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Smiley Smile Stuff => 'Rank the Tracks' => Topic started by: ♩♬🐸 Billy C ♯♫♩🐇 on February 23, 2013, 01:19:07 AM



Title: Rank the Tracks #25: Beach Boys (aka Beach Boys 85)
Post by: ♩♬🐸 Billy C ♯♫♩🐇 on February 23, 2013, 01:19:07 AM
This is one of most BB fans' least favorite albums, mainly due to the 1980s production.  As the board's resident 80s music geek, though, will this be right up my alley? Let's find out.

12. I'm so Lonely- Ugh. One of my least favorite songs the BB ever did. Despite being 'clean' by this point (truth be told, he was off coke and smack but was not completely drug free), this was the worst song Brian wrote to this point, save 'Oh Darlin'. His voice quite frankly sucks on this track as well. Carl's vocal isn't much better, sounding like he stepped back into 1978.  The sax part is awfully stupid and annoying. Have I mentioned I hate this freakin' song?

11. Crack of your ass...er...whatever-  Parts of this song sound like a semi-famous Crest toothpaste commercial of the late 80s (the whoa-oh-oh-oh-ooh part). This is WAY too high for Al's voice, and there's one part where his voice cracks noticeably and he goes off key.Brian's vocals are better, but  he sounds bored. The only reason it's not at the bottom is because quite frankly that's a cool synth part.


10. California Calling- Is that Adrian Baker on the falsetto? It sounds like him, rather than someone good. Say what you will about the production on the rest of the album...at least they sounded current on much of it. This sounds like a BB tribute band for a Carnival Cruise Line commercial. The key change is very awkward. All this in mind, it's not a bad song, just doesn't fit.


9. Passing Friend- Unlike many people, I actually like this song. So why so low? Cause the damn thing never ends. It's longer than the line was upon the release of the last Harry Potter book. Repetitive as hell, but at least Carl's vocals are excellent. The song starts to grate after a while due to the monotony. The song should've faded out at the 3 minute mark and been over by the superfluous sax solo that seems to get mysteriously louder. Sounds like some dodgy mastering. That last verse is completely unnecessary...it's the equivalent of putting the condom on after sex.

8. It's Just a Matter of Time- I REALLY like the drum programming...if you replaced it with an 808 but kept the exact same rhythm, it becomes a Timbaland beat. The song is the perfect length, as there's not much here. It's slight,  yet I like it. I wish Brian's co-lead would've been mixed a bit higher, as him and Mike blend really well here. I like the harmonica part.
 
7. Male Ego- Brian's vocals are strained throughout most of the song, and the lyrics make one pause. 'Chasin' the tasty ladies' followed by 'we'll be doin it in our head' makes me wonder if that's a veiled masturbation reference. Tasty ladies? Is he singing about cunnilingus? Seriously?! That said, the song is so mindblowingly dumb that it turns into a great song just by its sheer audacity. A guilty pleasure.

6. She Believes in  Love Again- Generic arrangement, and Bruce sounds hoarse...yet it fits the song. Here's an odd thing...during the chorus, the first 'again' that Carl sings, he sounds like a smooth version of Dennis (his phrasing). The bridge is a bit weak, but overall the song works. The high vocals towards the end are surprisingly good, as most of the non-Brian vocals that aren't sung by Carl suck.

5. Maybe I don't Know- Gets a little repetitive towards the end, and the guitar solo is hilariously generic in parts. Carl's vocals though are smokin', and the backups sound like the Beach Boys yet also current (for the time) without sounding fake.

4. It's Getting Late- Love the harmonies (although the intro sounds like Levine went crazy with the Fairlight). Carl kicks ass vocally, the Boys sound current...shame the end sounds like it was ripped off a Huey Louis song.

3. Getcha Back- Perfect choice for the lead single. Am I the only one who thinks Mike sounds like Prince at times? Anyway, cool Brian vocals, and a sound that references past glories while still sounding current make this a keeper.


2.I Do Love You- Yes, I've ranked it this high. I happen to love it. Carl's vocal is convincing; it's a shame he ever attempted this style again. Al's vocal was one of his best in many a year. Sure this was basically the Stevie Wonder show featuring the Beach Boys, but dammit it worked for me. If they had done more songs along the lines of this rather than what they put out instead, they would've gotten a lot more respect.

1. Where I Belong- A masterpiece, pure and simple. The best group vocals in many a year, this song sounded like it could've been a hit. The last great song the band did until last year IMHO. The best song Carl wrote since 'Trader'. One very minor complaint...the percussion on the left channel starting with the second verse should not be mixed hard left, or at least lowered in volume.

So there's four songs on here that I complained about more than complimented it, and one of the remaining tracks is a guilty pleasure. The problem with this album is NOT the production...it's the songwriting; specifically, a few of the songs become repetitive quickly. That said...if you take out I'm So Lonely (which sticks out like a sore thumb), the album flows very well. Even CC serves as a good change of pace.

So, how do I grade it? Listening to it all the way through, and skipping to the next song right before the final verse of Passing Friend...well, I actually love this album. The way many fans feel about LA Light, I feel about this album.


Edit...just listened to it again, and you know what? I almost want to switch Where I Belong and I Do Love You. It's funny, the latter is the second longest song on the album, but feels like it's shorter than most of the other tracks.


Title: Re: Rank the Tracks #25: Beach Boys (aka Beach Boys 85)
Post by: Eric Aniversario on February 23, 2013, 02:09:52 AM
Probably one my least-listened-to BB albums...the album has not aged well.  That being said, there are some enjoyable moments here.

1. I Do Love You - Count me as another fan of this song...Carl's singing is very heartfelt on this.
2. Getcha Back - Probably the song that I listen to the most (probably because it is on so many compilations)...it's a song I don't really get tired of.  Mike sounds great singing lead on it in a live setting; it's too bad that he hands it off to others to sing.

3. Male Ego - Not included on the cassette (or the LP either, I think), this was the CD "bonus track" when CDs had bonus tracks to get you to buy them instead.  But I digress.  Great vocals from Mike & Carl.  A lot of times after hearing this, I play it again just to hear it again, thinking, "Why don't I listen to this more often?"
4. She Believes In Love Again - Bruce sounds a little forced at times, but Carl has some good vocal moments here, and this fits into the 80s duet vibe that was going on around that time.
5. I'm So Lonely - Great Brian lyrics in an 80s setting
6. It's Just A Matter Of Time - Good song, but doesn't match the magic of the live version that Brian did a few years earlier.

7. Where I Belong - Not as big of a fan of this as most, and Carl is my favorite BB vocalist...the song just doesn't develop as much as I would like it to as it goes along.  Pleasant, but not a standout for me.  The group vocals are nice, and Al's counterpart is great, but Carl's lead was not quite what it could have been.

8. California Calling - RECYCLE, DUDE!  IT'S TOTALLY RAD!
9. It's Gettin' Late - Some interesting parts, but a really poor follow-up single to Getcha Back.  This is a great example of Carl making a song better.

**This is where it starts to get stuff that I almost always skip over when I can**:
10. Maybe I Don't Know - Way too repetitive, and when the tone of the song is negative, I'd rather have it not be repetitive, it's too much like having an argument with someone that goes nowhere.
11. Crack At Your Love - Really awkward phrasing, very forced and unnatural.  Normally, any song on an album with an Al lead is a highlight, but definitely not this time, Al can't save this one, regardless of how competent his vocal on this is.  Brian's "Lonely Nights...Lonely Days" bridge, though he could not sound more bored, adds a little distraction and saves this from being #12.  
12. Passing Friend - Speaking of repetitive...


On a separate note, I'm amazed at how Al sounds exactly the same today as he did 28 years ago on this, particularly on Crack At Your Love.  That song is bad, but his vocal is great, and it totally sounds like 2013 Al.


Title: Re: Rank the Tracks #25: Beach Boys (aka Beach Boys 85)
Post by: ♩♬🐸 Billy C ♯♫♩🐇 on February 23, 2013, 02:12:23 AM
I thought Mike wrote the lyrics to It's a Matter of Time...?


Title: Re: Rank the Tracks #25: Beach Boys (aka Beach Boys 85)
Post by: Eric Aniversario on February 23, 2013, 02:15:21 AM
I thought Mike wrote the lyrics to It's a Matter of Time...?
No, it was Brian I think.  I do not have my copy handy, but here's the wikipedia link (which I hope is accurate):

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Beach_Boys_(album)


Title: Re: Rank the Tracks #25: Beach Boys (aka Beach Boys 85)
Post by: Freddie French-Pounce on February 23, 2013, 02:15:49 AM
Right, I have a bizarre love of this album, but there are some complete Turkeys on here...

11. I'm So Lonely - only there to add 'Brian' appeal. Ugh.
10. It's Just A Matter Of Time - not bad, but poorly executed - the vocals sound like they aren't even trying.
09. California Calling - sounds more like someone TRYING to be The Beach Boys.
08. I Do Love You - Good, but lacks something I don't know
07. Crack At Your Love - I always want to sing 'getcha Crack' when it goes into the chorus...  ;)
06. Passing Friend - Good. that's it.
05. She Believes In Love Again - Bruce schmalts it up, and Carl delivers effortlessly - a guilty pleasure.
04. Maybe I Don't Know - You can tell Moore did the Lead guitar/Solo  :lol
03. It's Gettin' Late - the opening harmonies just never sounded right to me...
02. Getcha Back - perfect single, horrible vocal.
01. Where I Belong


Title: Re: Rank the Tracks #25: Beach Boys (aka Beach Boys 85)
Post by: SonicVolcano on February 23, 2013, 02:19:04 AM
Pretty much unrankable for me, because I never managed to listen to this album AND enjoying it.

I do like Getcha Back and California Calling, no matter how cheesy the latter is.


Title: Re: Rank the Tracks #25: Beach Boys (aka Beach Boys 85)
Post by: Eric Aniversario on February 23, 2013, 02:23:14 AM
Right, I have a bizarre love of this album, but there are some complete Turkeys on here...

11. Where I Belong - only there to add 'Brian' appeal. Ugh.
10. It's Just A Matter Of Time - not bad, but poorly executed - the vocals sound like they aren't even trying.
09. California Calling - sounds more like someone TRYING to be The Beach Boys.
08. I Do Love You - Good, but lacks something I don't know
07. Crack At Your Love - I always want to sing 'getcha Crack' when it goes into the chorus...  ;)
06. Passing Friend - Good. that's it.
05. She Believes In Love Again - Bruce schmalts it up, and Carl delivers effortlessly - a guilty pleasure.
04. Maybe I Don't Know - You can tell Moore did the Lead guitar/Solo  :lol
03. It's Gettin' Late - the opening harmonies just never sounded right to me...
02. Getcha Back - perfect single, horrible vocal.
01. Where I Belong
How can "Where I Belong" be first and last?


Title: Re: Rank the Tracks #25: Beach Boys (aka Beach Boys 85)
Post by: MBE on February 23, 2013, 03:02:24 AM
Male Ego I still look at as a bonus cut. It would be my second favorite. Boy I hate this album otherwise. Getcha Back is the only thing I play and even that has a soppy production. Just some awful songs here.
Getcha Back
It's Getting Late
Where I Belong
California Calling
It's Just A Matter Of Time
Maybe I Don't Know
Crack At Your Love
Passing Friend
She Belives In Love Again (UGH)
I Do Love You
I'm So Lonely


Title: Re: Rank the Tracks #25: Beach Boys (aka Beach Boys 85)
Post by: Iron Horse-Apples on February 23, 2013, 03:15:14 AM
I haven't heard this album for years. I was very unimpressed. All those horrible shorts they're wearing on the cover really sum this album up. Pants.


Title: Re: Rank the Tracks #25: Beach Boys (aka Beach Boys 85)
Post by: Mike's Beard on February 23, 2013, 03:38:33 AM
I think every album from 15 Big Ones onward is flawed in some way but there is a major drop in quality for BB85. Much of it is to do with the production and I don't mean that as a knock on 80's synth sounds as a whole. When artists such as Peter Gabriel or Kate Bush embraced fairlight technology it was from a genuine creative standpoint, with the BB's it seems to be a desperate attempt to sound 'modern'. BB85's main problem though is across the board weak songwriting, particularly from Brian. He just hadn't got his songwriting chops back at this point. (And why the hell was Stevie not included?)

1/ Where I Belong - A rose amongst the manure, Carl's best song after The Trader.
2/ Getcha' Back - The Love/Melcher team started out strong, what happened? The chorus is a little undercooked but the Brian "I'll leave her....." refrain makes up for it.
3/ Male Ego - The cd 'bonus' track is actually much better than Brian's main contributions to the album.

BIG BIG DROP IN QUALITY FROM HERE.

4/ California Calling - Passable sun/fun retread. Stunned that Mike didn't have a hand in writing it.
5/ She Belives in Love Again - I used to really hate this but I have warmed to it slightly. The melody is ok but it's too schmaltchy even by Bruce standards.
6/ It's Getting Late - Strong lead by Carl esp on the bridge but horrible arrangement/production.

THIS IS WHERE IT GETS REALLY BAD!

7/ I'm So Lonely - Brian sleepwalks through this clunker. Horrible vocal.
8/ Maybe I Don't Know - I hate Gary Moore's guitar style on anything.
9/ It's Just a Matter of Time - You'd think a BW 50's doo wop inspired song would work. You'd be wrong.
10/ A Crack at Your Love - I can't make it past the halfway mark on this.
11/ I Do Love You - Again, can't get beyond a minute of this.
12/ Passing Friend - The fact that Culture Club didn't want to put it out says it all.

Easily the worst album they'd ever done since Surfin' Safari.


Title: Re: Rank the Tracks #25: Beach Boys (aka Beach Boys 85)
Post by: Nicko1234 on February 23, 2013, 03:44:50 AM
The production of this album is truly horrible and kills it for me but...

1, Where I Belong - The stand out song by a million miles

2, Getcha Back - Pleasantly retro
3, Male Ego - One of the better productions and it's a shame they couldn't have written another verse

4, She Believes in Love Again - Not bad despite the production
5, It's Getting Late - Ditto
6, Crack at Your Love - The same
7, I'm So Lonely - Horribly overproduced. A simple version with just the piano could have been affecting perhaps.

8, I do Love You - Pleasant but out of place

9, It's Just a Matter of Time - The lyrics are atrocious (what's that mood that's brewing doesn't even scan properly!!!)
10, Maybe I Don't Know - Generic MOR crap
11, California Calling - A rehash of several other songs with totally non-rad lyrics!

12, Passing Friend - Far too long and pointless


Title: Re: Rank the Tracks #25: Beach Boys (aka Beach Boys 85)
Post by: The Shift on February 23, 2013, 04:22:04 AM

7, I'm So Lonely - Horribly overproduced. A simple version with just the piano could have been affecting perhaps.

9, It's Just a Matter of Time - The lyrics are atrocious (what's that mood that's brewing doesn't even scan properly!!!)

I think these two tracks, given very simple, understated, gentle doo-wop treatments could have been fine.  But they weren't…


Title: Re: Rank the Tracks #25: Beach Boys (aka Beach Boys 85)
Post by: Domino on February 23, 2013, 06:25:02 AM
12. Maybe I Don't Know
11. Passing Friend
10. It's Gettin' Late
09. I'm So Lonely 
08. She Believes In Love Again
07. Where I Belong
06. Crack At Your Love
05. Male Ego 
04. California Calling - Awesome bassvocal in the refrain
03. It's Just A Matter Of Time - Great song that could have been produced so much better       
02. Getcha Back
01. I Do Love You


Title: Re: Rank the Tracks #25: Beach Boys (aka Beach Boys 85)
Post by: Tord on February 23, 2013, 08:01:25 AM
1.  California Calling
2.  Getcha Back
3.  It's Just A Matter Of Time
4.  I'm So Lonely
5.  I Do Love You
6.  Crack At Your Love
7.  She Believes In Love Again
8.  It's Gettin' Late
9.  Where I Belong
10.Maybe I Don't Know
     Passing Friend

"Male Ego" is better than all the songs on the album.


Title: Re: Rank the Tracks #25: Beach Boys (aka Beach Boys 85)
Post by: Mendota Heights on February 23, 2013, 08:16:13 AM
Ooh, three Swedes in a row.

1 ) It's Gettin' Late (video version)
2 ) She Believes in Love Again
3 ) Where I Belong
4 ) Getcha Back
5 ) Crack at Your Love
6 ) It's Just a Matter of Time
7 ) Kalifornia Kalling
8 ) I'm So Lonely
11 ) Maybe I Don't Know
11 ) I Do Love You
11 ) Passing Friend


Title: Re: Rank the Tracks #25: Beach Boys (aka Beach Boys 85)
Post by: Smilin Ed H on February 23, 2013, 08:16:40 AM
Trouble with a lot of this is that it could be almost any AOR band - apart from some nice singing from Carl and Al.
01.  Where I Belong
02.  Male Ego
03.  It's Getting Late
04.  Maybe I Don't Know
05.  She Believes in Love Again
06.  Getcha Back
07.  I Do Love You
08.  It's Just a Matter of Time
09.  I'm So Lonely
10.  Passing Friend
11.  Crack at Your Love
12.  California Calling


Title: Re: Rank the Tracks #25: Beach Boys (aka Beach Boys 85)
Post by: Quzi on February 23, 2013, 09:06:44 AM
01.  Where I Belong
02.  It's Gettin' Late
03.  Getcha Back
04.  I Do Love You
05.  She Believes in Love Again
06.  Maybe I Don't Know
07.  Passing Friend
08.  It's Just a Matter of Time
09.  Crack at Your Love
10.  I'm So Lonely
11.  California Calling


Title: Re: Rank the Tracks #25: Beach Boys (aka Beach Boys 85)
Post by: Letsgoawayforawhile on February 23, 2013, 09:26:50 AM
(Yoda Voice)
Done well with this you have, Billy.


Title: Re: Rank the Tracks #25: Beach Boys (aka Beach Boys 85)
Post by: ♩♬🐸 Billy C ♯♫♩🐇 on February 23, 2013, 09:56:55 AM
(Yoda Voice)
Done well with this you have, Billy.

Thou hath pleaseth me.


Title: Re: Rank the Tracks #25: Beach Boys (aka Beach Boys 85)
Post by: Eric Aniversario on February 23, 2013, 10:36:54 AM
I find it very interesting that out of 11 full (or almost full) lists so far, everyone ranks Getcha Back very high (top 3 for 10 of the lists, #4 for 1), but only 1 person has ranked it #1.


Title: Re: Rank the Tracks #25: Beach Boys (aka Beach Boys 85)
Post by: Freddie French-Pounce on February 23, 2013, 11:25:26 AM
Right, I have a bizarre love of this album, but there are some complete Turkeys on here...

11. Where I Belong - only there to add 'Brian' appeal. Ugh.
10. It's Just A Matter Of Time - not bad, but poorly executed - the vocals sound like they aren't even trying.
09. California Calling - sounds more like someone TRYING to be The Beach Boys.
08. I Do Love You - Good, but lacks something I don't know
07. Crack At Your Love - I always want to sing 'getcha Crack' when it goes into the chorus...  ;)
06. Passing Friend - Good. that's it.
05. She Believes In Love Again - Bruce schmalts it up, and Carl delivers effortlessly - a guilty pleasure.
04. Maybe I Don't Know - You can tell Moore did the Lead guitar/Solo  :lol
03. It's Gettin' Late - the opening harmonies just never sounded right to me...
02. Getcha Back - perfect single, horrible vocal.
01. Where I Belong
How can "Where I Belong" be first and last?

sorry, meant i'm So Lonely at #11


Title: Re: Rank the Tracks #25: Beach Boys (aka Beach Boys 85)
Post by: ♩♬🐸 Billy C ♯♫♩🐇 on February 23, 2013, 11:26:05 AM
I'm just tripping over the fact that I apparently am the only person who LIKES this album! :lol


Title: Re: Rank the Tracks #25: Beach Boys (aka Beach Boys 85)
Post by: Eric Aniversario on February 23, 2013, 11:31:16 AM
I'm just tripping over the fact that I apparently am the only person who LIKES this album! :lol
I like it, but I just don't play it much because there are many other things I'd rather spend my time listening to!  :)


Title: Re: Rank the Tracks #25: Beach Boys (aka Beach Boys 85)
Post by: joshferrell on February 23, 2013, 11:34:20 AM
Right, I have a bizarre love of this album, but there are some complete Turkeys on here...

11. Where I Belong - only there to add 'Brian' appeal. Ugh.
10. It's Just A Matter Of Time - not bad, but poorly executed - the vocals sound like they aren't even trying.
09. California Calling - sounds more like someone TRYING to be The Beach Boys.
08. I Do Love You - Good, but lacks something I don't know
07. Crack At Your Love - I always want to sing 'getcha Crack' when it goes into the chorus...  ;)
06. Passing Friend - Good. that's it.
05. She Believes In Love Again - Bruce schmalts it up, and Carl delivers effortlessly - a guilty pleasure.
04. Maybe I Don't Know - You can tell Moore did the Lead guitar/Solo  :lol
03. It's Gettin' Late - the opening harmonies just never sounded right to me...
02. Getcha Back - perfect single, horrible vocal.
01. Where I Belong
How can "Where I Belong" be first and last?
He is a Buddhist so it is both first and last,existant and non existant and good but yet not good  :lol :lol  :p


Title: Re: Rank the Tracks #25: Beach Boys (aka Beach Boys 85)
Post by: G.C on February 23, 2013, 11:43:25 AM
I hate the entire album.  :-X


Title: Re: Rank the Tracks #25: Beach Boys (aka Beach Boys 85)
Post by: MaxL on February 23, 2013, 11:50:33 AM
I really enjoy this album, a lot more than KTSA. Was blasting it at near-full volume last night. To me the production really works well for the band and the songs are solid. I enjoy several 80's artists which might be why I'm not put off by the production, though don't take that as me apologising for the album.

1. Getcha Back - love playing this loud.
2. Where I Belong
3. It's Gettin' Late
4. She Believes in Love Again - I must be one of the few who wasn't aghast when Bruce first said he'd re-worked this song for the C50 album  :P
5. Male Ego
6. It's Just a Matter of Time
7. I'm So Lonely - these 3 Brian songs (5-7) I really like. They're familiar but with a twist.
8. California Calling
9. Maybe I Don't Know
10. Crack at Your Love
11. Passing Friend - a little on the long side, imo.
12. I Do Love You


Title: Re: Rank the Tracks #25: Beach Boys (aka Beach Boys 85)
Post by: TimeToGetAlone on February 23, 2013, 11:54:21 AM
1. Where I Belong
2. Getcha Back
3. It's Gettin' Late
4. Male Ego
5. I Do Love You

6. California Calling
7. Maybe I Don't Know
8. It's Just a Matter of Time
9. Crack At Your Love
10. She Believes in Love Again
11. I'm So Lonely
12. Passing Friend

Far from a classic, but a passable collection with some decent highlights.  I'll take the blatant 80's sound here over some of the other productions they had before and after.  It's not any worse than what most of their contemporaries were doing at the time.


Title: Re: Rank the Tracks #25: Beach Boys (aka Beach Boys 85)
Post by: Disney Boy (1985) on February 23, 2013, 12:13:03 PM
1. Where I Belong - exceptionally good. By far the best thing they did in the entire decade. One of Carl's very finest. Harmony heaven!

2. I Do Love You - a great Stevie Wonder song (unlike Culture Club he didn't just toss 'em some glorified b-side...), brilliantly sung by Carl, who is incidentally on terrific form vocally for the entire album.

3. It's Gettin' Late - amazing intro leads to a nice, funky, Prince-like track. Carl used the '80's recording tools to good effect hence why this song, whilst obviously being a product of the 1980's, still sounds great.

4. Male Ego - Brian's sole decent contribution to the album. It's got the melodic genius and humour sadly missing from all his other songs here (and from most of his other '80's output unfortunately)

5. It's Just A Matter Of Time - nicely sung, but very slight.

6. Getcha Back - well, i don't really rate this song particuarly... It sounds like a demo, Mike's singing is creepy, the whole song is just... meh. That it managed to do ok as a single utterly baffles me...

7. Maybe I Know - there's an ok song in there somewhere, possibly...

The rest of the album I dislike, especially I'm So Lonely which is horrendous! So a largely unimpressive bunch of songs, but with 3 or 4 absolute gems. Which is more than can be said for Keepin' The Summer Alive, MIU or Summer In Paradise.


Title: Re: Rank the Tracks #25: Beach Boys (aka Beach Boys 85)
Post by: EgoHanger1966 on February 23, 2013, 12:53:25 PM
I love this album.

Passing Friend
Crack At Your Love
Maybe I Don’t Know
She Believes In Love Again
I’m So Lonely
It’s Gettin’ Late
Getcha Back
Where I Belong
I Do Love You
Male Ego
California Calling

It’s Just A Matter of Time


Title: Re: Rank the Tracks #25: Beach Boys (aka Beach Boys 85)
Post by: The Dumb Angel on February 23, 2013, 01:27:19 PM
I gave this album a listen few weeks ago, and I really enjoyed it. I actually really dig the cheesy 80's production at all.  8)

Great
1. Where I Belong
2. Getcha Back
3. Male Ego
4. I Do Love You

Good
5. It's Getting Late
6. Maybe I Don't Know
7. California Calling
8. She Believes In Love Again

Decent
9. Passing Friend
10. I'm So Lonely
11. Crack At Your Love
12. It's Just A Matter Of Time


Title: Re: Rank the Tracks #25: Beach Boys (aka Beach Boys 85)
Post by: Freddie French-Pounce on February 23, 2013, 01:43:54 PM
I'm just tripping over the fact that I apparently am the only person who LIKES this album! :lol

It's one of my most played BB albums! I really like it, but it's fun ripping things to shreds!


Title: Re: Rank the Tracks #25: Beach Boys (aka Beach Boys 85)
Post by: Jim V. on February 23, 2013, 01:47:24 PM
10. California Calling- Is that Adrian Baker on the falsetto? It sounds like him, rather than someone good. Say what you will about the production on the rest of the album...at least they sounded current on much of it. This sounds like a BB tribute band for a Carnival Cruise Line commercial. The key change is

I'm pretty sure that's Brian on the falsetto. But I'm not sure.

8. It's Just a Matter of Time- I REALLY like the drum programming...if you replaced it with an 808 but kept the exact same rhythm, it becomes a Timbaland beat. The song is the perfect length, as there's not much here. It's slight,  yet I like it. I wish Brian's co-lead would've been mixed a bit higher, as him and Mike blend really well here. I like the harmonica part.

Yeah, I don't understand why Mike was mixed so high. His super nasalness does not work in this type of environment. I have the same problem with "Goin' On". It just didn't make sense that he was mixed so highly in the harmonies. I guess maybe they thought he had the most "commercial" voice so they wanted to feature it? I don't know.

7. Male Ego- Brian's vocals are strained throughout most of the song, and the lyrics make one pause. 'Chasin' the tasty ladies' followed by 'we'll be doin it in our head' makes me wonder if that's a veiled masturbation reference. Tasty ladies? Is he singing about cunnilingus? Seriously?! That said, the song is so mindblowingly dumb that it turns into a great song just by its sheer audacity. A guilty pleasure.

That one part is actually "doin' it in our 80s", not "head". And honestly, yeah it's a guilty pleasure. But its so thoroughly Brian, it's awesome.


Title: Re: Rank the Tracks #25: Beach Boys (aka Beach Boys 85)
Post by: ♩♬🐸 Billy C ♯♫♩🐇 on February 23, 2013, 02:01:03 PM
Quote
I'm pretty sure that's Brian on the falsetto. But I'm not sure.
The more I hear it, the more it sounds like Baker to me. It's the same voice as from the California Dreamin' cover, that's for sure. It's definitely not Brian, as the vocal is too 'bouncy' to be him. Might possibly be Bruce.

Quote
That one part is actually "doin' it in our 80s", not "head".

Durrr... 'ladies' and '80s' rhyme, so yeah. Song is catchy as hell...I might have short-shifted it in my initial rating :lol


Title: Re: Rank the Tracks #25: Beach Boys (aka Beach Boys 85)
Post by: Sheriff John Stone on February 23, 2013, 03:31:29 PM
I enjoy all Beach Boys' albums, but I have to work at liking this one. It's the least Beach Boy-ish album they ever made. No Dennis, Levine's production, material from Culture Club, and Mike Love is almost non-existent. But, the biggest problem is Brian. First, you wouldn't recognize his vocals if you weren't a fan, and, unfortunately, it was a sign of things to come. And, secondly, this is the most  boring, non-creative music Brian ever submitted to a project. And, that was also a sign of things to come. They had one ace - Carl Wilson - and they played it often. It's too bad they didn't have the material to match Carl's talent; he was peaking vocally. To think that Carl rejoined the band...for this crap. This was the first BB album on CD, and it sounded great; crystal clear.

1. Where I Belong - one of Carl's best 2-3 songs he ever wrote; wish he had done more like this

2. Getcha Back - some people like Brian's tag vocal; I find it underwhelming



3. California Calling - Ringo Starr?

I can't go on, but....

12. Male Ego - so overrated; horrendous vocal by Brian; more sick lyrics, I could write a song this good, seriously


Title: Re: Rank the Tracks #25: Beach Boys (aka Beach Boys 85)
Post by: Eric Aniversario on February 23, 2013, 11:01:43 PM
I love this album.

Passing Friend
Crack At Your Love
Maybe I Don’t Know
She Believes In Love Again
I’m So Lonely
It’s Gettin’ Late
Getcha Back
Where I Belong
I Do Love You
Male Ego
California Calling

It’s Just A Matter of Time

I can't tell which side is up here...which is first and which is last? ???


Title: Re: Rank the Tracks #25: Beach Boys (aka Beach Boys 85)
Post by: Paulos on February 24, 2013, 03:43:24 AM
I really like Where I Belong and quite like Getcha Back though much prefer the live version with Dave singing lead. I'd rather shave my balls with a rusty knife than listen to the rest of this album ever again.


Title: Re: Rank the Tracks #25: Beach Boys (aka Beach Boys 85)
Post by: hypehat on February 24, 2013, 04:43:08 AM
Seeing as That Lucky Old Son Of A Bitch put Male Ego on his, I guess I can too.

Right.

1. It's Getting Late - Wouldn't sound out of place on an early Prince record. Carl absolutely slays. Love the way the vocals are digitally woven/played with too. The Beach Boys of the future right here.

2. Male Ego -The exact opposite of The Beach Boys of the future. So ecstatically dumb. Carl's 'why-a-why-whyawaitawhile' backing is so cool. Surprisingly inventive. Kinda sounds like the only song Brian's mind turned up for.

3. Getcha Back - You can hear Brian trying to produce this one - baritone saxes, prime 60's percussion hits - and the keychange. Love BW's vocal line in the fade too. Cracking stuff. Only downside is Mike's lead really, it's not really his sort of tune.

4. It's Just A Matter Of Time - sweet. Although not the Brook Benton tune, which I thought it was going to be the first time I listened to this album.

5. Maybe I Don't Know - a decent Carl jam

Here we get dodgy. I kinda like Crack At Your Love while it's on, but it's a bit slight

I'd say the rest are all of equal nothingness until
California Calling (BOLLOCKS)
She Believes In Love Again
Where I Belong (but then I hate cheesy 80's power ballads)

God, can you imagine the reaction of the band when BW88 hit? 'That bastard has been making out like he's only written doo-wop songs for the past DECADE, and now THIS?' A mix between the highlights of this and BW88 would make a respectable record.

1. Getcha Back
2. Walkin' The Line
3. It's Gettin' Late
4. Meet Me In My Dreams Tonight
5. Crack At Your Love
6. Baby Let Your Hair Grow Long
7. Love & Mercy
8. It's Just A Matter Of Time
9. There's So Many
10. Maybe I Don't Know
11. Melt Away
12. One For The Boys
13. Rio Grande

There, I've just saved The Beach Boys' artistic legitimacy in the 80's.


Title: Re: Rank the Tracks #25: Beach Boys (aka Beach Boys 85)
Post by: runnersdialzero on February 24, 2013, 06:32:05 AM

12. Male Ego - so overrated; horrendous vocal by Brian; more sick lyrics, I could write a song this good, seriously

Cool, I want to hear these songs.


Title: Re: Rank the Tracks #25: Beach Boys (aka Beach Boys 85)
Post by: Mendota Heights on February 24, 2013, 06:46:19 AM
Said earlier the video version of It's Gettin' Late is better than the album version. It is because of the extended outro and it can be heard here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1DwyYy3a_WY

Achtung: Hot blonde girl featured in the video.


Title: Re: Rank the Tracks #25: Beach Boys (aka Beach Boys 85)
Post by: EgoHanger1966 on February 24, 2013, 07:45:07 AM
I love this album.

Passing Friend
Crack At Your Love
Maybe I Don’t Know
She Believes In Love Again
I’m So Lonely
It’s Gettin’ Late
Getcha Back
Where I Belong
I Do Love You
Male Ego
California Calling

It’s Just A Matter of Time

I can't tell which side is up here...which is first and which is last? ???

Passing Friend is my #1.
Yeah...I know.


Title: Re: Rank the Tracks #25: Beach Boys (aka Beach Boys 85)
Post by: Smilin Ed H on February 24, 2013, 08:15:09 AM
Wonder what the 85 Oh Lord sounded like...


Title: Re: Rank the Tracks #25: Beach Boys (aka Beach Boys 85)
Post by: Sheriff John Stone on February 24, 2013, 08:38:35 AM

12. Male Ego - so overrated; horrendous vocal by Brian; more sick lyrics, I could write a song this good, seriously

Cool, I want to hear these songs.

Just wanted to see if you were paying attention! ;D  Hey, SOMEBODY didn't want "Male Ego" on the album.

But, "Male ego" could go on a someday rarities CD - songs that didn't appear on albums, other than comps. The Beach Boys have some:

- Breakaway
- Here Comes The Night (single mix)
- Chasin' The Sky
- East Meets West
- Male Ego
- Happy Endings
- Rock And Roll To The Rescue
- California Dreamin'
- Crocodile Rock
- Problem Child


Title: Re: Rank the Tracks #25: Beach Boys (aka Beach Boys 85)
Post by: ♩♬🐸 Billy C ♯♫♩🐇 on February 24, 2013, 09:02:27 AM
Wonder what the 85 Oh Lord sounded like...

Me too. Me too.

Quote
Passing Friend is my #1.
Yeah...I know.

Actuallly, I really liked that song, up until the last verse. If it had ended where I had suggested it in my review up top, it'd have been better. That last minute was completely superfluous and completely took me out of it. It's the same problem 'Livin' with a Heartache' had.


Title: Re: Rank the Tracks #25: Beach Boys (aka Beach Boys 85)
Post by: EgoHanger1966 on February 24, 2013, 12:01:43 PM
Quote
Passing Friend is my #1.
Yeah...I know.

Actuallly, I really liked that song, up until the last verse. If it had ended where I had suggested it in my review up top, it'd have been better. That last minute was completely superfluous and completely took me out of it. It's the same problem 'Livin' with a Heartache' had.
[/quote]

I like the groove to Passing Friend quite a bit, it's one of those tracks that I know is overlong but I don't mind because I can just jam to it. The one track I feel is held back by being too long is I Do Love You.


Title: Re: Rank the Tracks #25: Beach Boys (aka Beach Boys 85)
Post by: ♩♬🐸 Billy C ♯♫♩🐇 on February 24, 2013, 01:39:52 PM
^ For me, I Do Love You is just the right length! :lol

All criticism aside, even the worst tracks on this album IMHO are better than Going South and Full Sail.


Title: Re: Rank the Tracks #25: Beach Boys (aka Beach Boys 85)
Post by: Jim V. on February 24, 2013, 06:19:14 PM
1 "Male Ego": The most "Brian" song on the album. It rocks. Great vocals from all. Best Brian vocals on the album and definitely the best of Mikes, cuz he's not trying to be super nasal.
2 "It's Gettin' Late": Classic '80s soul-pop. How did The Beach Boys not land a hit with this? The vocals are insane. They almost sound sampled? Is that Brian on the high part? He sounds great.
3 "Getcha Back": Not a great song, but you got Brian on the high part and Mike doing his thing. Just like the old days. I can see why it was a hit.
4 "California Calling": Shows that Brian could make something like the early stuff quite easily. He just doesn't want to. I like it. It's The Beach Boys doing what they used to do. Is it cynical? I'd like to think not.
5 "Crack At Your Love": It should be bad. But it's so incredibly inoffensive. It's time stamped to 1984/1985, but that's ok.
6 "Maybe I Don't Know": Slick '80s pop. I don't hate it. I'm honestly surprised they didn't get hits out of songs like this. They surely were contemporary
7 "I'm So Lonely": Another one that's really not good. Horrible '80s production. Lame sax solo. But I like it. It's stuck in my head a lot.
8 "She Believes In Love Again": Bruce apparently trying to be Brian Adams or Rod Stewart. Another guilty pleasure.
9 "Where I Belong": I heard that this was some kinda Carl classic, but it's just kinda boring. Then again, I disliked a lot of these songs at first, and then I came around.
10 "It's Just A Matter Of Time: Probably one of the lamest songs Brian ever did with The Beach Boys. I can still listen to it, but its def one of his worst.
11 "I Do Love You": Sounds like Stevie Wonder. Probably cuz he wrote it. Not horrible.
11 "Passing Friend": Just unremarkable '80s pop. Carl's vocals are cool, but I dunno.


Title: Re: Rank the Tracks #25: Beach Boys (aka Beach Boys 85)
Post by: shelter on February 24, 2013, 10:23:22 PM
It hurts me to say this about a Beach Boys album, but I actually hate this one. The production is downright awful (it even sounds more dated now than any of their 1960s albums) and the songs are going absolutely nowhere.

1. Where I Belong - Not a song that catches the ears right away (at least not mine), but this is a great piece of work.
2. Getcha Back - Not one of Mike's better leads, but it's a very catchy song.
3. California Calling - A reasonable attempt at writing a second Surfin' USA.

Everything else on this album is IMO just as bad as anything on Summer in Paradise and should just cease to excist for all I care.


Title: Re: Rank the Tracks #25: Beach Boys (aka Beach Boys 85)
Post by: rab2591 on March 01, 2013, 08:08:59 PM
At first I really didn't like this album...I heard nothing that would really draw me back to the record. But something did. It's grown on me quite a bit the last few months.

1. Getcha Back - a perfect example of how a Beach Boys song should sound in the 80s - and they pull it off so well.
2. I'm So Lonely - a perfect example of how a Brian Wilson song should sound in the 80s
3. She Believes In Love Again - Ok, it sounds stereotypical 80s, but it's a great cut. Carl and Bruce's vocals are great.
4. Maybe I Don't Know - Ok, cheesy electric solos, but that's a catchy chorus.
5. Passing Friend - the instrumentals are great, Carl's voice, the harmonies, it's a great song.
6. Crack At Your Love - love the backing harmonies for this one.
7. Male Ego - love the chords, melody. Creepy as hell, but amazing nonetheless haha
8. Where I Belong - great harmonies.
9. I Do Love You - tasteful
10. It's Getting Late
11. It's Just A Matter Of Time
12. California Calling - the one song I was sure Mike Love wrote, turned out to be BW/AJ tune.

The Beach Boys (85) is a very cohesive album. Sure, the songs are almost predictable, there aren't too many "wow" moments (unless you're shocked by the lyrics of Male Ego, then there are plenty), but the singing is fantastic, the harmonies are some of the best they'd done in a very long time. It really needed more upbeat tracks, catchy hooks, and less solo guitar. But in the end, I can say that I'm glad my favorite band released a synth-drenched 80s album.


Title: Re: Rank the Tracks #25: Beach Boys (aka Beach Boys 85)
Post by: phirnis on March 03, 2013, 11:34:57 PM
A nice album, even though there's nothing really exciting about it. As far as I'm concerned, MUCH better than the dreadful KTSA but not half as good as the Light Album. Grew up in the 1980s so personally I don't mind the production all that much, even though the synths and drum machines could've been used in a much more imaginative way.

1. Getcha Back - far and away the album's biggest highlight
2. Male Ego
3. It's Gettin' Late
4. Where I Belong
5. I'm So Lonely
6. It's Just a Matter of Time
7. Crack at Your Love
8. California Calling
9. Maybe I Don't Know
10. She Believes in Love Again

11. I Do Love You - forgettable
12. Passing Friend


Title: Re: Rank the Tracks #25: Beach Boys (aka Beach Boys 85)
Post by: Catbirdman on March 04, 2013, 07:27:12 AM
I loathe this album.

B-
Getcha Back

C+
Where I Belong
It's Gettin' Late

C
Male Ego
California Calling

C-
Crack at Your Love

D
I'm So Lonely
It's Just a Matter of Time

F
Maybe I Don't Know
Passing Friend
I Do Love You

Off the charts
She Believes in Love Again


Title: Re: Rank the Tracks #25: Beach Boys (aka Beach Boys 85)
Post by: donald on March 04, 2013, 08:41:31 AM
When it was new, I tried to like it and succeeded with the Carl Wilson rockers.  I found some of the other stuff just unconscionablly pandering to those who only thought of the band as an oldies act.  I like She Believes in Love Again, but DID NOT like Bruce's intro lines as sung.  Imaging that part sung by Brian withthe voice he had on that album.   Would have been much more compelling ...although I realize they were shooting for a single on this one....

Nowadays, there is not much of this LP I care to hear.  Would like to hear getcha back from the 50 tour...haven't heard it yet as I recall.


Title: Re: Rank the Tracks #25: Beach Boys (aka Beach Boys 85)
Post by: joshferrell on March 19, 2013, 12:38:18 PM
some decent songs but some horrible production..
1.where I belong (Beautiful song)
2.male ego (not a bad song)
3.Getcha back (good song)
4.it's getting late (one of the better songs on here)
5.crack at your love (about the same as It's getting late)
6.she believes in love again (pretty song with pretty lyrics)
7.I do love you (Nice song)
8.maybe I don't know (Average)
9. California calling (This is where it starts going downhill for me)
10.It's just a matter of time (had great potential but had a bad production to ruin it)
11.I'm so lonely (Like matter of time it had great pontential but the production is horrible and the tempo is WAY too slow)
12.passing freind (least favorite song)


Title: Re: Rank the Tracks #25: Beach Boys (aka Beach Boys 85)
Post by: Summer_Days on April 15, 2013, 04:45:11 PM
1. Where I Belong - Transcendent. Carl, you're beautiful.
2. It's Gettin' Late - GREAT song, deserved better production than this.
3. Maybe I Don't Know - Not as good, but I still like it a lot.
4. It's Just a Matter of Time - I'm officially the only human being that likes this song. Yay.
5. I'm So Lonely - dumb Brian goodness.
6. She Believes in Love Again - Could have been a lot better, but it isn't entirely awful.
7. Getcha Back - Um...meh. And then some.
8. I Do Love You - reason #57 why Stevie Wonder LOST his wonder in the '80s, What a waste.
9. Male Ego - eehhh....no. NO.
10. Passing Friend - ....zzzzzz.....
11. Crack At Your Love - Crack at your skull, more like.
12. California Calling - Ugh. Call an ambulance, my ears have bled themselves dry.

The bad production ends up sinking the album, despite a few well-intentioned goodies.


Title: Re: Rank the Tracks #25: Beach Boys (aka Beach Boys 85)
Post by: bluesno1fann on September 02, 2013, 11:10:12 PM
From Worst To Best:

12. California Calling. The only downright awful song off this underrated album.
11. Male Ego. By far the most overrated track on this album. Not one of the worst BB's songs, but it's bad, and the lyrics are slightly creepy.
10. It's Just A Matter Of Time. Not a good song, quite boring and repetitive.
9. I'm So Lonely. Best real Brian song. Below average, still. The vocals is surprisingly good.
8. Passing Friend. Good intro, the track itself is all-right at best.
7. It's Gettin' Late. A bit repetitive, but still all right.
6. Crack At Your Love. Not a bad song. Don't care for it too much. That's all i can really say.
5. Where I Belong. Not a favourite, and probably never will be. But still, it's quite a piece of work!
4. She Believes In Love Again. The intro is another example of good music, bad lyrics. Other than that, it's a highly enjoyable song.
3. I Do Love You. Didn't like it at all at first. But it's grown on me a lot. Great track, now in the top 3 of this album.
2. Getcha Back. Best BB's single in a long, long time. Should have been a major hit, instead of the horrible "Kokomo" 3-4 years later.
1. Maybe I Don't Know. By far the best track off this album. From the first time I listened to it, I knew this was going to be a favourite.


Title: Re: Rank the Tracks #25: Beach Boys (aka Beach Boys 85)
Post by: TimeToGetAlone on October 01, 2013, 12:13:43 PM
Getcha Back - 272 (5)
Where I Belong - 255 (14)
It's Gettin' Late - 223.5 (2)
Male Ego - 196 (2)
She Believes in Love Again - 167.5
I Do Love You - 162 (2)
Maybe I Don't Know - 161 (1)
Crack At Your Love - 149.5 (1)
It's Just a Matter of Time - 145.5
California Calling - 144
I'm So Lonely - 135.5
Passing Friend - 94.5 (1)

My thoughts?  Despite having about 3 times as many first place votes as any other song, Where I Belong falls short of top place, which is a shame IMO.  Despite Male Ego being absent on a number of lists, it lands very favourably.  I would have California Calling higher and She Believes in Love Again lower.


Title: Re: Rank the Tracks #25: Beach Boys (aka Beach Boys 85)
Post by: Orange Crate Art on August 12, 2014, 08:31:53 AM
I really disliked this album when I first heard it, but in recent years I started to enjoy some of it.

1. Getcha Back
2. Crack At Your Love
3. I'm So Lonely
4. It's Just A Matter Of Time
5. California Calling
6. It's Gettin' Late
7. Passing Friend
8. Where I Belong
9. I Do Love You
10. Maybe I Don't Know
11. She Believes In Love Again


Title: Re: Rank the Tracks #25: Beach Boys (aka Beach Boys 85)
Post by: job on October 27, 2014, 04:45:18 PM
11. I'm So Lonely
10. It's Just A Matter Of Time
09. California Calling
08. I Do Love You
07. Crack At Your Love
06. Passing Friend
05. She Believes In Love Again
04. Maybe I Don't Know
03. It's Gettin' Late
02. Getcha Back
01. Where I Belong


Title: Re: Rank the Tracks #25: Beach Boys (aka Beach Boys 85)
Post by: jiggy22 on December 15, 2015, 05:44:22 AM
1. Male Ego (this song is awesome, especially the coda)
2. Getcha Back
3. She Believes in Love Again (Bruce sounds great here, I like the roughness in his voice!)
4. Where I Belong
5-12 I honestly couldn't care more for

EDIT 2/25/16:

Okay, just decided to listen to the rest of the album, time to judge the album more appropriately!

1. Male Ego
2. Getcha Back
3. It's Gettin' Late
4. She Believes in Love Again
5. Where I Belong
6. It's Just a Matter of Time
7. I'm So Lonely
8. Crack at Your Love
9. I Do Love You
10. Maybe I Don't Know
11. California Calling
12. Passing Friend

EDIT 7/1/16:

My ranking has changed once again!

12. Passing Friend
11. Maybe I Don't Know
10. I Do Love You
9. Crack at Your Love
8. California Calling
7. She Believes in Love Again
6. I'm So Lonely
5. Where I Belong
4. It's Just a Matter of Time
3. Getcha Back
2. It's Gettin' Late
1. Male Ego

Hopefully I don't change my opinion again in another six months!



Title: Re: Rank the Tracks #25: Beach Boys (aka Beach Boys 85)
Post by: You Kane, You Commanded, You Conquered on March 27, 2016, 08:50:04 PM
Getcha Back
It's Just a Matter of Time
Male Ego
Where I Belong
It's Gettin' Late
Passing Friend (a true rarity - a Beach Boys song with an -ing in the title instead of an -in' !)
She Believes In Love Again
Maybe I Don't Know
I Do Love You
California Calling (again on the same album, another -ing!)
I'm So Lonely
Crack At Your Love


Title: Re: Rank the Tracks #25: Beach Boys (aka Beach Boys 85)
Post by: Mr Fulton on May 14, 2017, 04:11:32 AM
1. Getcha Back
2. Where I Belong
3. It's Getting Late
4. I'm So Lonely
5. California Calling
6. She Believes In Love Again
7. I Do Love You
8. It's Just A Matter Of Time
9. Crack At Your Love
10. Maybe I Don't Know
11. Passing Friend


Title: Re: Rank the Tracks #25: Beach Boys (aka Beach Boys 85)
Post by: Wata on January 12, 2018, 02:08:50 AM
1. Getcha Back
2. Crack At Your Love
3. Male Ego
4. Where I Belong

5. California Calling
6. I'm So Lonely
7. It's Just a Matter of Time
8. I Do Love You
9. She Believes In Love Again
10. It's Gettin' Late
 
11. Maybe I Don't Know
12. Passing Friend