The Smiley Smile Message Board

Brian was interviewed backstage at the grammys

He said that Beach Boys are planning to record another album this year but at the same time he said "I doubt it" at the possibility of more Beach Boys reunion dates.

http://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/music-arts/wilson-doubts-beach-boys-back-article-1.1260323 (http://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/music-arts/wilson-doubts-beach-boys-back-article-1.1260323)

Forget the articles, straight from the man himself

http://www.hitfix.com/news/grammys-2013-beach-boys-brian-wilson-talks-about-new-material (http://www.hitfix.com/news/grammys-2013-beach-boys-brian-wilson-talks-about-new-material)

Good to hear about that album.

Brian doubting future gigs with the BBs has the informative value of a peanut, though.

Told you'all  

:lol

Interesting. Hope it works out.

Wow, that's quite interesting to hear. I was really having my doubts about the whole thing to be honest.

If there's going to be another album I just hope they will be able to avoid repeating things like Daybreak Over The Ocean or Beaches In Mind. Give me more of those awesome TWGMTR harmonies and stuff in the vein of the closing suite.

They should have another look at what Brian (and his people) did with TLOS. Jardine would be game, that's for sure. Throw in a couple of "Mexican Girls" and Mike might actually be convinced as well. Bruce follows Mike wherever he goes and Dave could contribute some inspired/original guitar work.

I hope the band take no notice of what the fans demand, and do whatever they want to do, with whomever they choose.

Absolutely.
And I *also* hope that "whatever they want to do, with whomever they choose" turns out to be exactly the album they'd make if I was in charge ;)

I have been a fan since 1978 and thought my Beach Boys ride was over Dec 1983.

If it ended last year, so be it. The last 30 years has been a bonus.

An extremely double-edged bonus.

I really hope the group does another album together. But I also saw this quote on the CourierPostOnline:  Next week, he heads into a studio to work on solo material. (http://www.courierpostonline.com/usatoday/article/1907093")

I mean, I suppose when he started working on what became That's Why God Made The Radio with Joe Thomas, and mentioning titles like "The Private Life Of Bill And Sue" it was thought that was solo project too.

And although I disagree with those like AGD who don't want a new Beach Boys album, I have to admit that unless the guys are really into doing this album, I don't want it. Because we know what happens with Beach Boys albums when the guys don't give a crap.

I think when Brian gives a crap, it overcomes all else.

I see Brian's comments are getting picked up by a few news outlets.

Maybe that will ignite a response out of Mike, possibly a letter to the LA times  ::)

Just like this one in 2010?

http://www.live4ever.uk.com/2010/08/brian-wilson-not-interested-in-beach-boys-reunion-afterall/

I don't think much can be read in Brians comments.

Just a thought. Would Capitol expect some group promotion around any new studio album? I would expect so.

Wow, this is a great exploding moment of joy for SMILE and some questions about the new album.  Is there a published quote about the album; do they have studio dates set?  In short, any actual information? Are we going on a published interview or something overheard?  Perhaps many of you have things in confidence, but I do hope for the moment when all the band members and their colleagues can talk about the "fact" that the BB are doing a new album. As for concerts. . . . .I believe nothing positive or negative until I am sitting there at the Hollywood Bowl again. The Professor has been nauseating in his insistence that they ought to/will do the album. I hope it happens. The Smile glory today is a point for, right!? Does not that think sort of set in motion the Capital wheels. . . ? And, in a better light, does it not inspire all the BB (Dave was not on Smile of course).

Edit: in the link at the top of the thread, which I now finally read, it says nothing about a BB album. Please clarify.

Yep, in fact it reads like he's ruling out doing any other Beach Boys work at all, and is going into the studio to do solo stuff.

Don't worry. If Capital shows the money everyone will fall in line and there is nothing wrong with that.

For those that doubt? Don't you get it by now? ANYTHING is possible in the Beach Boy Universe. :tm Even another tour. I'll be happy with a BB50 LIVE CD set and a new studio album. A new tour for the fans will be a wonderful bonus. We'll see.....

There was a different article that states he is doing a BB album but probably not a tour. Maybe a misquote? Let me look for it...

Anything's possible, but given that Mike has said that the reunion was only for a year, and Brian says he doesn't think it's going  to happen, I don't see why anyone would think it was going to happen.

They must have not picked up on that, possibly because they're focusing on the negative rather than the positive.

Here's a quote from billboard about Brian's comments regarding a new album, in the press room

Brian Wilson, a #Grammys winner tonight, says Beach Boys will “try” for an album this year

Taken from billboard's twitter page.

I'm sure Capitol would bankroll an album! They'd be nuts not to, imo. Even an expensive effort like TWGMTR which had a wholly unsuccessful lead single got in the top 5 if the billboard, so the band can shift a few units - even without a tour, if you had a better lead single the record would do respectably. Why not?

It went top five largely because of the QVC sales. The QVC sales were packaged with a second disc of the band's greatest hits, which was pushed almost as hard on the TV as the album itself, and may well be the reason for a lot of people's purchases. It also got a huge amount of publicity because it was Brian working with the band for the first time in seventy-five years or whatever made up figure everyone kept saying instead of sixteen. None of that would apply to a second album.

Well, now the inaccurate popular knowledge of the group is that Brian's been fired again, reckon lightning can strike twice?  ;D

http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/earshot/grammys-2013-brian-wilson-talks-420125

Health issues won’t keep him from going back into the studio, with or without the rest of the surviving Beach Boys. Wilson said he’s set to work on material “from scratch.”

 http://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/music-arts/wilson-doubts-beach-boys-back-article-1.1260323#ixzz2KYJeBKqC


What ever. Looks like new BW product this year at least.

My God, if there was ever time for a proper and clear bit of information, the time is now. Are the 5 BB doing an album in 2013. Y or N? (I know we don't know). The term reunion confuses the issue because to many it means "tour." They each much "know," and perhaps now Al, et al will open up a bit. Good time for Mike to call Brian and step up to plan it.

This clears things up nicely

http://www.hitfix.com/news/grammys-2013-beach-boys-brian-wilson-talks-about-new-material (http://www.hitfix.com/news/grammys-2013-beach-boys-brian-wilson-talks-about-new-material)

I can't get that video to play -- what does he actually say?

Basically he says the beach boys have a lot of music in the can that hasn't been released, they are planning on getting together to make an album soon. No talk of a tour.

He talks about unreleased material, then mentions new album. Hmmm...... this obviously means the new album will be called 'Brian Wilson's Beach Boys Present Adult/Child' :p

I honestly don't think that cleared much up at all. What that little bit of footage tells us is that they got a lot of material in the can (obviously), that he likes That Lucky Old Sun a whole lot (knew that too, but cool to hear), and that he's gonna start working in the studio.

It kinda sounds like it's solo recording. But who knows? I myself would prefer another Beach Boys album over a new Brian Wilson album, but either would be great. I personally feel that TWGMTR is better than TLOS due to the presence of The Beach Boys vocals and better songs ("From There To Back Again", "Isn't It Time). But regardless, I just wanna hear new tunes by Brian Wilson.

He does look as though he's been in a bit of pain though recently, I just hope he feels alright. That is more important than anything. Seems like the back problems have been going on for a bit.

Yes, SloopJohnyB, it's been my mantra lately.... Capitol + money = new album.

And, yes, anything IS possible in the Beach Boys' universe. However, I don't think there will be a tour the magnitude of last year (i.e. 70 some dates), but I could see a few selective dates, a TV appearance or two, and maybe a mini-concert like the QVC thing. If and when a new album comes out in 2013, it will probably be late in the year, so maybe there will be a short Christmas tour. That'd be cool, no pun intended....

The dude is right. I'm watching the Grammys now in LA, so real quick:  Brian may have meant that there are so many left overs from Radio that Capital is gathering them, with some overdubs, etc. Or he may have meant that the BB are getting together to make a new album.  My exegetical powers fail me here. But he certainly did mean that a new BB album, such as it may be,  is coming. Can't imagine he would say that unless they all plan it.

 The little news bit that accompanied the video was clear in it's rewriting of last years' performances, was it not? 

>>
One of the biggest legends at this year's Grammy Awards is Beach Boys founder Brian Wilson.

The legendary SoCal band reunited with Wilson for last year's Grammys and embarked on a short tour. After some behind the scenes drama, Wilson bowed out of the live performances, and has essentially sworn off of performing live with them, although recording has remained a possibility.  <<
 

I noticed on Facebook the other day that Alice Lillie commented on a status from some guy that said  "I'm apparently recording Brian Wilson this week... WTF."

Yeah... color me not convinced.  You can literally get different answers out of Brian in the same exact interview about any subject.

The only thing we absolutely, absolutely, ABSOLUTELY know for a fact is that Brian doesn't like giving interviews. 

Since he said this during an interview... all bets are off.  I'll believe it when Mike says something about it.

To be honest though we also know that Brian's always going to be working on new music.  So even if we don't get a new Beach Boys album, we'll get a new Brian Wilson album so I'm fine either way. 

Well and also Brian purposefully went out of his way to say the concerts last year were not a reunion... it was a celebration.  So he has an aversion to that term in the first place.  Asking him if there's going to be a reunion puts the hair up on the back of his neck. 

To be completely honest, I don't put a lot of weight on anything Brian Wilson says.  He's pretty inconsistent in his remarks.  He kept denying there was going to be a Beach Boys reunion at all up until it was officially announced.  So if the band is really recording a new album, I'll wait until some more credible news comes along.

Mods, any chance of merging this thread with the thread on "place for compiling any new information on a new album"?  In any case, Awesoman has nailed it for now:  we have a statement from the band's founder that 2013 will produce a new BB album. We have to wait to see what exactly that means, if anything. I can't but think that the Grammy and all the "energy" associated with the BB today will only improve the chances for an album.  I hope Mike feels that competitive urge to get involved with more music on the heals of the Grammy (not a band award).

Just posted on Facebook:

(http://sphotos-b.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/528597_10151436312072241_878161236_n.jpg)

Brian Wilson
Hard at work after winning the GRAMMY

And the ball starts rolling..

Fun times ahead.

It's nice to see him at the mic! Nice to see him smiling too!

oh, BW tweeting pics of him at the mic? This is how TWGMTR started, lest we forget....

There has already been (at least) one of these after the 2012 tour concluded. That was a couple of months ago.. who knows what Brian's (been) working on..

Be careful when posting pictures of Brian from Facebook. You never know when someone might jump out of the woodwork!

It's time for PLEASURE ISLAND! Am I right?

I dont' care guys.  He's awesome, I don't give a sh*t if he's recording Mary had a little lamb, I'm going to buy it.  Lemme flash back a year or two for you

1. He recorded a bunch of Disney songs
2. I bought it
3. I really liked it


That's where I'm coming from.  Things I like about Brian:

1. His voice, even when it's off key
2. His lyrics, even when they're kind of corny
3. His production, even when other people say it's predictable
4. His band, even when they sound a little too shmaltzy
5. Pictures of Brian, even when he's fat, old, and kind of weird


BRING ON THE NEW MUSIC, BRIAN!!!!!

(http://sphotos-b.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/528597_10151436312072241_878161236_n.jpg)

(http://www.rockument.com/hagifs/BrianWilson.gif)

I always think it's interesting too to see similarities in pictures of people from when they were young, and when they're old.  If you look really close, there's a couple things that time hasn't affected at all in the above two pictures. 

Ron, you are a master philosopher and a prince for this comparison and posting.  I can only hope we hear soon that "the boys are coming in soon" to work on some tracks.  I respect the solo material, but. . . . .Do I have to explain the magic of the BB working together? You all know--better than I really, as I am a newcomer.

I'm with you Ron. That's why I disagree with those folks against another BB project. With Brian involved it makes things a million times better. Since 2004 Brian has had a career Renaissance that nobody ever could have dreamed of. He has defied the odds and has gotten better with age. He may not be the groundbreaking visionary of his youth but instead he remains a phenomenal musician. At almost 71 years old, that's more than enough.What I noticed that seems different from about June 2012 onwards is...Brian has his swagger back. He's still damn good , but its like he finally knows it and revels in it.That has been fun to see.

Go for it, Brian!!!!

 :woot

God, it's killing me.

I really want to know what he's recording

Even if it's not BB material yet, it could be, right? From what he said last night. . . . .sorry lads, spinning in circles. . . . .just anxious until we hear something concrete about the BB album.

Give it some time...

At the top of the Entertainment section on the HuffingtonPost.com....nothing new but still a startling headline

(https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-uqAaW3Vu8rs/URn5Ex_kD0I/AAAAAAAAQig/02g-wHPNSDE/s1152/Capture.JPG)

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/02/11/beach-boys-reunion-brian-wilson_n_2664061.html?utm_hp_ref=entertainment

Music. He's been doing that for years...

Hearing the guys plus that band for 70 plus gigs last year, I can't imagine him not having a few ideas for new material.

Word. AMEN to that.

Absolutely. I want new Brian Wilson songs. I'd quite like Al Jardine to sing lead on them, but it's up to Brian, and whether we get a Beach Boys album, a "some Beach Boys" album, or a Brian solo album, I'll buy it, and chances are I'll enjoy it.

+1.  The C50 tour may be done, but the inspiration would be impossible to ignore.

Ohhkay, even if it's not a Beach Boys album...  How about a Brian Wilson album with guest vocalist Al Jardine?  And guest guitarist David Marks?

Another "From There To Back Again" would suit me just fine.  Surely even AGD can't object to that on artistic grounds?...

Cheers,
Jon Blum

That's what I've been saying for a while -- I want Jardine Sings Wilson. Not so bothered either way if David is on it -- Brian's music of recent decades doesn't really lend itself to much in the way of showy guitar parts, and so it doesn't really matter to me who plays them. But I would *love* an album like That Lucky Old Sun, but with Al singing lead.

TLOS is the Beach Boys story.  It would be cool at some point for "them" to do at least a shortened version. With TLOS, Forever She'll Be My Surfer Girl, Can't Wait Too Long, Midnight's Another Day, Going Home, and Southern California.  If only for artistic and non-commercial reasons, and weave it into the perennial favorites on the set list... And let the chips fall where they may.

By "them" I mean The Band should they "celebrate" again.   ;)

Everyone has his own ideas, so why compete with each other. I will fall silent until we hear the truth about an album. I hope all our visions are fulfilled somehow by the work we get, however it comes about about and with whatever agents. going underground until real news appears. . . .

I wouldn't mind if Al sang say, the majority of the album, but while he's still here I really want to hear new recordings featuring Brian's voice as much as I can. It's really special I think that the guy that wrote and sang so many of those beloved songs and who probably had the most recognizable voice in the 60's can still be heard on new songs in 2013. It's the same thing with Paul McCartney, I know he's lost most of his voice now but I still wouldn't want an album of his songs sung by Eric Clapton or someone else.

Brian still has productive years left in him.  In country music, a lot of those guys sing really late on.  For instance, Ray Price is 87 years old and still sounds very good.  Brian's style was much harder to sing back in the day, but he still sounds pretty good on new songs tailored to his voice.  This isn't just a 1 or 2 year proposition, it's completely possible Brian could give us another 20 years of music if he wanted to. 

 :lol

So dramatic

to me, and it's an unpopular opinion and probably one i am mostly alone in having, this "reunion" was a let down anyway, so not having any more is fine.    i cannot speak of the concerts, which maybe were great, but the album....blah.  Some nice things, but overall leaves me flat.   i realize they maybe had to do this sort of album for commercial reasons, but to me what would have been a much better reunion album would have been Brian, Mike, Al, Bruce and David - and just them, no one else - singing with the voices that they actually have nowadays - no autotune whatchamacallits and all that - and with mostly spare backing instrumentation.  a classy, real album.   the material could be a mix of originals and interesting covers, perhaps song by song tracing their career - start with a Freshman tune (though something other than THWFOS) and touch upon every phase/inspiration they've been through.....rough old voices and all, this would be the kind of an album i know i would love.  

I tend to agree about the album -- it's *listenable*, very good in parts, but frankly I thought that both Brian and Al's recent solo work was better. Although it's very nice that the last Beach Boys album is no longer Summer In Paradise but is something half-decent.

The tour, though, was astonishingly good.

As long as Brian sings lead I'm happy.

I think it depends on the song at least a little - but yeah, agreed. His vocal, however processed, on "Summer's Gone" was so effective. Unlike on some of his solo vocals, you can tell THIS is the guy who sang Caroline, No...and he still has it.

I'd like Dave to be on it playing guitar, and I'd DEFINITELY like Al to be on it singing.

If Brian's next work comes out with 12 tracks, how about Al singing lead on 2 or 3 and singing background on all of them. I think it works better when Brian's harmonies are different voices and not a "wall of Brian," and Al is great in a vocal mix.

Mike has responded, according to a post over on the Steve Hoffman board:
You may have read that certain members of the extended Beach Boys family have announced that they will no longer be going on the road with The Beach Boys. While this is a disappointment, and we wish them every measure of success with whatever course they now choose to pursue, you can rest assured that the version of The Beach Boys most familiar to millions plan to continue to bring our hit spectacle to cities across the world this year, and for many years to come. Please join us as the version of The Beach Boys that you know, love, and have repeatedly embraced over decades continues to celebrate the greatness of the the band's legacy. Bring your family and friends and we'll bring the songs and the smiles. Rock on!

http://www.montgomerynews.com/articles/2013/02/12/entertainment/doc511a7767176cb790436562.txt?viewmode=fullstory

Entertainment.

Al Jardine: A Beach Boy itching to get out on the road again

Published: Tuesday, February 12, 2013
 
 By Mike Morsch
Executive Editor


Even the lengthy and successful 50th Anniversary Tour of the Beach Boys has not slaked Beach Boy Al Jardine’s taste for performing. He’s ready to keep rocking

 

It’s January in California and Al Jardine is sitting around at home listening to doo wop music. The Cadillacs, the Cleftones, the Drifters, Frankie Lymon and the Teenagers.

“Some young man from New Orleans, a fledgling agent I think, sent these doo wop tapes to me,” said Jardine. “I really appreciate it because it brings back a lot of good memories.”

Listening to doo wop music, it’s one of the ways the 70-year-old Jardine — a founding member of the Beach Boys — recharges his batteries.

It’s been a few months now since the end of the hugely successful 50th Anniversary Tour of the Beach Boys, which played 73 dates around the world and even spawned a new album, “That’s Why God Made the Radio,” the first original Beach Boys album produced since “Summer in Paradise” in 1992.

But the end of the run was not without its controversy, something not at all new to the Beach Boys. Iconic founder Brian Wilson, Jardine and original guitarist David Marks wanted to continue to ride the proverbial big wave that the tour provided. As has been the case over the history of the Beach Boys, co-founder Mike Love had his own ideas, ones that included touring as the Beach Boys with just himself and bandmate Bruce Johnston.

There was a well-publicized hissing match at the end of the run in which, once again, Love came off as the villain to many Beach Boys fans, despite his attempts to explain that the 50th anniversary tour had a scheduled finite end and that he and Johnston had already started to line up dates for their version of the Beach Boys once the tour ended.

There is Wilson’s perspective and there is Love’s perspective. And right in the middle sits Jardine, who has had a front-row seat for all that is the Beach Boys since the beginning. He’s got a perspective, too, but oftentimes it’s overlooked by the bigness that is Brian Wilson and Mike Love.

“I talked to Mike about it a couple of times and he just wanted some distance from it,” said Jardine in a recent interview. “He wanted to get away and not do this for a while with us. You should probably interview him and ask him. For whatever reason, he didn’t want to do it anymore.

“So he’s out there doing his version of the Beach Boys. I’m sure people come out and enjoy that, too. But it leaves the rest of us going, ‘Hey, we just got all geared up for this and we want to get out,’ but now we’re all just sitting around on our fannies,” said Jardine.

All of which means that at this point, 2013 won’t see another Beach Boys tour. Although anything can happen, Love and Johnston will apparently do their thing and Wilson, Jardine and Marks will hook up for some gigs, at least one of which is already confirmed, July 25, at the Fraze Pavilion in Kettering, Ohio.

Jardine admits, though, that after the big 2012 tour, he’s tired of sitting around the past few months and that he should “get my butt down there [with Brian] and do some stuff with him because he’s got such an inventive mind.”

“He’s still so amazing,” said Jardine, sounding more like a fan than a collaborator. “Whenever he sits down at a piano, he can figure out arrangements that you wouldn’t even imagine. It’s striking what he can do. He can take an idea to the next level.”

If that doesn’t work out, Jardine might try another solo project. His first solo effort, “A Postcard from California,” was re-released in conjunction with the 50th anniversary tour and sold pretty well at the concert merchandise table. The CD featured contributions from Wilson and the Beach Boys, as well as from Glen Campbell, David Crosby, Neil Young, Steve Miller and Gerry Beckley and Dewey Bunnell of America.

“I’ll think about it [another solo project], but it’s dicey,” said Jardine. “These things take a lot of time and work. You put a lot of love into something and then there’s no way to distribute it.”

The bottom line, though, is that at this stage of his career, Jardine would rather perform than record.

“If you’re someone like me who’s been around a while, you want to get it right [in the studio]. And sometimes, you’re not happy with the first session, you go for another. Pretty soon, you’re spending a month on one song,” he said.

“Frankly, if you’re working with Brian Wilson, it’s worth it. The guy is an iconic figure in 20th century music. But we’ve got to get a little more out of him and little more out of me and a little more out of Mike, and hopefully we’ll do it again next year.”























 







 

What an asshole if this statement is true, enough with his games already.

Where and when did he make this statement. I see nothing on his facebook.

The media sure does know how to turn a situation real extreme.

What's up with this “Truer words were never spoken” comment?
This is going to get even uglier I'm afraid.

http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/envelope/music/la-et-ms-brian-wilson-smile-grammy-beach-boys-reunion-20130211,0,7067261.story

Damn, Brian looks good in that pic!

I don't think it's from Mike. This sounds like someone tried to write something and include some stuff that would make the Brian-side go crazy like "the version of The Beach Boys most familiar to millions" a.s.o.

Yep, the fact that two days later Google gets not a single hit for that other than the Hoffman board tells me it's nonsense.

I am wary myself after not finding it anywhere else either.

Now Rolling Stone is all over this. Sad.

The sun still came up where I live.


Didn't this happen last year after the C50? Concern about Brian...quick...stick him in front of a mic! We still don't know what that was for.

And to end my ramble.

Sometime near the end of the C50. (may have happened)

Mike: Hey Brian. Fancy 70 gigs next summer?
Brian: Yeah right!

Result? Mikes an ass.

However?

Brian: Hey Mike. Fancy 2 1/2 months recording the next album?
Mike: Yeah right!

Result? See above.

Presumably, that was for overdubs to the concert DVD.

This could be the same for the live CD.

Oh god noooo!

Just posted
http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151438567467241&set=a.452661542240.241240.34250497240&type=1&relevant_count=1&ref=nf

Great picture!
Can't wait to hear whatever lovely thing he's making.

Pleasure island  ;D

Nice Jammies! ;D

I wonder where he's recording his new music?

Some have replied with righteous anger to this silly passing on of confused statements by BW; other have hated Mike more, based on such rumor.

Maybe Brian's making a diss song!  Like they used to do in 1993 before Tupac got murdered.


I don't believe that statement was from Mike, although it could have been one of his people.  At this point, I don't think he'd refer to Brian as "extended family", he's never been that calloused about Brian.  I'd believe the rest of it if it would have mentioned Brian by name. 

Brilliant Ron. I tried to step out of this but was summoned back off leave to help put out fires. We are at a point of critical mass; The Beach Boys need now to tell us if they plan an album in 2013. I will combat rumor and reduction, but I have no knowledge to add.

Why do they need to tell us? If it happens, it'll happen. There is no point worrying if they are gonna put out a new album. They put SMiLE and a brand new studio album out within the last year and a half. Not to mention 2 DVDs and a world tour. And remastered versions of 12 albums. And new compilations. And they are putting out a new box set, which will surely be filled with a nice amount of previously unreleased material.

So anyways, Brian is working on new material. Is it for a solo project or The Beach Boys? Will Al be on it if it is a solo album? We shall see. I wouldn't let it bother me though.

The Dude abides, and I will try to do so as well.  I will give it over to the Tao.  Should we go bowling?

And even though things don't look good as far The Beach Boys doing a new album, I still think they will. The last one went to number 3. I can't see Capitol (or them for that matter) not wanting to "do it again".

The last one went to #3 in part due to the novelty. The first BB album of all new material in a very long time, the first with Brian and Al in even longer...Brian in control and all that. It also heralded the C50 tour, which was a big selling point.

WIthout that publicity behind a second new record, it might not sell as well. Which would be a shame because TWGMTR was pretty good, far better than we had any right to expect.

Brian's been saying for a while now that he wants to do another...that he'd gone into TWGMTR with the intention of it being the last, but he changed the order of the last few tracks late in the game after realising there's gas in the tank for a followup album.

I can see why AGD fears a new album will tank, even if it's great. The situation is different. But I am quite optimistic about new music from this specific bunch of people.

Good strategy!

In my years at a BB fan, I have learned two things.  First is patience.  When I see John Manning's little icon, it reminds me of the cancelled Maharishi Tour and looking at a ticket for a show that wasn't going to happen.  I had to be patient until next time. While I was waiting I had 20/20 to digest. Not a bad consolation prize.  We now have YouTube - BB TV!

Second is to expect to be surprised.  I never expected to have little Kindergartners bopping into my classroom singing Kokomo.  I never expected to see Brian in concert, and at one where I was sitting in the front row singing all the words right along with him, for Brian to lean forward at the end of the show to shake my hand! Amazing!  I never expected this reunion.  For years people said it would never happen.

So, I'm back in my patient mode, expecting to be surprised.  No one expected this Grammy.  But patient people did the work behind the scenes and got the job done. Qué será, será.  

I expect this year to be an individual band effort.  

But, patience has taught me to expect to be surprised.  ;)

If the Hoffman board can do it, maybe we should start writing press releases for Mike and see if we can engineer another reunion tour...

I would like them to play my university. ;D

That's impossible -- that version of the Beach Boys ("most familiar to millions") hasn't existed since 1997.... and the closest they've been since is the 50th tour.

The PR flack gets it wrong -- again.

All just my opinion, of course.

The whole Mike Love statement over on the Hoffman Board is a complete fabrication by the poster, kwadguy.

One of the best Beach Boys concerts that I saw was at the University of Missouri in Columbia, Spring 1972. The concert started at 4pm on a Saturday. What an experience it was.

Perspective, please. When Brian denied reports of a reunion, he was full of it. Who knows what's actually going on right now? The job of BW's press agent is to make him look good, so you won't hear anything different from her.

What we have right now are a small handful of facts and a mountain of speculation. The facts suggest no tour of the full band this year. The facts likewise suggest that any further full-band shows (2014 and beyond) are uncertain at best, unlikely at worst.

Another group album would be great. But Mike's statements in the past make his participation seemingly contingent on a greater role in writing songs with Brian, which I doubt will happen. So again, probably unlikely.

Let's also look at Brian's record of writing new material. He did a reasonable amount of new work on TWGMTR, but at least a third (or more) of the album's material dated from the late 90s (title track, Spring Vacation, Strange World, Summer's Gone). His last creative surge was the TLOS writing sessions in 2006. With that in mind, anything he's working on now is likely to be older / recycled songs.

My main concern in all of this was that Brian would be seriously depressed or bummed out by Mike forging ahead with his own thing. But BW is stronger than that now, and it seems like he wants to keep doing things his way (as does Mike). That friction is what makes their partnership as songwriters work (or at least work in the 60s) and made the C50 shows riveting. But at a certain age, friction doesn't really hold much appeal. You want to do what you love without hassle. Everyone seems to want to do that now, and I'm gradually accepting that that's okay. New album or not, more reunion dates or not, whatever.

They did great. Hopefully Brian has another 15 years or so of interesting studio work left in him, and can play with his band as much as he likes. Hopefully Mike keeps challenging himself with diverse setlists. Hopefully Al can latch onto someone and not piss them off. And hopefully Dave keeps rocking.

Amen.

15 years would be A LOT......  :o Hard to imagine. But curious things continue to happen on Pleasure Island.

We've seen the pics of Brian at a mic, but has there been any word about who is recording backing tracks for these songs?

Nope. There was a similar pic of Foskett late last year on Brian's Facebook page, but he's a given anyway. It always says "Brian recording vocals" or "Brian laying down tracks". Could be anything.

I don't think 15 years is crazy at all.

-- Tony Bennett, 86 years old and still performing and recording
-- BB King (in arguably worse physical shape than BW), 87 years old and still performing and recording. (His tour schedule: http://www.bbking.com/events/)
-- Les Paul, died at 94, performing and recording up to his death.
-- Leonard Cohen, 77  years old, still touring and recording.

Audree Wilson lived until age 80. Aside from his weight and back problems, Brian surely has great medical care. So I'd say it's a reasonable expectation.

Hmm. Since the stream of pics is becoming more frequent, hopefully we'll get some answers soon.

I'm just really excited about the fact that he's writing and recording something, it really hammers home the fact that writing songs is something he just can't give up. Like an itch he has to just keep scratching.

Whatever it is I'm sure it'll be fantastic.

I've enjoyed pretty much every song Brian has recorded solo or with The Beach Boys since TLOS.

Brian's been knocking them out of the park recently. Great vocals.

I'm really excited to hear what he's got in store for us.

BTW, Brian is recording at Ocean Way

(http://sphotos-a.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/c0.0.403.403/p403x403/11221_10151439588022241_850826428_n.png)

Love You 2.

That would be fine with me :D

Pardon my ignorance: Did Brian record at Ocean Way at any time before TWGMTR?

If not, could this be a clue as to who is producing/overseeing these new sessions (ie, Joe Thomas perhaps)?

Still think Ocean Way would be a great title for a future Beach Boys/Brian solo release.

Wasn't GIOMH and BWPS recorded there?

Only if they do a synth cover of the Harrison song from Revolver.

Crazy as it sounds, Brian did say he wanted to re-record some of the Love You songs. As crazy as that idea sounds, I think it might just work. Hearing those songs done with better vocals might be interesting.

Not that I think this is what he is working on though.

My guess is either working on some brand new solo material, or putting together the next Beach Boys album.

Honestly I never take anything any of them say in public seriously until something actually happens. All blurt out things that are reneged on later, especally Brian. That's just how he felt that moment. If they have some good songs I would like to see another album. Tour I am fine either way, but tend to agree that the everyday Beach Boys gig wasn't right for the full band. If they do ever go out again it has to be done with as much class as the 2012 tour.

Amen, indeed. :thumbsup

I agree 100%.

And I would also add that ANY MEDIA outlet reporting, printing or posting anything concerning Brian, Mike, the BB's and so on have no more insight to our guessing that goes on right here. So the rest of us should not take them seriously.

Brian just posted the Rolling Stone article on his Facebook.
Is he trying to get a fight started or what?

It's all PR shenanigans, pay no mind. They must think their fans are really stupid.

Wirestone - years down the road, when history attempts to reconstruct the History of The Beach Boys, I would opine that the composer/lyricist team memorialized, will be Wilson-Love.  Other writers and collaborators of note will occupy a footnote.  They are the architecture of the genesis of the band.  TWGMTR is a nice song, maybe a sleeper, but my favorite is Think About the Days.  It still gives me that little gasp when I hear it.  I think of it as their essence, their vocals.  Imitated but never duplicated.

And, speculating about anyone's behavioral health status, when not in any professional capacity to do so, just fuels innuendo and speculation in the same way, there is this "statement" from another music forum.  And bad journalism, "firing" band members to revert to the "status quo ante" for the Touring Band, is just ridiculous, in my view.  That story reared its head post Grammy awards, and I think it was clearly out of line, to get in Brian's face and ask it.  

If it was a source of discomfort and it was known by the journalist, then, in my view, it was indiscreet. Since when do journalists feel they have to know more than they "need to know," and push the bounds of decency?  If you see someone walking with a cane, do you put your foot out to trip them?

That is a physical challenge and you get out of their way to ensure their safety.  Why is a behavioral issue any different?  It is not different in my view. A challenge is a challenge.  One you see and one is non-apparent.  I found it an indecent and indiscreet question.  It was a long overdue evening to celebrate a project that was criticized for years, and who knows how much journalistic critics added to the non-completion with speculation and innuendo.  The band members' vocals in that project are unparalleled.

C50, in my view was a very special event, and it was never represented otherwise.  It was a "reunion" for an "anniversary" event.  Their corporate board drives the train, and, should the members decided to forge ahead in whatever manner, it is their decision.  

Brian has had many brilliant people around him.  No doubt. But, the down-to-earth stuff, that most people relate to on an everyday basis is what gave them that jump start into our music culture.  And, Mike could somehow "translate" those notes into words that the public could relate to and embrace.  

Who knows, when all this tabloid journalism (and some very credentialed sources have sunk to this low level) nonsense clears, some inner board workings will begin to churn?  I'd say it is a definite "maybe."  Not unlike everything else in life.  

And, Happy Valentine's Day to all you lovers of the Beach Boys music!  :love

It's all just unnecessary.
It's only hurting Brian.

I honestly don't care about any of this nonsense. Someone let me know when the music drops.

How do we know if Brian, Mike and others in the circle aren't just messing with the press? For better or worse publicity is publicity. It keeps the rumors going. It keeps the Beach Boy name in the press. It's all good.

Chances are good that Brian and Mike had a real 'heart to heart' conversation last year. I'm sure this year is mapped out. Is it fair to the fans not knowing the BB future? Well, I say it's OK to keep them guessing. Keep everyone guessing. When a big announcement arrives then it's great!

I think BWPS was done at Sunset Sound.

Wouldn't be the first time that's happened – they certainly messed with the press and their fans in 11/12 and there might well be more going on that is apparent.,

That said I think 2013 is mapped out – there'll be the box set and little else.

Wouldn't now expect a new group album before 2014 but am optimistic for that; maybe a small tour (10 dates USA, 50 dates UK, RFH & RAH) to promote as well – The Reconciliation Tour ⓒ.

What a classless move

I seriously doubt that Brian does any of the actual posting on his Facebook page....

I know it wasn't him, but it was still a dumb move. If anything, it'll just make Mike less interested.

Of course, it's more likely Jeff.

Not sure what's he's thinking.

Well, if it was Jeff, he must be thinking, "Here's an article about the Great Briiiaaan Wiilsoon!"

 :lol :lol

:lol  That was a good one.

When/where did he say this?

Mark Linett's Your Place Or Mine studio, I think.


As for PR shenanigans, they are just that. Ultimately worthless.

Ahhh... call it a quasi-educated guess that they're not.


Could be... could very well be... but probably not in the way you're thinking or hoping.

Basic tracks Sunset April 13th-17th, remainder of the recording YPOM, May & June.

GIOMH was recorded mostly at YPOM, but also at Western/Ocean Way, and Olympic in London.

I'd swear that if Brian actually pulled out a gun, shot Mike dead, and said "See, see, he's dead now, we can't possibly ever reunite", there are people on this board who'd call it a publicity stunt for an upcoming reunion tour and say Mike was only playing dead to play along with it.

... and over on the Bloo, there'd be tumultuous applause. I'm not joking, btw.

A reunion is not on the cards.

In terms of the relationship between Mike and Brian, I'm pretty sure were back to square one

I really hope they make a new album though I am also still hoping for a live album/cd from last year...

It seems pretty clear to me it is over for the Beach Boys - they reunited, made an album, did a tour, now they go their separate ways. It was never promised that the reunion would be permanent. I don't know why this is so hard for us to accept.

It's easy enough for many of us...

Quite simply because many people are way too emotionally invested in this group.  I mean sure, personally I would love to see the group remain intact but having said that I'm personally tired of all the daily drama that seems to surround this band.  To me anyway, it's not interesting, it's not intriguing, it's not fun, it's just a waste of time period.  Add to the fact that it seems as if at times that the members of the group itself seems to feed and stoke the fire of the drama cycle and it just leaves you with an uncomfortable feeling.  Anyhow that is my take on it anyhow.

Yeah, I can't imagine being sad about my favourite band not making another album!

I like it that my favorite group is active and making music again.

They are?

I assume you're talking about The Beach Boys

I meant like last year when they were an active group.

Oh yeah, that was a fun time.

Sadly it didn't last

Brian is still making music and still putting on shows, Mike and Bruce are still at it. We are very blessed to have that much!

This picture was just posted on FB of Brian working on something at Ocean Way. Priceless look on his face. I know I don't have to explain this to any of you, but how heartwarming is this photo?

(http://i.imgur.com/GYdl32t.jpg)

Such a great picture of Brian in his element.

He's heard us b!tchin about the vocal mix of the C50 concert DVD so he has come in to kick some ass and get the 'Live' album done right! :thumbsup

Hmmm...seems Bri's been bumped from Studio A to Studio D...not that I would complain, as that custom Neve board looks pretty bitchin'!

Too technical, "Bitchin' custom Neve in Studio B"? You've lost me!

Brian looks ecstatic. He must be loving the new recordings

pretty swell.

Yes, God bless him, but I want to know what this work has to do with the BB? Will be restless until we find out--and until the answer I want is the right answer, which may not happen.

Not to be overly pessimistic and Phil Cohen up the thread to much, but I would wager a decent sum that these pictures of Brian are just random publicity photos. Whether we would want to admit it or not, a picture of Brian in front of a microphone or behind mixing board is a hell of a lot better and more interesting than bored Brian relaxing on the couch with the family.  ;)

And they even went to the extent of rolling his sleeves up! :-D

I'm just super glad Brian is back in the studio.

And frankly, I could care less if he works with The Beach Boys ever again. I'd rather him working on a beautiful concept album of his own than a compromise 'endless summer' album.

I simply do not agree. I want a BB album. We love solo work, but when superheroes unite, it's a blockbuster. Think archetypally and mythically. Putting the crew, the band, back together, the magnificent 7.....etc. . . .

You could care less, dear rab2591, but I do care. Each to his own, of course.

best wishes.

But, what do think Brian wants to record, if anything? Go ahead, speculate. It's OK, this is a message board. In 2013, at age 70 or 71, what album do you think he wants to make?

I'd say it's pretty likely he is in the studio currently -- pr photos or not. Ocean Way lists studio D as unavailable because someone has it on a "long-term lockout."

I wonder what would happen if Brian were to be commissioned by something like the Royal Festival Hall/Royal Albert Hall to compose a piece to be played by The Beach Boys? Could he recreate something like TLOS? I doubt it. But then again, we didn't think he could do another Smile, and he pulled TLOS seemingly from thin air.  ;D

Another TLOS would be great, but I wish Brian would tell Mike to "cut the sh*t" with his lazy fun in summer concepts and work him for once. Still, I doubt Mike has anything left songwriting-wise and Brian (and collaborators) should mostly make the material.

You don't have to speculate. For more than over a decade, he's been talking about wanting to make a rock 'n roll album. That's the album he wants to make. I'd like to think he wants to make it with The Beach Boys.

About TLOS, I think considering the situation it wasn't sudden at all.

Brian makes all the early BB albums, makes tons of money for the label, has power, has freedom, makes PS and SMiLE.
Brian makes 15 big ones, same situation, then makes Love You.
Brian does SMiLE live, then makes TLOS.
Brian makes a 50th celebration BB album, Brian has power/freedom, Brian makes...


Well, we'll see!

That's my No. 1 wish.

Exactly! I want them all on a record again (not using Al's voice would be a sin!) but I'm tired of songs like 'Beaches in Mind'. The surf image is grating - hell, Brian was straying from it within 2 years of them becoming a band.

I hope you're right!

I'm fully aware this makes me a bad person, but I want Pet Sounds 2.

Brian and Tony Asher should give it one last go.

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It would be interesting if Brian reunited with some old songwriting partners. Is Andy Paley still with us? Correct me if I'm wrong, but I think their last collaboration produced some better than average material. Actually, when was the last time that Brian and Mike sat down one on one, without any outside influences, and tried an equal collaboration together, totally from scratch?

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Brian may be able to do it but during the tour he was generally taking carls parts in the harmony stack,and doing a damn fine job of it.

You watched a radio interview?

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During the C50 tour some new song titles of Brian's were mentioned (I forgot them of course  ::)). I don't know if he will record with The Beach Boys but maybe he is cutting those songs.

Brian does break out into damn near perfect falsetto for about 3 seconds.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZmQ0HutAFaE

Bruce did a few falsettos on the last record...parts of "Think About The Days", "Bill and Sue", "Shelter".  Foskett also sang falsettos on those tunes, but Bruce has a falsetto line or two on those three, at least.  I think Brian's only falsettos come near the end, at one point on "Strange World" and again on "Pacific Coast Highway", both times his lead turns into a falsetto for a few notes.

BIM would be fine if it rocked. You can barely hear Dave's guitar. Dave's song Anywhere USA on his new album is better and could have been a much greater choice for Radio. Requirements for a new BB album, as per our collective wisdom:  minimal Jeff, songs that rock, and no reliance on mere nostalgia without an edge or a heart.

I think Brian starts going into a falsetto on "Think about the days" too, but it seems that before he gets real high Foskett takes over.

And just to mention, Bruce does a great job on the record.

Rocker, you are the ultimate master and sage authority. Do you know, wise one, if the BB are making an album this year. Or are they themselves taking it a day at a time. Are we going to get Radio II, which is already in the can and thus have no actual new BB studio collaboration but rather producers packaging stuff that did not make it into Radio?

Thanks, master.

That would be news....  :o 

I don't know anything more than every other regular (not insider) member on here. My guess is that it's more likely than another tour but that wouldn't mean much. Let's just enjoy 50+ years of great music and not worry about what will happen. TWGMTR was very good and a great ending to a fabulous career

You know professor, I think that as long as we are talking about The Beach Boys, nostalgia is unavoidable. Unfortunately it seems that Mike Love can't write a Beach Boys lyric that isn't super referential. And Brian himself even did that "Forever She'll Be My Surfer Girl" thing. And I'm not saying nostalgia is bad. But when it comes as ham-handedly as Mike is dishing it out, it's rough.

And even though I, like you, want this new material Brian is working on to be for a Beach Boys album, chances are this might be solo BW. I remember Peter Reum (I think) saying Brian wanted to do a solo album this year, and then there is just the fact that even TWGMTR was too "out there" for Mike. The fact that he seriously publicly complained about the suite at the end is ridiculous. I'm not sure Mike wants to work with Brian anymore, unless it was under his terms, and I don't think Melinda and co. really wanna bow down to Mike's whims.

I think the only way we get a new Beach Boys album is if Capitol tells Brian, "hey, we like the songs, but we'll give you a deal, and more money if you make it a Beach Boys album." Who knows??Kinda like Warner/Reprise/whoever convinced Lindsey Buckingham turn what was going to be an early '00s solo album into a the Say You Will album by Fleetwood Mac.

Or, if they use some of the other 20 or so songs that were already recorded, that might be how we get new Beach Boys material. Maybe Brian is actually sweetening those. That would greatly cut the involvement with Mike and Bruce if that's a touchy subject.

If Mike had control, it would be SIP part two. The man's vision of the BBs is truly scary at this point. The best I can describe Mike's idea of the group IMO is this: He only cares about the objects and culture in the older songs (cars, surf boards, and cheap romance). While I think Brian looks at the BBs as a outlet for more human spiritual concerns.

Whoa, missed this one: Mike actually complained about the ending suite on TWGMTR?

Yeah, in a Rolling Stone interview. After the suite ended after a playback in the studio, Mike responded by "putting his fingers into the shape of a gun, placing it under his chin and shooting himself in the head. 'It's brilliant, beautiful, but I didn't write it, so it doesn't have that silver cloud on the cumulus nimbus. It's more cumulus than I probably would do.'" He just isn't happy unless its referencing "Good Vibrations", "I Get Around", "Kokomo", "Fun, Fun, Fun" and everything else.

That quote in the rolling stone article is enough to make you hate Mike Love.

What a tool

Yes, how terrible of him to call it brilliant and beautiful. What an awful, awful man.

So you missed him blowing his brains out with a gun, saying that because he didn't write it, it doesn't have a "silver cloud". If Mike got his hands on that song he would have changed it to "Summer's gone but not for long".

Stop trying to defend his actions. He doesn't appreciate when Brian puts his soul into his music. He wants Brian singing about Beaches and nostalgia for the rest of his days.

I'm not saying Mike was always like that, His work at one point was so good I'd classify him as a genius but he's lost it, his creativity and his mind.

I agree Shady, the quote almost makes it seem he praised it  because he was "walking on eggshells" around Brian's team.

Yes, he mimed blowing his brains out. God forbid anyone ever make a joke. And what he's saying about his own writing is *exactly what all the people who attack Mike say about it too*. He said that if he'd done it, it would have been happier -- which it would. He didn't say it was bad, just that he would have done it differently.


I'll defend him when he's defensible, as he clearly is in this case.



Actually, it seems like Mike doesn't particularly care what Brian does at all any more. That is, after all, what everyone has been attacking him for for the last six months...


He's clearly got no creativity left, no, given every song he's worked on in the last thirty years or so. As for his mind, I strongly suspect you have no more idea of Mike's mental state than I or anyone else do.

.

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It really is hard to defend about 90% of Mike's creative choices post -1975.

With The Beach Boys songs yes. Not so much some of the solo stuff with Celebration, First Love and Unleash the Love.

I see you left out Country Love.... ;D

That's why I used the word 'some'...

I think Mike is becoming a tragic figure in the BBs story in some ways. A guy who wanted the fame and songwriting skills he had as a young man. Instead, he turned himself and his group into parodies of themselves.

Wouldn't this have to apply to ALL the Beach Boys other than Dennis??

I hear that young Turk Brian has done the odd worthwhile tune.

Duplicate message

Obviously I wouldn't say that 90% of Brian's creative choices have been wrong but a fair chunk of them (or the decisions that people have made for him) have been. The post 76 BBs albums, BB88 to some extent, Sweet Insanity, GIOMH, Speed Turtle etc. Thankfully that has been righted (and he has been advised better) over the past several years...

This is a guy in his 70s who travels the world singing songs to thousands of appreciative fans every night and gets to have sex with beautiful, younger women on a regular basis. I wish I could be that tragic!  :)

I'm sure Mike couldn't really care less about his public image and his name will always be on those early hits. I doubt the band's post 76 career will live on the same way except with the hardcore...

Of course, but my #1 fave Beach Boys song ever is "Goin On" which he wrote with Mike and my #2 is "Getcha Back"..... I'm obviously not claiming to be in any sort of majority of opinion here.

Those are definitely two of Mike's later day highlights.

Its not a coincidence those two highlights broke away from the "Fun in the Sun" mold.

Seems the studio was sold a week or so ago.

http://www.sonicscoop.com/2013/02/13/ocean-way-recording-sold-to-hudson-pacific-owners-of-adjacent-sunset-gowersunset-bronson-studios/

While on the subject of blowing one's brains out. Please hope Michael Bolton and Brian don't get any ideas over the coffee machine.

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Good point! "Pitter Patter" is another good example of this rare phenomena.

Could be worse -- I heard Michael Bolton singing When A Man *Needs* A Woman in my head after reading your post.

I bet it'd be fun to get drunk with Mike if nothing else.

God yes. I'd actually love (no pun intended) to meet/hang out with the guy.

As much as I bitch about his lyrics and his blitzkrieg of Endless Summer shenanigans, I have no idea what motivates this man to do the things he does, and thus I can't blame him for the decisions he's made. In his mind he's probably doing the most rational thing he can to stay happy (touring, keeping fans happy with the music they love).

That being said, I still wouldn't complain if he had nothing to do with Brian's current project.

Before this turns into anti-Mike Love thread #5838565748, I'd like to state very firmly that I want one last great BW-written rocker, in the style of Morning Beat for instance, lead-sung by Michael Edward Love. That's it. That's all I want. The new album can perfectly have that one song and I'll be happy.

well put, doc.

"Spring Vacation" didn't take care of that desire?

+1

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But 'Still Vacationin in Kokomo' would be the result. ;D

2013 seems now like a mass hallucination. Mike and Bruce are back on the road acting like it never happened, Brian is back in the studio probably giving us the long overdue sequal to TLOS, and Al and David are....where the heck are those guys? ???

"Bruce follows Mike wherever he goes"

Mike has to lock the bathroom door and his ex-wives all get calls from Bruce.

Andrew, usually I think you are the voice of reason on here, but I gotta disagree with you. Let's really look at what Mike said. "It's brilliant, beautiful". That seems like him just trying to cover his ass before complaining. And ultimately, what is the point of complaining? That would be like somebody saying "yeah, 'Fun, Fun, Fun' is cool, nice, but it's the story told in the lyrics is lame, and ya know, if I wrote the lyrics it would have a better story." It's just like, ya know, what's the point of making that point? And really, I think "From There To Back Again" is uplifting, way more than something like "Summer Of Love" where he's singing about doin' it in a swimming pool. And he made a point of doing all this in a Rolling Stone interview. And whatever you wanna say about the man, he's not stupid. He knew exactly what he was doing.

I just think it's a shame that the man really cannot write a good lyric anymore*. Even on his latest unreleased solo work, the lyrics were pretty ham-handed. Stuff like "Unleash The Love" just sounded like world peace posters, and stuff like "Pisces Brothers" was just him trying to mention once again, "hey I knew The Beatles!", like the time he said Carl died of cancer, ya know, like one of THE BEATLES! It's like, okay Mike, great. Why the need to mention that? He's so very calculated to try to look "cool" at certain points and it just comes off as twice as clueless. Kinda like that interview from last weekend where Bruce was trying to impress the reporter by talking about Kenny Chesney and how he lives near Brad Paisley. Cool Bruce! You are in one of the greatest groups in American history, but the fact that you like right-wing country-pop, you are just so hip! Oh wait, no, you're clueless.

I would say it's sad that Mike has descended into a clueless self parody, but he seems happy where he is. He got to reunite with Brian and get a bunch of promotion. He got to do a few more songs about "good vibrations" and "fun, fun, fun" and "gettin' around". But he wasn't so into that sad "art" so now he's happy to go on his way with his lackey Johnston. Which is his prerogative.


*"Isn't It Time" has a decent set of lyrics. Probably his best in, what, 30 years?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=daKd0jgVWy8

Brian has to go see Charlie if he makes a Rock and Roll album! From about 10 mins in!

I love when people post my exact thoughts without me having to write anything.

I guess it bothers me less because I don't really care about lyrics as long as the music is good. Really, a lot of the Jack Reiley era songs had 'terrible' lyrics but the music was so good that it didn't matter(plus, they fit).
Spring Vacation is not a good example to use as some of the lyrics were Brian's!

Honestly Billy, even though I think "Spring Vacation" and "Beaches In Mind" have garbage lyrics, I still love both songs. But I guess they could just be better if Mike took more than five minutes to write a lyric. And yes, I'm pretty sure Joe Thomas did mention how Mike wrote the lyrics to "Spring Vacation" or one of those songs in like five minutes or something.

Yep. My understanding was the chorus to Spring Vacation was Brian and Mike trading off, very quickly, and were written before the verses(which in all fairness were pretty weak in comparison). Brian's lyrics on Private Life were also done quickly. Said this before... Brian's lyric style has a certain idiosyncratic rhyming scheme that is consistent from 1969 onwards. Good way to tell on this song is to compare his verse  lyrics to Thomas's chorus lyrics.

I don't think you can afford to be picky with lyrics in Beach Boys songs.  Lyrics have never been the band's strong suite, and it shows with their album from last year.  Take this little nugget from "Strange World":

Sunday morning
 Skies so blue
 Yo te amo
 Means I love you


 ???

Guess whose lyrics those were?

Obviously lyrics are not the most important thing with the group's recordings but they are still very relevant. If Pet Sounds had been given fun in the sun lyrics then it wouldn't be half as highly rated as it is.

The band members themselves are obviously the worst judges of lyrics however which is the only explanation why 'poet' Stephen J. Kalinich can still be working with the individuals.

I agree about the first part but I have to disagree about Jack Reiley's lyrics. His and Van Dyke's are my favorite but then again I'm a fan of YES lyrics as well. I think it was Ian who challenged somebody to write lyrics as good as "Good Vibrations" and I keep thinking how many times that the title alone has been referenced in Mike Love's later lyrics.

I must  admit that I'm not too fond of VDP's lyric style. With that in mind, it's imperative that I state that while I think VDP and Reiley's lyrics are pretentious and not entirely to my liking, they fit the music perfectly and no other lyrics would fit the music, so they're a perfect fit. Standalone, not so much; together, yes. That's why I used quotes around 'terrible'. As for Pet Sounds, the lyrics are good by themselves, but it's, again, the perfect marriage with the music.

Hopefully I made my point clear; almost confused myself for a minute :lol

YES lyrics are also pretentious. Really, what do they mean?

But for fun, read the lyrics to Song Cycle (whole album) without the music. It's some of the best yet ambiguous poetry I've come across.

Link:
http://lyrics.wikia.com/Van_Dyke_Parks:Song_Cycle_%281968%29 (http://lyrics.wikia.com/Van_Dyke_Parks:Song_Cycle_%281968%29)

Interesting you brought up Song Cycle,as I was about to edit my post and state there's an example of the lyrics being IMHO better than the music, are better standalone.

Didn't Charles know abou Carnie & Wendy?

I don't know if Mike is over reaching or not. It sounds pretty much like typical old manspeak where you only have so many stories so you can't help but repeat them, plus as you slip into irrelevance you feel compelled to share your story more.

If he is overreaching maybe, as someone pointed out, he feels like he has 30 years of denied legacy to catch up and possibly decades of "journalistic" slanderish doesn't help either.

It seems it's tough everywhere for songwriters:    http://www.theonion.com/articles/bob-dylan-lays-off-2000-workers-from-songwriting-f,31407/? 
 

Lyrics are a significant part of the reason why I love The Beach Boys.  Also agree that there are of course many moments where the quality of the music transcends any lyrical weaknesses.

The Beach Boys were incredible lyricists

Busy Doin Nothin, Till I die, All I wanna Do. That is just a very, very small selection of songs I consider to be lyrically perfect.

I agree with Sam_BFC, the lyrics to Beach Boys songs are one of the reasons I fell in love with them