The Smiley Smile Message Board

I thought it'd be fun to have a topic where we take another look at those colorful stories oft cited as a reason for hating or loving a Beach Boy. But to make it more fun, I pose a challenge: pick a story that has the opposite effect for you as the consensus. An event, for example, that makes most people angry at Mike Love, but endears him to you. If that makes sense. But it doesn't have to be about Mike.

Of course, my example is about Mike. I remember reading a story Jack Riley Reilley Rieley wrote about Mike's behavior during the recording of the "Marcella". Apparently, when it came time for Mike to record his bass vocals, he seemed more interested in working on his dance moves for when the song hit the top of the charts. Rieley used this as an example of Mike being an egotistical jerk. Of course, with Rieley setting the mood, most followed.

But from my perspective, it put favorable light on Mike. In his weird Mike Love way, he was supporting Brian. He thought the song was good and was sure it'd be a smash, and wasn't afraid to show it. Do you think that kind of goofing off really bothered Brian? He probably liked it.

There you have it folks. Let's hear your examples.

I don't "hate" any of the Beach Boys. I've met all of them individually except for Dave. Neither of them did anything to me or members of my family or friends except make us happy with their music. I love all of them. They made, and continue to make, the great music of my lifetime.