The Smiley Smile Message Board

I don't know if this was already mentioned, but the new issue of Record Collector has a 10-page feature on POB and later in the mag a 5-star review of it and named it "re-issue of the month". You should get it, there are some very nice and interesting quotes, even from all the surviving Beach Boys, minus David Marks and Blondie Chaplin.

Now if I could only find somewhere that carries Record Collector. There's not one in this town that does...

What do Mike & Bruce have to say about it?

Mike claims he co-wrote five of the songs.

His lawayers are on it  ;D

theses are the quotes of Mike & Bruce:

Mike Love: He definitely did come up with some good melodies and great moments. But he was not verbally facile. He was kind of in between Brian and myself. He wasn’t quite comfortable with words, he’s more into feelings. The feelings were his strong suit. Musically, he had a style of writing, which was very emotional and a bit more melancholy. And, of course, me being Mister Optimism, I wouldn’t say I could relate to all those things. (Uncut, Barney Hoskyns, 2008)

Bruce Johnston: During our January 1966 Beach Boys tour of Japan I was able to spend a lot of time using backstage pianos to teach Dennis tons of chords. I think that got him interested in writing his own songs now that he had the power of those chords!
Dennis’ chord voicings were rather interesting and very much connected to the way Brian put it all together. Forever, from our Sunflower album, is Dennis’ standout song...kind of his Disney Girls. Dennis Wilson: I think musically I’m far apart from Brian. He’s a hundred times what I am musically. Our music is different. I think he has been a profound influence in my life. If I was to say that I had a master, Brian would be the man I’d say has guided and helped me through everything. (Interview by David Leaf, 1977)

What does Brian have to say? I've never heard/read his thoughts on POB.

He is in the POB promo video, I do believe

The lovester seems to have a problem to relating to anybody that doesnt think + feel like him...HMM..Openmindness is not Mike"s strong suit..

All Beach Boys minus Dave and Blondie? Does that mean there's a quote from Ricky?

Well, Ricky's the Beach Boy who probably played the most on it, except Denny himself.

Ricky plays drums on three or four of the tracks on the set...River Song, Pacific Ocean Blues, Are You Real, and possibly Holy Man. Carl is on about 8 to 10 tracks...as a guitarist on about 4 or 5.

Ach. That's what I get for not going to c-man's site.

Can somone provide a link where to buy this?

Never mind I founf it. I bought it direct from them. Kind of expensive but it sounds worth it.

Why can't Mike just say something nice without putting something negative into it? Mister Optimism indeed.

Haha, Mike & Mr. Optimism, a classic. I actually like the fact that Mike tells what he really thinks and doesn't change his mind just to be everyone's darling.

Here's Brian's praise for POB from a June 21 interview:

How does Brian feel about this gradual recognition for his late brother? “Well, very proud actually. I'm proud of him and I think he's wonderful. He was a good singer.”

Brian´s quotes in Record Collector:

"It surprised me to see so much soul and inspiration in Dennis. I never motivated Dennis to write; he had his own motivation. His writing style was very funky, a rock’n’roll kind of a writer. His roots he learned from The Beach Boys. He watched me produce records and he watched Carl produce and he watched Alan produce, and he just got the knack and started producing records."

"Dennis’ voice makes it a special record. His voice always had a charming husk to it. I’ve always loved that."

Surprised at Dennis' soul and inspiration? Learned from watching Al Jardine produce? OK.... ::)

Well it doesn't surprise me that Brian was surprised at his soul and inspiration. I mean Brian a lot of the time probably didn't even take notice of Dennis as he was most likely off in his own world. As for the Jardine comment, well, typical Brian...

Who knows how much of Dennis's production style was inspired by the single version of Cottonfields?

Those Mike and Bruce quotes are jokes, right?

I dismiss most things that Bruce, Brian, and Al say these days. They don't seem capable of giving honest and well thought answers. Their responses are either totally mundane or downright goofy. Mike, on the other hand, while sometimes appearing slightly vindictive and still trying to prove himself (or his contributions), usually gives answers that make sense, ARE well thought out, and are honest.

shelter, I re-read Mike's comments to see what you were referring to, and I don't understand your post. I will take it one sentence at a time:

"He definitely came up with some good melodies and great moments". Is that not accurate?

"But he was not verbally facile". Do you consider that a slam? Mike was just pointing out that lyrics weren't Dennis' strong point, and he might've had problems writing them. Mike would know, considering that he collaborated with Dennis on songwriting. While I personally enjoy Dennis' lyrics (however I'm not sure which ones he and/or his collaborators wrote), I would probably rank his musical abiliities over his lyrical abilities.

"He was kind of in between Brian and myself". Mike was obviously still talking about lyrics. While some might not agree with this statement (it's a matter of opinion), I don't see it as a slight. I agree with it.

"He wasn't comfortable with words, he's more into feelings". I didn't know Dennis, but Mike did. This sentence doesn't make me uncomfortable, actually, I believe it to be true. Dennis does seem to go more for feelings in his music.

"The feelings were his strong point". Nothing else to be said here.

"Musically, he a style of writing, which was very emotional and a bit more melancholy". One just has to listen to Dennis' music (and Mike's), any of it, but especially Pacific Ocean Blue, to realize this. Describing someone's music as "melancholy" is not necessarily being negative or critical. Many of Brian Wilson's greatest songs were melancholy, it's a part of his art. Mike was just on his positive vs. melancholy thing.

"And, of course, me being Mr. Optimism, I wouldn't say I could relate to all those things". Another honest statement, not slamming Dennis, but pointing out the differences between the two. Mike isn't saying that his "style" is better than Dennis', just different. I respect Mike for being able to admit that, because he knows Dennis has a large, faithful following, many who are probably anti-Mike Love.

Where are the jokes, shelter?

Yes Forever is his "Disney Girls".  The Lovester and Bruce do have their moments but sure do like to talk about themselves. Did I ever tell you guys the time I led my hockey team in goals? Well, my friend Bill Jackson and I....

I'd wager  if you asked Brian 2 minutes after his comment posted above on POB what he thought of it he'd come up with something completely different.

Regarding Mike's comments...

My take on it is that Mike rarely (if ever) can give an opinion without mentioning some sort of indifference "he" had with it (either POB, Smile, GIOMH, BW88 etc) or how he would have done it differently, or some sort of shortcoming.....unless he had direct involvement (i.e. Warmth of The Sun, Kokomo, and Endless Summer).  He always seems to have a wall up where he can't hide his feelings (JEALOUSY).  I do understand how he must feel, and sometimes feel he is crapped on unnecessarily, but here he should have been bigger than that and said something like...."I think Dennis was a great song writer and this album reflects that. He had a big heart that is obviously reflected in his songs and his arrangements.....I am extremely happy for him and his family for this success and wish it would have happened sooner...." or something like that.  He should be blown away and happy for his cousin, instead he points out Dennis's shortcomings as a song writer. 

Even if you don't want to come off this way, or don't necessarily feel all of that, its the "classy" thing to do.  Mike Love and class are not often used in the same sentence (if ever) and this is another example. In fact I feel he had a perfect opportunity to gain some respect from the anti-Mike crowd with this statement.   

And its a bummer that Bruce is starting down this same path.  He used to be so generous with his compliments.....now he too appears to be hyping himself in his comments about other peoples achievements.

Musically, he had a style of writing, which was very emotional and a bit more melancholy. And, of course, me being Mister Optimism, I wouldn’t say I could relate to all those things.
Didn't he say the same thing about Brian's music on the Endless Harmony DVD? And saying you can't relate to melancholic music because you're 'Mister Optimism', that's just absurd.

Forever, from our Sunflower album, is Dennis’ standout song...kind of his Disney Girls.
This just seems like an incredibly arrogant thing to say. Saying it was his standout song and then comparing it to one of your own songs... That's just disrespectful.

Yes, if anything, "Disney Girls" is Bruce's "Forever."    :-D 

Yes, exactly. I don't have the article, but if this is some kind of tribute to Dennis, you don't pay tribute to someone by saying, "Well, he was good, but he had his shortcomings! But that's just my opinion. You know, I never really got what he was doing." If you don't "feel" his music, say, "You know, a lot of people were affected by his music," or "He used his music to express himself, and a lot of people thought it was beautiful," or something like that. I mean, he was your cousin, you knew him since birth, basically... you really don't understand at all where he was coming from? He did get the feelings thing right, though.

I don't know, while I agree the comments weren't exactly glowing, I've heard worse from both Mr. Love and Mr. Johnston. I guess, frankly, their responses were exactly what I'd have guessed them to be. It's kind of funny to see people seemingly shocked / upset every time they make such comments. It happens every time they make comments. It's not a big deal; it's just who they are, obviously.

I'm pleased to see at least Mike has heard it!
Remember he claimed he never read the Wilson (Landy) book or heard Brians SMiLE.

I think artists are under a bit of pressure to add a bit of meat to their quotes. Give a album to anyone on the street to listen to and they may say they like it or not and we leave it at that. However just because they are 'in the biz' a one line quote is deemed unacceptable.

Had Mike just said 'it's not my style' he would probably be taken to task here for being jealous and dismissive. 

I'm pretty sure the quotes are from archival interviews where they were asked to give their opinion on Dennis's music, and they aren't directly speaking on the POB re-release.

No disprespect to Mike, but when I know Dr. Love is going to speak on a particular subject (SMile, Brian's mental problems, Dennis...etc.), I close my ears because I know that a) slightly arrogant and/or b) ruffle me, along with other people's, feathers...

I don't think it is absurd; it is his honest opinion. I understand his point, and it's a valid point.

Before I get hammered, let me say that I love - LOVE - Pacific Ocean Blue. It is easily the best Beach Boy's solo album, with Carl's Youngblood a distant second. I have enjoyed POB immensely for 31 years; I purchased it it 1977 on the day it came out. But it is melancholy. The songs (and the lyrics) are mostly melancholy. Not that there's anything wrong with that. I like melancholy songs - see Brian Wilson, The Doors, some Dylan, Lou Reed, etc.

Dennis, like Brian, could make being sad sound like fun, or at least fun to listen to. But, there are some people who don't care for that stuff. It's a downer for them. I know some people like that. I have played POB for them several times over the years and they are turned off by the fading memories, loving someone in another way, love coming and going again, whale killing, saying farewell to a friend, and the end of the show. It's over!

Oh, I can't get enough of the stuff. I like to "feel" when I'm listening to music. I enjoyed suffering with Dennis. Hell, sometimes I thought I missed Karen Lamm-Wilson as much as he did! But, some people - like Mike Love - JUST DON'T RELATE TO IT.....

Yeah that Mike quote sound like the one from the 1992 Goldmine. Perhaps he just repeats himself if not. As far as what he said, he can say whatever he wants. If he started talking some PR bullmerda it would be false. I don't agree with him on many things, but he has the right to say them.

I did an extensive two-hour interview with Bruce a couple of years back which spanned the group's entire history. He had zero recollection of appearing on POB, and told me that I would know more about it than he would.

I believe the term he used for people like me/us whose interests lie beyond the current county fair circuit, striped and/or Hawaiian shirts was "five-percenters."

He remembers everything about jamming with Phil Spector in 1958.

Mike and Bruce's quotes are ok, they're entitled to have an opinion. What Sheriff John Stone said.

5 percenter"s...???...The man doesnt know his OWN audience..!! All ya get at county fairs in this day + age is looky loos + free seater"s...JEEZ.. I went to a Mike + Bruce show in Bonnelli Park Ca..Near Pomona ca.. REALLY OLD CROWD..!1 wheelchairs + people that  had NEVER seen the BB in their prime..lots of LOWRIDER latino"s..That wouldnt buy a BB cd if their life depended on it..It was a lethargic crowd of OLD Farts...And i am one myself....The band played lethargic + uninspired.. This was summer 2002..Ive seen them since in a small place and they were better but still...Not quite there.. And the so called 5 percenter"s..Made Disney Girls a CLASSIC...I think its way above 5%...MOST people who go to BW show"s + BB small shows..Are the HARD CORE FANS..... Im sick of BJ pandering to the lowest common denominator of fans...Wish we In USA..Got the same kinda shows..England got this year..that would be an event..Id even GO...!!

I wonder if mr. Johnston realizes that he probably owes a bigger percentage of his income to the 'five-percenters' than to the other 95%... Most of whom probably only have a greatest hits comp and maybe a copy of Pet Sounds.

Whoever read Mr. Johnston exchanging jabs in the Male Ego Board knows the guy has a weird sense of humour. I say, bring it on!

Really? Because in the POB liner notes, it says, "God Bless You, Bruce." I assume that's Dennis's thank you to Bruce Johnston? And if so, it must have been a big deal for Bruce to be on the album (he didn't say "God Bless You" to anyone else).

Howie is right...Bruce hasn't been complimentary towards POB. He will say he thinks DW sang great on Angel Come Home... and how he taught him how to play the piano in Japan. The "God Bless You" is typical of Dennis being generous. Bruce was on one song, "End of the Show", and I guess it meant a lot to Dennis. Carl was on at least 4 or 5 tracks on POB but Dennis couldn't thank him because he was breaking a contractual rule by having Carl participate in the sessions.

Bruce coming back in 1978 helped the Beach Boys decline no question in my mind at all. He is square plain and simple. He did some nice songs his first run,  but when he came back he pushed them first into disco, then into the county fair crowd he loves so much. Yet I will say they have done good shows in the USA recently. I just would avoid an outdoor show like the plauge.
http://smileysmile.net/board/index.php/topic,3688.0.html
Here is a review of the best show that Mike and Bruce probably ever did Stateside. I will say Bruce seemed to be the only one who kept pushing people to dance and throw beach balls and crap. Mike and rest seemed to understand that they were playing music that deserved to be listened to.

Bruce Johnston knows exactly what sessions he played/sang on. Who is he trying to kid. Like I said in an earlier post, Bruce, Brian, and Al have given some of the loopiest interviews, containing some of the most illogical comments I have ever read. And the reason is simple - politics. Group politics. Those guys - and I will include Mike Love in this - don't know from day to day, week to week, whose side they want to be on. They are afraid of pissing so and so off, wanting to work with so and so, wanting to be in a group with so and so, and, after awhile, they don't even know how they  HONESTLY feel anymore. Also like I said, Mike's interviews, while too self-centered, seem to make the most sense. The others, I take with a grain of salt - unless they get my blood pressure too high! :police: 

Like him or not Love is consistent.

I still get peeved at things Love says, but I'm gradually become more lenient of Mike and disliking/hating Bruce more and more these days. The days of the arty, Brian loving man worshiping at the alter of Pet Sounds and giving Dennis credibility have faded into the sunset. I understand he has more money than any person needs, doesn't need to tour and could be on any side he wants. Why he's on Mike's camp, why he is giving digs to Brian now and then and why he's putting Dennis' work down is behind me. Maybe he needs to take a few weeks off of the road, sit back in an easy chair and listen to Sunflower, and remember the old days where he was Brian's pal and wrote "Deirdre." Till then I'm just a dreamer.

I guess that's how most feel once they learn more about Mike and Bruce. Mike surprises you because he's not nearly as bad as him image, but Bruce seems truly like he has a split personality. I don't mean that unkindly, but that's what I observe.