodo by Big Star (in my head I hear Brian in his Sunflower voice era singing this song, even if it was written after that period)

At My Most Beautiful by REM (an obvious choice as it's very much a Pet Sounds tribute, but Mike would sound good on lead...think That's Not Me but with a Meant for You vocal quality.  It would suit his current voice nicely)

I Go To Pieces by Peter and Gordon / Del Shannon (Al is the perfect lead for this song, I'd love the style to be more like Del's version on his 1990 album "Rock On"...more straight-forward without the Everly-styled acoustics of the P&G take)

Love is Alive by Gary Wright (the original already has a smattering of Love You-esque synths, and I think Dennis would absolutely KILL on the verses with full group vocals on the chorus, with Carl as the prominent voice in the blend)

I could keep going...maybe later!

G.

Yeah, that's about it. Spector's recordings are brute force compared to Brian - some of them are bizarrely so, like 'Little Boy' or 'Girls Can Tell' which are just tonnes of percussion with tiny bits of the chord structure or the strings coming through in the mix. I would hesitate to call him sophisticated.... I would say Brian is the more sophisticated producer, but Spector might be more of a genius. I mean, the way Brian uses his instruments and creates different sounds is far more advanced than what Spector did, musically speaking.... Brian's advanced musicianship bleeds over into making him a better producer. He never even came close to matching something like 'River Deep Mountain High', though. 

This is in the youtube thread, but a interesting comparison between Brian and Phil is their respective treatment of 'Don't Hurt My Little Sister' - We know Brian offered it to Phil....

Who did THIS to it http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jo_S8XNtCZY Its so huge compared to the Beach Boys's version its almost not funny.

"Here Comes The Sun" - would've been a belter!

life in a northern town

Lonely Town.

 - "Surf City".  I know they performed it in concert, but I never understood why they never did a studio version with the full BW production treatment.

 - I agree that the BBs could have done much better with "Cherish" than the Association did. 

Oh, I think they would've done a killer job on "Town Without Pity" too; I don't like Pitney's original much anyway. Possibly they could've done something with "I Am The Cosmos" by Chris Bell, although it was released in 1978 when, in my opinion, the Boys were past their (second? third?) prime -- it might've enlivened them a little bit though and it could've gone well! For "Cosmos",however, I would have ideally wanted a Love You-style ballad with Brian on vocals...

'Summer Wind' by Frank Sinatra.

I could hear some great Beach Boys harmonies (like those in 'In My Room') being sung on this song.

EDIT: Also 'Strangers In The Night' by Sinatra....BW could easily come up with a brilliant a cappella part for the bridge.

Summer Rain, the Johhny Rivers song.

This is a good point and I feel I need to go and have good listen to both and maybe re-assess! I guess what I hear in many of Spector's productions is complete and utter confidence. Brian's production on Pet Sounds (not that this album is typical of his style, but for me it embodies a lot of what he's about) feels much more explorative. Like he's trying new things out, reaching for something. Whereas with Spector you feel like you are getting the complete, polished, fully realised article. I guess Brian's prodcution on Pet Sounds feels like an abstraction of Phil Spector's sound. Like he's taken that sound and is pulling it apart, shaking it, having a look inside! Whereas with Spector, it's still in one piece and is the pure artefact. Because on something like Be My Baby you are hearing the apex of that Wall Of Sound being realised. Then Brian takes it and begins to deconstruct it for Pet Sounds and Smile.

Great choice!  Loved that song when it came out and hadn't thought of it much since then, but the BB would have done that very well.

Thought of a few more...

More Than Words

Free Fallin

Yellow Balloon

"California Dreamin'".

Not the one they DID do in the 80s - that version approaches being embarrassing. I'm talking in the 60s. Proper harmonies done by the group, produced by Brian, recorded at Gold Star or Western - would have been absolutely fucking magical.

How does it approach embarrassing? You throw statements like this out here and don't say why you think so.

I think that one approaches embarrassing (hell, I'd say it more than approaches it, but fully reaches it and dances around on it for a while) in a pretty obvious way: '80s cheese. So if you have to ask, it's pretty obvious that it's just a matter of one's aversion (or not) to that. The delay on the voice alone is just god-awful. Then the thunder rumbling. The drum sound. The list goes on. The only thing not embarrassing is the singing, as far as I'm concerned.

Oh yeah, and the sax solo. And the video.

I had to listen to that song again before I answered drbeachboy's question - went to youtube and started watching the video for a refresher. That was my first mistake. My second mistake was listening all the way until the sax solo....

What a terrible rendition of an amazing song.

How on earth did they pitch that video?

'We'll get the Beach Boys to go to church in ill-fitting coats, where they will look bored listening to a banal guitar solo, and leave due to the continued presence of David Crosby and an offensive saxophone player. And if you're lucky, Al Jardine will mime for you.'

If it looks like a duck and quacks like a duck, then it must be a duck. Of course it's gonna sound like the 80's. It was made in the 80's. It's gonna have 80's sensibilities. It's gonna have a strange video tied to it, because most of the videos made in the 80's were done like that. Most their 80's output had that kind of sax solo, because sax solo's were kind of the thing in the 80's. Paul Mertens isn't too far away from this type of thing with Brian's 21st Century output. Except for Goin' On and Somewhere Near Japan, I thought this remake was one of their better efforts. Until today, I never thought that my taste in music was so, well, embarrassing.

Plenty of music recorded in the '80s didn't have that stereotypical sheen. Tom Waits, for one. And others helped set the stereotypes or worked reasonably well within them at times (at times being the key to this next part, lest you go picking out the examples to the contrary), such as Prince, Paul Simon, Bruce Springsteen, Squeeze, the entire emerging style of hip hop, etc. Nobody was holding a gun to anyone's head forcing them to forsake good-sounding records.

They were trying for a hit. The song was recorded when they really had no recording contract. It was one of 2 new songs on a compilation package. They were trying to take an old song and make it sound current. Apparently John & Michelle must of approved of it too, considering they appear in the video. To me it sounds better than Getcha Back. It may sound 80-ish, but it is by no means embarrassing.

Count me in as a fan of the 80s version. Of the time, but quite nice vocally nonetheless.

I have to say, the vocals are amazing in that song. But my ears will never get past that production.

The final verdict comes down to this: Would you rather hear a 1966 Brian Wilson produced Beach Boys rendition or the 1980s version?

As great as "California Dreamin'" is... do we really need another version of it? I like to think not -- even if it's one by the inimitable Beach boys, and even if them in their prime. There are much more interesting things they could have done in terms of cover material.

Personally, I take what I can get. First off, 1966 would have been too soon for a cover. Second, I don't look back 44 years for something that never was (at least no footwear that I am aware of). We only have what we have and that is: the early 80's version and mid-80's single version. Oh, and there is the hybrid-version on The Warmth Of The Sun compilation. As for another version of it; was it recorded by many artists over the last 44 years? If so, The Beach Boys version is only one that I remember played on Top 40 radio.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iOPSRqdBtVs

On your first point, I don't see what time has to do with BW producing a cover as I believe Brian did a cover of 'Then i Kissed Her' just 2 years after The Crystals released it to the world. On your second point, I don't understand why you are even reading this thread then.

Why do I need an essay accompanying everything I say? It's obvious why I said it approaches embarrassing because just about everyone else pointed out what I felt too - vocal arrangement is crap, too 80s sounding (I don't care if it was done in the 80s - it didn't have to sound like that or sound like it to that extent), too much cheese (in the worst possible way), etc. etc. etc.

As with several things they did around that time, the only real redeeming quality of it is Carl's vocal. Otherwise, it absolutely withers and dies compared to the original or compared to what they could have done with it in the 60s.

Also, you can't fault me for, "I don't look back 44 years for something that never was," as that's what this entire thread is about. Even if they hadn't done it in the 80s, I'd be wishing they had covered it in the 60s - it's one of those songs by one artist that really feels like it very well could have been just as great or better by another artist (in this case, the Beach Boys).

I don't care if it's been covered a thousand times over, a Beach Boys cover done in the 60s would have been brilliant.

Really?


Eh.


It's not the greatest single song ever recorded, but if you listen to the BBs in the 80s, you take what you can get.

Many folks here have moved away from that knee-jerk "anything that was recorded in the 80s SUX" attitude. Cause other people can't stand that big slammy, thuddy, mono wall-o-sound that we adore. Variety's the spice of, and all that.

Because I want to, OK.

Made In USA version was a remix/re-edit/re-recording of the original 1983 version that was on Rock & Roll City.

The video is OK, notable for Brian's 1000 yard stare towards the end.  ;D

Judge, I plead guilty. See: I was a young man in the '80s. And I confess that I adored many a 'widescreen' production in those years. Even danced to it. Proof: Simple Minds ('Up On The Catwalk", 12" vinyl in my possesion), U2 ("Joshua Tree"), Culture Club, the lot, and I almost forgot an album by a minor artist, I think his name was Bryan Wilsson, or something like it, don't know the album title anymore.

Thing is: I did NOT realize in those days that there might be anything wrong with the sound. Nowadays I don't like those productions anymore. Why this discrepancy is there... I do not know, honestly.

What will my sentence be, then? :-[

@runnersdialzero

Because this is a discussion board. I don't think it is an embarrassing song, you did, and I wanted to understand why you feel the way you do about it. Is that wrong? Is there a reason for you to cop an attitude, because I wanted your full opinion? If I take the time to read your posts, at least support your claim(s).

Made the mistake of watching the video before work this morning - had the song in my head all day.  Nooooooooooooo! As if my day at work wasn't shitty enough without that tune constantly playing in my mind. That may have been the first time I've seen the video to be honest. Points of note include; Al giving up on the whole 'combover' look, Bruce giving a strained smile throughout the entire thing, Brian pretty much incognito throughout (until as AGD points out that "Death Stare" at the end) and the guest appearance of Roger McGuinn sporting a toxic 80's mullet.

DrBeachboy we all enjoy a discussion but sometimes some of your posts come off as a tad aggressive.

"How does it approach embarrassing? You throw statements like this out here and don't say why you think so."

What is aggressive about my original statement, above? I asked a question and stated a fact. I go into so many topics and some people just throw their opinion out there without ever stating why they feel that way. Seriously, is that too much to ask?  I was always taught that if you state an opinion, be prepared to back it up.

While those who have posted here do not seem to like the video too much, I actually like it enough to say that it was there best one from that period.

Did I just see John Phillips as a priest?  :-[

The irony of the guise is too much to take.  Let's just say: Papa don't preach.  :hat

John Bucky Wilkin, the guy who more or less WAS Ronny & the Daytonas, issued a great version on RCA in 67 or 68. If I'm not mistaken it was issued as one of the last Daytonas singles before he wrapped up the group. It's a great version that to my ears sound like what a 'Today'-era Brian might have gotten out of this great song.

Ah man, would love to hear that.  "Alfie" completely kicks my ass.  Maybe now that he's done a Gershwin album B-Dub can do a Bacharach album next.  :smokin

As far as the video, I think it is one of their best videos, although that might not be saying too much when you consider how BAD some of their videos are but I think the embarrassment on the video (minus Brian's stare) is low and hey it might be the only video where Mike doesn't ogle a young girl in a very creepy way!

As far as the song, cheesy 80s production for sure,  but alot of songs do. Al and Carl are extremely strong vocally (the 82 version with Mike on the first verse is one of his most nasal cringing leads ever) . All I know is thank god for Carl's and Al's voices on that 80s and 90s stuff!

I would have liked to hear the BBs cover some Randy Newman, and I'm sort of surprised Brian didn't try at any point as I think he's quite the fan (or was, anyway). Admittedly, I don't think they quite have what it takes to pull off the more sarcastic stuff, but I think they could do a good job with something lovely (and, of course, desperate) like "I'll Be Home" or "Living Without You". They could possibly swing something like "Marie" or "Have You Seen My Baby?" too... Hell, throw in "Lonely At The Top" for some irony!

Yes. You only have to listen to some of Harry Nilsson's interpretations on the brilliant Nilsson Sings Newman to get some ideas of how layered harmonies and on-key vocals fit in Newman's songs.

I had a list of Beatles songs I wanted them to cover, mostly dealing with their best harmonies:

-This Boy
-Yes it Is
-Nowhere Man
-She's Leaving Home
-Penny Lane
-Two of Us (Brian and Mike)
-Because
-I'll Follow the Sun

Perfect list. I'd also add 'You Won't See Me' and 'Here There And Everywhere'

That's precisely who I was thinking of -- and I think the BBs would've done a better job, personally -- they would've put some soul into that, I think, Nilsson seemingly cautiously avoids for whatever reason.

This isn't really the Beach Boys exactly, but I wish Dennis Wilson would have recorded a version of "Young And Beautiful" by Elvis. I can clearly hear a circa 1978 Dennis singing "So fill these lonely arms of mine, and kiss me tenderly". I think that even in his rough voice, Dennis would have done a great job.

that's right, I knew I was forgetting one (HTAE)

What about ROCK AND ROLL HEAVEN by the Righteous Brothers ? I remember reading years ago The Beach Boys were supposed to work as guest vocalists on THE WALL. I think another song I think would of been great for them would of been CELEBRATE ME HOME by Kenny Loggins. If Carl would of had the lead... wow.

Ted  :smokin

Young and Beautiful would have been cool.  I would have loved a Beach Boys gospel LP circa 1968. He Come Down, Meant For You, even the 1976 TV version of That Same Song shows they could have come up with something cool there.

maybe a little 'rollin' around heaven all day  ;)

Really. Omitting the harmonies and backup vocals in the first verse? This is the frickin' Beach Boys we're talking about, here!


If there's anything I've learned over time, it's to appreciate things for what they are rather than what they're not, but I just can't get behind this version. My original post was simply to lament that a cover in the 60s never happened, not to go out of my way to slam the cover they did in the 80s. There's the "wasted potential" fact, too.


I'm not saying anything that was recorded in the 80s sucks, I'm saying the production as featured here is textbook 80s which, to me, is a very, very ugly thing. Just stating my opinion, there's no need to come after me with the tired, "That's just your opinion!" stuff.

I know it sounds cheesy, but We Are the Champions by Queen.... Carl sings the verses, then Mike sings the "We are the Champions my friend..."' while Brian sings, "and we'll keep on fighting till the end"...; with full harmonies kicking in on the "We Are the Champions" chorus, and BOOM, we have a classic BB cover...throw in an a cappella section a la Brian and it gets even better...besides, the BB's are the Champions as far as I'm concerned....   8)

That's fine, I just asked that because this isn't the first time you've accused me of saying things and not backing them up. If I felt the need to expand upon them, I would. I'm prepared to back things up, but usually when I post, I don't bother with things that don't need to be said or are already obvious.

Thank you for the reply. You know, especially on this board, that there will be members that don't agree with even one opinion stated. For me, I always loved that song; the original, and the Beach Boys version. Most casual fans of the Boys' (most of the people that I know) like it. Amazingly, when I ask people if they know any newer Beach Boys songs, the three that get mentioned the most are: Kokomo, California Dreamin' and Good Timin'. Anyway, "Embarrassing" kind of threw me for a loop when you wrote it in your post.

Need to add If I fell

Seasons In The Sun

I like how you assigned the vocal parts!  I can definitely hear Carl singing the first part, and in retrospect the melody of the "and we'll keep on fighting till the end" section really does seem sorta Brian-ish!  Goes without saying that if somebody was gonna sing the words "we are the champions" it'd be Mike....  :p

They actually did do this one if the story (and recording) are to be believed...

Yes indeed, they did record it with a Carl Wilson lead vocal.

Why didn't they release it (or, work on it more and then release it)? I assume, as this was in the late '60s if I recall correctly, that they wanted to be seen not as the kind of band who sings such obviously sentimental songs, and Jacks' version of the song certainly didn't help... Of course, maybe I'm completely wrong!

I'm sure others here know the story behind why it was never finished, nor released, but as to the differences between the two versions; not all that much. Being a Beach Boys fan, I do prefer Carl's lead vocal over Terry Jacks.

Hey California Dreamin' may not be the greatest cover of all time but is it as bad as this?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1vxwu9eHoLY 

The vocals are pretty good, especially Bruce's, but the arrangement is terrible. Hey, how about that sax solo? In the 70's even! ;-) B.J. Thomas' version stayed truer to the original arrangement than this one. His version did change the lyrics to take away the car race premise to the song.

Hey I just found something even worse....  :o

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qi_W4fnGqJM

I'm speechless. I didn't even get half way through it. No wonder Brian said what he said about Mike & Bruce. That's almost a disgrace to arrange such a beautiful song that way.

Indeed. It seems that nobody covers a Beach Boy tune as bad as a Beach Boy.

It is a hard one to top when the original is near perfection.

Thanx dude...I put a lot of thought into it while I was standing around at work...I really think it would've sounded awesome....

For some reason, I hear the Beach Boys singing this circa "Adult Child" era.  That would be around the time the Queen original came out, right?  1977.  I can hear Brian singing in that tar soaked croak, but still having it sound oddly beautiful and tortured.  The best part of a Beach Boys version of "We Are the Champions" would be that it's sadly ironic statement, no doubt laced with that melancholy that seems to always weave through the best of their work.

September Gurls would've sounded awesome with Sunflower era BB's backing vocals and Desper recording it.

I could picture the Lovester getting a kick out of singing Stacy's Mom. ;) ;) ;)

+1  Give it a muscular Dennis Wilson production a la "It's About Time" or "Slip on Through" and have Brian sing the lead.  His voice would be the closest to Alex Chilton's slightly ironic and mocking tone.  Of course, Sunflower came out 4 years before Radio City, but hey, this is fantasy land.  The Beach Boys singing Big Star would give me a double rainbow, all the way.

 :lol

For me, it would be Friends-era Beach Boys covering the Lovin' Spoonful's 'Didn't Want to Have to Do It'. With Carl on lead and the guys adding subtle harmonies it could have been killer!

Damn straight - 'Let Him Run Wild' on Imagination is nearly as bad. That actually hurts my ears - something about the way there's so much... nothing in the chorus - really hard to explain. Sounds like all the bluster is made from cheap echo effects in Thomas' pirate copy of Pro-Tools rather than, y'know, actual instruments.]


Although that cover, for what it's worth, isn't actually by Bruce - by some cheap-ass group called the King Singers. I'm sure if you swapped that with something from, i dunno, that Nascar record it'd be the same.

I would like to hear Brian cover Kurt Cobain's home demo entitled "Clean Up Before She Comes" done in Smiley Smile style.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3x8UaTkmpNg

A coked out late-1970s Brian covering "Three Hundred Pounds Of Joy". It wouldn't be a match for the Wolf but, goshdarn it, I think he'd give it a good try!

Here's one:

"A Girl Like You" by The Young Rascals.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZoKVl_CHWq8

I think this tune has a strong Wild Honey-vibe in the choruses, and is generally BB-ish throughout.  Can easily imagine Carl singing it.

The Air That I Breathe (Hollies) or I'm Not in Love (10CC)...

Just My Imagination (Temptations)...

You probably already know this, but The BBs did BVs on Julio Iglesias' version of "Air That I Breathe." And YES, "I'm Not in Love" would've been stupendous.

My choice is "Only Love Can Break Your Heart"--Neil Young.

The Weed Song

LMFAO

CHURCH OF THE POISON MIND originally by Culture Club
  deadicated to Dr. E Landy

Good. But covering CC's 'Time (Clock Of The Heart)' would've been even better.

"Games People Play"  8)

...with Carl on lead?

Yeah, probably. Only Carl can do the real soulful singing, you know.

EDIT: Well, Brian managed it on Here Comes the Night, but still.

"Reach Out, I'll Be There", circa 1967. Carl and Brian on lead (Carl verses, Brian chorus falsetto).

On the Motown tip, 'You Keep Running Away' by The Four Tops - imagine what they'd do with the chorus!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l0OcFgTBYLg

Two words.  Rockaway Beach.

Five words: Sheena Is A Punk Rocker

...and I Remember You, and Oh Oh I Love You So.

I know y'all can see the Boys giving "Rock 'N' Roll High School" an awesome 15 Big Ones-style makeover with lots of farting synth and Carl's throaty growls -- maybe even some "Shortenin' Bread" riffage!

Yeah, basically - Any 50's rock n roll song done in the Love You style. Or any Ramones tune. Suzy Is A Headbanger would be the one for me.

Posts like this can really make me emotional, you know. Because these guys had so much potential... I can hear Rock and Roll High School in my mind right now, and Shortnin' Bread interspersed someway at 2/3 into the song, an awful break in the rhythm, totally out of place, and then High School is resumed without the drop of a hat (think of Tallahassee Lassie)...

...and it would be DAMMENED SUPERGREAT!

I'm listening to volume one of The Magnetic Fields' 69 Love Songs and my god would "The Luckiest Guy On The Lower East Side" be an amazing Beach Boys song -- think of the end where Merritt sings in the upper register (well, for him, I guess) but as a Brian falsetto! (Obviously the lyrics would have to be changed to as to preserve the California feelin's.) I think due to the lyrics being as quirky as Brian's late-period stuff that it would fit well on something like Friends or, to cheat a bit, 20/20 but I think it could just as easily work out as a monstrous mid-'60s stomper. A lot of the songs on this collection remind me of Brian's more idiosyncratic, day-in-the-life songwriting. Has Merritt ever said he was a Beach Boys/Brian Wilson fan, anyway? I have no reason to think he is, but it'd be neat if he was, haha.

Imagine if the BB's and Ramones had recorded a song together in '77? That would have had the potential to be something huge!

I can just see all the Romones going to Brian's home and being really excited about working with him. The get there and crowd around the grand that Brian has in his living room, eager to hear material he's been working on to bring to their collaboration. He asks if they'd be interested in hearing what he's got -- of course they say yes. Brian then sits down at the piano and bangs out...

..."Shortenin' Bread"!

Darn.  >:( beat me to it. Couple of seconds. Great minds and all that jazz...

Haha, there's something...

What if instead of Phil Spector, The Ramones chose to work with Brian in 1980? That would be.... something  :o

Indeed! However bearing in mind what happend with KTSA around that time they would have probably ended up getting produced by Bruce Johnson. Ramones + Brucie = .......................................  nope, can't even begin to imagine how that would have ended up!!

Boyzone. Or New Kids On The Block.

How about a Stars and Stripes collection done properly... Beach Boys doing Country Rock songs...

"Don't Go Back To Rockville" (REM)                       - Mike lead
"Lyng Eyes" (Eagles)
"Wild Horses"  (The Flying Burrito Brothers)
"Only Love Can Break Your Heart" (Neil Young)    - Carl Lead
"Sunflower" (Glen Campbell)                                - Al lead
"Panama Red" (New Riders of the Purple Sage)   - Mike lead and Brian's Love You style Moogs
"Take It Easy"  (Eagles)
"Crazy Eyes" (Poco)                                             - Brian lead.. full Smile type production
"One Hundred Years From Now" (The Byrds)       - Al lead
"Shannon" (Henry Gross)                                     - Carl lead
"Fishin' In The Dark" (Nitty Gritty Dirt Band)         - Mike lead
"Peaceful Easy Feeling" (Eagles)

now that would have been a interesting collection!

 :)

Can I add Ricky Nelson's ''Garden Party"? Yes I can. With Carl on lead.

Can i add Hot Burrito #2 with Carl? would have sounded so great if it had been written in time for Wild Honey...

Sounds great potentially. Can we sneak Mike's "Country Love" version of "Everyone's In Love With You" on the end as a 'hidden bonus track' for all the sadists out there?

The Honeys (or American Spring or whatever) should've covered "Femme Fatale"!

I just thought of another one, that I hope hasn't been mentioned yet. How about the original version of Kokomo by John Phillips? I can imagine Carl singing it on acoustic guitar during the "unplugged" sets from the 1993 tour. Just his voice with a guitar, and maybe a very faint hint of percussion.

They should have covered "Rednecks" but only on the condition that Steve Love featured in the video.  >:D >:D

Three songs -

Do I Love You - The Ronettes

Better Watch Out, Boy (title changed to Better Watch Out, Now) - The Accents, featuring Sandi

Hot Cheri - Danny Spanos (this song was produced by Spencer Proffer, the same guy who produced Chasin' the Sky)

"What a Fool Believes" Doobie Brothers
"High Coin" VDP

Let's go mo'fos!!!!!

Ugh...wow. That was not what I typed.  :lol

It's half hilarious and half sad that the filter now filters: "mother-f*ckers" as mo'fos.

My choices:
Because (ala the 'Love' version)
Hot Fun In The Summertime - in their heyday voices and w/Brian

*deleted*

The Brian fanatic in me is ever so slightly offended. But the messageboard on his website is the most poorly organised piece of crap in the history of the internet. I know you're reading this, Melinda, and I don't really care.   :p

You know... when I checked that cencored word list last week, I happened to find this one the funniest of all... (and - no - I didn't compile it in the first place).

And I hadn't expected - all here knowing the rules and all - that someone would actually type that word here in the first place.

 >:D >:D >:D >:D >:D

How about this for a Beach Boy'd Ramones song: Bonzo Goes to Bitburg.
It has that big wall of sound already...I can imagine it with a sort of Just Once in My Life type production.
Mike doing the verses, Carl doubling him on the pre-chorus, those big back ups on the chorus. Instead of a guitar solo have a big mess of strings with a glockenspiel playing that melody over top.
Of course, this would never happen with the groups relationship with Reagan. But if Johnny Ramone (way, WAY more right wing than the Boys) could do it why couldn't Mike?

Hmmm...I don't  exactly remember changing it, but... ^_^

Top choices. WAFB is a superb piece of pop composition. Custom Machine, in the post just above yours, mentioned 'Do I Love You' by the Ronettes. Also very, very good.

Everytime I hear Peter Cetra's "Glory of Love" I imagine Carl could have had a very decent crack at that.

Brian Douglas Wilson has absolutely no excuse for not covering "Shortenin' Bread Rock" by Etta James. Get on that, B, and give it to me Love You style!

That "Rick" Nelson!! Enough of this "Ricky" crap.  :police: :police: :police:

Nice call. Our music teacher when I was 15 had us sang it as a duet between the boys and girls.

I also got to think of Dobie Gray's "Drift Away", another song that Carl could do justice. And I'd have the Boys sing "Give me the Beach Boys and free my soul" instead of "beat boys". Yes I would.  :police:

I the first time I heard that song was on my car radio (little single speaker in the dash), and I swore he sang Beach Boys too.

I always thought he was referencing our favourite group. Doesn't matter WHAT he's singing I love that song. Plus the guys are no stranger to singing about themselves!

I would have liked to hear the boys cover Peggy Sue, but circa 1963 so we would never had to suffer the MIU version which in my opinion is one of the Boys worst covers, (just behind Remember Walkin' In The Sand) it just lumbers along with no enthusiasm or care and has me diving for the original.

The 15 Big Ones-MIU version does have a great refrain, though. But yes, overall, it could have been better.

All the talk in another thread about Rag Mama Rag got me thinking about The Band.

I think The Beach Boys could have done a killer rendition of "In A Station" (Wild Honey/Friends era).

In before freakout over you saying you didn't care for the MIU version and wishing they'd done it sooner.

"Let's Go To San Francisco" by The Flowerpot Men.
Sounds like a Beach Boys song, something that Brian could've written after a successful SMiLE completion.

The song is pretty good but I doubt the theme would fit with a group as quintessentially L.A as the Beach Boys. "Hey everyone. Let's ditch this dump and head north!"  :-D

If anything, the Flowerpot Men track 'Am I Losing You' would be a much better fit in my opinion. It's a great song that wouldn't have been out of place on Pet Sounds. I think the boys could have handled it really well. Here's a sound sample of the original demo.

http://www.amazon.com/Am-I-Losing-You/dp/B002RBVTTG

The finished version is of course more polished and has backing harmonies...

Interstellar Overdrive by Pink Floyd (surf version)

Who Needs the Peace Corps? by The Mothers of Invention

Bohemian Rhapsody by Queen

and a Rob Zombie song...LOL

Tracy Hide.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ToJe8z4odxI (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ToJe8z4odxI)

Turns out that Tracy Hyde was a cute actress in a film from 1971 called Melody, with whom Darian Sahanaja fell in love as a kid. The Bee Gees wrote some songs for the movie, amongst which is Melody Fair, which DS clearly used as a stepping off point for the lovely Tracy Hide.

Fact!

Lovely post. Reminds me of myself seeing a CD by a new band in the racks, some 15 years ago (I think). The band named itself ZuZu's Petals. I found that extremely touching... and my friends avoided me for days, because they had little use for a film nutter who rambled on about a black-and-white movie that was more than 50 years old, and its relative merits in the Capra canon.

How about "Walk Away Renee" or The Band's "Whispering Pines"...

Bingo! BTW, I find Oh Lord very, very close to Whispering Pines. Try it for yourself.

Thanks Mr Don...where do I find it? :-D

Check your PM, son.

I'd like to hear a Smiley-like cover of Harry Nilsson's 1941

This has to be the best cover suggestion I've ever heard! That song handled by Brian c. Time To Get Alone would be pure pop perfection. Just imagining what Brian would've done with the the "Can't we have something to feel" bit makes my head spin!

3rd Stone from the Sun

:smokin

"f*** The Pain Away" by Peaches. Imagine she and Michael having a duet on that one. And add in some sleigh bells, bass harmonica, Coke bottles, and farting Moog synthesizers. #1 hit. I can smell it.

That still wouldn't be as disturbing as what Mike sings in "Hey Little Tomboy".

"Set Out Running" by Neko Case! Yeah, it was released in 2000 but some of y'all had anachronistic choices too, so I'm sticking with it! I could see someone like Mike singing the verses with Carl coming in to help on the chorus-type bits and Brian with Dennis doing lovely background vocals -- and obviously I'm thinking Holland-era Beach Boys here, because this song demands that.

'constellations' by jack johnson....seems like a good Friends type song.

Old Dirt Road by Lennon would be real nice if you had Carl singing it....



Then again, I swear most of the choices on this thread are justified by 'It'd be real nice if you had Carl singing it', so I don't know  :lol

Sorry to bump this thread but I was thinking the other day, a great song for 80's Beach Boys to cover would have been "Eternal Flame" by The Bangles, that bit at around 2:25 until the end made me realise this, would have been a great latter day group vocal for them. I could hear them doing this, honestly don't think it would have sounded out of place on BB85 (Even if the actual track was from 88, but humor me here  :lol). Would have been like "She Believes In Love Again" but better.

According to Napster-era MP3 files, they did the original.

"I Can't Find the Time To Tell You" by Orphius

"We Gotta Get You a Woman"; "Be Nice to Me"; "I Saw the Light"; "Hello It's Me" by Todd Rungreen

Moon In My Bed by Paul Kelly

Ramones' Beat On The Brat. Nasal wonderland.

Surfin` Biiiirrrrrddd uhguckccchhhglccchblggcchh with Mike doing the "bird" voice!

REM's -   Don't Go Back (To Rockville)
This is what   Stars and Stripes Vol 1  should have sounded like!

Shiny Happy People by REM/Kate Pierson...I loved the song...couldn't stand the vocals!  And this is coming from a B-52s fan!

I've got the thought of Ronnie Spector singing 'You Still Believe In Me' here. Sexiest voice in rock and roll. Bless her.

I'm still imagining the Beach Boys doing Paul McCartney's 'Back Seat Of My Car', I can just hear Dennis on the 'But listen to her daddy's song' bit. Wonderful.

Zombies-Care of Cell 44

You can download the Brian version of TCBTN from I-Tunes 80c or thereabouts!

Is this the thread where I mentioned a mid-60s production of "California Dreamin'" by the Beach Boys would've been Gosh darn heavenly? And then got into an argument with people because I called the 80s version lacking and cheesy? If so, sry. If not, then that'd be my pick. It was like made for them to sing in those days imo.

I missed this post until now.

It's a common misconception that all the male vocals on 69 Love Songs are sung by Stephin Merritt. About a third of the songs are by other singers, "The Luckiest Guy On the Lower East Side" being sung by Dudley Klute. Merritt has sang lead on this song live and struggles with the end, which I'd imagine is why this is one of the songs he had someone else sing.

Oh, that of course makes total sense, yeah. I guess I naively thought it was all Merritt despite the women, for instance, clearly not being him (or the sundry number of instrumentalists and whatnot)! I can see why he'd struggle with that last part too -- live or in the studio (honestly it sounds like it's being struggled with on the track anyway!) Must be that whole "Stephin Merritt is The Magnetic Fields" understanding that appears common enough, haha.

I believe that in the late 70's they should have remade one of their earlier songs like something from Wild Honey ("Here Comes The Night" for instance) and updated it with a 70's disco arrangement. It would have pleased the fans and critics and would have gone straight to #1 on the charts. I wish I could have been their manager back then.

Flying on the Ground is Wrong - Neil Young. This would work SO well.

But as an alternate: Dear Boy - Paul McCartney. Imagine what the boys' voices could do on that!

Or a disco freak in the crowd when The Beach Boys could have done it live on the Midnight Special.... ;D http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CHUCdXiGFOQ

Hey, SMiLE Brian.

Did I go too far with the joking. :-\

No, I was just wondering what school you're going to. 

Probably can't wait to get home for the holidays and open your Smile box!

Radford University in Radford, Virginia. I am heading home on Thursday and can't wait to listen to my box around my Beach Boy hating dad.

Cool, man.  Keep us a breast of what you think of the new release, eh?

Sure will Mikie, can't wait to listen to the sessions since I already have the 2-CD set. Also going to listen to the SOT sessions during the break to top everything off.

Outkast - Prototype

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9l4-LihZmy8

That would be a great cover Don. 

Personally what's always struck me is, I'd love to see Brian work in a behind the scenes role with some of the modern acts.  (I'm serious).  Something like... the Pussycat dolls with 6 part harmony.  Imagine what he could do with that!  That's not a 'cover' song but I think if you took Brian's incredible talent for harmony, and had him work with some modern bands (who have pretty much abandoned all but the simplest harmony) you'd have a great thing.  Maybe an album of different bands, that he produced?  (NOT singing BB's songs, though, singing the bands' actual tracks)

almost anything by Dion and the Belmonts

It occured to me once that every song on Madonna's debut album would make great Beach Boys songs. Probably no one willl agree with that though.

Also, most Vampire Weekend songs.

You've just reminded me I need to listen to that Madonna record again! Haven't listened to that since last summer. It's great!

Ahem. On topic, hypehat..

Dennis should have sung Ooh Baby Baby.

 I wish The Beach Boys had covered Tom Petty's "Mary's New Car". (SOUTHERN ACCENTS, 1985)

I'm just discovering this thread, so forgive me if this song has already been mentioned, but I've always thought the Beach Boys would have done an incredible job with:

 The Lion Sleeps Tonight.

People Equal sh*t by Slipknot

I'm actually very surprised they never covered any The Duprees songs... even Bob Dylan did.

Someone mentioned Groovin'.  I think that would have worked well, with the same minimal instrument track.  As long as we're talking about the Young Rascals, perhaps "How Can I Be Sure" from the same album.  Great composition, lots of good vocal opportunities.  Or maybe "Ray Of Hope".  Same thing.  Typical big-time Cavaliere composition, nice lyrics, lots of Brian-like chord changes and lush jazzy chords, I can hear four or five BB voices in there trading off lines.

Hey, how about Sunday Morning?

I think they would have done 'Blue Moon' justice, a version closer to The Marcels as opposed to Ol' Blue Eyes' much slower version.

Mmm, I can see that... with lots of harmonies coming in from the others on "Watch out, the world's behind you..."

I feel like Mike could've done that lead well too.

yeah, in his soft voice with a Friends sort of mood. Hmm. Rather nice.

"Walk on the Wild Side" by Lou Reed.  Mike Love would sounds so perfect saying, "And the colored girls go . . ." and Brian on the "Doo, doo, doo, doo, doo" as the girls.

"I Can't Find the Time to Tell You" (by Orpheius)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=poGDM3zaq9M&feature=related



The second greatest cruising song - "Road Runner" (Modern Lovers) -

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BgRYncR1Nog

and since I being Boston centroc there is "fall on Me (Pousette Dart Band)
http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_ss_c_1_8?url=search-alias%3Ddigital-music&field-keywords=pousette+dart+band&sprefix=pousette%2Caps%2C219

- "She's About A Mover" (with Brian on lead vocal)  by The Sir Douglas Quintet
- "She's Just My Style" by Gary Lewis & The Playboys
- "The Weight" by The Band
- I always wished Brian would've attempted the Christmas song "Do You Hear What I Hear" with each Beach Boy taking a line

Mike covered Do You Hear What I Hear.

They did so many freakin' covers, they don't need to do ANY more.

Rocket Number 9! Oh what a choice. Jesus, that'd be fabulous. Mike loves medleys, pop the ol' turban back on his head and mix it with "Interplanetary Music" plus "We Travel the Spaceways" with a Jardine lead folky twang section, and I'm in hog heaven!

Surf City or Summer Means Fun!

I thought of another one last night, tell me what you think (this may have already been mentioned).


River of Dreams by Billy Joel. 

Another Jan & Dean one that I'd like them to try: "Summertime Summertime". Every time I hear that song/version, I hear The Beach Boys. With Joe Thomas producing and some (cough) "help", I'd love to hear Brian give that a whirl.

Sexy and I Know It by LMFAO. A vehicle for the OG himself, Mr. Michael Love.

"Marie" (Randy Newman) with Dennis on lead, circa Love You.

Here Comes The Flood by Peter Gabriel.

Preferably around Love You era vocals, Brian doing the chorus which would have them all on backing vocals, Dennis on verses, along with Love You type instrumentation.

Soft piano chords doubled with organ with that synth bass coming in on the end of verse parts 'As the waves...' and Brian's rudimentary drum part coming in at the chorus 'LORD *CRASH* *Bass drum on next 2 beats* Here comes the flood". Brian and Dennis would both sing 'Lord, Here comes the flood' with Carl joining them on the 'Here comes the flood' Brian singing it the way that PG Sings it on the record and
Dennis going up on the 'Here comes the flood' part so instead of going: (g)Here (f)Comes (g)The (e#) Flood' he would go
'(g)Here (bflat) comes (b)the (down to g) flood'
and Carl singing (g)Here (up to d)Comes (d#)The ( down to c) Flood

The Ghost at Number One - Brian and Bruce!
Pale and Precious - Brian and Jeff
Shadowland - bring Carl back from the great beyond to do this lead
Hush - more Jellyfish fun with harmonies from all
When The Hangover Strikes - Brian and Mike
I do I do I do, etc. - Brian and Mike
Casaco Marrom - the boys sing in Portuguese; a Trio Esperanca song; another one would be the one about listening to the Beatles on the Victrola

That's all I can think of for now...

The Beatles/Vitrola song is called Rua Ramalhete:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CDSVvemnykc&feature=related

Listen to this and go to heaven on the spot.

Can't find the acappella version of Casaco Marrom, dangit.

Toada would be a great BB number too, but can't find that either.

You all just need to go out and buy TE's "Aquarela do Brasil" right now, I guess.

Watusi! I can just hear Mike on the low end and Carl on the high wail. Pretty usless song, but a fun one at that.

Not the greatest ideas but...

Be My Baby - not sure if a "proper" version has been released but it would sound good

I Write the Songs - BBs singing the backing vocals like a choir :o That would sound so cool

Gone - I think Bruce was singing the "yeah she's gone" part then add the rest of the band's voice

(They Long to Be) Close To You - imagine them doing the "wahh close to you"  part in the Carpenters's version

Love Will Keep Us Together - Brian pounding on the moog like Captain & Tennille  :lol

it's a beautiful day is an amazing choice :)
i pick :) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4t2VSB5EJxc
it's always tripped me out how these songs sounded like the bb's in the beginning the way they harmonized it's mind blowing check out both
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XXEynWOmNvw
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nxoiShzMe1g

two songs, actaully.

'COMPETITION COUPE' (Usher-Christian) The Beach Boys could have ruled the world with this song as a single in 1963; well, ruled it more than they already did, that is.

'TIGER A GO GO'  by Buzz & Bucky

California - Manfred Mann's Earth Band

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DI1MqxhnmJQ

this is a fun topic.

Paul McCartney - Uncle Albert/Admiral Halsey
Spanky and Our Gang - Sunday Will Never Be the Same
The 4 Seasons - Rag Doll
The Cowsills - The Rain, The Park, and Other Things
The Turtles - Happy Together, Elenore, You Showed Me
The Wonders - Little Wild One

Care of cell 44
The Zombies

Sir Duke

I wish that they would do the Fleet Foxes song 'White Winter Hymnal.'  It's an incredibly beautiful, mysterious, sad harmony song, and it's totally influenced by the BBs anyway. 

check the first 35 seconds of this and tell me what you think?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XXEynWOmNvw
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qFJ2gbNx0kg (fast forward to 1:04)

Tonight, You Belong To Me! Al could totally do that in his best 'Aw, shucks' delivery. Get Brian on the descending harmony.

COTYR is amazing, and AL

Definitely should have tried to cover I Think We're Alone Now :
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IkMFLUXTEwM

Worldwide by Conor Oberst and the Mystic Valley Band. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SO46dnz3I4E

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pDFNDW1RfXo

"Little Rug Bug" by Rodney Eskelin aka Rodd Keith

Boy, I wish NRBQ's Tom Ardolino was still living. He idolized Brian and the BBs and it would have been interesting to call him and find out what Q song he thought they should cover.

Save the Last Dance for Me - The Righteous Brothers
Brian and Mike duet on the chorus with the group doing backing vocals and Al doing the verses.

Hold On - Wilson Phillips
Sounds like a good song to show off some intricate harmonies.

In terms of style...

Message of Our Love  by the Association - Seems like a natural fit for a Dennis vocal.  Mid-to-late 60's as far as time period goes.

Happy Together by the Turtles - Carl on lead, with a late 60's production a la Time to Get Alone or Break Away.

Young and Innocent Days by the Kinks - I'm thinking Brian doing the lead vocals.  Perfect in terms of subject matter too.

Hung Up On A Dream by the Zombies - Mainly just because I love this song.  Just to change it, it would be interesting to hear with a meaty Sunflower or Surf's Up production.  Probably trading off vocals as they could do so well.

You Didn't Have to Be So Nice by the Lovin' Spoonful - Some slight similarities to Our Sweet Love, so it's easy to see Carl nailing this song.

Without You by Badfinger - I'd be fascinated to see how this one turned out by the boys in the 70's.


But a part of me would have liked to see them cover something a little unexpected and make it their own.  Something with a strong melody but that isn't naturally baroque/sunshine pop already.  A couple ideas...

To Sir With Love by Lulu

When I Die by Motherlode

Philadelphia by Neil Young

Pink Floyd - Summer 68 (especially the ba ba ba part it reminds me so much of the beach boys)

This Could Be The Night - MFQ
It's Like Heaven - Shaun Cassidy / American Spring / The Honeys
River Deep Mountain High - Finish the 1980 version

And this one:
Brad Elliott: What Is the status of a new album, a studio album, this year (1981)?
Bruce Johnston: Hah. Are you kidding?
Brad Elliott: No.
Bruce Johnston: No. Singles. I'm trying to get everyone to go and record "Rock And Roll Lullaby," the B.J. Thomas record. I think it would be a great hit for us, just the way "Barbara Ann" was. I think it's good to do an old outside song.

I'm surprised nobody suggested Carl Wilson! Some of his stuff could turn into BB numbers all right. See "Bright Lights" or "Of the Times". Or even "What You Do to Me".

It would be cool to see how a BBs take on a Townes van Zandt song would go over. Maybe something like "Like a Summer's Thursday" for its potential to have some neat backing vocal harmonies and a Dennis/Carl vocal trade-off after both swallow some sandpaper?

I'm with Letsgoawayforawhile, 'Care of Cell 44', which is my favorite Zombies song, together with 'The Way I Feel Inside'.

Let's see, also...

'See You In September' by the Tempos/The Happenings

'Does Anybody Really Know What Time It Is' by Chicago

'There's A Moon Out Tonight' by the Capris. The Beach Boys' cover of doo wop songs in the '60s were great, so..

There is Nothing More to Say - The Millennium (This would have fit well on one of the late 60's or early 70's albums.)

The Waiting - Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers (This would have fit well on Light Album or KTSA. Mike could take the verses and Carl and Al could do the chorus.)

The All Golden - An Absolutely mind blowing song that just SCREAMS for a full on vocal arrangement.

Okay Okay, Brian, Just DO A WILSON REIMAGINES PARKS ALBUM. PLEASE. I'M BEGGING YOU. HIS SONGS NEED YOUR VOCALS.

"Orange Crate Art". And even Brian asked at the time, "why am I doing this again?".

Oh also.. Brian (with or without the Beach Boys) should do a Re-imagines Four Freshmen or something like that. A whole album of Freshmen vocal arrangements and such.

If Brian should choose to do another "reimagines" album (I'd rather he stick with original material, but beggars can't be choosers), I think he'd do best on either a collection of Beatles songs or a collection of Spector songs. He'd do them proud.

Yeah, Gershwin was the only songwriter Brian could have done that sort of album with. Not that I wouldn't love a standards album by The Beach Boys in the same vein, but it's not going to happen is it.

In view of the recent discussion, how about "Brian Wilson Re-Imagines Zeppo" ?

.......

Honestly - DOUBLE-U TEE EFF?  :brow

RangeRoverA1, check this out: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_kUMwl2BvPY

You HAVE to be putting us on. Seriously.

That one never crossed my mind, but, yeah, I could hear that.

Wow, I made two posts today about Christmas music. Not that there's anything wrong with that. And, got Slade in there, too. I miss Noddy.... :3d

Lou Christie's Lightnin' Strikes...done with sunflower era technology/arrangements.

Dennis sings the verses "Listen to me baby you gotta understand..."

Carl sings "Every boy wants a girl he can trust to the very end..."

Al takes "When I see lips begging to be kissed..."

Brian sings falsetto chorus with group" Lightnin' is striking again"

There is a really good cover of The Everly Brothers song 'Devoted To You' by a little known southern California vocal group, you might have heard of them.....http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mScKN_vbVKA (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mScKN_vbVKA)

I still can't wrap my head around you not liking the Everly's vocal style.

Speaking of the Everly Brothers, whom I love, my personal favorite song of theirs is 'Cathy's Clown'. Dunno whether you've heard that one, RangeRover, but if you haven't: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PXvKAWiU_cQ (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PXvKAWiU_cQ) We're gonna convert you yet, i think!

I adore the Brian and Mike's version of 'Devoted to You' and always appreciated Capitol or whoever idea it was putting the non-party overdub mix on Hawthorne, California.

(Till) I Kissed You does nothing for ya?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I9QJoeSE9Ko

'Bye Bye Love', 'Wake Up Little Susie',  'All I have to Do Is Dream', 'Bird Dog', 'Devoted To You', '('Til) I Kissed You', 'Let It Be Me', 'When Will I Be Loved', 'Cathy's Clown', 'Walk Right Back' and 'Crying In The Rain' are all awesome, awesome songs. True classics.

You are a true original! I don't think I've heard anybody say that they didn't like the Everly's before let alone refer to their singing as howling.

That's a nice way of putting it.

Changes by Bowie with Carl on lead. Each time I hear that chorus, I want so badly to be hit with a wall of a '71 BB harmony.

anyone here think this would have been a good cover song for the "So Tough" album?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GtNQvt99P2w

Harry Nilsson, covering three Everly Brothers tunes at the same time. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eOwUvGgAL0k

And my personal favourite Everly cover, by The Persuasions!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hamL-QU8fZI


Not liking the everly brothers is mental. Every one of their songs listed by everyone else is a stone cold jam.

I'm convinced that the definitive version of "Fat Bottomed Girls" was recorded around 1979 with Brian Wilson on lead vocals. It's like it was written for 1970's smokey-Brian to sing. Unfortunately, I haven't figured out how to bootleg things from my mental recesses. :/

Donovan's Epistle to Dippy with the Boys harmonies taking over the horn and string parts.  Carl on lead.

ha, beach boys singing hot hot heat, that is a wild thought.

anyway, i wish they did "he's a rebel".  the morning benders (RIP), did a cover of the tune similar to Party. and it works!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tDirKYEotwQ

I was listening to some Randy Newman and though I had a tough time picturing full Beach Boys arrangements of the songs I can easily picture Bruce Johnston doing "Simon Smith  and The Amazing Dancing Bear" and "You Can Leave Your Hat On" sounds like it was made for (1970's) Dennis to sing.

Mike Love & Van Dyke Parks - "You've Got a Friend in Me" er, maybe not.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mp4DhrE83tA (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mp4DhrE83tA)  maybe too loose and funky for the boys by '72 but i think the holland line up could have made a decent run at it.

I wish they'd finished Walk On By-that combination of Brian's high falsetto and Dennis' earthy vocal just kills me-that is one of the best unreleased bits-a shame it just cuts off.  Really haunting...

Yeah, for real. The last little bit with Mike (and probably others?) joining in is so weird but awesome!

1967 Brian Wilson and the boys singing I shall be released by the band. Brians falsetto as opposed to Richard Manuel would be interesting to me!

I don't know if I'm serious about this.... but I think a whole album of Americana songs would have been great.  Stephen Foster, "Beautiful Dreamer" etc.  Mostly acapella, where it counts.

It would have been hokey / out of step for the late 60s, early 70s / and probably a bad seller.  But as such, it would have blown minds.

My Country Tis of Thee
America
Old Man River
You Were My Sunshine (SMiLE-like, but longer... more harmonies)
Beautiful Dreamer
This Land Is Your Land

...and I don't know what else.

That would have been such a bad move for them. Incorporating Americana influences within an album of contemporary pop/rock (as SMiLE attempted to do) was a pretty hip and bold statement. Flat out covering traditionals would have lumped them in a bag that they might never have recovered from.

I'd like to have heard them cover some tragically-obscure sunshine pop in the late 60s. Not sure specifically which songs, I'll have a think!

I want so bad to hear Dennis and his brothers rip into "Bewitched" by Beat Happening (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xaIZsCYxAzQ) (Jamboree, 1988), Love You-style -- the song already has a nasty, primitive groove that would fit the BBs's style 'round then!

That's why I'm not sure I'm serious about it.  It could have been counter/counter culture... or just plain square.  I was thinking it would have had a mournful edge to it.  With complex, dense vocal arrangements similar to their cut of The Lord's Prayer.  Incredible stuff.  And probably would have made a lot of soundtracks at the time.


Like what bands?

"I Was Kaiser Bill's Batman"

I would not have minded one bit if they recorded more stuff like "Michael, Row That Boat Ashore", if that's the sort of thing you mean, EH.

Later works (not the hits, though) of groups and artists like The Tokens, The Four Seasons, Del Shannon. The Critters. The Cyrkle. Many others who never had a hit, just one off releases (see: The Coastliners - I See Me), which could have been given a good treatment by The Beach Boys.

None have ever jumped out at me, which is why I never posted in this thread until now.  I just heard "Two Hearts", originally recorded by Carole King and Graham Nash and there's a Beach Boys song if I ever heard one!  Do yourself a favor and check it out if you aren't already familiar with it.

Ridin the Storm Out REO Speedwagon

"Sweet Transvestite" from Rocky Horror Picture Show featuring a Dennis lead vocal from 15 Big Ones sessions would have made an interesting track.

 Warren Zevon's "Excitable Boy" with Mike Love in smartass mode on lead vocal.


 Re EVERLYS: ROOTS (1968) was a mighty fine album.


 Random Connection: Zevon once played piano for Phil and Don. 

"Who can teach a songbird how to sing" by The Cowsills.

It would be perfect for Carl on lead.

well speaking of the Cowsills y not the BB doing the "Love American Style" tv theme?

I think they could have covered some Steely Dan stuff
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YTt-URVOYos
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eDVRl1gBOqg

‍

In a different reality where Carl would still be alive, I'd have the odd desire of having him perform U2's "In A Little While". No , really. I think he could pull it off.

+1 That woulda been the bee's knees. I would've also loved to hear him and the boys sing 'Lemon', but that would've been unlikely as all hell.

I think this song would have fit Dennis wonderfully
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0_z_UEuEMAo

I'd love to see Mike sing 'Freebird' live in concert. Prancing around the stage and all. It would be great!  ;)

Haha, just saw this! You're too kind

Funny -

I lay in bed last night, and suddenly, the idea popped up into my head that the should have done their take on Elvis Costello's 'New Amsterdam'.

Great song, maybe the best song BW never composed. With a superb bridge. Street organ-type sounds, there is a lot going on in it. And it is so sweetly brief... not unlike some of the BBs best (e.g. 'This Whole World').

(Excuse me if I already mentioned this in the thread... but then, I guess you like this particular example of the Don's wisdom and insight, esp. the newbies.)

The Ronettes' 'I Wish I Never Saw The Sunshine', covered by the Beach Boys circa 1969-70 with Brian on lead vocals over a nice cushion of harmonies. Just think about it...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XkUKy0iuSkI (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XkUKy0iuSkI)

Amazing, huh?

"In the still of night" in 1964-1965 when all the guys voices were in great shape. Brian doing the wordless falsetto at the end would be a classic.

This is good thread.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3k5bzm1qNQM

Amazing! if only it really happened!

For years my fantasy was for them to have done an album where they tackled songs going from 1000 years ago to the present day. (Then Richard Thompson did it fantastically)

Just to hear them sing Sumer is y cumen in (the earliest surviving example of four part polyphony) or The Agincourt Carol, with that Beach Boys sound would have been fantastic.

Just imagine them doing this

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DWzleOtDv30

I'll Never Fall In Love Again by Burt Bacharach with Brian on lead would be perfect.

Tiny Dancer with Bruce and Carl on lead. Imagine the whole group chiming in for "hold me closer tiny DAN-SAH". It would be great.

That is an absolute great choice. Listening to it in my head as I write this. :)

Would have love them to cover some Duprees stuff, tho it wouldn't be original, it would have nicely fit here and here, safe bet
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i6KxYxjyDF0
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XCeNCvwEFU8

Don't know if this has been mentioned yet:

The Rainbow Connection from The Muppet Movie: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jSFLZ-MzIhM (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jSFLZ-MzIhM)

I can hear rough vocal from Brian while the other Beach Boys back him on harmonies...sounds beautiful in my mind.

The Roomates' songs:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WcMtienCFGY (In This Song Again) - my favorite number of theirs, beautiful melody & all. The lead vocalist has distinctive ML sound in general, however, I hear no one other than Dennis singing it in his "Little Girl (You're My Miss America)" style.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=86H_jZkk5dE (Searchin' for That Girl) - dig this upbeat song with surf music elements; Al could be a perfect choice imo.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RARLbaN1MLI (Wishin' Time) - not a fan of this one (mainly because of the Mexican/Latin-sounding guitar), but somehow it'd fit The BBs just fine. Again, Dennis for lead.

Yodel examples: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fT7e88Owo00 - can only wonder what it would sound like if Brian have covered that ethereal beauty of a song.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zNMvPGo3SAA - Brian & Al harmonizing together. Yodeling - Carl & Brian.

Smiley Smilers' works: Older Hymn by rab2591 - Bruce double-tracking himself.
                                              Easter Bunny by SgtTimBob - Brian could've nailed it easily.
                                              Who Are The People in Your Neighborhood by DonnyL - an ideal suggestion for Brian of the 70s.
                                              I Didn't Think So by Luther - the "sentimental sap" Mike with other Boys' harmonies.
                                              "5" by (Stephen Newcombe) - Jack Rieley if he'd try to sing on-key.
                                              Good Ol Days by Billy C - Mike rapping with Al repeating "walk barefoot but you sister" or whatever the real words are.
                                              Wolf's Blood by Mount Moon - it'd be so awesome if Al did the leads on this one, with Brian going falsetto.       
                                              Bhranthan by Aegir - can totally imagine Carl singing that in his strained type of voice.
                                              Endless Open Sky (early version) - amazing how the singer can channel the 60s Brian. Though falsetto - not much.                       

I finally have an answer to this question: the Todd Rundgren song Real Man. Todd's version is perfection, but it would have been very interesting and different with a vocal arrangement by BW and some Carl lead vocals.
If you've never heard the song:    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=llz1pIcHbQY

September Gurls - Mike on verses, Carl on chorus

I agree with that.

Absolutely, and with Carl singing the Peter Cetera part during the bridge. I wish James Guercio could've gotten more of a Chicago-like sound out of the band while he was around.

Embraceable You

Reckon Al do could the lot? I don't hear Mike on it at all, tbh.

Blondie would do a rippin' The Ballad Of El Goodo, now I think of it...

read that as "rippin the balls of el goodo"

would still listen to it if that were the case  ;D

Dig A Pony

"In Your Eyes" by Peter Gabriel with Carl on lead

Hasn`t Al recorded a cover of this song?

I Want To Know What Love Is - Foreigner

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=raNGeq3_DtM

Sounds like it could fit perfectly on BB85. I think Carl would've nailed the lead vocal.

The Sons of the Pioneers - Wind

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lIRmSOYBSLo

Maxwell - Fortunate

'All I Have To Do Is Dream' would've been pretty great, I think.

Bohemian Rhapsody would have been ace. Especially the intro and opera section.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BgrIIuFeBgo (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BgrIIuFeBgo)
This would have been a great song for the Beach Boys, fits their style!

The Residents "The Man In The Dark Sedan" (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nFt-bEnnMt8) (very cool tune! Mike on lead, doing his best "Monster Mash" imitation. And don't forget the awkward choreography)

fun - Some Nights (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6zqRYGlkgjE) (the only song I like from this modern group. Bruce sings the lead & the other Boys on the background)

Camper Van Beethoven - The Light from A Cake (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LyOzbLwR42k) (Brian in his 70s damaged voice about his favorite confectionery theme)

And "Hang on Sloopy (Sloopy Hang on)" with (of course) Mike as a main singer. One of my ultimate fave 60s tunes.

When I Kissed The Teacher

or

Super Trouper

Brian and Co. should have covered this one:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9rgFQtqF1iM

It fits like a glove.

Musetta's Waltz

With an early surf harmony (think Lonely Sea), not the very dense rock harmony that came after.

Hmmmmm.   D Cunningham.   D. Cunningham.   Name sounds familiar.........   

Listening to "Who Knows What Love Is" by Strawberry Switchblade (http://youtu.be/Hn6xdAfcGQo) makes me think of how lovely a Beach Boys cover could have been. Maybe Carl on lead with Mike, Brian and Bruce doing background vocals?

Roy Wood is a BB fan + there is a number of things they could cover..I vote for : See My Baby Jive. .. ELO  Cant get it out of my head also or some early Move tracks.

Dragging the line.......trading off leads mike and Carl with the full power of the bb vocal harmony on the chorus......"I FEEL FINE.....TALKIN BOUT PEAS OF MINE!!!!

Day is Done by Peter, Paul, and Mary - Al
Little Lies by Fleetwood Mac - Mike on verses, Brian and Al on chorus
Cast Away Dreams by Lindsey Buckingham - Brian
Hard Feelings by Fleetwood Mac - David
The Sun Ain't Gonna Shine (Anymore) by Frankie Valli - Mike
50 Ways to Leave Your Lover by Paul Simon - Bruce

Surfer Dan by The Turtles which is technically a Beach Boys type of parody in the first place.  BB would have made it a fun track and probably better with their harmonic blend.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dRQRxhjIsdM

Electric Light Orchestra - Telephone Line

I write the songs with Denny or Carl on lead

Tracey Ullman "They Don't Know" http://youtu.be/DfRI1XjDFCU

I heard the song the other day and thought of The Beach Boys! I'd like to hear Brian do a Spectorian production on this one, maybe bring in Hal for the drums, add some Beach Boys' harmonies, with Brian singing the lead in his "Matchpoint" voice. :police:

I never liked that version & it's chiefly due to Tracey's whiney voice. Give me original by Kirsty MacColl any time: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kIsyQ2qCDQ8
Not only it has great vocals, also fabtastic guitar solo in the middle. I'd like The BBs cover to be based on this one version.

"Let's Spend The Night Together"

1.What a fool believes
2. Saturday Morning Confusion
3.I love LA

A Beautiful Morning by The Rascals

My World Fell Down - Sagittarius
California Sun - Rivieras
Powerhouse - Raymond Scott

Wut? That's hard to imagine.

Rock N Roll All Night:  KISS

Just think about it!

Kumbaya, circa Friends-era, would work in the same vein as Ol' Man River I think.

I'd like to offer one of my favorite songs by a fellow Smiley Smiler FatherOfTheMan:
https://soundcloud.com/mikeleroymusic/take-a-break-from-love-1
For some reason, I cannot hear anyone other than Brian singing it, both lead & the "wah-ooo" harmonies. Brian circa late 60s-early 70s. I know, Mike's voice is totally different, but then why not?

Summertime by The Jamies

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WG6zo05tcQA

I love this song! Can't you just imagine Brian taking the female high lead back when he had his original falsetto? 

This would've been a great song for the BBs to cover, with lead vocals by Carl, maybe Brian. Anybody remember this song? It's called 'Maybe I'm Old Fashioned'.
http://youtu.be/f7e6QfdFJ2o

I think the old song Once In A While, definitively covered by the doo-wop group The Chimes, would have been great. If Brian had his full falsetto in '76, it would have improved 15 Big Ones. It has that deep soulful quality that I hear in Brian's best vocals.

Earlier this week I gave a spin to Bruce & Terry stuff on YT. "Girl It's Alright Now" instantly became my favorite, Terry was such an amazing singer & the backing track is so Pet Sounds, just magic: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iRZ3AXLbNhI (80s Carl with Brian on the chorus)

Then we have "Don't Run Away", a song universally loved by the BBs fans: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NtDGXpfIoz8
According to this source (http://smileysmile.net/board/index.php/topic,9759.0.html), Mike sang bass & wrote the lyrics, meaning the credits are B. Johnston/M. Love (!!!). And it's recorded the same day as "That's Not Me"! Isn't that cool?! Anyhow, get Brian on lead instead of Bruce, Mike stays on bass, guest vocal on middle 8 is Terry (again) + the group harmonies. I already imagine it in my head - knock-out!

"Hawaiian Roller Coaster Ride" (Lilo & Stitch) - modern day Brian with his band  doing harmonies (or via hiring a kids' choir). Very pleasant song, very joyful.

"Hello, Dolly" - Blondie on lead, in the r'n'b style (I already imagined that, sounds good!).

"Mairead" (tune by the board member James Hughes-Clarke) - Al in his "Lady Linda" tone of voice. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qm9yZu_Cowo&feature=youtu.be

if they would rock hard and have clear strong vocals and cover  "cobblestones" by genya ravan, i think it would be a great version.

Theme song from the movie MASH

*looks at watch*

So, how long you've got?  As far as I'm concerned, very few songs would not have benefited the BB touch.

I'm gonna go with "This is It" by Kenny Loggins, imagine the powerful lead from Carl with a soft Michael McDonald-esk background vocal from Brian and then altogether the group comes in on the chorus  8)

"Southern Cross" by Crosby, Stills and Nash:   http://youtu.be/F3kImL2gDkI

Gorgeous.

Anything by Dion & The Belmonts

In that vein, "Teach Your Children" would have been beautiful as a Mike, Brian and Carl song in a similar mold to "Devoted to You" off of Party.

Oooh or even Blue Oyster Cult's "Don't Fear the Reaper" during their Surfs Up/Sunflower period would be absolutely awesome! Imagine the "la la la's" with Brian, Bruce and Carl together and Dennis singing the verses  :o

Yes; both of those songs!

Also, "Our Town" by Marshall Crenshaw:   http://youtu.be/j5YRha7rja8

Or, how about another Blue Oyster Cult song from the Agents Of Fortune album, "Debbie Denise"?

It may have already been thrown out there, but I wonder how Brian's vocal symphony would sound, way over the top, full core, "Girl's On the Beach" style, 4 or 5 part harmony on some of the Everly Brothers songs?  Like a really full, lush beach boys version of "Crying in the Rain", or even Cathy's Clown?

A Summer Song - Chad and Jeremy

I Love the Night - Blue Oyster Cult

Lady in Black - Uriah Heep

Summer Breeze - Seals and Croft 

See Saw - Pink Floyd

Bohemian Rhapsody. ;D

Fat Bottom Girls also by Queen

I wish they would've done The Long And Winding Road

Here's an off the wall story that I almost started a new thread about, but then I saw this one.

The very first time I listened to the Friends album--about 25 years ago on the twofer cd--I noticed the song "When a Man Needs a Woman" in the track listing.  For some odd reason, I was thinking of the Percy Sledge tune "When a Man Loves a Woman".  Needless to say, when I got to that track on my cd player....it wasn't what I was expecting.  Not a bad little tune by our BW.  But it led me to wonder...what if the Beach Boys actually had covered Sledge's blues epic?  I can actually hear that in my head.

First off, it would absolutely NOT have worked on the Friends album.  I'm thinking Wild Honey, or perhaps even the legendary Lei'd in Hawaii.

I can imagine Carl doing the lead with the Boys' harmonies replicating the brass section.  Or for that matter, they could've included brass, as there is brass all over the Wild Honey album.

Whaddaya think?

Jeziz folks, I'm gonna change my name to Threadkiller!

Ok all you Smiley Smilers wanting the next BW rock and roll album....  How about some Jerry Lee Lewis  covers....you guys name them !!!

I have always wondered what a BB version of Surf City would have sounded like if it had been recoded by them back in the day

I would have loved to have heard their version of Cherish by the Association.

A newish song that I think they could do something very cool with would be Take Me To Church, Hozier.  That would be interesting re-imagined.

Paul & Linda McCartney's "Dear Boy" from 1971's RAM lp with a lead by Carl and of course those glorious BB group vocals.

Funny you mention that.  I always wished they'd have done Surf City instead of Little Old Lady from Pasadena on the In Concert album.

This boredom of a song?

Al singing Little Town Flirt (Del Shannon). either him doing falsetto - since he can - or get Brian sing it. girl bcgrs - the Honeys.
Beatles did short live cover of Shout, would like to hear it in American accent.
modern band Hot Hot Heat, Goodnight goodnight: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y-h98hFYusc

Much less pantomime material.

Just because I've always loved the song and seeing as it was released in early 1970, I would love to have heard the guys cover the Johnny Mandel/Mike Altman composition"Suicide Is Painless".  I think a 1970 Carl Wilson lead vocal with backings from Brian and the rest would have sounded just wonderful...  add to that, Stephen Desper on the board with Carl and himself doing the final mix...  A sad song, I know but somehow I can already hear their young voices soaring in the chorus. 

Supertramp - "Goodbye Stranger". Never heard it before, it was on the "radio of Russia" yesterday. modern day Brian falsetto with Scott Bennett lead. David does bluesy guitar solo, Al whistling.

I could see Bruce getting everyone to do a cover version of Silly Love Songs in the late 70's. Not an 11 minute Disco epic though.

Matthews Southern Comforts version of "Woodstock" would have been beautiful with the boys harmony, maybe even a "Meant for You" style vocal from Mike in the verses  :-D

It's a pretty recent song, but I'd love to hear a BB  or BW cover of David Gilmour's On an Island. 

Speaking of Floyd, maybe even a cover of Goodbye Blue Sky from The Wall. 

Great one! Love that song/version. It would've fit nicely on Carl & The Passions: So Tough.

Let' go even further than that, I've been listening to Ram a lot lately, what a genius album! It would've been amazing if the Beach Boys covered the entire album some time shortly after it's release. Uncle Albert/Admiral Halsey has this great SMiLE-esque format, imagine Brian arranging his own version of it! And don't even get me started on Long Haired Lady and The Back Seat of My Car!

Jan & Dean's Girl You're Blowin My Mind! Would have been a good fit on maybe wild honey or 20/20!

Dang, now I want to hear a version of Back Seat of My Car.

Full group: "But listen to her daddy's song..."
Brian falsetto: "Don't stay out too long"

A real fun song from the 60's....Watusi! About the dance itself. The song would play well for a joint lead between Al, Mike and Carl.

It would fit if Carl and/or Blondie sang "Strawberry letter 23". Carl I mean of the late 70s.
"Yellow River" by Christie - Al.
"Louise", Paul Revere & The Raiders - Mike.

Catchy tune like "Bucket T" by Jan & Dean: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AYOuu9IB_gY  (M & B)

AFAIC Brian for his next rnr album can go back to MY LITTLE RED BOOK.  I believe it still suits him quite fine

somebody else just mentioned (GIRL) YOU'RE BLOWING MY MIND and that sure's a fine choice IMO for him

Okay, I just read nearly the entire thread, great ideas! Of the songs already mentioned, I'd like to hear the BBs record Blue Moon and The Lion Sleeps Tonight circa 1964, Nowhere Man and She's Leaving Home during the Pet Sounds sessions, Hot Burrito #2 during the Wild Honey sessions (Carl lead), Teach Your Children and Only Love Can Break Your Heart during the Sunflower sessions, McCartney's Ram recorded in its entirety shortly after its release, and We Are The Champions recorded during Adult/Child (that's a wild idea!). The impossibility of a few of these suggestions shouldn't bother anyone, right? I'm not suggesting that history be changed, I just want to hear certain songs as performed by certain eras of the BBs.

Some of my personal choices would be...
-'64 BBs recording a few Roy Orbison songs with Brian singing lead. There are so many options, so take your pick.
-Be My Baby recorded during the Smile sessions! (this must have been suggested elsewhere on the board ??? I can't be this brilliant)
-Nilsson's Turn On Your Radio recorded during the Friends sessions with a lead by Brian (I can SO hear Brian singing this).
-Again, I've got to mention Teach Your Children during the Sunflower sessions. Just think of the album cover...
-Hot Burrito #1 during CATP sessions (again, Carl lead)
- A slowed down Help! with a Dennis lead during the CAPT/Holland era. Kind of a companion piece with Carry Me Home.
-'74-75 BBs recording Nilsson's You're Breakin' My Heart with a Dennis lead.
-I also think Dennis could have done some of Neil Young's 70s work justice. I can imagine a POB produced See The Sky About To Rain or a '77-78 tour featuring some Tonight's The Night material. 

There is funny misconception in the local music database sites that says it's the BBs song.

"Lana".

Just My Imagination

Brian has mentioned being a fan of Billy Idol, he should do Eyes Without A Face.

I'm surprised that with all the covers Mike and Bruce have done live in the past 17 years, that they've never considering "The Rain, The Park, and other things" considering John Cowsill is ya know...right there. It would seamlessly fit in with the rest of the set, and would be a lot cooler than say "California Dreamin"...

Lazy Lizzie. Seriously. Al on the first verse, Mike on the first bridge, whole group on the chorus with Carl, Al, Brian doing the high "saw you walking alone" parts; Dennis on second verse, Carl on the second bridge, whole group on the second chorus, bringing in Mike doing "Lazy Lizzie" bass lines.

Produced properly, it's the missing hit on LOVE YOU. Whew! I know you all think I'm crazy, but that 70s funky sound was the best. Crazy for Lizzie!! Remember--"it's so hard to walk home...when you're walkin' alone!"
 :hat

Petula Clark's 'Downtown'.

+1

Do you not know what "cover" means?

I actually think Dancing With Myself is a picture perfect BI song for him to rearrange.

Good call, sir. It's a strong song anyway but it could have been awesome in Brian's hands...

Great to see you around. And great to see your topic still going strong six years down the line. :=) 

The Four Freshmen's "Angel Eyes". It doesn't help that the group sounds eerily similar to the BB's on that one!

Dragging the Line.....the Tommy James hit.   I can just hear ML on the bass vocal and the harmony kick in "I Feel Fine" etc.  Carl on lead vocal.     Think about it !

Of course I do, KP. That's why the shaggy smokin' man is at the bottom of the post, to let A-R types know that it's not a serious answer. I guess we need a more, er, "explicit" tongue-in-cheek emoticon...

Nah, Don Malcolm is the man! ;)

If I Fell- The Beatles

Okay.  I wasn't sure, guess I don't understand emoji-casm!

hungry heart   :afro

Hungry heart ?  Well, they did it, it´s called "Getcha back".

:lol good one Manfred!

Doesn't count. ;)

You Took the Words Right Out of My Mouth (Hot Summer Night) by Meatloaf

Draggin the Line by Tommy James is a great tune - that would be tough for the Beach Boys to do that tune justice without making it too saccharine.  I always thought it would be a good tune for REM to cover.

"Surfer Joe" - Carl & David guitar jam
Chris Montez "The More I See You" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6rZoHQdsntQ  - Brian

'can't take my eyes off you' - Denny Wilson on vocals

The Hollies "Sorry Susanne" - Brian & Al unison; the BBs back-up.
Sam Cooke "Only Sixteen" - Bruce. Brian with Wrecking Crew backing track.
Screamin' Jay Hawkins "I Put Spell on You" - Mike revising "Monster Mash" shouts & crazy laughters. With little help from Brian.
Pink Floyd "Hey You" - Mike/ Brian; Al "But it was only fantasy"; Carl "Hey you! Don't tell me". David cool guitar jamming.
Lou Christie "Lightnin' Strikes" - Dennis; Brian falsetto; The Honeys back-up.

That would be pretty cool!

Especially the chorus would benefit from a harmony arrangement.

Brian Wilson demoed I'm Into Something Good in 1972/73 he hemtioned it in his book I Am Brian Wilson

Alice Mudgarden-right turn

"With A Little Luck" by Wings with Carl on lead vocals.   :smokin

"The Word".

I'm probably late to suggest this, but Uptown Girl is a dream cover of mine:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o-0Oect0nVQ

Hey You would be very interesting indeed.  I wonder if Brian would lighten up the arrangement at all, being it's part of Roger Waters' dark masterpiece The Wall.   The Wall does however feature Bruce Johnston on backing vocals, and allegedly Carl also.  I think the full group was going to appear as Roger wanted Beach Boys style vocals on some of the tracks, but they declined as the content of the album didn't exactly jibe with their sunny music (The Beach Boys were in full nostalgia mode by this time).

A BB's cover of "Him" by Rupert Holmes would've been pretty damn good, especially with either Brian or Dennis on lead.

It'd be gift to fans if BBs sang beautiful "Just One More Chance", The Hondells style: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ju-7jYJeoas
Lead vocal - Dennis.

Where to Now St Peter would have been a good song to cover with Dennis on the piano and maybe Carl (or even Blondie) on vocals.

"Black Dog" by Zep with Dennis Wilson circa mid-70's on lead vocals.

I wish The Beach Boys had covered Under the Boardwalk in the 1960s.   Even a 15 Big Ones style cover would be preferable than the one we got in 1992. 

of all the LZ songs - I think the song "down by the seaside" could have been one Dennis could have covered in POB.

Paradise City by Gun's and Roses. Just imagine, 80's Mike nasaling the rapid-fire verse lead vocal, Carl taking the chorus lead, Al's yearning voice taking the "so far away" middle eight... It could have been great. Meeting of California rock icons.

Probably in my top five Zeppelin songs.  I think Dennis would've been great

I wish BBs covered beautiful winter classic "Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas". Mike sang it in the 80s but imagine the 60s BBs do it. Could be gorgeous! They leave "Christmas future/ past/ present" bit - start with it like Eydie Gorme's version or move it mid-song as Mike's version.

I'm sure that would've fit nicely on the classic Beach Boys Christmas Album, especially with a nice Dick Reynolds arrangement.   Maybe they could've had Dennis sing it since his only "lead" on the album is the narration over Auld Lang Syne.

ALS is banal choice. They instead should sing "Good King Wenceslas" a cappella, with/ without Dennis' Christmas speech.

I think ALS was a nice choice, but I much prefer the version without the narration. 

Surprisingly, Good King Wenceslas doesn't seem to be a very well known Christmas song in the States.  Perhaps a BB cover could've helped that. 

Now that I think about it, I'd really love to hear a Bruce Johnston lead vocal on Fixing A Hole by The Beatles. The intro would be Bruce solo, but on the part "will goooooo" the other guys would come in harmonizing. That would be super cool .

River Deep, Mountain High

Shannon by Henry Gross
Dance With Me by Orleans
Silence is Golden by The Tremeloes
Rag Doll by The Four Seasons
Sentimental Lady by Bob Welch
Eye in the Sky by The Alan Parsons Project

Courtesy of the Red, White, and Blue -- Toby Keith

ALL STRUNG OUT - a beautiful, Gold Starry ballad, rocking the drug metaphors. Would have been great with leads and parts traded  by Carl, Brian, Mike and Al.

Nino Tempo & April Stevens lip-syncing to their single: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5ogtsaXmxK0

South American Getaway - Burt Bacharach

Saturday Night at the Movies, by The Drifters.
Just My Imagination by TheTemptations

Oh man! Yes! One of my all time favorites, ever. The scene when this song plays under the montage in the film actually brings me to tears, it's one of the finest marriages of film and music I've ever seen. And the blooper they left in when Redford blows the scene outside the bank vault and Katherine Ross cracks up...that's a thing of beauty, right there. The art of imperfection.

Anyway...the track is Bacharach at his best. IMO. No lyrics at all, just wordless vocals yet still compelling.

But it would be very, very tough to match the incredible bass sung by Thurl Ravenscroft, the same guy who sang "You're A Mean One Mr Grinch" and was the voice of Tony The Tiger for years.

And the amazing Ron Hicklin Singers, Bacharach had the best on this track.

I'd actually love to hear Brian stack all those vocals himself, just for kicks.

For those who have not heard this 5+ minutes of vocal and arranging perfection, give it a listen here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XCRbs_aNa30 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XCRbs_aNa30)

Great choice.

Seriously, one of the more challenging small vocal group pieces you'll ever come across. Makes you appreciate just how good The Ron Hicklin Singers were, and they would go into various studios and knock this stuff out on a weekly if not daily basis. I've seen cover after cover and although some are great, none of the groups really get that blend 100% in tune like the original.

Thanks for giving me a smile with that suggestion tonight.  :)

Would be cool if Brian sat by the piano & sang & played "Alfie" as did Bacharach (type "bacharach alfie" in youtube). It'd be much better choice than "Deep Purple".
Peter Green's Fleetwood Mac "Rattlesnake Shake" - Carl
Merigail Moreland "Reputation" - Boys back Marilyn - inclusion to BBs Party
The Neats "Six" - Mike
The Residents "Hello Skinny" - Mike, Boys chant high-pitched "hello darling" in the end
Queen "Back Chat" - Al alternates with Mike

I was listening to The Searchers a few nights ago and for some reason I couldn't shake the feeling that the early '80s Beach Boys could have performed/recorded a great version of "Someday We're Gonna Love Again". While the group wasn't at their best during this time, an enthusiastic performance goes a long way.

I could totally hear that, B.E. Al and Carl doing the lead vocals. Replace one of the lesser tracks on KTSA. Yeah.

I was thinking Al and Carl on lead vocals as well!

yeah, i think the same

Al Jolson "California Here I Come" - BBs singing in unison like in "South Bay Surfer".
Al Bowlly "Guilty" - Brian
The Cowsills "We Can Fly" - Al & Co.
"The Sheik Of Araby" - Carl
Donovan "Skip-A-Long Sam" - Mike

Frank Sinatra’s “All My Tomorrows”

(Sinatra’s Reprise version)

65 Love Affair by Paul Davis

The Rolling Stones "She's Rainbow" - Carl, Brian, Al, Mike, Dennis, Blondie sing lines, everybody in lala's.

"See You In September", a capella, when they were young...

"Partridge Family" theme. Or "Brady Bunch", ha. Would be fun. :3d

Three tracks by the Shangri-Las, two of 'em with lyrics changed around to capture a male POV, could work in a BBs context:

--"He Cried" (originally done as "She Cried" by Jay and the Americans)
--"The Train From Kansas City", lots of opportunities for full group vocals here, a great unknown Jeff Barry-Ellie Greenwich tune, analogous to "The Little Girl I Once Knew"
--"Sweet Sounds of Summer", a strange late track (one of the few sides they made for Mercury in the fall of '66) which is probably the closest thing to a Wild Honey-meets-Smiley Smile fusion with its bouncy harmony switching into a thirty-second freeform freakout that occupies a unique space between the weirdness of the Smiley version of "Wind Chimes" and the Red Krayola. "Cool Cool Water" enters a portion of this territory in its Sunflower incarnation, but without the abruptness.

I think Brian and Al should do "Train From KC" as part of a tribute to the music they loved in the 60s, using lesser-known but worthy tracks rather than re-doing the hits.

Why not keep the lyrics? Let the BBs sing female lyrics. Don't see any crime in it. I admired when Kayla Williams, fellow BBs fan, board poster, musician, singer, sang BBs songs without changing "she" to "he", "her" to "him" etc. Swell sport, she. :3d

Anyhoo:
"Witchi Tai" - Al
"California" by Joni Mitchell - Carl
"Belle", song in musical "Notre Dame De Paris" with 3 different register singers - Mike/ 60s Dennis/ Brian or Carl. English translation.

Instrumental - Funkadelic's "Joyful Process", Sun Ra's "The Sun Song".
"The Year Of The Cat" by Al Stewart - Al.
"Clair" by Gilbert O'Sullivan - Blondie.
"Louise" by Paul Revere & The Raiders - Brian.
"80 Days Around The World", eponymous ("...With Willy Fog") cartoon theme - Mike (Willy's lines), Brian (Rigodon), Marilyn (Romy), everybody in refrain.
California hymn - altogether a cappella or with lush Wrecking Crew backing track.

LOL, I saw that when little.