The Smiley Smile Message Board

So I remembered listening to the Amazon sample of "Waves of Love" and thinking it sounded pretty nice overall.

So yesterday I got the physical CD copy of Al's album from Amazon, and played "Waves of Love." It sounded strangely not nearly as enjoyable. I figured at first it was just the difference between listening to a tinny-sounding 30-second sample and the actual CD. But something didn't seem right.

I went back to the 30-second sample and became convinced I was hearing a totally different version. Also, while the CD version clocks in at something like 3:26 (I don't have it in front of me at the moment), the downloadable version was listed at something like 3:56 or so (again, don't have the exact number in front of me).

I had a $1.00 Amazon MP3 credit, so I chanced it and downloaded the song. The verdict: Yep, we have two utterly completely different versions of the song. They are probably both based on the same recording, but are very different.

The CD version sounds very much like a live soundcheck performance, much more tentative. Carl's voice is much less noticeable in this version; it's buried under other voices. The "download" version sounds much more produced and polished, much more full. Al's lead vocal is completely different on each version, and is much stronger and forceful on the download version. Also, it sounds like they've stripped the echoey muck away from Carl's voice so you can actually hear his voice on its own on the download version. I'd go so far to say that Carl is more on "backing vocals" on the CD version, while he is essentially presented as doing a "lead vocal" turn on the download version. In any event, I have no idea why these two versions are totally different, but it may explain why I've been reading some descriptions of the song that don't quite match what I had been hearing. I don't know how many here have been listening to the CD versus the download (iTunes sounds to have the same "download" version as Amazon based on the sound sample). In any event, I'd say this track sounds noticeably better on the "Download" version.

Spotify has the download version and it sounds terrific to me.

In general the mix on Spotify seems superior to what I bought on itunes last year.

This all does make me wonder if there are any *other* differences on the album between the CD and download versions. I've already bought this album at least three times (2010 download version and Amazon CD-R version, and of course the new 2012 CD), so I'm loathe to just buy the download version. Hopefully myself or somebody can compare track timings between the new CD and new download version to see if there are any other discrepancies. That wouldn't tell us for sure if any other mixes are different, but would perhaps give us a hint.

Hmm… if the physical version ever arrives I'll cross-compare!

It would also be very interesting to know if there are differences between the Amazon CD-R & downloads released a while ago, and the new CD & downloads!

I downloaded the album when it first came out, so I need to know if I own the definitive mixes of these first 12 songs or not...

I have to say I prefer the Digital Download version... Carl's vocal is much more prominent.

Makes me wonder which version we'll get if the song appears on the reunion album, or if it'll be yet a third mix?

I'll go out on a limb here and say that neither version is 'nearly as enjoyable'.  But it can be if you want it to be!

Yeah, I’m certainly not trying to overhype the song. It’s not bad. If I gave the “Download” version even a 5 out of 10 though, the “CD” version would get about a 2. Like I mentioned before, the CD version sounds like a kind of limp soundcheck performance (and, apparently, it was literally recorded at a soundcheck or rehearsal). It has some overdubs, but everything sounds more loose and demo-ish.

In any event, the track is still above par compared to a good chunk of what the BB’s solo or collectively have done in a couple decades.

I’m interested in simply why two vastly different versions of the song have been released. Particularly, I’m curious as whether this was intentional or not. I would lean towards no, but it’s hard to say.

One difference between this new one and the previous one is on "Drivin" where Al said "B.P, you're killin' me, man" he now says "Texaco, you're killin' me, man"

The 'Texaco you're killin' me man' was the original lyric as released on the 'An ESQ Offering From The Boys Of Summer' CD from 2010.

Considering the BP oil rig catastrophy I'd say that the BP line fits much better ...

Has anyone else noticed a (perceived?) different mix on "Don't Fight The Sea"? I listened to the CD version last night and it sounded different. Haven't had the chance to A/B the two yet...

... which is why the line was changed to "BP" from "Texaco" in the first place.

My impression is that the download is the original 1994 demo, and the physical CD version - which btw is also nearly 20 seconds longer - is the revised, 'official' release, with new overdubs and a new ACJ lead.

Good info AGD - do you detect any other differences in the CD tracks vs. the downloads? R the BB really re-cutting this for the new album?  Hardly see the purpose of three versions.

This should be obvious, but iTunes also has the "download" version of this song. 

Huh?

Is there anywhere online to hear the CD version?

 

The CD version sounds like the demo to me, while the download version sounds like the finished version.

I'm so confused  :o

Duh. My bad, I got them the wrong way round.  :o

So which is which? I know everybody is saying they prefer the download version, but I gotta say I prefer the physical release version. It has a more subtle feeling, not trying as hard to sound like the '60s Beach Boys. And Al's vocal on the actual CD is nicely restrained whereas on the download he kinda sounds unrestrained and out of his range. And I kinda feel like I hear a "wall of Al's" on the CD version, which would lead me to believe it was a studio recording and not a soundcheck. It's nice to hear Carl so clearly on the download version, but it kinda just sounds like a background part pushed way up front. Whereas, where he in the harmony stack on the CD makes sense. Just my take...

I've purchased the iTunes version, the Amazon version and the actual CD.

All of the "Waves of Love" versions are all 3 minutes and 51 seconds long. Playing them in sequence, I'm hard-pressed to tell any difference between them.

I seriously doubt -- unless an incorrect mix was released via one of Amazon's overseas channels -- there is more than a single released version of this song.

My Amazon download of WOL and the version on the physical CD I have are radically different.

Same with mine. Got my CD from Amazon on day of release. WOL is 3:35 rather than the Amazon download of 3:51. Maybe some of us got an early pressing that wasn't intended for release &
WOL was changed on later copies??? (Can't believe too many copies were available in any form.)

That must be the case. The version of the song available on Amazon now (I bought mine today) is 3:51.

Does that mean some of us have a collector's item?

I'd love to hear the alternative version from the physical cd. :( I only have the one from amazon...

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The alternative is way better. Such a better production.

That's MUCH better! I can actually stand to listen to it now! Still not a brilliant song though.

Yes, this one is obviously the 1995 demo version.

Thx so much sonora!
Wow Al's voice sounds much better on that version, although it is played deeper.
Al sounds like 40 years ago, wow! :o

That's SO MUCH DIFFERENT! I kinda like the ramshackle download version, though. Less  stupid saxophone.

That 'YEEEAAAAAH' is completely A+, though

Now this I like! I stand by my comment that the download version is out of Al's range. This version is much better. :thumbsup

http://www.examiner.com/pop-culture-in-national/pretty-darn-close-beach-boy-al-jardine-on-his-new-solo-album-plus-smile-1

The above link is an interview of some vintage - Al talks about wanting to remix "Drivin'". Did that happen??

Good question. And what happened to "“My Plane Leaves Tomorrow, Au Revoir, Don’t Say Goodbye”?

Yeah, a bit disappointing not getting that one in light of the inclusion of the “Pirate’s Tale” version of “Sloop John B” on the reissue. Al clearly has plenty of other stuff. Maybe this big hoopla around his album will motivate him to do another solo album sooner rather than later. I know in the last decade he’s mentioned some other tracks that haven’t yet come out, like “Crumple Car”. I believe he also mentioned in an interview a few years ago that he was considering new recordings of “Santa Ana Winds” and “Don’t Go Near the Water.” I dunno if those were ever even recorded, though.

All these and more will be on the remixed remastered re-release due before Christmas, shipping 2014 and set for delivery pre-2018, in stores 2020.

You can listen to the song on Al Jardine's Official MySpace page
http://www.myspace.com/aljardineofficial/music

The version of Waves of Love on Spotify has been changed to the CD version. You can listen to it there now (legally of course :)) if you want to hear it.

So to clarify, is the version on iTunes the "more prominent Carl" version?

yes.  iTunes version is Carl singing the chorus

It would probably make my day if I were to somehow acquire both versions of this song.

Maybe you could buy them.

There are no differing versions currently available. From anywhere. All online and physical copies are now the fully produced album version. Amazon briefly and accidentally put out the early version as an mp3 for a day or two.

 :lol

Bummer… sounds like I missed it despite buying downloads from both iTunes and Amazon at the time.

Of course, as the physical disc STILL hasn't appeared, I can't be sure.

Okay, the versions we’re talking about are getting confused I think. As of the release date, the physical CD had the “early/demo” version where Carl is not featured prominently. As of the release date, the Amazon and iTunes download versions featured the “fully produced” (and longer) version with Carl featured prominently.

Has this changed? The Amazon download sample still sounds like the “fully produced” version, and every physical CD copy I’ve heard that people have received still has the “early/demo” version. I would doubt they would have already done a new production run of the physical CD and already have replaced “old” CD copies with new/fixed copies.

I also haven't heard of Amazon ever offering the "early/demo" version as a download.

The only questions seems to be whether anyone has the “fully produced”, longer version of the song on a physical CD. I still haven’t seen anyone state they have a physical CD copy with this version.

You are correct. As far as I know, one can still download teh "Carl" version via iTunes or Amazon, or get the "demo" version on the physical cd. I can't see this changing until/if the first complete run of cds sells out and a second run is ever pressed.

Am I the only one that thinks the "prominent Carl" version sounds like the demo? That version has Al singing way out of his range. It sounds like it was recorded at a soundcheck, and therefore is the demo.

Whereas the version on the CD is lower key and is better produced with better harmonies. Could somebody find the official word on which is which?

It’s true, I don’t think anybody knows for sure which version is which or what circumstances surround the different versions. Nobody including Al has apparently even commented on the discrepancy between these two versions.

Yes, the “download” version is in a higher key. But everything about the “download” versions sounds more “produced.” The lead vocal is more upfront and dry, the drums and guitars more punchy, and so on. The CD version to me sounds much more like a band doing a song in a concert hall at a soundcheck. The “download” version sounds much more like a latter-day studio creation.

I’m 99.9% certain the “download” version is the later, “fully produced” versions, because Matt Jardine reported late last year that he had recorded more vocals for the song, and he sounds much more prominent on the “download” version.

I’m 99.9999999999% certain what we hear on the “download” version is not a 1994 soundcheck performance.

I have the CD and I'm not entirely sure which version I'm hearing (although I have detected the differences mentioned in this thread). In the liner notes it does mention the song (or at least part) was recorded backstage at Merv Griffin's Resort but is that just Carl's vocal?

Colour me confused but not altogether bothered, it's a nice, catchy tune.

The download version of Waves Of Love clocks in at 03:51, the 'alternate version' which appears to have been mistakenly pressed onto a limited run of CDs clocks in at 03:34 - this is the version which sounds more like a demo.

Ok well the version I have on CD is the latter, not heard the download version but unless it's a much more heavily produced version I gotta say the 3:34 one sounds pretty complete to me. Maybe a few more listens are in order.

Cd version sounds to me like it almost date from as far back as 76, but for weird box that sound auto tuned.

The download version is, to these ears, superior, better finished, win a rounded out melody.

The CD version seems to have mismatched overdubs - the sound quality is all over the place.

Have been listening to he CD version quite a bit today and I've come to be even more impressed by it than I was before.

I have the CD (on top of the original download and CD-R) and the new itunes download of Waves of Love and I agree with your assessment!  I might prefer the new version (2012 download) but I also believe the new CD version sounds more complete in the harmonies/arrangement/etc, that is, of course, underneath the synthesized typical beach boys 80's/early 90's sound.  I think Carl's more prominent vocal on the chorus of the download was never intended to be so 'naked' and fits comfortably in the CD version surrounded by other vocal lines/harmonies.  Again, I do still prefer the newly recorded version.  I just wish a little more harmonies and instrumental ramps in the chorus were used on the new version.  Just my 2 cents.

No-one noticed that all three versions are available on CD if you get the Japanese CD release [which has 2 of them]?

The Japanese CD release has the "download" version as well as a very slightly alternate mix of that same "download" version (main difference being Al's vocal being removed from the bit after the quick little guitar "solo", making it a longer instrumental passage). The Japanese CD is indeed the only way to get the "Download" version in CD quality.