The Smiley Smile Message Board

For many years now I've recalled Carl Wilson stating that the Friends album was done by Brian mostly with his dad, but I couldn't remember where I read or heard that info.  This weekend ReelRadio rebroadcast the six hour radio special "The Beach Boys - The Best Summers of Our Lives", (written by Ken Barnes and narrated by Charlie Van Dyke and Wolfman Jack), which was originally broadcast on many US stations during Labor Day weekend in early September 1976.  This special was significant in that it featured interviews with every member of the band as well as rare recordings furnished by members of the BBs, including alternate early mixes of Good Vibrations, some of Mike's cassette recordings from his time with the Beatles and Maharishi in India, and Dennis' European single Sound of Free, all of which I had never heard prior to this broadcast.

As the special got into discussing the Friends album Carl was interviewed and he stated, "The Friends album, Brian did that album mostly with my dad, and it was just a really easy project, and he enjoyed it.  My dad sang on that album."

Has anyone heard this info elsewhere?  Any idea what Murry's involvement actually was and what tracks he sang on?  The Friends album was released 7 and a half months prior to Break Away single, so there is evidence of Brian and Murry working together during that general period of time.

This is based on nothing at all, but I seem to recall "When a man needs a women" mentioned alongside Murry's involvement. As I say, I could be way off there. I can't tell you where I heard / read that.

It may just be that a lot of those organ sounds are very 1940's - '50's sounding.

Those who know better, didn't Murry handle some of the bass vocals, as Mike was away in India?

Is this Karma at work?  :lol

Murry sang a little, Be Here In The Morning was something I think he was on from what I recall, but it didn't go further than that.

That was it. Not "When a man needs a woman"

Yes, that's what I heard, too. I think it was the deep bass note on the harmony that comes after "...and make my life". Don't know if it is a word they sing or just a sound.
Anyway, whatever Murry contributed it seemed to inspire Brian, because he basically was the same Brian as on "Pet sounds" during "Friends" and "Break away" (IIRC Stephen Desper mentioned something like this).

According to SWD, Murry would get so worked up he'd go out on to the studio floor and sing along, but off-mike: kinda like Brian coaching Willie on S&SV1. However, yes, he did add the bass vocal to...

"Be here and make my life FULLLLLLLLLLLLL" - just the last word, again according to SWD.

Who did the rest of the bass vocals on the song?
Anyone know?