The Smiley Smile Message Board

Reagan Show (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P7xwvOT865c)

Part one.

Not sure how that yellow coloring/highlighting stuff works, or doesn't, but I couldn't get the link to work by clicking on it.
it works by eliminating the yellow/color:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P7xwvOT865c

I know... yet other times you can color it no sweat. Odd.

Part Two (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=llGPKlR4PHI)

This is amazing, I'm a big Brian fan but seeing almost all the guys living up there really touched my heart. It's the first time I've seen the "Beach Boys" live since Carl's death, And I for one I'm glad Al is on this one. Question who is singing the first verse of Good Vibs? Is it Matt??

Great that it's up already!
Hopefully it will also show up in higher quality.

Thanks, Andrew for that...the quality is superior to the streaming from last night!

I cannot believe how many people stayed up from around the globe to watch this 20 or so minutes...

Great performance and tribute to the late President Ronald Reagan's 100th "anniversary of his birth."
 
You must be exhausted!

 ;)

That's Mike's son Christian. He's been singing most of Carl's parts in concert for a while.

I was also really glad to see Al up there, his voice is still really strong. I would've loved to see Carl and Dennis up there, but I do feel it's a little less weird to bring in family members. Matt Jardine is AWESOME; my favorite falsetto by far.

The mix wasn't studio quality, but it was cool to hear Mike do the bass vocals, and IMO Bruce sounded better here than on a lot of the recent videos I've seen. Hope they keep it up!  :)

Thanks for answering my question, Christian was really good, glad that Matt was there too. I for one really enjoyed it esp as the main players are nearing 70 years old. So the voices aren't as good as in the past!!, But so what we all should be thankful there all up there doing the best there can ;D

Yes, it's Christian Love.

I find it hard to put my feelings into words sometimes. I still miss Carl -- and I'm always going to miss his voice and presence onstage -- he's irreplaceable. But I'm just so happy to see Al onstage with Mike and Bruce again and to hear Al's and Matt's voices in the mix once more. Their addition/return is such a positive thing.

 :love

Really? According to the counter I saw, there were about 2,000 people watching, which I thought was on the low side. Of course, I don't know how many people knew about it. I wonder if The Reagan Foundation tried but failed to get a traditional broadcaster for this. Wonder what everyone out there thought about the performance...

The show also aired on Fox entertainment in some states... according to what I've read!

Shutdownvol3 uploaded Rhonda exerpt in higher quality
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ClmTsWL0J90

A very respectable set. I was pleased Al got two leads. "Kokomo" was inevitable, but I was pleased they avoided the early surf hits and Mike refrained from indulging in any corny jokes.

Mark - First, it was strange and unfortunate, that is was not televised on one of the major networks, and I did not know about Fox...

Second, it is a more or less "elite"group of people,  and I don't mean that in terms of social status, or any caste...but in terms of having an interest in this music to the extent that you discuss it on a forum such as this one...there are other multilingual boards (and this is what I was referring to) in my post.  It was about 4am, in some Western European countries, when the live performance t took place.  

If they had 2,000 of these "elite" fans, that is a pretty respectable number.  These fans "make it their business" via their own networking resources, such as this board, BBB, Shut Down, and others which are in a language other than English.  I learned of it on BBB and when I clicked into the site last week, leaned that there had been a contest, for two airline tickets, hotel, and tickets to the performance which the host committee raffled off, but the contest window had closed in early December.  There are limited numbers of people who are readers of these "dedicated" sites, and as you say, the word did not "get out" as it might have.  

And, considering the time lapse, as between Great Britain and the USA at least, I would venture that there are some tired folk out there...There are plenty who waited for the Youtube link post, but someone had to do the work, to make it available and in a better quality video.  Thanks again to those who did this work.

 ;)    

I only saw "California girls" and part of "Sloop John B" yet and it's great to see the guys together again. Al looks older than I remembered it from his Rhonda-video, but what's with Mike? His face looks bloated. Is he sick? I hope not. Anyway, now I'm going right back to watching.

BTW I love their clothings. I hope they will wear this kind of outfit for the big 50th anniversary reunion-show with Brian and no hawaiian-shirts, etc

I can understand the networks hesitation to air it - it's not much of a moneymaker - And given most television network's love for conservatives it makes sense that no one wanted to air it....

I don't know if you all stuck around to watch the 'viewer' counter on the streamed video last night - but just after The Beach Boys vacated the counter was dropping rapidly - going from 2000 viewers to 1600 in nearly a minute - and then I closed out.

Really good stuff. Mike sounds a wee bit thin and whoever is doing the falsettos is not too strong either, but overall they sound and look great. I'm almost afraid what would happen if BW showed up. Tragedy, hilarity, genius?

Really enjoying what I'm seeing thus far.

This is probably the first BBs gig for, well, 50 years when the audience's average age has been higher than that of Mike, Al and Bruce!

I'd say this was an pretty private gig... and they had the generosity to webcast it and televise it in some channels.
Don't think it was meant to reach the million audience.

Horrific. Glad that Brian did not lend himself to this sonic clusterfu*%. Myke Luhv cannot sing period-a true hack job. The only shining moment was Al Jardine-the rest pure drek. Old Ronnie most likely rolled over more times than the number of people wating this fiasco. :o

1. chemistry and energy grew as the show progressed
2. Al and Mike seemed happy not only by beach boys standards but by normal standards
3. Deal with Stamos. he'll stick around
4. Mike sounded good on FFF but poor on the others. Probably had a cold, as he was raspy even when he talked and has sounded way better on other recent shows.
5. Cowsill is the best drummer on any bb related band nowadays
6. Bashing from the Mike Love haters makes all this somewhat more enjoyable
7. Too bad BW did not go.
8. Al still has issues with the amps. Always has. Always will. I'm fine with it. He has tinnitus, doesn't he?

It was not the best performance I have heard out of Mike for sure.  It was a bad night for the Loves in general, Christian had his share of his clunkers. I'm thinking maybe his voice is losing range, really struggling on those Carl parts.
Mike got better by FFF for sure, but it seems like every time they have a bigger venue, larger audience , and it's on TV he sounds terrible. In the small arenas at concerts where they can play more tricks with mixing, he's better. I am worried about that if they plan on playing big reunion shows, how are you going to hide his weak voice when he sings so many songs? That was a good set list because it didn't challenge his voice too much.
Mike and Al seemed to be getting along fine. Al's voice sounded great as usual.

8. Al still has issues with the amps. Always has. Always will. I'm fine with it. He has tinnitus, doesn't he?

I think he had a problem with the monitors... He thought he was going to be in the mix but wasn't ;)
Really, did anyone tell any difference in sound when he played his guitar or not?

Just one  Bri away from being the real legends Stamos is talkin' about.  Just great to see together again!  Happy Anniversay guys!! 

Now let's get it on for real with Brian and David playing a full set later this year.....

I suspect if Mike Love rushed in to save your grandkids from a burning house, you'd blame him for not wiping the dirt off his shoes on his way in.

Jesus Christ, Mike looks PISSED during Sloop. The vocals are a little strained, although Al is obvs enjoying himself. Still not going to a Mike & Bruce gig anytime soon, I think...

Mike's voice.  yeesh.  i mean. YEESH.  he's like squeeling. 

You're assuming it was plugged in, of course...   ::)

Think we're cutting a little too close to the bone now Andrew ;)

Where did THAT come from? Someone piss in your Wheaties? 1. Myke never gets his sandals dirty and 2. He doesn't have the balls to do rush into anything except a lawyers office or a justice of the peace to get hitched again. :P

is there any particular reason you spell his name wrong?

I think he watched a different band perform whose frontman is named Myke Luhv - because the Beach Boys show I saw was far from a clusterf$#%. People will complain about anything just to get a little attention.

Hey rabman whatever your numbers are... according to you, having an opinion here(whether it be pos or neg on whatever subject) is againt all the rules-don't forget to give Myke's but a hickey when you kiss it. ;D

I was VERY happy to see them back together, it was very touching; however, it don't think the result sounded that good at all. Brians band...no, it's not worth it. There's no way I can win...

i don't mind a couple shows together.  but maybe brian should just stick to his band.

I digress; everyone is entitled to their opinion......no matter how ridiculous.

I was cringing at first, Mike's voice was incredibly weak, and he was stiff as a board...his face looked like he had painful gas or something...if anyone didn't notice that they are not paying attention. To say it was better by Fun Fun Fun is true, but that was a real low bar to get over. Bruce was a non entity, although it seemed he forgot the words to Sloop John B which has to be nearly impossible at this point.  Stamos, go away please. Christian and the band sounded good enough. Al's stock just skyrocketed because his voice sounded fantastic, compared to Mike he sounded like a teenager. The fact that he was looking quizzically at his amp and motioning at his monitor shows he's still Al, not only in voice, but in all ways. Jardine's presence absolutely saved that set IMO.

i agree with mr. stebbins.  I think actually commented during the performance that Mike looked like he was holding a fart.  glad i wasn't the only one to notice!

Absolutely.  Al had more energy than anyone else on that stage, including the younger guys.

And he looks so happy singing Rhonda! As if he'd waited to be on stage with Mike and Bruce for 12 years...

I just see it as some very old guys gettin up and singin songs from their youth the best they could on this particular night.  Any live band takes three or four songs to get it together on any given night.  As for Mike, who knows what variety of physical ailments a 70-year old man could be suffering on any given day.  Looked like they were having fun anyway...

For me,  the BB were always at their best in the studio and the live performances were just a way to try and take the music to the fans as best they could.  The lineup was always suffering in one form or another thru the years, some nights worse than others, and now permanently without Carl.  I wish Brian would have joined them back on those 1993 live/rehearsal recordings.  

Based on quality of Don't Fight The Sea(despite the banal lyrics), I think it shows the Boys can still somewhat nail their sound in a studio situation and I'm still hoping for some new studio recordings this year, even if it is just a song or three.  At the very least, surely there's more unfinished stuff, some possibly with a Carl or Dennis lead, that they could patch together as a tribute of sorts.  

Great to see Al with Mike. Something I doubted was going to happen again.
Yes, his 2 leads saved the night. The best voice of the remaining Beach Boys and the most energised of last nights group.
Mikes vocal was a bit weak. Perhaps over a summer of touring the regular use clears the pipes and it gets stronger but the one-offs like last night it seems a effort.

I hope Al gets more gigs over the summer plus Dave and Brian at some stage.

BTW One story last night said 'The Beach Boys' were going to sing Happy Birthday for Reagan today. If thats the case, I wonder if that will be on youtube?

It was pretty forgettable but it wasn't terrible, I guess?

These guys have been playing since 1961 - I didn't expect them to sound incredible. I just really dug the vibe of it - As has been said, Al was energetic and sounded great (even him fumbling with his amp made me laugh a bit), Bruce seemed into it. Mike did look a little iffy, but other than that it was a great set - It was even nice seeing Stamos add some energy to it.

The outro of Fun, Fun, Fun.... fantastic!!!

I think Mike and Al were a little nervous being on stage together again. Not necessarily uncomfortable, but nervous. At least it seemed to me like that.


EDIT:


BTW Anyone ever saw the concert at the White House from '83 and could say something about it?

I can't believe I'm saying this, but I actually enjoyed last night's gig. I was busy capturing the audio to my computer, so I minimized my browser and only listened to the show. Thus, I'm basing my comments on not having a visual image in front of me at the time.

First up, Mike's voice obviously sounded like it was one heartbeat away from being flat-lined. CG was probably the weakest tune in the whole set. Though, as the show progressed, I actually thought his pitch and delivery got a lot less wobbly. The thing is, I actually prefer this somewhat weaker and "mellow" ML to the shrill, nasal, hyperkinetic version on stage. So, it all kind of worked for me. I thought he did a decent job on Kokomo (I also preferred the song without the sax during the break).

Al obviously adds a much needed credibility to the whole affair and sounded just like I thought he would. I thought Rhonda was great from start to finish. Really enjoyed the jangly piano/guitar recreation during the break (just like the record), and thought that the backing band added some interesting harmony things as well.

On that note, I have to admit, I think the band does a very credible job -- both vocally and instrumentally. I REALLY can't believe I'm about to say this either, but I truly enjoyed Good Vibrations and Christian's lead vocal. While no one can obviously replace Carl, I thought CL brought a certain sleepy, laid-back quality that really worked. In fact, the way the thing was sparsely mixed, the whole track reminded of one of those minimalist mid-late 60s BB's performances. Harmonies were pretty tight, too. Again, maybe this was because I was just listening vs. watching, but I thought  there was a certain "class" to the performance and arrangement that I wasn't expecting. I'll also add that I've heard my share of cheesy, (unfixed) versions of the song -- even with Carl -- so I guess I'll just say thumbs up and leave it at that.

In conclusion, as a possible one-off, unfutzed live performance, I thought they pulled it off. There were some missed cues and entrances (i.e. the beginning of Sloop John B), but the pluses outweighed any minuses for me...aging, Stamos, etc. Furthermore, as much as the 'Mints bring their own standard of authenticity to the arrangements, I thought these guys were surprisingly good in that aspect as well -- just different. Additionally, I'm always going to have trouble still wrapping myself around Brian's somewhat odd (and pitchy) live vocal sound. That said, I think him being here and doing something like God Only Knows -- which I feel is one of his better numbers -- would've pushed the whole thing over the top.

I guess what I'm ultimately saying is...if a full-blown reunion does occur, I'll welcome it. I don't *think* they'll embarrass themselves.

eh...Your wifes name isn't Carrie is it? :o

No...I'm not *that* DaveM...lol.

Just wanted to clear that up! ;D

 :lol THAT was funny LOL

I know that some Brianistas – and I use the term lovingly – resist going to see the Mike-Bruce BBs, but I checked them out last summer and they put on a great show. It's a fine band they've got there. And they go deeper into the catalog than you might think. It's nearly all from 1966 or earlier, but it's great to hear tracks like "Ballad of Ol' Betsy" and "I'm So Young".

Last night's show was exactly as I expected, a 20 minute fair representation of what The Beach Boys sound like now, with a couple of additions. It was very touching to see Al onstage, and he seemed genuinely pleased to be there. There were some weaker moments in Mike's vocals, but given his veteran status that's only to be expected sometimes. The choice of songs was very good as well, though I did note the inclusion of Kokomo as a sign of Mike stamping his authority on proceedings (as in "I'm going to play the hit that Brian had nothing to do with").
It will be very interesting to see if this reunion has legs, and let's hope David Marks comes along for the ride if there's a next time...

at this point, i think this is kind of a stupid statement.  Everyone would have been shocked if this wasn't played.  Nothing to do with showing up brian. 

Let's go easy on these guys, and Mike's voice in particular.

Both of my Grandfathers were long dead by 70 years of age, so let's just be pleased that they can even get up there and do it, let alone sound pretty damn great doing so, which is the important part!

And as for Myke Love rushing in the save anyone's grand kids: he did save David Marks from falling off a balcony and to certain death, but of course oldsurferdue considers that just another selfish and unacceptable act from the worst person on the face of the earth who just so happen to be the front man, co-lyricist, co-lead singer of the band he pretends to be a fan of.

Some people here really amaze me at times. There was this big excitment over Al being there for the "reunion"(which was damn good in my opinion), but as soon as the first note is sung, out come the boxing gloves and the stupid "Myke Luhv" business.  ::)

Is it just me or as they age are Mike and Bruce starting to look uncannily like each other?

Calalifornia Girls - signature tune, concert opener for so long it got tedious
Sloop John B - another sig tune, and a nice nod to Alan
Good Vibrations - well, duh !
Kokomo - most recent #1: that's why it was included at this, and pretty much every other show since late 1988
Help Me, Rhonda - another #1, another one for Alan
Fun, Fun, Fun - the third sig tune and even Brian uses this as a closing run.

You have to factor in that OSD isn't actually a BB fan, but a troll. Everything he posts is done for effect, not from any shred of either belief or knowledge.

Agreed, the set list writes itself, just stating that the choice was spot on. And maybe I was a little harsh about Mike wanting to stamp his authority on proceedings ; I like Kokomo, and Mike is proud of its status.

Agree with every word of this.  Al was absolutely the highlight...especially "Help Me Rhonda" (a song I'm not usually that crazy about).  

Sounded loads better than the terrible mix that was last nights Half Time Show.

Al sounded really great. As did Christian. Fun stuff.

Kokomo. There biggest hit! A given IMO.

Just read a post by Bruce on the Brit site. More on the weekend but he mentions he, Mike and Al talked a lot over the 2 days. I would not be surprised if that conversation included the possibility of Al doing some more shows.

1-This year is all about the 50th for the Beach Boys. Mike will have to discuss that or bring that up in every pre-show interview yet at the same time say he is the only original member.

2-Mikes voice does sound weaker now. Al can share the load.

3-The addition of Al is a point of difference to promoters over what the Mike and Bruce show has offered over the last dozen years.

BTW As was mentioned, the choice of darker clothing and jeans looked great. The Hawaiian shirts look bad.

well, yeah; but the BBs didnt have any fireworks. Doesn't that count for something?

Hey-you couldn't wait to slap those vids on here as pathetic as they are (except HMR thanks to Al) so pipe down Jack. You don't like my posts and I don't like your junk either-can't take the heat, get the Hell outta the kitchen. :p

See, it's a ratio thing: AGD's posts are 99% on the spot and, as opposed to your , maybe, 1%. ( or my 20%)

ohldsurphrdood is just jealous because Myke's so much younger than him and gets chicks

Normally, in these situations, my motto is "don't feed the troll", but in this case I'll ask you to consider the slight possibility that, this being a Beach Boys MB, a few of the posters might be interested in seeing that footage of two of the original Beach Boys sharing the stage for the first time in over twelve years, just as I think some here might be interested in such light as I can throw (and it's not much) on the current situation. I fully understand that, being a troll as opposed to any kind of Beach Boys fan on even a low-grade BlueBoarders level, such things are a complete anathema to you as they divert folk here from your vapid and juvenile splutterings to topics of actual interest.  It's truly a shame that the Male Ego board is but a much-lamented memory: given the rules there - which were, essentially none - my estimate is that you would have lasted roughly half-an-hour. I also lament the absence of an 'ignore' function, as it would save me - and many other posters - from having my eyes sullied by your sub-literate, grade school offerings. I console myself with the knowledge that not only are you several thousand miles away, but also there is no chance that we shall ever meet in person... which, upon momentary reflection, is a mild shame as it deprives me of the opportunity of laughing in your face.

I'm done, rant away.  :)

...... oh, and how dare I forget, he gets to hang out with Stamos!!!

As long as it upsets you like it appears to have done, then "mission accomplished". :lol And would LOVE to meet you in person, Andy-be sure to let me know when you come to town-and when you stop laughing you and I will have lots of fun! >:D

Ok, why on earth would you hang around on a Beach Boys message board just to get your kicks out of annoying people who are actually fans of the band??

I guess you define the term  "internet Troll", right?

and I hope and pray that somehow Mike is able to sue you!

rule 6, anyone?

http://smileysmile.net/board/index.php/topic,122.0.html (http://smileysmile.net/board/index.php/topic,122.0.html)

Why not? He's sued everyone else. :lol

OK, then he's the devil, so please stop pretending to be a fan of the band he sings for, co-founded, writes for etc etc....

Actually, you don't even pretend to be a fan, you just bash Myke in a highly inarticulate manner with dumbfounding redundancy.

Eric, you're an ok guy-really. Perhaps a bit misguided by the Omnipotent Potentate, but a good guy nonetheless. However, you do really deserve to know:
             

                                                I was never a fan of The Myke and Bruce Tribute Band

                                                I stopped liking Myke well before you were born
                                                 
                                                I am a fan of and think the world of Brian, Carl, Dennis and Al

                                                and I always will be. Till I die.


 

And it matters how that you were a "fan" before I was born??? Is senility a factor here?

I mean, hey, Charles Manson was a Beatles fan before I was born!!! So, uh...... Yeah!


Also, Carl, Dennis, and Brian, as awesome as they are: they are not The Beach Boys

The Beach Boys are Brian Wilson, Carl Wilson, Dennis Wilson, Mike Love, Al Jardine, David Marks, Bruce Johnston!

I'll tell you one thing, I shared a monitor wedge with Al once, and let me tell you...it hurt.  He likes it loud and trebly.

My big question is, seeing as how Al has "reunited" with Mike and Bruce, does that mean that they all get along now? I mean, are they really friends now, or did Mike and Bruce invite him for the Reagan event because it was the right thing to do?

Amen.

Sounds vaguely homoerotic.

In any case, consider this an official warning. This isn't the Ego Board, this isn't 4chan, this isn't Facebook...whatever. Trolls belong under a bridge. I think I speak for everyone here when I say the following... please learn to behave in a more adult manner, or find yourself another forum to bring down.

With that said, let's please go back to the topic at hand.

Mike's voice sounded like ass, but Al is nearly ageless (vocally,anyway). I was very impressed by Christian, and by the band in general. Loads better than several years ago, IMHO.

Andrew... you're recent extensive use of smileys is almost scary.  ;D 

I'm experimenting to get in touch with my inner icon.

Ah, now, if I knew the answer to that, I surely wouldn't be sitting here typing this.

Are ya typing on an "Underwood?"  :lol (from Al's "Postcard" - for those who are not familiar)

Sorry, I could not resist...

Can't we all just be patient and see what happens ?

Que será, será...   

Too bad they didn't play "Hey Little Tomboy" and "Student Demonstration Time". :smokin

Al Jardine still has it, great performance/lead vocal!

I'd love to see Al Jardine doing the lead vocal on "Wouldn't It Be Nice" again. :)

I'm thinking we'll see more, especially considering the state of Mike's voice. It could have just been an off night for him, or he could have some ill, but either way, for the Beach Boys to exist in any fashion, they could really really really use Al on a permanent basis.

That said, Mike is still Mike and he sounded good in spots and is still...... Mike, which counts for something, and it was awesome to see him Al and Bruce and that rockin band! (Cowsill rules)!

I've seen clips of some of their more recent shows and Mike sounds great in them (not counting the 'Dancing With The Stars' nightmare) - I agree with your thoughts - he was probably sick or had an off night. And I hope they allow Al to stay on if he wants to.

My concern is he sounds his worst in the biggest national spots...this, Dancing WIth the Stars, The Good Morning America summer concert a few years ago. I realize he sounds good at The Hampton Beach Casino and Ballroom where clever and heavy mixing can be done but for the 50th anniversary, I am guessing they want to make a larger statement.

That one's out of his reach nowadays, ain't it?

Once he's back in the band, they can use some clever and heavy mixing, to make sure he owns it again.

Or they can simply play it in D instead of F, as BW's band did when Brian sang it live. But that takes away much of the drive of the song.

Yes, Mike sounds great at Hampton Beach Casino...it was reported that at the Dancing with the Stars event last year that Mike had bronchitis...and his voice did sound as he if he was strained, as anyone would with that...he almost sounded the same the other night as if he was trying to bounce back from the same thing. (I don't know, I was not there.)  He was much improved when I saw him a few weeks after the Dancing With The Stars performance, and was delighted that he had bounced back...We are all human.  Short of being a guest in the front, it is hard to tell from the video, except, he sounded a little as if he was straining as he did back in April.  

Mike has a very forceful and amazing voice, and "holds that note" for Be True to Your School, and they have almost made a skit of it with Bruce counting the time on his watch...if you are in the front rows as a spectator, it is unquestionable.  I don't know "jack" about sound mixing, so that is an amateur's opinion.  

And Mike gets on that stage no matter what...from what I have observed and does give it 110% every time.   ;)    

I think that Mike probably has good days and bad. His voice has always been quite thin, so it will show up more than somebody like Brian who has a strong voice. I also think that Mike tries to sing too loud - which is possibly a result of the monitoring/the mix/deafness? He was lacking in energy as well - either just his age (totally understandable) or under the weather.

I think that everyone should give these guys a lot of credit for the fact that after many years of bitter arguing, they put on a good show and there was a lot of mutual respect that was clear to see. The best part of that show for me was Al and Mike duetting on Sloop John B, with Bruce also adding some harmonies. A true Beach Boys blend! I thought it was a shame that Bruce didn't get his spot singing God Only Knows.

I should add that I think Christian Love does a fine job singing Carl's parts. If it was Justyn Wilson, Carl B, Matt Jardine people would be praising him like crazy for channeling his Uncle's voice. Christian really captures the Carl sound without imitating him too much. If the Beach Boys are going to have younger singers - which obviously they do have to do - I'd rather it be the offspring of the original band than random session musicians.

Having said that, I don't think the BBs brand should outllive the original members. Realistically the band has maybe another 3-5 years to go.

We all have good and bad days...and we would not like being held "under a microscope" - I might be exactly the wrong person to discuss or debate this because I have seen them no fewer than a dozen times in about as many months.  It took a while for this new "dynamic" to "grow on me" and for them to "sell this new configuration" which was not borne out of such tragedy as this band has endured.  What they have done, I think which is pretty remarkable, has made the "music" the "real star," rather than individuals. 

This allows for a couple of things to happen...You can have someone like Scott Totten, to go back through the work, in an unbiased fashion and help present it from its "roots up" for example using a little more of the doo-wop (before my time, I might add) so it has a different "generational spread" and allow some of the newer guys to work with music which might have been an Al song, or a Brian song, etc.  Someone mentioned that they thought Christian had a "sleepy voice" - pretty accurate...he is very good and tackles a lot of what Carl sang.  Genetics dictate that family members have similar sounding vocal cords...

What I thought I saw was everyone "giving up" something, for the sake of this special performance.  Bruce does do "Sloop" but it was Al's idea to have Brian use it, originally.  John Cowsill, does  Rhonda now, and in his own "stylized" fashion. The public had always connected it to Al and he was, after all a "guest" and was treated accordingly. 

It impressed me that they all did a little less, for the sake of the "short, but representative" set list and accommodated the presence of Al and Matt Jardine.  They all sort of "put something back on the table" for the sake of the night and for the sake of the "team" and that is more or less how they have always operated, I think. 

Real "team players" are not threatened or intimidated or that "needy" that they need to always be the "star" of the show.   ;)   

You know, I never noticed it before, but Al Jardine kind of looks like Ronald Reagan, doesn't he? Compare some photos.

Amen...if anything, he has the 1968-69 sound of Carl's voice.

Along the lines of what Jon Stebbins & Adam were saying, has Al always fiddled with his onstage monitor?  Is it because folks have told him they can't hear his guitar?  Or is he just picky?

By the way, I've never attended a BB show.  One other thing......does Al act the same at his solo gigs?  For anyone with a Jardine monitor story, feel free to share it.

I must say, I find it kind of eerie that Christian Love is going bald too. XD

Genetics.

sex influenced traits can be a b!

" must say, I find it kind of eerie that Christian Love is going bald too. XD"

What is he?  About 40? Not that unusual, I would've thought. Or is he one of the younger offspring?

I don't think he can hit it anymore.  He handed that one off to Carl in the '80s.  In fact, someone (can't remember who) told me a story about sometime after that happening, Carl was doing vocal warm ups before a show and Al asked him why he always did that.  Carl supposedly simply responded, "Wouldn't It Be Nice."

I know that Al can still sing stupid high from when he was dishing out parts to some of the girls in my band, but it's kind of a whisper.  I don't think he can connect it to his full voice or project it anymore.  He always had one of those voices where you just go for it in full voice and then switch to a lighter falsetto when you run out of notes, as opposed to the Wilsons that had more of a transitional head voice thing going on, so it makes sense.

Funny, I was listening to "Crack At Your Love" this morning (yes, BBs 85 gets regular airplay in my hovel) and noticed that he seems to do that exact thing on his couple of high parts in that song. He goes in strong and then kinda sneaks into a higher range at the end of his breathes. The falsetto sounds a bit weak, but in a good way and hitting the right emotional note. It's a nice effect.

My Dad does fiddle w/ his amp. Stage volumes at showtime change drastically from soundcheck volumes (& during the actual show from song to song). Remember also that everyone else onstage has in-ear monitors. We (Dad & I) always use wedges & he commented to me after soundcheck that this was going to be interesting not being able to hear the other instruments onstage. On the two tunes I sat in on (Rhonda & Fun Fun Fun)  I found I had absolutely no monitor (someone had moved it during the previous set change) so I sang next to a piano I couldn't hear & key'd off of the house & the little I could hear from my Dad's wedge downstage. That's showbiz!!

Well i thought they all sounded pretty good for no monitors. 


Yeah I need a day with a really clear throat to do wouldn't it be nice without mistakes.  Really difficult song. 

Hello Matt!

Welcome to the board, it is great to have you here.  As much as I love the killer falsetto work of Foskett, Baker, Kirsch (I sincerely think they are ALL wonderful singers), and having seen them all do their thing live multiple times, you are IMHO the best at invoking the spirit and sound of Brian's early vocal parts.  Not just blowing smoke, as I believe I said this very thing to you at The Suncoast in 2008, and The Cannery in 2009.  

I've got my fingers crossed that if there are more BB reunion performances that your voice will be somewhere in the mix.

I hope you come by The Smiley Smile board again (and often) as I'm sure everyone here would love to have someone with your knowledge and history with the band share your experiences.

I really enjoyed seeing and hearing Al, Mike and Bruce together again on stage the other night.  Al's voice has retained so much of it's power and character.  The only thing that would make for a bigger emotional impact is adding Brian (and David, or even Blondie and Ricky) into the mix.

Also re: Wouldn't It Be Nice - I believe that it IS the toughest of the big hits to pull of live.  I have heard literally hundreds of live versions and none of them ever really achieve the majesty of the studio version.  I've really enjoyed all the 40 plus years of earlier attempts The Beach Boys (and offshoot solo bands etc) have played but they just don't have the magic of the original recording.  Brian's double tracked lead on WIBN is in his top five vocals of his career.  Many often spot Don't Worry Baby as his most pretty or beautiful vocal but Wouldn't it Be Nice is his most assured and forceful vocal.  The seemingly effortless transitions from chest voice to falsetto (not to mention how so many of those high notes are done with his chest voice) make it damn near impossible to duplicate.  I liked Al's leads on it in the 60 through the early 80's and enjoyed later, when Carl split the lead with Foskett.  When Brian sings it live it is a letdown (as much as I love seeing his solo return to the stage), as he has to significantly lower the key.  It is nice that Brian's band have recently restored the key and let Jeff have a go at it.  The recent Beach Boys take a multiple vocalist approach to the song which is pretty cool...

That song IS a real beast to sing WELL... and with all the great vocalists who have given it a shot, none surpass Brian's original vocals.  That, and I miss the dual accordian attack of the record when it is played live.

Well said. Agree wholeheartedly. Best case I know for the term "Beach Boys & Sons Inc.".

Hm.... what does Reagan look like nowadays ?




Agree on Matt Jardine's falsetto. On a few songs he even beats Brian imo (Hushabye for example).
Good to see you here, hope you'll stay around

not sure i'd go that far.  But definitely has a great voice

Waited for Mike to nod to AL and say in his inimitable fashion  "AlllllllllllJaaaaaaaarrrrrdeeen!  But he didn't.

Or I missed it.  Al, did nod and gesture  to ML and say   "Michael Edward"!!!!!

What a treat!

Nice of you to post Matt!

Welcome, Matt! It was so good to see and hear you sitting in with your dad on Saturday!

Thanks for the kind words.

I'm wondering why you both don't use in-ear monitors Matt? If you're in any mood to explain, what is a wedge? Any answer will have be the idiots guide to, I'm  technophobic, sad but true. : - )

A wedge is just another term for a floor monitor, which is a speaker placed on the floor, usually in front of the performer, and pointed back at the performer to allow him or her to hear themselves/others.  I also prefer to use wedges, as opposed to in-ear monitors, simply because that's the way I've done it for 35 years.  I am the only one in the band I'm in that still uses a wedge, and I am afraid that I'm going to have to start using in-ears, as some sound companies are starting to gripe about having to set up and wire a wedge or two just for one guy. 

Welcome, Matt (no pun intended).

Welcome to the board, Matt!!  Hope you stick around and chime in on other discussions

Ahh right! Things are becoming clearer now, thank you :)

I was just going to add that Mike Love is starting to look like (in the face) Bruce Johnston.

BTW @ Matt Jardine, Im friends with Surfer Spud who is good friends with Stevie whom knows your dad.  ;D

BK 

Hello Matt...

Good Job!

Again folks, thank you for all your kind words & comments.  Al Jardine's Endless Summer Band doesn't use in-ear monitors because we don't tour enough to justify the expense of a system like that. Old school onstage wedges/monitors are readily available wherever we play & it's just easier that way. Plus, all of us in that band are old-school & wedges/onstage monitors are what we're comfortable with. The last two years I was in The Beach Boys (96-97) we used in-ears & it was not a fun experience for me. The falsetto bandwidth in such tiny speaker drivers (in the in-ear monitors) was such I could never really hear myself over the other singers. I really need to hear a little of the front house audio (main speakers pointed at the audience) & a lot of myself in a wedge/onstage monitor so I'm not over singing & screwing up the vocal blend (& blowing my voice out) to really get dialed in w/ pitch. I sing those parts w/ a lot of power (on the uptempo tunes) & back off the mic &/or sing softer & easier for tunes like In My Room, Surfer Girl, God Only Knows, etc. So I split the difference & had one in-ear in & popped the other out & had a wedge at my feet. Best of both worlds.  At the Reagan Event, we didn't have in-ears & were given wedges/onstage monitors while everyone else in that band had their custom molded in-ear monitors. In that kind of set-up all guitar/piano amps are off-stage. All you hear are the drums & the front house. In my case, I had NO sound whatsoever but I made it through without a hitch. Fun event.

Matt: Welcome onboard!

Your falsetto on Fun Fun Fun at the Reagan show really rocked and got it to a different level!
Randell has a sweet voice but I think you have more power in yours...

//Henrik

No doubt about it, Bruce and Mike are definitely starting to look alike. Weird.

I would say that I first noticed it when they played Dancing With The Stars, but I don't want to admit that I actually saw that.

Hey, Matt. Great to see you on here, I really hope you'll stick around for a while.

I love hearing your perspective of the show and a little behind-the-scenes info on how you like your monitors.  Tidbits like that are a lot of fun for fans (at least some of us!).

I chuckle at your "Fun event".  I can't tell if you're being sincere or sarcastic given the screwy sound setup. I'm guessing it's a little of both.

I had the pleasure of catching one BB show during your time with the band. It was in May of 1995 at Callaway Gardens, GA. I didn't know enough going into the show to know you were in the act. But I knew the falsettos belonged to Brian and Brian wasn't there. And whoever was singing those parts had absolutely nailed it. It was enough to make me look it up and I was thrilled to learn it was a Jardine keeping the sound alive.

I don't remember if Hushabye was on that set list, but I've seen the video on YouTube of you knocking that song out of the park at a '94 show. Awesome.

Just one question: why aren't you rockin' that same mane you used to have?  :)

Matt, Thanks for coming onto the board. I remember the first time I heard you perform with the BB in I think '93 Wallingford, CT.  Your Dad introduced you and you blew us away on Warmth of The Sun among others. My Dad who is not a BB fan is still blown away by that performance. You always blended so well with your Dad and Carl and the guys.  Also saw you in Ridgefield, CT. such a great show! I hope your band will do some more touring.

Thank you very much, for the detailed answer, I'm in the loop now. There is so much more going on up there than I ever would have appreciated from the audience point of view.