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Smiley Smile Stuff => General On Topic Discussions => Topic started by: Rocky Raccoon on August 18, 2013, 10:15:00 AM



Title: The Beach Boys in 1981 - What were they thinking?
Post by: Rocky Raccoon on August 18, 2013, 10:15:00 AM
I find this most disastrous period for the band highly intriguing.  Carl was gone, Brian and Dennis were prominently featured despite being in no condition to be there and from what I can tell, by this time, the group had completed their transition from one of the most influential and creative of their time to a 60s cover band paying half-assed tribute to themselves.  I've seen some of the Long Beach video and it is depressing.  It's hard to find information about what exactly was happening behind the scenes at that time (a sign of how insignificant the band had become by then).  How did the still tight band who rocked Knebworth not too long before stoop so low?  Was nobody concerned about Brian and Dennis?  Was Carl leaving a reason for the decline or did Carl leave because of the decline?  What the hell were they doing touring then in the first place?


Title: Re: The Beach Boys in 1981 - What were they thinking?
Post by: Jason on August 18, 2013, 10:36:22 AM
It was just a matter of going on with what they had. Carl was with them in the early months of 1981 and was gone by March. With the lack of Carl in the lineup Brian's inevitable return was required in order to have more Wilsons onstage. Those gigs were their worst.


Title: Re: The Beach Boys in 1981 - What were they thinking?
Post by: phirnis on August 18, 2013, 11:08:25 AM
Except for the bad mixing I never found the Long Beach concert to be THAT disastrous.


Title: Re: The Beach Boys in 1981 - What were they thinking?
Post by: Rocky Raccoon on August 18, 2013, 11:14:39 AM
Oh and one thing I forgot to mention.  They played the Sun City resort in South Africa during the height of Apartheid, something highly frowned upon by American entertainers at the time.  I guess the Beach Boys weren't paying much attention to politics.


Title: Re: The Beach Boys in 1981 - What were they thinking?
Post by: Sheriff John Stone on August 18, 2013, 11:32:04 AM
Except for the bad mixing I never found the Long Beach concert to be THAT disastrous.

I agree. There's something about Brian's voice during that 1981 period that i find, um...fascinating. At least preferable to what it was to become when he resurfaced with Landy.


Title: Re: The Beach Boys in 1981 - What were they thinking?
Post by: Nicko1234 on August 18, 2013, 11:43:09 AM
Oh and one thing I forgot to mention.  They played the Sun City resort in South Africa during the height of Apartheid, something highly frowned upon by American entertainers at the time.  I guess the Beach Boys weren't paying much attention to politics.

An awful lot of acts did the same though...


Title: Re: The Beach Boys in 1981 - What were they thinking?
Post by: mikeddonn on August 18, 2013, 11:44:17 AM
I watched some of it last night and was thinking the same thing.  It wasn't as bad (apart from the mix) as I remember from the last time I watched it. And I liked Brian's voice.  I always thought he did an admirable job anyway bearing in mind he sang his heart out even though he would have probably much rather have been someplace else.  It's cool when he realises he should probably sing a bit lower on Don't Worry Baby and starts changing the melody slightly to accommodate this.  Same goes for his ad libs on the tag of God Only Knows.  At this point he was troubled but I'd say still in control IMO.


Title: Re: The Beach Boys in 1981 - What were they thinking?
Post by: c-man on August 18, 2013, 12:14:49 PM
It was just a matter of going on with what they had. Carl was with them in the early months of 1981 and was gone by March. With the lack of Carl in the lineup Brian's inevitable return was required in order to have more Wilsons onstage. Those gigs were their worst.

Brian was with them throughout most of 1980 (with a few exceptions, such as their gig here in Omaha that summer and the Mike Douglas in Hawaii beach-side mini-concert), as well as the early '81 shows when Carl was still in the band.  He did miss their appearance on the televised Cheerleader championship after Carl's departure, but I don't think it's accurate to say they brought Brian back in to offset Carl's absence, as has often been written.  What is true is that Brian had to take on more lead vocals with Carl out.


Title: Re: The Beach Boys in 1981 - What were they thinking?
Post by: Phoenix on August 18, 2013, 01:42:07 PM
1981 was the only time I ever saw the Beach Boys in concert (tho I've seen Brian several times since then) and at the stop I saw, we didn't get Dennis either.  Press reports at the time said he was out with an "abscessed tooth" which I think was debunked later.  At the time I LOVED it (I was very young) but looking back it was certainly a head scratcher. 

The only albums I had then were Endless Summer, Spirit Of America, and the two live albums so I didn't blink at "Little Old Lady From Pasadena" or "Long Tall Texan" because (having been on their live albums) I assumed they'd released studio versions of them at some point.  I remembered Chuck Berry's "School Days" from the previous year's Independence Day concert and that it was on their last album so I liked its inclusion so they weren't doing ALL oldies (even tho the song itself is still an oldie). 

I've read on Eric's site that the tour featured the usual "Chinese fire drill" on "Help Me Rhonda" but when I saw them, Brian and Bruce switched keyboards (which baffled me then), but Carter stayed on bass and Foskett played the solo. 


Title: Re: The Beach Boys in 1981 - What were they thinking?
Post by: Lowbacca on August 18, 2013, 01:46:00 PM
Mike Love starring in the 1981 smash hit Hot Tub Time Machine  ;D

ttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0bxqX4FuZnA


Title: Re: The Beach Boys in 1981 - What were they thinking?
Post by: phirnis on August 18, 2013, 02:06:20 PM
Except for the bad mixing I never found the Long Beach concert to be THAT disastrous.

I agree. There's something about Brian's voice during that 1981 period that i find, um...fascinating. At least preferable to what it was to become when he resurfaced with Landy.

Right, his singing I think had lots of personality at the time. While he didn't sound totally brilliant I really like his performance of "God Only Knows". "Don't Worry Baby" is kind of unfortunate of course but it gets better as soon as he decides to sing it in a different way. I also like some of Dennis' drumming from the Long Beach footage. He sounds very energetic on "School Days" and I also kind of like the new look he was sporting at the time.


Title: Re: The Beach Boys in 1981 - What were they thinking?
Post by: SonicVolcano on August 18, 2013, 03:09:13 PM
I love the way Dennis encourages Brian throughout Don't Worry Baby from that concert. Despite his problems, he would always support his older brother.


Title: Re: The Beach Boys in 1981 - What were they thinking?
Post by: Eric Aniversario on August 18, 2013, 03:10:56 PM

I've read on Eric's site that the tour featured the usual "Chinese fire drill" on "Help Me Rhonda" but when I saw them, Brian and Bruce switched keyboards (which baffled me then), but Carter stayed on bass and Foskett played the solo. 
One might think that since this is on my own site (where, I'm not sure), I'd know what this is about, but what is the Chinese fire drill? I've only known that as the college prank where everyone gets out of their car and switches seats when stopped at a traffic light.


Title:
Post by: zachrwolfe on August 18, 2013, 03:57:14 PM


Title: Re: The Beach Boys in 1981 - What were they thinking?
Post by: Pinder's Gone To Kokomo And Back Again on August 18, 2013, 04:16:20 PM
Except for the bad mixing I never found the Long Beach concert to be THAT disastrous.

I agree. There's something about Brian's voice during that 1981 period that i find, um...fascinating. At least preferable to what it was to become when he resurfaced with Landy.

Also, at least drumming-wise, Dennis was pretty on it at that show!


Title: Re: The Beach Boys in 1981 - What were they thinking?
Post by: Sheriff John Stone on August 18, 2013, 04:31:08 PM
I saw The Beach Boys in Hershey, PA in 1981. I had General Admission tickets, waited in the parking lot for three hours until they let us in, literally sprinted to the front of the stage like a settler staking his land, and made it to the first row! Brian was wearing that same white buttoned shirt with the sleeves rolled up, and those shiny, navy warm-up pants with sneakers. And, he sang lead on those same songs as the televised concert. If I would've heard a bootleg tape or seen a YouTube video (which wasn't around in those days), I might feel differently, but he sounded like he nailed the leads vocals on that night. He actually acted pretty normal. While he wasn't animated at all, he wasn't zombie-like or expressionless. He occasionally smiled and occasionally acknowledged the crowd. I just remember being surprised and ecstatic at the way he was singing. He didn't miss a word, tried to hit the notes, and was actually singing instead of shouting. I also remember Mike walking over to the piano and interacting with Brian a few times, and Mike also introduced him and mentioned him a few times that night; they were obviously trying to highlight or feature Brian. Yes, they missed Carl, but the show rocked and I had a great time.


Title: Re: The Beach Boys in 1981 - What were they thinking?
Post by: Magic Transistor Radio on August 18, 2013, 04:46:58 PM
Who was the band leader in Carl's absence?


Title: Re: The Beach Boys in 1981 - What were they thinking?
Post by: c-man on August 18, 2013, 05:16:50 PM
1981 was the only time I ever saw the Beach Boys in concert (tho I've seen Brian several times since then) and at the stop I saw, we didn't get Dennis either.  Press reports at the time said he was out with an "abscessed tooth" which I think was debunked later.  At the time I LOVED it (I was very young) but looking back it was certainly a head scratcher. 

The only albums I had then were Endless Summer, Spirit Of America, and the two live albums so I didn't blink at "Little Old Lady From Pasadena" or "Long Tall Texan" because (having been on their live albums) I assumed they'd released studio versions of them at some point.  I remembered Chuck Berry's "School Days" from the previous year's Independence Day concert and that it was on their last album so I liked its inclusion so they weren't doing ALL oldies (even tho the song itself is still an oldie). 

I've read on Eric's site that the tour featured the usual "Chinese fire drill" on "Help Me Rhonda" but when I saw them, Brian and Bruce switched keyboards (which baffled me then), but Carter stayed on bass and Foskett played the solo. 

Hmmm...are you sure this wasn't early '82?  Foskett didn't start until Sun City at the very end of '81...


Title: Re: The Beach Boys in 1981 - What were they thinking?
Post by: petsite on August 18, 2013, 05:40:54 PM
I was 22 at that time and got to witness the Beach Boys at close range (backstage). I asked Bruce later why did you guys let Brian sing Dont Worry Baby? Bruce said what do you mean? It's Brian's song!

There was a group of us fans at the time that thought they were trying to shame Brian into straightening up. As I got older, what really upset me about this time is that the group, for the first time, didn't give a damn about there fans. Ohterwise, they would have stopped and regrouped. But they just plowed on. Also, it was around this time Mike declared bankruptcy, so that played a factor I am sure.


Title: Re: The Beach Boys in 1981 - What were they thinking?
Post by: Ian on August 18, 2013, 05:47:45 PM
yeah-if Jeff was there it was early 82.  Where did you see them?  By the way-not to keep plugging away-but if you are really interested in this period-check out the recent book I co-wrote with Jon Stebbins-The Beach Boys In Concert-we cover this time in a lot of detail. 


Title: Re: The Beach Boys in 1981 - What were they thinking?
Post by: runnersdialzero on August 18, 2013, 07:12:32 PM
Brian could have sang "Don't Worry, Baby" totally fine if they'd just changed the damn key. Otherwise, yeah, he had (and still has) every right to sing the song and I'd rather listen to that performance than any version with Jeff Foskett or Adrien Baker on vocals.

Dennis' encouragement in that video is indeed a really cool moment, too.


Title: Re: The Beach Boys in 1981 - What were they thinking?
Post by: Rocky Raccoon on August 18, 2013, 07:20:46 PM
Brian could have sang "Don't Worry, Baby" totally fine if they'd just changed the damn key.

He sounded great singing it in 1998 on the Imagination DVD and in 2000 on the Live at the Roxy album.


Title: Re: The Beach Boys in 1981 - What were they thinking?
Post by: petsite on August 18, 2013, 07:25:26 PM
Ian, I told Jon that I had some stories about the guys in their stops here in Houston in the late '70s early '80s. I put one up here on this site. I will put it here again:

Reflections of their February 12, 1981 show - The Summit, Houston TX [w/ Randy Meisner & The Silverados]

I always feel like a broken record with this story. But it made a huge impact on me. I spent the first 30 mins in the lobby talking with Sterling Smith (one of their touring keyboardists). He was from Columbus Ohio and knew a friend of my brother's from the Columbus music scene. Al Jardine was friendly. Bruce was good. Dennis was Dennis. A good friend of mine who knoew Dennis told me how to act with him. If he challenges you (throwing the LP across the lobby), you just confront him back. Want to hear something so weird? I was so calm around these guys, like I knew them all my life. Bobby F. was nice too.

I remember Brian coming down in the glass elevator because my girlfriend pulled on my shirt and pointed "Is that him? My God Bob!"

I just shook my head and said hi. Brian ignored me cause he was too busy noticing Dennis being back. "Hey Bri, sign this guy's LP. He's alright." Then I handed Brian the lead sheet for Still I Dream Of It and it stopped him dead in his tracks. "Where did you get this??" I got it from BRI. Alan was like "What is it a lead sheet for? Still I Dream Of It? Man, great tune Bri!" I said you should release it (I had heard it by then from a dub of Adult Child). Brian shook his head and said no, the song sucked. He signed it and left for the bus....in 20 degree weather barefoot. Alan said "Not again...man."

I always got the feeling that Alan Jardine was a man with a broken heart when it came to the group.


Title: Re: The Beach Boys in 1981 - What were they thinking?
Post by: Wirestone on August 18, 2013, 07:29:31 PM
Brian could have sang "Don't Worry, Baby" totally fine if they'd just changed the damn key.

He sounded great singing it in 1998 on the Imagination DVD and in 2000 on the Live at the Roxy album.

It was in a lower key on both of those instances. And yes, I'd prefer that to Foskett. On the other hand, I have to imagine that Brian wants it done in the original way ...


Title: Re: The Beach Boys in 1981 - What were they thinking?
Post by: Phoenix on August 18, 2013, 07:35:22 PM
I saw them at Merriweather Post Pavilion in Columbia, MD in the summer of 1981 (one of my very first concerts).  As I grew up and started figuring out who was who, I always remembered it as being Foskett.  I recall (which we know doesn't really mean anything with the way our memories can play tricks on us) later recognizing him at the Live Aid performance, where ironically enough, he played the solo on "Help Me Rhonda".  Perusing Eric's site to make sure I wasn't misremembering anything, I saw that most of the concerts listed Adrian Baker as the attending falsettist (not to mention the fact that he's right there in the Long Beach video) so I did some online research because I recalled hearing that Jeff started working with the Boys in 1980. 

Wikipedia (I know...) says "In late 1979, Mike Love stopped by the famous Santa Barbara restaurant 1129 where Reverie was the house band. Love listened to Foskett and hired Reverie as the original incarnation of The Endless Summer Beach Band. The band toured with Love through 1981 when Foskett replaced Carl Wilson who briefly left the Beach Boys to pursue a solo career. When Wilson rejoined the Beach Boys in May 1982, Foskett was asked to stay, which he did until 1991."  Granted it even says that bit needs a citation. :)  But this show on Eric's site also lists Jeff as being there, along with the "fire drill" ("Bruce on bass" for "Help Me Rhonda").  http://members.tripod.com/~fun_fun_fun/7-1-81.html    As I said, I could be misremembering but I'm pretty sure the show in MD was even in July. 


A couple of other items: As much as I like Foskett now (and boy, do I) I remember thinking (at Live Aid etc, if not at the concert) "Who the Hell is THIS guy taking leads and playing solos???" especially at Live Aid, where Carl Wilson was standing RIGHT THERE! ;D

Apologies for the confusing bit about the Chinese fire drill.  I always thought it weird that they did all that on "Help Me Rhonda".  At its most encompassing, Bruce would play bass, Brian would switch to Bruce's electric piano, Dennis would get on Brian's piano, Bobby or whoever would take over the drums, and Carter would switch from bass to lead guitar.  Things would vary, depending on who was in attendance and I still don't know what the point was. 

At first, I thought it was to put Bruce on bass for a song (the way we now get Brian strapping it on for the encores) and as discussed in the thread about the "new" live version of "Rhonda" (on MIC), Carter apparently is playing the solo (as per the fire drill) but without Bruce there, why?  Furthermore, when I saw them, I'm 90% sure just Brian and Bruce switched, while Carter played bass for the whole show.  Growing up I thought maybe Bruce's (rarely audible) piano was just a prop and Bruce switched to the acoustic one to make some noise on "Rhonda".  At the show when they switched I thought, "Oh. Interesting" but it didn't really sound any different and they switched back right after that song.  Whatever, huh?

And finally, I can't tell you how much I'm looking forward to the new book, Ian!  Things have been extremely tight for me lately but it will probably be the next "non-essential" purchase I make. :)


Title: Re: The Beach Boys in 1981 - What were they thinking?
Post by: tpesky on August 18, 2013, 07:52:21 PM
Brian could have sang "Don't Worry, Baby" totally fine if they'd just changed the damn key.

He sounded great singing it in 1998 on the Imagination DVD and in 2000 on the Live at the Roxy album.

It was in a lower key on both of those instances. And yes, I'd prefer that to Foskett. On the other hand, I have to imagine that Brian wants it done in the original way ...

Ya I think Brian wanted to stop singing the song so they went with his wishes.  I think that's why you got Al back on the lead on WIBN ( with help from Jeff) The only other time I have heard Al sing WIBN in the past 25 years was when he shared the lead with Brian in '06 so I gotta think that's Brian preferring Al sing that song.


Title: Re: The Beach Boys in 1981 - What were they thinking?
Post by: Sheriff John Stone on August 18, 2013, 08:30:37 PM
Apologies for the confusing bit about the Chinese fire drill.  I always thought it weird that they did all that on "Help Me Rhonda".  At its most encompassing, Bruce would play bass, Brian would switch to Bruce's electric piano, Dennis would get on Brian's piano, Bobby or whoever would take over the drums, and Carter would switch from bass to lead guitar.  Things would vary, depending on who was in attendance and I still don't know what the point was. 

Total speculation on my part, but I always thought "the switches" were just to break things up a bit, both for the band AND the audience. For the band, it gave each guy who switched a chance to "break things up" (and, during those years, they did at times appear bored) and display their multi-instrumental talents, maybe show off a bit.

As an audience member, I loved the switches. You got to see Brian and Dennis stand, walk around, banter a bit. You got to see them at different angles. It gave you something else to focus on other than staring at the same positions/angles for two hours. And let's be honest, they weren't the most active, dynamic stage performers so the change was good.


Title: Re: The Beach Boys in 1981 - What were they thinking?
Post by: c-man on August 18, 2013, 08:54:30 PM
Not to confuse you more, but...if it was an '81 show without Carl, Ed Carter would have been on lead guitar, not bass, and Ernie Knapp was the bassist.  Jeff Foskett came into Mike's orbit around '79 or so, but the first time he played with the Beach Boys onstage was that Sun City engagement in late December of '81 into early January of '82.

And, the MIC live version of "Rhonda" has Blondie Chaplin on lead, and Eddie on bass (same as the Crystal Palace video that's circulating from earlier that year).


Title: Re: The Beach Boys in 1981 - What were they thinking?
Post by: Phoenix on August 18, 2013, 11:10:36 PM
As I said, I won't swear by Foskett being there.  I've seen mine and others' memories proven wrong on several occasions, with this being another one.    :)  But as far as "Help Me Rhonda".....

I'd never in a million years think to doubt you, Craig. :angel:  In fact I was just telling a friend about how nice it is that guys like you, Jon, etc. visit this board and help make it what it is (in the best of times, that is ;D ).  That said...I always thought the solo on the In Concert version of "Rhonda" sounded more rippin' than both Carl and Blondie's usual solos.  Coupled with the fact that Ed took lead on just that one song at shows where he otherwise played bass throughout (not to mention the Priess book making note of the bass lines from Ed Carter and Carl), I eventually pegged it as Ed.  Being a HUGE fan of the Blondie & Ricky era, I nearly fell over at your mention of a Crystal Palace video and JUMPED at Google to check it out.  Silly me.  I'd obviously seen it before and should have known by the way you mentioned it so casually.  I just never knew the name of the venue.  :lol

Anyway, I figured I'd watch it because why not, right? :rock Also, I figured it would either help settle the matter for me or possibly make me wonder more, in the off chance you could have been mistaken.  After all, this comes from the same source as the "Wild Honey" clip and we know what an editing nightmare that one is, with people switching instruments between seconds.  As I figured you were totally right.  While we can't see who's playing the solo, Ed is definitely on bass with Carl, Al, Blondie, and Billy on guitars and since it sounds like Blondie, it is more than likely him playing it.  But that's the thing: In the video clip it DOES sound like Blondie AND sounds very different than the one on In Concert, which features way more confident sounding string bends, much higher on the neck.  The one in the video is much more "loose" and bluesier.  I know it's very possible these guys changed up their style some from one performance to the next, especially since they were playing those solos off the top of their heads but there is something else to consider. 

Comparing this performance with others from the same era, Dennis, Carl, and Alan all took turns at the lead vocal.  And using just four examples (MIC, Carnegie Hall, Crystal Palace, and In Concert), we have the solo played all the way through on piano by Billy, all the way through on the piano by Daryl, one half way through (tho the video could be edited) with just guitar, presumably played by Blondie (with Billy on guitar, no less), and one where the first half is piano, played by Billy, followed by a (quite scorching) guitar solo.  Given the numerous permeations the song went through (and that’s just within that year or so), I just have to say I’m not 100% convinced that’s not Ed playing guitar on the In Concert version. 

Please don’t take this as a slight against your incredible knowledge of the instrumental minutia some of us love so much.  :bow  It’s just a rather stubborn a quest to find out the absolute truth.  And until I see it myself (as noted even memories of the actual show could prove tricky) I probably won’t be convinced.  :shrug


***  Edit:  And now that I see you said MIC and not In Concert in the above post, I feel like an idiot for "challenging" your statement.  But hey, while I have your attention, and since it's been debated before... What do you think about the one on In Concert? 


Title: Re: The Beach Boys in 1981 - What were they thinking?
Post by: Mike's Beard on August 18, 2013, 11:28:09 PM
I was 22 at that time and got to witness the Beach Boys at close range (backstage). I asked Bruce later why did you guys let Brian sing Dont Worry Baby? Bruce said what do you mean? It's Brian's song!

There was a group of us fans at the time that thought they were trying to shame Brian into straightening up. As I got older, what really upset me about this time is that the group, for the first time, didn't give a damn about there fans. Ohterwise, they would have stopped and regrouped. But they just plowed on. Also, it was around this time Mike declared bankruptcy, so that played a factor I am sure.

How does someone who was earning Mike's kind of money end up bankrupt?


Title: Re: The Beach Boys in 1981 - What were they thinking?
Post by: MBE on August 18, 2013, 11:31:49 PM
Divorces


Title: Re: The Beach Boys in 1981 - What were they thinking?
Post by: c-man on August 19, 2013, 03:52:28 AM
As I said, I won't swear by Foskett being there.  I've seen mine and others' memories proven wrong on several occasions, with this being another one.    :)  But as far as "Help Me Rhonda".....

I'd never in a million years think to doubt you, Craig. :angel:  In fact I was just telling a friend about how nice it is that guys like you, Jon, etc. visit this board and help make it what it is (in the best of times, that is ;D ).  That said...I always thought the solo on the In Concert version of "Rhonda" sounded more rippin' than both Carl and Blondie's usual solos.  Coupled with the fact that Ed took lead on just that one song at shows where he otherwise played bass throughout (not to mention the Priess book making note of the bass lines from Ed Carter and Carl), I eventually pegged it as Ed.  Being a HUGE fan of the Blondie & Ricky era, I nearly fell over at your mention of a Crystal Palace video and JUMPED at Google to check it out.  Silly me.  I'd obviously seen it before and should have known by the way you mentioned it so casually.  I just never knew the name of the venue.  :lol

Anyway, I figured I'd watch it because why not, right? :rock Also, I figured it would either help settle the matter for me or possibly make me wonder more, in the off chance you could have been mistaken.  After all, this comes from the same source as the "Wild Honey" clip and we know what an editing nightmare that one is, with people switching instruments between seconds.  As I figured you were totally right.  While we can't see who's playing the solo, Ed is definitely on bass with Carl, Al, Blondie, and Billy on guitars and since it sounds like Blondie, it is more than likely him playing it.  But that's the thing: In the video clip it DOES sound like Blondie AND sounds very different than the one on In Concert, which features way more confident sounding string bends, much higher on the neck.  The one in the video is much more "loose" and bluesier.  I know it's very impossible these guys changed up their style some from one performance to the next, especially since they were playing those solos off the top of their heads but there is something else to consider.  

Comparing this performance with others from the same era, Dennis, Carl, and Alan all took turns at the lead vocal.  And using just four examples (MIC, Carnegie Hall, Crystal Palace, and In Concert), we have the solo played all the way through on piano by Billy, all the way through on the piano by Daryl, one half way through (tho the video could be edited) with just guitar, presumably played by Blondie (with Billy on guitar, no less), and one where the first half is piano, played by Billy, followed by a (quite scorching) guitar solo.  Given the numerous permeations the song went through (and that’s just within that year or so), I just have to say I’m not 100% convinced that’s not Ed playing guitar on the In Concert version.  

Please don’t take this as a slight against your incredible knowledge of the instrumental minutia some of us love so much.  :bow  It’s just a rather stubborn a quest to find out the absolute truth.  And until I see it myself (as noted even memories of the actual show could prove tricky) I probably won’t be convinced.  :shrug


***  Edit:  And now that I see you said MIC and not In Concert in the above post, I feel like an idiot for "challenging" your statement.  But hey, while I have your attention, and since it's been debated before... What do you think about the one on In Concert?  

No apologies necessary, Phoenix...just going from memory, I beleive you're right about the "In Concert" Rhonda guitar solo being far more "scorching".  I wonder if it was a studio overdub?  We might never know for sure, but I've always wondered if the Preiss statement about the Ed Carter and Carl Wilson bass lines means that Carl went back and replaced some of the live basslines with new studio bass tracks?  Anyways, Blondie and Eddie traded back and forth a lot between bass and lead, so the solo on that song may have been traded too.


Title: Re: The Beach Boys in 1981 - What were they thinking?
Post by: Phoenix on August 19, 2013, 04:25:24 AM
Look at that.  A scholar AND a gentleman!   ;D

Thanks so much for the reply!


Title: Re: The Beach Boys in 1981 - What were they thinking?
Post by: petsite on August 19, 2013, 05:30:12 AM
I was 22 at that time and got to witness the Beach Boys at close range (backstage). I asked Bruce later why did you guys let Brian sing Dont Worry Baby? Bruce said what do you mean? It's Brian's song!

There was a group of us fans at the time that thought they were trying to shame Brian into straightening up. As I got older, what really upset me about this time is that the group, for the first time, didn't give a damn about there fans. Ohterwise, they would have stopped and regrouped. But they just plowed on. Also, it was around this time Mike declared bankruptcy, so that played a factor I am sure.

How does someone who was earning Mike's kind of money end up bankrupt?

Here is how:

The lawsuits, divorces, and Mike's extravagant life-style toppled him financially. In 1983 he filed for a Chapter 11
bankruptcy in the Central District Court of California. Among other debts Mike claimed $48,000 in taxes owed to the California
State Franchise Tax Board; a $100,000 loan secured against his properties in Santa Barbara and Incline Village; and at least
fifteen loans from various banks. Total debt to creditors holding security was $2,854,767. In all there were over a hundred
unsecured creditors, including exterminators, his answering service, his dentist (to whom he owed $28), and a telephone
bill for $1.16 from Nevada Bell. With the addition of several hundred thousand dollars in legal fees owed for divorces and
sundry lawsuits, the grand total came to $2,462,737.80 for unsecured debts to creditors.

In court papers Mike claimed immediate debts payable totaling $163,671.77. In a declaration by Pamela Ann Caughill,
his bookkeeper since August 1983, she stated, "Mr. Love has financed his lifestyle by extensive borrowing. All of the
properties he owns are fully mortgaged, and as a result, he has substantial monthly obligations. His monthly loan obligations
presently total $22,765.59... and his total monthly obligations are in excess of $50,000." Pamela Caughill said, "Mr.
Love's present financial circumstances are, to say the very least, desperate."


Title: Re: The Beach Boys in 1981 - What were they thinking?
Post by: Mike's Beard on August 19, 2013, 09:51:26 AM
That's bad. It reminds me of legendary World Champ Ric Flair who should be a multi, multi millionaire ten times over but has spent every cent he ever earned and will be wrestling 'till he's 80.


Title: Re: The Beach Boys in 1981 - What were they thinking?
Post by: SMiLE Brian on August 19, 2013, 10:10:19 AM
I wonder if the money problems of the 1980s are playing a factor in Mike's mind to keep touring in 2013.


Title: Re: The Beach Boys in 1981 - What were they thinking?
Post by: Michael Edwards Love on August 19, 2013, 10:16:56 AM
Of course, that bankruptcy preceded the big songwriting settlement that he received in 1994.


Title: Re: The Beach Boys in 1981 - What were they thinking?
Post by: Nicko1234 on August 19, 2013, 10:48:08 AM
I wonder if the money problems of the 1980s are playing a factor in Mike's mind to keep touring in 2013.


The $50m he has now probably suggests not.

He needs the roar of the crowd and the sex of the young lovelies.


Title: Re: The Beach Boys in 1981 - What were they thinking?
Post by: c-man on August 19, 2013, 09:13:17 PM
That's bad. It reminds me of legendary World Champ Ric Flair who should be a multi, multi millionaire ten times over but has spent every cent he ever earned and will be wrestling 'till he's 80.

It also reminds me of Mike's cousin Dennis.


Title: Re: The Beach Boys in 1981 - What were they thinking?
Post by: Rocky Raccoon on August 19, 2013, 10:18:49 PM
I found more about the Sun City controversy in relation to the Beach Boys.
http://kora.matrix.msu.edu/files/50/304/32-130-1EF-84-african_activist_archive-a0a8f5-b_12419.pdf

It is shocking to see how many artists did play there, I guess this was before Steve Van Zandt really made it a nationwide concern, after all, Jimmy Cliff and the Temptations who are on the list did participate in the Artists Against Apartheid project a few years later, it's possible they weren't informed about what was really going on which is understandable.  Did the Beach Boys ever publicly acknowledge the controversy?  Or did they stand with Reagan as they seem to have been very supportive of him at the time.  Also they obviously were never a very politically charged group.

As a Beach Boys fan and also someone who's very interested in the history of apartheid in South Africa and people like Steve Biko and Nelson Mandela, I find this very intriguing.


Title: Re: The Beach Boys in 1981 - What were they thinking?
Post by: c-man on August 20, 2013, 03:49:13 AM
Too bad that memo didn't mention the fact that the Beach Boys were once integrated with two black South African members themselves!  I wonder what would have happened if Blondie and Ricky hadn't already left the band by that time...would they have just boycotted the group's Sun City residency, or would they have quit entirely?  At the time, I remember thinking it odd that there really wasn't any fuss made in the press over the BBs' trip there (unlike that of Rod Stewart).  But an internal band split over the matter?  That would have surely made for some press!


Title: Re: The Beach Boys in 1981 - What were they thinking?
Post by: Magic Transistor Radio on August 20, 2013, 06:03:25 AM
This is not so uncommon among millionaires. Especially young people who get rich over night. I just watched a documentary on professional athletes in the US who get paid millions of dollars. There are several reasons. Often times they are just foolish with their money, spending hundreds of thousands of dollars at clubs every week. Or they buy a mansion, several lake houses, 5 or 6 extravagant cars, etc. Plus money owed to women they have knocked up. But even many responsible people can run into problems of investing their money in bad business because they want to help their 'friends'. Or relatives and friends coming out of the wood work asking for financial help. Its hard to say no because how can you tell someone that you don't have the money. It can be hard to say no. Also, if you have a budget and bills and investments based on a certain income of lets say $20 million a year, and suddenly you are making $1 million, I am sure it is easier said than done to lower your budget that much. Especially when some bills you can't get rid of such as money owed to various women.

In any case, this was very eye opening to me. I have never made more than lower middle class wages and of course I have had some financial problems. But I have learned how to be fiscally responsible. Its harder when you think you have all the money in the world, then suddenly stop spending when you don't have the money coming in. I imagine that the Beach Boys were raking it in following Endless Summer into the Brian's Back tour of 76.


Title: Re: The Beach Boys in 1981 - What were they thinking?
Post by: Phoenix on August 20, 2013, 09:00:37 AM
Too bad that memo didn't mention the fact that the Beach Boys were once integrated with two black South African members themselves!  I wonder what would have happened if Blondie and Ricky hadn't already left the band by that time...would they have just boycotted the group's Sun City residency, or would they have quit entirely?  At the time, I remember thinking it odd that there really wasn't any fuss made in the press over the BBs' trip there (unlike that of Rod Stewart).  But an internal band split over the matter?  That would have surely made for some press!

Maybe they would have nixed the idea, explained their feelings, and the band, now "enlightened", would have backed out.  I do agree they probably wouldn't have went for it.



Title: Re: The Beach Boys in 1981 - What were they thinking?
Post by: Phoenix on August 20, 2013, 09:04:18 AM
I found more about the Sun City controversy in relation to the Beach Boys.
http://kora.matrix.msu.edu/files/50/304/32-130-1EF-84-african_activist_archive-a0a8f5-b_12419.pdf

It is shocking to see how many artists did play there, I guess this was before Steve Van Zandt really made it a nationwide concern, after all, Jimmy Cliff and the Temptations who are on the list did participate in the Artists Against Apartheid project a few years later, it's possible they weren't informed about what was really going on which is understandable.  Did the Beach Boys ever publicly acknowledge the controversy?  Or did they stand with Reagan as they seem to have been very supportive of him at the time.  Also they obviously were never a very politically charged group.

As a Beach Boys fan and also someone who's very interested in the history of apartheid in South Africa and people like Steve Biko and Nelson Mandela, I find this very intriguing.

It depends on the details.  Of the Temptations, I believe only Ruffin & Kendricks participated in Artists Against Apartheid.  More than likely, the Temptations played South Africa after those two had quit.  If not, they played there with them (relatively) long before it became a known issue.


Title: Re: The Beach Boys in 1981 - What were they thinking?
Post by: Mike's Beard on August 20, 2013, 10:08:19 AM
This is not so uncommon among millionaires. Especially young people who get rich over night. I just watched a documentary on professional athletes in the US who get paid millions of dollars. There are several reasons. Often times they are just foolish with their money, spending hundreds of thousands of dollars at clubs every week. Or they buy a mansion, several lake houses, 5 or 6 extravagant cars, etc. Plus money owed to women they have knocked up. But even many responsible people can run into problems of investing their money in bad business because they want to help their 'friends'. Or relatives and friends coming out of the wood work asking for financial help. Its hard to say no because how can you tell someone that you don't have the money. It can be hard to say no. Also, if you have a budget and bills and investments based on a certain income of lets say $20 million a year, and suddenly you are making $1 million, I am sure it is easier said than done to lower your budget that much. Especially when some bills you can't get rid of such as money owed to various women.

In any case, this was very eye opening to me. I have never made more than lower middle class wages and of course I have had some financial problems. But I have learned how to be fiscally responsible. Its harder when you think you have all the money in the world, then suddenly stop spending when you don't have the money coming in. I imagine that the Beach Boys were raking it in following Endless Summer into the Brian's Back tour of 76.

I'm also reminded of Nicolas Cage, who because of money woes now has to make 20 shitty movies a year instead of his usual 2 or 3.


Title: Re: The Beach Boys in 1981 - What were they thinking?
Post by: Smile4ever on August 20, 2013, 03:26:17 PM

The lawsuits, divorces, and Mike's extravagant life-style toppled him financially. In 1983 he filed for a Chapter 11
bankruptcy in the Central District Court of California. Among other debts Mike claimed $48,000 in taxes owed to the California
State Franchise Tax Board; a $100,000 loan secured against his properties in Santa Barbara and Incline Village; and at least
fifteen loans from various banks. Total debt to creditors holding security was $2,854,767. In all there were over a hundred
unsecured creditors, including exterminators, his answering service, his dentist (to whom he owed $28), and a telephone
bill for $1.16 from Nevada Bell. With the addition of several hundred thousand dollars in legal fees owed for divorces and
sundry lawsuits, the grand total came to $2,462,737.80 for unsecured debts to creditors.

In court papers Mike claimed immediate debts payable totaling $163,671.77. In a declaration by Pamela Ann Caughill,
his bookkeeper since August 1983, she stated, "Mr. Love has financed his lifestyle by extensive borrowing. All of the
properties he owns are fully mortgaged, and as a result, he has substantial monthly obligations. His monthly loan obligations
presently total $22,765.59... and his total monthly obligations are in excess of $50,000." Pamela Caughill said, "Mr.
Love's present financial circumstances are, to say the very least, desperate."

And this is why Mike doesn't want to "f*** with the formula," take artistic risks, and jeopardize his income.


Title: Re: The Beach Boys in 1981 - What were they thinking?
Post by: Magic Transistor Radio on August 26, 2013, 06:20:15 AM
This is not so uncommon among millionaires. Especially young people who get rich over night. I just watched a documentary on professional athletes in the US who get paid millions of dollars. There are several reasons. Often times they are just foolish with their money, spending hundreds of thousands of dollars at clubs every week. Or they buy a mansion, several lake houses, 5 or 6 extravagant cars, etc. Plus money owed to women they have knocked up. But even many responsible people can run into problems of investing their money in bad business because they want to help their 'friends'. Or relatives and friends coming out of the wood work asking for financial help. Its hard to say no because how can you tell someone that you don't have the money. It can be hard to say no. Also, if you have a budget and bills and investments based on a certain income of lets say $20 million a year, and suddenly you are making $1 million, I am sure it is easier said than done to lower your budget that much. Especially when some bills you can't get rid of such as money owed to various women.

In any case, this was very eye opening to me. I have never made more than lower middle class wages and of course I have had some financial problems. But I have learned how to be fiscally responsible. Its harder when you think you have all the money in the world, then suddenly stop spending when you don't have the money coming in. I imagine that the Beach Boys were raking it in following Endless Summer into the Brian's Back tour of 76.

I'm also reminded of Nicolas Cage, who because of money woes now has to make 20 shitty movies a year instead of his usual 2 or 3.

I like most Nicolas Cage movies!


Title: Re: The Beach Boys in 1981 - What were they thinking?
Post by: b00ts on August 26, 2013, 10:07:17 AM

The lawsuits, divorces, and Mike's extravagant life-style toppled him financially. In 1983 he filed for a Chapter 11
bankruptcy in the Central District Court of California. Among other debts Mike claimed $48,000 in taxes owed to the California
State Franchise Tax Board; a $100,000 loan secured against his properties in Santa Barbara and Incline Village; and at least
fifteen loans from various banks. Total debt to creditors holding security was $2,854,767. In all there were over a hundred
unsecured creditors, including exterminators, his answering service, his dentist (to whom he owed $28), and a telephone
bill for $1.16 from Nevada Bell. With the addition of several hundred thousand dollars in legal fees owed for divorces and
sundry lawsuits, the grand total came to $2,462,737.80 for unsecured debts to creditors.

In court papers Mike claimed immediate debts payable totaling $163,671.77. In a declaration by Pamela Ann Caughill,
his bookkeeper since August 1983, she stated, "Mr. Love has financed his lifestyle by extensive borrowing. All of the
properties he owns are fully mortgaged, and as a result, he has substantial monthly obligations. His monthly loan obligations
presently total $22,765.59... and his total monthly obligations are in excess of $50,000." Pamela Caughill said, "Mr.
Love's present financial circumstances are, to say the very least, desperate."

And this is why Mike doesn't want to "f*** with the formula," take artistic risks, and jeopardize his income.
Wow... I think you just stumbled on the answer to a perpetual Mike Love mystery around these parts.

How could he go from his artistic high of the early 1970s (Holland) to the crass commercialism of Summer in Paradise? And why is he so obsessed with commerciality at the expense of art? Because he almost lost everything in the early 80s.


Title: Re: The Beach Boys in 1981 - What were they thinking?
Post by: MBE on August 26, 2013, 03:22:15 PM
It goes back further to when Mike had all his possessions thrown onto the lawn when he got his girlfriend pregnant at 18.  Plus his dad losing a small fortune at around the same time left scars. I think Mike saw a new security in 1974 and went for it. He realized their needed to be balance at first but from 1981-2003 most of his shows were oldies centered. Thankfully he has stepped it up too, but man the eighties and nineties were brutal outside of the box set tour, a few interesting sets in 1988, and I guess 1980 as a whole was better than the next 20 odd years.


Title: Re: The Beach Boys in 1981 - What were they thinking?
Post by: Magic Transistor Radio on August 27, 2013, 09:39:12 PM

The lawsuits, divorces, and Mike's extravagant life-style toppled him financially. In 1983 he filed for a Chapter 11
bankruptcy in the Central District Court of California. Among other debts Mike claimed $48,000 in taxes owed to the California
State Franchise Tax Board; a $100,000 loan secured against his properties in Santa Barbara and Incline Village; and at least
fifteen loans from various banks. Total debt to creditors holding security was $2,854,767. In all there were over a hundred
unsecured creditors, including exterminators, his answering service, his dentist (to whom he owed $28), and a telephone
bill for $1.16 from Nevada Bell. With the addition of several hundred thousand dollars in legal fees owed for divorces and
sundry lawsuits, the grand total came to $2,462,737.80 for unsecured debts to creditors.

In court papers Mike claimed immediate debts payable totaling $163,671.77. In a declaration by Pamela Ann Caughill,
his bookkeeper since August 1983, she stated, "Mr. Love has financed his lifestyle by extensive borrowing. All of the
properties he owns are fully mortgaged, and as a result, he has substantial monthly obligations. His monthly loan obligations
presently total $22,765.59... and his total monthly obligations are in excess of $50,000." Pamela Caughill said, "Mr.
Love's present financial circumstances are, to say the very least, desperate."

And this is why Mike doesn't want to "f*** with the formula," take artistic risks, and jeopardize his income.
Wow... I think you just stumbled on the answer to a perpetual Mike Love mystery around these parts.

How could he go from his artistic high of the early 1970s (Holland) to the crass commercialism of Summer in Paradise? And why is he so obsessed with commerciality at the expense of art? Because he almost lost everything in the early 80s.

Commercialism of Summer in Paradise? Not so much. Perhaps if this was the album that came out in 89 with Kokomo? Hmmm, that might have been a hit album come to think of it.


Title: Re: The Beach Boys in 1981 - What were they thinking?
Post by: Rocky Raccoon on August 27, 2013, 09:55:02 PM

The lawsuits, divorces, and Mike's extravagant life-style toppled him financially. In 1983 he filed for a Chapter 11
bankruptcy in the Central District Court of California. Among other debts Mike claimed $48,000 in taxes owed to the California
State Franchise Tax Board; a $100,000 loan secured against his properties in Santa Barbara and Incline Village; and at least
fifteen loans from various banks. Total debt to creditors holding security was $2,854,767. In all there were over a hundred
unsecured creditors, including exterminators, his answering service, his dentist (to whom he owed $28), and a telephone
bill for $1.16 from Nevada Bell. With the addition of several hundred thousand dollars in legal fees owed for divorces and
sundry lawsuits, the grand total came to $2,462,737.80 for unsecured debts to creditors.

In court papers Mike claimed immediate debts payable totaling $163,671.77. In a declaration by Pamela Ann Caughill,
his bookkeeper since August 1983, she stated, "Mr. Love has financed his lifestyle by extensive borrowing. All of the
properties he owns are fully mortgaged, and as a result, he has substantial monthly obligations. His monthly loan obligations
presently total $22,765.59... and his total monthly obligations are in excess of $50,000." Pamela Caughill said, "Mr.
Love's present financial circumstances are, to say the very least, desperate."

And this is why Mike doesn't want to "f*** with the formula," take artistic risks, and jeopardize his income.
Wow... I think you just stumbled on the answer to a perpetual Mike Love mystery around these parts.

How could he go from his artistic high of the early 1970s (Holland) to the crass commercialism of Summer in Paradise? And why is he so obsessed with commerciality at the expense of art? Because he almost lost everything in the early 80s.

Commercialism of Summer in Paradise? Not so much. Perhaps if this was the album that came out in 89 with Kokomo? Hmmm, that might have been a hit album come to think of it.

Still Cruisin' is the very definition of crass commercialism when it comes to The Beach Boys.  They had a huge hit with Kokomo, so they had to quickly assemble an album despite being creatively bankrupt.  Brian and Al each contributed a song while Mike and Bruce did another John Phillips composition (again, cashing in on Kokomo), rounded it out with two songs that were on film soundtracks that year, and then their Fat Boys cover of Wipe Out which was a minor hit two years before which alone would cry of desperation but to finish the album off at a reasonable length, just put some of the old hits from the 60s.  What's a good excuse to put them there?  Well, they were in movies.  I Get Around was in Good Morning Vietnam...which came out two years before.  Wouldn't It Be Nice was in The Big Chill...three years before that.  Any other notable movies that came out with one of our hits?  Nope, but California Girls was in a movie that nobody liked from three years ago called Soul Man so let's put that in there.  And there's an album.  What a mess.


Title: Re: The Beach Boys in 1981 - What were they thinking?
Post by: adamghost on August 28, 2013, 01:02:10 AM
Except for the bad mixing I never found the Long Beach concert to be THAT disastrous.

It's a pretty bad performance all 'round, but having said that, the soundguy should be shot.  Although the point could also be made that doing that complicated of a set up on a live national hookup with a fixed start and end time was asking for trouble.


Title: Re: The Beach Boys in 1981 - What were they thinking?
Post by: Nicko1234 on August 28, 2013, 01:13:26 AM

Still Cruisin' is the very definition of crass commercialism when it comes to The Beach Boys.  They had a huge hit with Kokomo, so they had to quickly assemble an album despite being creatively bankrupt.  Brian and Al each contributed a song while Mike and Bruce did another John Phillips composition (again, cashing in on Kokomo), rounded it out with two songs that were on film soundtracks that year, and then their Fat Boys cover of Wipe Out which was a minor hit two years before which alone would cry of desperation but to finish the album off at a reasonable length, just put some of the old hits from the 60s.  What's a good excuse to put them there?  Well, they were in movies.  I Get Around was in Good Morning Vietnam...which came out two years before.  Wouldn't It Be Nice was in The Big Chill...three years before that.  Any other notable movies that came out with one of our hits?  Nope, but California Girls was in a movie that nobody liked from three years ago called Soul Man so let's put that in there.  And there's an album.  What a mess.

Massive hit.


Title: Re: The Beach Boys in 1981 - What were they thinking?
Post by: Jay on August 28, 2013, 01:21:37 AM

The lawsuits, divorces, and Mike's extravagant life-style toppled him financially. In 1983 he filed for a Chapter 11
bankruptcy in the Central District Court of California. Among other debts Mike claimed $48,000 in taxes owed to the California
State Franchise Tax Board; a $100,000 loan secured against his properties in Santa Barbara and Incline Village; and at least
fifteen loans from various banks. Total debt to creditors holding security was $2,854,767. In all there were over a hundred
unsecured creditors, including exterminators, his answering service, his dentist (to whom he owed $28), and a telephone
bill for $1.16 from Nevada Bell. With the addition of several hundred thousand dollars in legal fees owed for divorces and
sundry lawsuits, the grand total came to $2,462,737.80 for unsecured debts to creditors.

In court papers Mike claimed immediate debts payable totaling $163,671.77. In a declaration by Pamela Ann Caughill,
his bookkeeper since August 1983, she stated, "Mr. Love has financed his lifestyle by extensive borrowing. All of the
properties he owns are fully mortgaged, and as a result, he has substantial monthly obligations. His monthly loan obligations
presently total $22,765.59... and his total monthly obligations are in excess of $50,000." Pamela Caughill said, "Mr.
Love's present financial circumstances are, to say the very least, desperate."

And this is why Mike doesn't want to "f*** with the formula," take artistic risks, and jeopardize his income.
Wow... I think you just stumbled on the answer to a perpetual Mike Love mystery around these parts.

How could he go from his artistic high of the early 1970s (Holland) to the crass commercialism of Summer in Paradise? And why is he so obsessed with commerciality at the expense of art? Because he almost lost everything in the early 80s.

Commercialism of Summer in Paradise? Not so much. Perhaps if this was the album that came out in 89 with Kokomo? Hmmm, that might have been a hit album come to think of it.

Still Cruisin' is the very definition of crass commercialism when it comes to The Beach Boys.  They had a huge hit with Kokomo, so they had to quickly assemble an album despite being creatively bankrupt.  Brian and Al each contributed a song while Mike and Bruce did another John Phillips composition (again, cashing in on Kokomo), rounded it out with two songs that were on film soundtracks that year, and then their Fat Boys cover of Wipe Out which was a minor hit two years before which alone would cry of desperation but to finish the album off at a reasonable length, just put some of the old hits from the 60s.  What's a good excuse to put them there?  Well, they were in movies.  I Get Around was in Good Morning Vietnam...which came out two years before.  Wouldn't It Be Nice was in The Big Chill...three years before that.  Any other notable movies that came out with one of our hits?  Nope, but California Girls was in a movie that nobody liked from three years ago called Soul Man so let's put that in there.  And there's an album.  What a mess.
The difference with Somewhere Near Japan is that it's actually a damn good song, and more "artistically viable" Than "Aruba, Jamaica ooo I wanna take ya, Bermuda, Bahama, come on pretty mama".


Title: Re: The Beach Boys in 1981 - What were they thinking?
Post by: Rocky Raccoon on August 28, 2013, 01:51:35 AM
Oh, definitely.  But I'm also sure that the decision to finish another John Phillips demo was directly based on Kokomo's success, hoping it would get them another #1 hit.


Title: Re: The Beach Boys in 1981 - What were they thinking?
Post by: Nicko1234 on August 28, 2013, 02:03:31 AM
Oh, definitely.  But I'm also sure that the decision to finish another John Phillips demo was directly based on Kokomo's success, hoping it would get them another #1 hit.

I don't think that can be said to be 'cashing in on Kokomo' though.


Title: Re: The Beach Boys in 1981 - What were they thinking?
Post by: Lonely Summer on August 28, 2013, 11:39:59 PM
Capitol actually wanted the compilation that became SC as opposed to an album of entirely new music. So not entirely the BB's fault.


Title: Re: The Beach Boys in 1981 - What were they thinking?
Post by: Andrew G. Doe on August 29, 2013, 07:28:47 AM
The original gameplan was for an album composed entirely of BB songs featured in movies, but Capitol wanted it out fast to ride the "Kokomo" wave, hence the concept was diluted (OK, further diluted). Brian's track was a very, very late addition.