The Smiley Smile Message Board

Wow, this MIC review is misguided. If you can read it without at least once exclaiming "What the f**k???" then you're a stronger man than I am...

http://www.npr.org/blogs/monkeysee/2013/08/29/216805909/the-beach-boys-perfect-imperfect-box-set

http://smileysmile.net/board/index.php/topic,16271.0.html

They seemed to enjoy it.

Worst Beach Boys review Ever?

Far from it - I actually found it to be a pretty good warts and all synopsis of the band's recording career and the content of MIC (except for perhaps the moment of doubt about GOK).

As far as the worst Beach Boys review I've ever read its indelibly seared into my memory - 1979 from a street magazine in Sydney, Australia - a singles review section:

The Beach Boys
Good Timin'

This isn't.



(end of review)

Now that's harsh!

I think what I don't agree with most about this review is that he comes from the standpoint that The Beach Boys were not as creative after Pet Sounds than they were at the beginning of their career. Personally, I think most of their surf/car stuff to be pretty boring and unimaginative - and rarely find myself listening to it.

Someone's trying too hard to be hip. That said, I've read much worse reviews of BB/associated product. Hell, I've written one or two.

I thought that was a pretty good review.  I might not agree with everything said but I find it refreshing to read something that isn't written by a diehard fan.  It's an outsider's perspective and hey, he liked it so I don't see what the problem is.

Agreed. He admitted at the outset he wasn't a fan.... I'm at work though trying to think of the GOK middle eight.... Never thought about it not fitting... will have to relisten...

    :)

http://www.rollingstone.com/music/albumreviews/l-a-light-album-19790531
I've seen many negative Beach Boys reviews, but this tops them all.
Just my opinion, feel free to disagree.
In terms of the MIC review, my biggest complaint is his opinion that almost all their post-"Heroes and Villains" work is inessential and inconsequential. Their best era was from 1966 to 1973!!!
As for their commetcial downfall, not only was that only in America, but it was not because of their high-quality of their songs and albums, but it's because of their long-suffering image problem. Other than Mike Love, it's not their fault.

Funny that. So has David Cavanagh!

http://smileysmile.net/board/index.php/topic,15860.0.html

Wow. Scathing.  I wonder if Dave Marsh ever changed his opinion of the overratedness of the Beach Boys after 1979. Anyone know?

I think so?

I found this:
http://www.lexjansen.com/cgi-bin/marsh_xml.php?fn=72

His stance on them is kind of confusing,  but he seems like he's sort of come around.

I actually enjoyed that review. I don't agree with it, but it's a fun piece of writing.

Hate this review. Anyone who thinks the Beach Boys died after Good Vibrations (which is what the author is suggesting) is not qualified to assess their music.

Well in terms of popularity, they kind of did die after Good Vibrations.