The Smiley Smile Message Board

http://www.brianwilson.com/news/
(June 20th entry)

This would be a dream...I hope it happens.

THE SUITE.

Fantastic birthday news. Somebody give Joe Thomas another talking to about the autotune or make him a fake autotune filter mockup he can twiddle with to his heart's content that doesn't actually render out on mixes and it looks BDW is in for an amazing 2013-14 with recordings, shows, movie, book stuff bouncing around and feeding off each other.

An instrumental track called Metropolis? I'm sold.

Jardine singing ooh  na na over Brian's layered harmonies and Beck's 12 string guitar.  Now I'm starting to get excited...

3 albums - not ONE for the Beach Boys? what a drag...

aaaaand it begins...

Nope! Won't go there. At the end of the day, nothing makes me smile more than knowing Brian is back in the studio and he's groovin' to the sounds. God bless him. That matters more than fanboy fantasy and such.

With Jardine and Marks and a new unexpected creative collaborator pushing him into instrumental stuff? Sounds a lot better than begging Mike Love to add Marcella to the setlist. This is great news, can't wait to hear more details about the tracks... somebody ask Jardine what he's been contributing.

Time to buy those tickets for the Greek Theatre!

Excellent news, sounds very promising...some work rate for a 71 year old

The albums will be 140 dollars each.

Seems to me that Brian was sick of working with the BB's since the 1960's- Glad to see him kickin butt in the studio- so glad....and we are SOOOO lucky too!

What's a Brian Wilson article without a subtle shot at Mike Love?  :lol

I want to be excited, I really do. Maybe this time he'll be a bit more transparent on the pitch correction. I'm sure he's a lovely guy. Please Joe, don't screw this one up!

hahahahahaha - that's funny

Let's start a John Q Public discussion in this thread too.

Do you guys think John Q Public will buy these albums?

I've changed my name to John Q Public just so we can settle these discussions.

I will be buying MIC

I hope to buy Brian's new album as long as Thomas doesn't screw it up with the pitch correction.

Hope this helps

Uranus-Pluto Square

this is true except that these 3 cds will feature only a handful of new songs (less then 5) and the rest will be re-recordings of all the BeachBoys hits and highlights from Brians' solo albums..

What is “prof” surf music?

It's a misquotation from the actual article. If you look at the RS piece right next to it, you'll see the writer actually wrote "prog surf music."

Not surf music the the professor listens to while stuck on the 101, then.

John Q Public says we need more Kokomo. He almost always needs more Kokomo.

EDIT: Well, I didn't mean THE John Q. Public, I mean A John Q. Public.

We're just going to have to come to the realization that other than the 50th anniversary, it's not going to happen again. That is my stance and I hate to take it because I want these albums to be BB albums with Mike and Bruce involved, but if both parties or one party isn't going to agree, then this is how it is going to have to be. If having Al and David on the albums with Brian is the closest we can get to the BB sound, then that'll have to be it. I just hope it's good and that JT doesn't mess the vocals up. Mike and Bruce can continue playing Barbara Ann and Kokomo until their faces turn blue. I also hate saying that, but this is apparently what it has come down to.

I am looking forward to the next BW album, but beware of hype.  Some rather grandiose comments have been made before other albums, that didn't come close to matching what was released.

We're sure to sell a million units of surf prog rock!

For me the main point is that Brian seems to be on a real creative roll. When he's in that space, great things happen. TLOS and Gershwin, for example ...

I'd be surprised if these sessions do indeed wind up as 3 separate CDs -- but even 2 new BW CDs has my little heart a-flutter.

WOW..JB opening the show with a set of his stuff..Then BW doin a set of  his stuff then JB sittin in BW set and// or encore sounds AWESOME !  Battin down the hatches this show is gonna be red hot.Im gonna predict JB will do "Surfs Up" in the show..Plus some new music coming out ..!! MY MY..UNBELIVABLE..!..IM speechless.!

BW! :rock

Should be a killer show, this article finally pushed me into buying tickets and I'll need to be gagged during the concert or may erupt in a terrifying cry of KEEP IT CLEAN during a quiet, emotional moment.

They really are setting the bar high for this one

Not thrilled with the "as Wilson approaches the final chapter of his career" text.

This could mean lots of things... not sure if it's meant to imply something specifically?

I think you're exactly right with everything you wrote, unfortunately....

Don't know, but interesting that the article is written by Jason Fine, who is writing the autobiography with Brian also

Brian will never stop writing songs.

I'm more than happy that this is solely a Brian Wilson project...where Brian's vision isn't skewed by shitty band politics and more stupid drama. Yeah, I'll miss their voices (especially Bruce's), but I won't be crying about it...Brian Wilson (the creator of Pet Sounds and Smile) is in the studio working his ass off on an album; "I'm on a roll. I have so many songs, I can't believe it." This man, now 71 and full of energy, was close to death at numerous times in his life...we should be thankful he's even making music anymore.

Despite what is being said here, I'm still expecting to hear one more new album from The Beach Boys.

Well, he is 71, and remains mortal, as far as I know.

The excerpt about the vitamin energy drink cracks me up - classic hyper enthused Brian. Could you imagine if we had 5-Hour Energy in 1966?

I dare say it...he would have completed SMILE by Christmas.  :afro

Anyway, it would make a swell ad campaign.

(http://i41.tinypic.com/16h0kzd.jpg)

Hey, look at it this way-you can follow myKe and Brooth around and even hear Bea Tru Tu Yur Skool with the lovester's infamous intro. And.......it's the Beach Boys to boot!! ;)

:woot :woot :woot :woot :woot :woot :woot :woot :woot :woot :woot :woot :woot :woot :woot :woot

Band politics? The 50th Anniversary had a set end date. That's not "band politics", that's called "a set end date".

Great moderating. Can we have one thread without this argument?

Mike Love putting the kibosh on further dates, that's pretty much politics

To be fair, other than Robo-Al (which is a shame, I admit), the suite numbers were some of the better-produced tracks, I think.

It seems as if the completed suite may be a realistic possibility.  Wow.  I mean, this is wonderful news to me.  Would I like to see the Rock 'n' Roll album?  Yeah.  Pleasure Island (if this is different than R'n'R)?  Certainly.  Instrumental pieces featuring Jeff Beck?  Fascinating, I'm sure.  A pop album with Al and David?  Of course.

But there is simply no other project I'd rather see Brian release than the completed Life Suite.  My hope is that the Beach Boys will lend their voices to some or all of the tracks, but if the rest of the suite can even come close to matching "Strange World," "From There to Back Again," Pacific Coast Highway" and "Summer's Gone"?  Honestly, I'll take that anyway I can get it.

Go Brian, go!

And Happy Birthday, too.

Thank you for your approval of my moderation. Oh, and...what argument? Unless you call destroying a ridiculous claim that the end date of the 50th Anniversary was "band politics" to be an argument.


Again, "a set end date". That is not politics. That's what the band agreed on.

Yeah, but as it has zero to do with the topic at hand, let's just nip it in the bud, yes?

I already nipped it in the bud. :)

Well, let's hope it plays out that way.  Some would say you encouraged further (off-topic) discourse by bringing up the 50th tour, which is something rab never mentioned ('band politics' does not have to equate to "let's talk about the end of the anniversary tour... again").

I don't mean to be a dick about it, it's just that the BW solo album thread was taken so very off course by the same argument, and I don't want to see the same thing happen here.

RIGHT ON

Eh.

Okay, I've got a question.  Here's the quote:

"Actually, the record that Wilson started working on with longtime collaborator Joe Thomas almost immediately after wrapping up the Beach Boys' 50th-anniversary tour last fall has morphed into what could be three records..." (and then it goes on to describe the nature of the work).

Is this meant to imply that Brian is seriously considering three separate releases, or is the writer making use of hyperbole when describing the sprawling nature of what will ultimately be one eclectic release?

Opinions?

My guess is, given Fine's connection to the BW camp, someone there does consider it at least a possibility.

That's a good point.   :thumbsup

He said the same thing in the mid-90s about the Paley sessions. So....

I CAN'T AFFORD TO!!!!!!! $70 a ticket.... WTF??

It was true, too. Your point?

I never made such a claim in the first place ::) I was referring to the artistic vision of the band - the give and take over the songs selected to be used on TWGMTR.

Metropolis sounds like a pleasure island track name

I am very happy about the Brian solo album(s), yet I wouldn't be surprised if there is one more BB album, if only because of $$$.  The June 2012 Rolling Stone article said 28 tracks were cut for TWGMTR.  Thirteen (assuming DIA was part of that group) were released.  If there are leftovers that already have Beach Boys vocals on them, I believe Capitol and the group would choose to monetize those in the most profitable way, which would be releasing them as The Beach Boys.  

Yeah, but there's no indication all of those tracks were finished. Several of them were most likely for the suite, which it seems like Brian plans to release on his own. Given those factors, it would probably take extra studio time to finish another album, and more deference to Brian's people. Mike seems to have had his fill of that. And they would then be expected to promote the record, which, again, Mike seems to currently not have any patience for.

Finally, the band completed Soul Searchin' and You're Still A Mystery in the mid-90s (and a couple of other songs, from the sound of it), and we didn't see those for 18 years. So I don't think they really care, either.

Just the fact that Brian is this enthusiastic and productive is great to see. I'm expecting very good things.

... or a Jeff Beck track.

It's true, we don't know how many were finished.  But IF there are BB vocals on some of the remaining suite tracks, would Brian (figuratively) wipe the BB vocals to release them as solo (and maybe he would, since he did it with "Soul Searchin'")?  Still, "Easy money, ain't life funny?"...if another BB album happens, it will probably be because the money is too good to ignore.   If there's not one, I'm OK with that.  I'm happy to be hearing new BW music and particularly excited by Brian working with Beck, Al and David.

I'm excited! I feel like with Brian at the helm, and it not being Beach boys project, it'll come out when he says it will. When I read organ/instrumental, Shortenin Bread riff came to mind.

About the so called hype, we all know how they hyped GIOMH and we all know what happened when it came out. But I think lessons have been learned since then.

GIOMH was not actually hyped. At all. There was a single video on Brian's website. Trust me on this -- the only thing people cared about at the time were the live performances of Smile, and the fact that it was coming out as an actual album. That's one of the reasons GIOMH was slammed the way it was: An album of warbly vocals on 50s-style tunes was not what fans wanted from the man in the summer of 2004.

More basically than that -- you know why Lindsey Buckingham didn't put out a solo album for more than twenty years?  It was cause every time he had one underway, the record labels kept saying "Great!  Now just put the rest of Fleetwood Mac on there, and we'll shift a million units!"

And usually, they were right.

Capitol may well end up leaning on either Brian or Mike (or both) to turn some of this new solo stuff into Beach Boys tracks...

Cheers,
Jon Blum

Ya know, I've been thinking that too. And that exact same comparison.

This really could be just like Fleetwood Mac.

Think about what happened for the Say You Will album to come about. Buckingham was recording tracks with Mick Fleetwood and John McVie (with Christine McVie on a few things) for a solo album and then their label (or managment, whoever) told him that if he put his stuff with Stevie Nicks latest stuff, they could put out a Fleetwood Mac album and likely sell much more than a Lindsey Buckingham album. And even though I'm a huge Lindsey fan, I'm not gonna deny that a lot more people got to hear his songs that ended up on Say You Will than if he had put them on a solo album. The band is just much more bankable.

Now look at Brian. Well, at first this story seems a bit different, as it seems he did originally wanna do a new Beach Boys album (a "rock 'n roll record") Now, for whatever reason that didn't happen. And now he's working in the studio with Al and Dave. And this is where the Fleetwood thing seems kinda similar again. So you got Al and Dave there already. And it sounds like Al is pretty heavily involved, which sounds great to me. And don't get me wrong, I think the next album of (mostly?) Brian Wilson originals will nominally be a Brian Wilson solo album. But I wouldn't doubt that if he has as much material as he says, and they have a lot of that work from the TWGMTR sessions. Actually, wouldn't a finished release of "the suite" nicely coincide with the 50th anniversary of Pet Sounds and the recording of The SMiLE Sessions?

Hmmm....

Working title: "Run, Superman, Run"

Well, to me, the guest artist tracks being the one thing to promote and half those tracks didnt deserve bragging rights.  (I'm honestly not trying to argue, it's an old topic that nobody really cares about, let alone off topic here, so I'll stop)

I remember posting about how GIOMH was a way of Brian showing what he can do with older material (besides BWPS).

My point, WIRESTONE, is that just because BW says he has thirty songs or whatever doesn't mean anything will actually come of it. I mean, its not like this is something new. This has happened before and nothing came of it. I'm just pointing that out. :) just read through this and it sounds like a similar story (I'm sure everyone has read this a thousand times): http://smileysmile.net/OLDlibrary/timeline.html (absolutely fascinating reading by the way)

Or even sooner, the media attention generated by a Brian Wilson biopic and autobiography?  Mike might agree to Brian's terms to finish a BB album if there were a decent payday involved.  I wouldn't be surprised if Brian hangs on to any unreleased TWGMTR tracks and waits to see how things play out. It sounds like he has plenty of other material to release in the interim.

I'm aware of the history of the Paley sessions. Brian and Andy also couldn't get a record deal with those songs. No one was interested.

In this case, BW has already signed with Capitol to release these new tunes as a solo album. It's an entirely different story.

such tremendous news. and on Brian's birthday. let summer begin!!!

this article is the antidote to the enormous bummer Mike pulled when he refused to do any more dates with his cousin and fellow bandmates. Brian is full of new music, just as he was full of enthusiasm and pride to be back in the Beach Boys, back on top, touring the world, kicking ass and taking names.

anyone who wants to sit and lament the fact that these THREE(!!!) album's worth of material aren't "Beach Boy" records needs to face the fact that there is only one person responsible for that happening. And anyway, Brian IS the Beach Boys... so these are Beach Boys albums after all. Mike and Bruce are not worth the hassle. They can have Stamos, the rest of the us get BRIAN F*CKING WILSON. And Al. And Dave. And Jeff Beck of all people... why the hell not??!!!

I had to reread your message twice, the second time imagining really stirring, patriotic music swelling. DAMN STRAIGHT!

I believe the key word in the thread title is "potential".

The other, and overriding, reason was that it sucked.

Jeeeeezzzz. Here we go again. Imagine Presley, Sinatra and Billie Holiday come back to earth for three special, intimate concerts at a local bar. Everyone's excited, but you sit there whining because the acoustics are better at the bar down the street. I swear, some people have the lost the art of communication unless it involves arguing. Nothing's happened yet. If it comes out: enjoy it. There's not going to be much more and it isn't going to be as bad as SIP.

The key word is indeed potential. I have painstakingly calculated that these shows have an 85% chance of being potentially fantastic and the spurt of recording Brian is on to have a 67% chance of making it to our ears in some form over the next few years leading to potentially a 100% chance of 47% of us whining about aspects of it and 34% of us highlighting tracks in distinctive colors and making grand playlists of Proposed Infinitely Superior Selections (PISS)...

all in all, more fun stuff to chew on! So, who's for cake?

I'd also like to state, for the record -- that no, "Don't Fight the Sea" doesn't segue naturally from "Metropolis."

Mike is gonna have to step up his game 2004-5 style, pull out his bullhorn and start singing "Student Demonstration Time" at the UK gigs to maintain tactical advantage. You know you want it. You can make the siren noises while you calculate the deep cut percentages.

Also, somebody call the Van Dyke Parks hotline for some string arrangements and appearances on the instrumental album. Warm up the accordion, kid! It's time to put on a show!

(http://www.networkworld.com/community/files/imce/img_blogs/john_q_public.jpg)

Fig. 35453. Satisfied Consumers of Wilson(TM) Brand Audio Products

So we'd better change the thread title, then!  Because one of the albums isn't "potential", it's signed-for-and-announced-by-Capitol.  The possibility of one or two more beyond that is a cherry or two on top!

Cheers,
Jon Blum

Great point! The marshmallow sauce is Alan Jardine, the caramel is David Marks, Jeff Beck is the waffle cone shell, the sticky sugary mess is uh, Joe Thomas. f***, I metaphored myself into a corner.

MORE BRIAN WILSON THAN EVER IN 2013! Oops, wrong obsessive fan forum.

I heard they found three tons of Smile tapes in Africa...

FANTASY MIKE LOVE: "Growing up in Southern California, we knew the sun itself gave off a powerful energy that often expressed itself in music. Like when I wrote the hook to Good Vibrations. I'm very glad that Cousin Brian has similarly rediscovered the California sun and is back in the studio recording music and hope he's having as much fun, fun, fun as we do on the road touring with The Beach Boys which is fully licensed and makes Cousin Brian money while he sits around at home or in this case recording for a major label with everybody else alive from the band who isn't South African or Bruce Johnston or both. Some people come up to me and say, Fantasy Mike Love, have you read the latest jumping jack news flash in Rolling Stone about Cousin Brian? Isn't it a damn shame? To those people I say: of course not. We reached the agreed upon end date and Christian Love sounds like Carl Wilson. We tried to get him to put on the beard but he said it was itchy. I'd love to write with Cousin Brian again but only if we could do it alone, in a room, stripped to the waist at Sea World. Maybe with an isolation tank.

Victims of violence and war often suffer unimaginable trauma for years, unable to find a remedy for their anguish. Like when I had to sing on Cabinessence. These experiences leave an indelible impression in the brain and lead to persistent flashbacks, inability to relate to others, constant fear, hyper-alertness, and frequent outbursts of anger. Those suffering from PTSD need a procedure that reverses this neurophysiological condition.

Transcendental Meditation (TM) is a simple, natural, effortless technique, easily learned by anyone—regardless of age, educational background, or walk of life. TM produces a unique and profound state of rest and relaxation, which eliminates stress and restores healthy, coherent brain functioning. The technique does not involve any religion, philosophy, or change in lifestyle. You may not be named Rhonda, but it sure can help you. So don't back down, find out more about TM from your local TM instructor... until then, I'm going to the beach... surf's up!"

(http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7267/7792052846_fce0f3a582_z.jpg)
 

Including ten hours of Evil of the Brianistas?  Could it be true?

I think the wires were crossed on that rumor, it's actually a project to do a stop-motion animated reconstruction of a Lei'd In Hawaii TV special using Matt Jardine in a wig. Holding very still presumably. Then moving a little bit. Then holding very still. I'm told the effect is lifelike. Of course, I can see why they passed on Ian Levine's version of Adult Child in favor of these animated projects.

I'm kind of surprised that Brian is signed to Capitol. Other than TLOS, I thought it would be a one shot deal. I really didn't think Capitol would be interested after last years reunion came to an end.

After Ian Levine's production on Beach Boys '85?  No way in the world...

Cheers,
Jon Blum
(now you've got me picturing the "K9 And Company" theme as a bonus track on BB85, thanks for that)

Eigh-teen months is too long to wait!
Bring back the Beach Boys, don't hesitate!

Eigh-teen months is too long to wait now!
Bring back the Beach Boys, don't hesitate now!

...to the tune of "Rock & Roll To The Rescue".  (With "K------9!  K------9!" backing vocs.)

HELLLLLLP MEEEEEEEE,
Jon Blum

Looking Back with Love In Distress
Keepin' the Autons Alive
Zygons in Paradise
All Time War Long
The Creature from M.I.U.
Davros Sounds
The Abominable Sunflower
Carl and the Silurians
The Greatest Summer in The Galaxy
L.A. and the Rani
The Dalek Invasion of Christmas Album
That's Why Weng-Chiang Stereotyped The Radio
The Curse of Cruisin'
Endless Armageddon


In fact, the possibilities are endless.

Actually, they just ended. I'll shaddup now. Back to potential.

...you missed "Help Me Romana".

Bar bar bar, bar Barbara Wright,
Jon Blum

An Unearthly Smile
The Carl Licks
Beach Of Destruction
Dave Markso Polo
The Keys Of Murryness
I could go on, but I won't...

And indeed, the groundbreaking 1966 king of 'em all:

Ood Vibrations

MattB

I've long thought that the Beach Boys should do a commemorative single dedicated to the considerable charms of the actor that played the fourth Doctor Who, anyway (Hey, if the Human League can do it... right?). Track listing:















(...wait for it...)











A: Hey Little Tomboy
B: The Baker Man

"Now let's shave your scarf, for the very first time..."

AK!

[reaches for mind bleach]

My last word on the matter: Carl Wilson's fabulously sung paen to those amazing fungal bit-players in 1965's The Chase:

Time To Get A (Gubbage) Cone

OK, Smiley Smilers. We apologise for the interruption, and now return you to your usual programme.

Too bad the anniversary tour stuff had to be brought up yet again. If I never see the phrase “set end date” again…..   :lol

I would only add that to suggest that much of anything in the world of the BB’s didn't or doesn't involve politics is kind of funny. The brand of cheese they picked for the deli trays backstage on the reunion tour probably involved group politics. More reunion offers being turned down? Politics. John Stamos appearing (or not appearing) with the group? Politics. Brian touring with David and Al? Politics. Diet Coke instead of Diet Pepsi in the dressing rooms? Politics.

Back to Brian’s new recordings, I don’t know what will actually make it out, but it sounds promising. I’m pleasantly surprised by the descriptions that seem to indicate Brian may be giving Al a larger vocal role on the album than I would have thought for Al appearing on a “Brian Wilson” album. Sounds like we may even get some Al lead vocals. Never would I have imagined that in 2013 we’d have a Brian Wilson track with Al singing backing vocals over Jeff Beck’s guitar playing. Could be totally weird, or mind-blowing.

As anyone who has read my posts about the reunion will know, I was and still am extremely bummed that it ended (for now anyway). But I have to admit that while these future Brian Wilson solo tracks could sound like anything, it sounds like it has the potential to be more interesting than a “Beach Boys” project (especially one under the “I want to be locked away from everybody else with Brian in a room to write”) might be. Then again, the vocal intro to “Pacific Coast Highway” always reminds me why these guys should all  be singing together.

Cautious optimism! Oh, actual optimism. Unironic. With all the pettiness and grousing going on lately, how refreshing to see a little piece about how productive the big fella is with the same old faintly adorable compulsive habits... with The New Best Friend, that doesn't require a letter to the LA Times back or something. Bring on the waves of Foskett! Fire up the freakin' tack piano.

Hopefully more details, a title or something by fall. Attention fella who posted that long Joe Thomas interview on his blog... now would be a good time to wave a microphone around! Give Probyn the good cop/bad cop treatment until he sings like a canary.

Then we can sniff imperiously and say, "instead of maaaaaking three albums, he should've just made one decent one. Hmpffff." and seven thousand variations thereof.

It is taking a massive, massive effort of willpower not to make Baker "Ahhhhhhhhhh" noises here.
 

good post Hey Jude. +1

I'll probably not buy the BW album(s) out of a whiny protest, but then circle back a couple years later and really get into it (them). JUST bringing myself now to listedn to TLOS, and of course I'm digging it.

I have an unbreakable sentimental attachment to the Beach Boys, what can I say?

...or indeed both-hands-in-pockets, eyes-raised-to-the-ceiling, Davison-style 'INteresting!' noises. Are you another fellow fugitive from the rumour wars racking GallifreyBase, ontor?

OK, OK, I hear the rest o'ya, enough with all the Doctor Who references already...!

(Mind you, we're getting a 50th anniversary set from the Boys this year... and who else is 50 this year...?)

I can't stand widdly widdly guitar heroics myself, so I'm a little cooler on the Jeff Beck news than some people here. But whatever - if this collaboration lights Brian's creative fire, as it seems to be... the results can't fail to be interesting, at least in part. I see it as win/win - I like TWGMTR, but I'm not irretrievably wedded to the Beach Boys like some here. I like Brian's stuff whether he puts it out with the Wilsonmints or the Boys.

And the more material that results, be it one album or three, the greater the chances that at least some of it will be my cup of oolong... or wheatgrass/cayenne shake, or whatever.

In short: Bring. It. On!!!!!

Question--does  Al Jardine get more lead vocals on  Brian Wilson's next  solo album than he did on the last Beach Boys album?

Can't say for sure yet but it's looking like it

Isn't it ridiculous how easy we're all getting?  This is how they described the song

 - Al Jardine's lyrics are "oooh na na na boo boo"

 - Brian wilson produced it and wrote it

 - Jeff Beck plays a guitar on it and he's really good

 - It's spooky


And we're all "BRIAN, TAKE MY 15 DOLLARS BEFORE ANYBODY ELSE, I WANNA HEAR IT FIRST!!! TAKE MY 15 DOLLARS BRIAN!!!!"

I agree, I think it's a spoken, official, talked about out-loud part of his therapy.  Brian has psychological issues, and part of keeping all that in check is working and doing things he's great at like writing and recording music.  He's going to be doing this his entire life.

I know it's strange in the rock world, but in the country music world it's not that strange, most country singers perform their entire lives.  Little Jimmy Dickens still performs (he's in the hospital right now, god bless him) and he's in his 90's.  Ray Price is in his 90's.  etc. etc.

Brian will record music until he leaves us with an unfinshed project. 

It could go either way, but the title does say further "LP's"  .  Plural.  So the writer is definately saying there could be more than 1 album.

Another thing to just throw out there too is that Brian was running sh*t, you can believe if he recorded 28 tracks he probably still owns them himself and can release them however he wants.  The nature of the released album kind of sounds to me like the last thing done were the vocals from the other members, the tracks that weren't released prob. never had vocals cut and half of them will likely pop up on Brian's album. 

Brian records 100 songs, pulls a few out, Mike likes the way that sounds, they put the vocals on and finish the tracks, put out the album, Brian keeps the other 90 songs.  That's how I see what went down.  Brian likely wrote songs before, during, and after the album that didn't make it and he still owns. 

I agree, as much as I love Mike and Bruce and want to hear them on tracks, Brian Wilson is the whole fuckin' show.  Period. 

Though the official word from Brian's website is that he's recording and producing 1 album for Capitol. Doesn't mean there won't be more, but after a bit of thought, I'm not getting my hopes up that this will turn into more anytime soon.

It would be amazing if he released 3 albums at once...perhaps in a nice package with a small book.

You sound like Scott Steiner!

http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x5acti_scott-steiner-maths_sport

We can hope!  He's never tried that, hell why not?   They could charge 20 bucks for it and production costs wouldn't be much more than with 1 cd, it'd be a good value for the consumer and would give him the opportunity to try something different than the tired 1 cd idea that's been beat to death. 

If the answer is anywhere above one, than yes!  :lol

Ray Price is 87, but yeah he's gettin' up there.

Mike seems to idolize Tony Bennett, who's 86.

I think it's great that performers want to keep performing into their 90s, but picturing Mike in his mid-80s singing about cheerleaders and drag races is kind of sad.

True!  But what's sadder, hearing mike sing about cheerleaders, or hearing him singing about "Bring back... bring my baby back..."

These guys used to sing about all the women they knew now they sing about all the women they used to know.  There's really nothing else to sing about besides women though so I dont' really have any suggestions for them. 

HYPERBOLE: claims not intended to be taken literally.



In other words, Brian is working on a record, singular, that is a mixed bag that can be classified around three dominant themes: new songs that could've been a new Beach Boys record, instrumentals that evolved from jamming with Jeff Beck, and presumably, the "My Life" tracks cut from TWGMTR.

It is not unusual for an artist to write and record more songs than necessary for an album, then cull the production to the best work for the finished release, and later, recycle the leftovers into a followup release. That's what I assume is happening here.

so Al is singing "nanny nanny boo boo, stick your head in doo-doo" on the new cd...

I certainly hope so.  :lol

I honestly wish Brian would give us some more of that humorous, quirky stuff, but I'm not holding my breath.

I haven't been a fan long enough to know:

Has Brian ever been this excited about a solo album? Perhaps social media and the internet have changed how we view the recording of an album (and thus the reason more statements are coming from Brian), but has he ever been this vocal and excited about a project?

it seems like every time there's a new release from him he gets all excited about it and says how much he likes it..so this isn't anything new..it's very Brian.

In the title of the article it says "Plans new LP's". 

My POV is sort of in line with Timmy C's although slightly different.  I'm going to take a "wait and see" approach on these new Brian Wilson recordings although even I must admit it's somewhat strange that if these were "Beach Boys" recordings and not Brian Wilson recordings I'd be more optimistic about their potential. (someone explain that one because even I can't figure it out).

The one comment I will make in regards to "The Beach Boys" and these new Wilson recordings is just this:  While I respect (although not necessarily agree) with Mike Love's decision not to go forward with the C50, the fact that Brian Wilson might be going through one of his most creative and prolific phases of his career right now could leave a lot of egg on the face of those who chose not to forge ahead with the C50.  "The Beach Boys" could've been the beneficiary of a mother load of great Brian Wilson songs and that opportunity has now for all intents and purposes passed.  The thing is I doubt Mike Love even cares, he's happy touring the circuit with his incarnation of "The Beach Boys" and that is just fine I suppose.

Anyhow back to the new Wilson records: I figure if they aren't going to be "Beach Boys" records they might as well be released as solo Wilson records.  They are his material and he obviously has every right to get them to his public period.  I wonder if he'll go the route Springsteen went with "Human Touch" and "Lucky Town" and release two separate albums concurrently with one another?

The five hour energy thing was great btw and yeah Custom Machine I do expect at least one more Beach Boys record someday although it may be long past the point when it will actually matter by then.  

PS: I believe it was mentioned that Mike Love actually did some work on one of his archival tracks for MIC?  Any word on whether Brian or the rest of the boys fixed up any of their tracks?

I suspect that the "plans new lps" thing definitely has its origins in the Wilson camp, given that the author of the piece is the guy who will be co-writing Brian's new autobiography. I'd guess the problem is that the Jeff Beck instrumental material is very different from the songs Brian (and likely Joe) cooked up on their own. And the life's suite material is an entirely separate batch of stuff, which I don't get the impression that Brian has worked on much since wrapping TWGMTR. So this stuff could well co-exist on a single record, but it's probably a little too diverse to do so. I'd guess the new Capitol record will feature mostly new BW/Thomas comps, with one or two of the Beck/Wilson tracks. The suite stuff will keep, especially because Joe has aready made noises about doing it as a single, separate record.

I am encouraged. I appreciate Brian's bursts of creativity. One of them was called Pet Sounds, and another was called Smile.

A LONG time ago, in a galaxy far,far away....

I basically agree with your comments, but this has been going on in varying degrees since Brian began releasing solo recordings in 1987. Every time Brian would announce a new solo project, the announcement included something about Brian being in this great place, going through another creative phase, and writing some of the best songs of his career. And, the Beach Boys - in some configuration - were standing there, waiting in the wings, wishing/hoping that Brian would be sharing this new music WITH THEM. Well, he never did, and, in a few weeks the hype of that particular solo project faded, the music turned out to be NOT what it was hyped to be, and we got another ultimately disappointing album.

I agree with you, JohnMill, the Beach Boys could've, and in my opinion, should've benefited from those Brian Wilson songs, at least the 4-5 cream of the crop ones. If you take the stronger BW songs and fill in the album with contributions from the rest of group (including Carl Wilson when he was alive), the Brian Wilson solo albums had a much better chance of succeeding, critically and comercially. Just by adding the Beach Boys' voices to the BW solo songs would've improved them significantly.

I get your point about Mike Love no longer caring. I think I know what you're getting at, but I'm not sure "caring" is the accurate term. I think Mike still cares; I also think he is disappointed that things didn't work out with Brian - again. But, things have changed. While there was a time when Mike Love was happy to just be working - in any capacity - with Brian Wilson, that no longer appears to be true. In my opinion, Mike appears to have his own terms now, and if they're not met, he will pass. I think he still cares, but, probably because of "his history with Brian", Mike will only agree to his terms. And, that's too bad. For a lot of people.

Finally, I think Mike is looking at history in another aspect. With each Brian Wilson solo project, Mike had to read and hear all of the hype, including some negative things said about him and the Beach Boys. But, Mike and the guys waited it out, and, with very few exceptions, Brian's solo albums would come and go in a relatively short period of time and make little if no impact. I could picture Mike saying, "I told you so". I wouldn't be surprised if he feels the same way about this project. History is on his side...

Another was called That Lucky Old Sun, and another was Brian Wilson Reimagines Gerswhin. And both were terrific.

Depends on what you mean by impact, I suppose. If by sales, then I guess so, although BWPS and TLOS both did well. If you're talking about general critical response and fan reaction, I'd say Brian has built up a solid body of work, easily outpacing anything the Beach Boys managed since the mid-70s, if not before. I'm not sure what disappointments you're talking about.

In my book "Good Kind of Love" is a perfect pop song. Give me an album full of songs like that and Brian has done it yet again.

Yes, sales would be one aspect, a significant one. First, I would put at least one asterisk next to BWPS, and I honestly have no idea how many albums TLOS sold. And, yes, I am also referring to critical response and fan reaction. I've always felt that Brian's solo work was reviewed and judged with a more than usual sympathetic ear - for obvious reasons. While there were probably more positive than negative reviews, I've never viewed the overall critical response as "this is an excellent album that you must have". As far as impact, Brian Wilson as a solo artist has left a trail of once-and-done (and some two-and-done) deals/relationships with record companies. If the quality (and sales) were significant enough, he would not have been left to walk away.  

Frankly, I find the fan response to be positive at the beginning, but the enthusiasm quick to fade. On this board alone, compare the reception of Brian's solo albums with That's Why God Made The Radio. While there are several reasons for that discrepancy in (lasting) enthusiasm, I think quality is the main one. Are Brian's solo albums played after a period of time has passed, or are they put on the shelf and rarely re-visited? Honestly, if I would use a term to describe Brian's solo albums, I believe "disappointing" would be one that I and most Beach Boys' fans would use.

I respect but don't agree with your opinion and your evaluation of Brian's solo work, that it EASILY outpaces anything the Beach Boys managed since the mid-70's, and I flatly dismiss your comparison to "if not before". You know, I often wonder how much Brian really cares about his solo music. He has done a good job at introducing new material, devoting a significant portion of his concerts to it. But then that solo music seems to disappear and that pre mid-70's material (that you compared Brian's solo material to) seems to reclaim and eventually dominate the sets. That's another example of the impact, or lack of, of Brian's solo material. In my opinion, of course... :police:

...Except for all the times that we weren't disappointed.  When we got something as lovely as "Lucky Old Sun", or as polished as Gershwin.  (Which charted at 21 and 26, so, respectably.)


History has been saying for about a decade now that Brian is putting out a string of acclaimed, decently-selling solo albums, followed by the Beach Boys' best-charting album in 35 years.  Where exactly is the "told you so" in that?

Cheers,
Jon Blum

Lots of good stuff here.  First off in regards to Brian Wilson as a solo artist, I think he needs to be commended and given a huge amount of credit for at the very least helping if not full out driving the renaissance The Beach Boys' brand has undergone in the past ten years or so.  If Brian had never emerged once again as a solo artist we may have been very well left with the final image of The Beach Boys either individually or collectively being the horrid "Summer In Paradise" LP and Uncle Jesse belting out Beach Boys tunes on his sitcom.  While it's a subjective opinion I've always firmly believed that The Beach Boys have no business being featured on infomercials that hock sixties hits compilations featuring the one hit wonders of the decade.  Do you ever see Beatles songs or Stones songs featured on these releases?  No you don't but unfortunately the placement of The Beach Boys among these inferior acts is all too common in my opinion.  Anything Brian Wilson has done or is doing to change the public's perception that The Beach Boys' music belongs in the same category as those one hit wonders is fine by me.

Is his music better than anything that The Beach Boys have managed since the mid seventies?  Well any response will be subjective at best and probably the best objective answer I can manage at this time is it is hard to judge.  The reason being that so much of The Beach Boys' work specifically their material from the eighties onwards sounds very dated in 2013 and by dated I mean dated not nostalgic like some of their "car songs" and "surf songs" from the sixties sound.  Brian has some great songs on all of his solo albums in my opinion including the much maligned GIOMH and he also has ones that should've been relegated to the vault.  As it was mentioned before it's somewhat of a pity that The Beach Boys at the time some of these records were being issued couldn't work with Brian to condense some of the material, add in a few songs of their own and put out some strong records.  For example I would've loved to have heard some of the tracks that were on Carl Wilson's album with Beckley and Lamm such as "I Wish For You" on "Imagination".  Obviously that was not to be but it's hard to argue that it wouldn't have made for a stronger record.

Sheriff John Stone makes a great point when comparing TWGMTR with Brian's solo works.  Subjective again but quite honestly I can't tell you when I last pulled any of Brian's solo albums off my CD rack for a spin.  It's not that they are bad records but for some reason they don't seem to have an enduring quality to them.  TWGMTR on the other hand has been in constant rotation in my CD player since it was released and probably is still my favorite "new album" I've purchased.  Now that isn't to say that record doesn't have weak songs either as there are two tracks that I've barely listened to after their initial audition in my car stereo.  However the rest of the album in my opinion holds up well against the rest of The Beach Boys' catalog.

In the end personally I'm quite dismissive as to sales figures in regards to Brian Wilson or The Beach Boys for that matter.  We had a discussion a few months back about how Mike Love was apparently upset because TWGMTR didn't stay atop the charts for a very long period of time.  Most of us kind of dismissed that notion stating that few artists from The Beach Boys' era are able to maintain long runs of success at the top of the charts and are offered the consolation prizes of positive reviews and occasionally awards.  In an era where the album at least in my eyes is a dying breed, I don't put much stock in the charts anymore.  I expect the Brian Wilson album(s) to sell significantly less than TWGMTR just because Brian's name isn't as marketable as The Beach Boys brand.  But if the record(s) gets positive reviews from the critics and is embraced by the fanbase that in enough of itself should be viewed as a victory.

In my opinion, I doubt that Mike Love views Brian's solo albums as acclaimed. Hyped maybe, but not acclaimed. In the end, when the dust settles (literally) on Brian's solo albums, they will have had little or no impact, other than on Brian's attempt to sustain a solo career. In Mike's view, and in the view of many other Beach Boys' fans, the main impact was that the solo material would've been better served on a Beach Boys' album.

As far as decently-selling solo albums, Jon, I honestly don't know the sales figures. I don't THINK Brian's solo albums sold decently at all, but I guess it depends on what you consider decent.

Something doesn't jive there so maybe you can clear it up for me.  If in your opinion Mike Love feels that Brian's solo material would be better serviced as Beach Boys recordings rather than solo efforts than why did he stomp the C50 potentially putting a halt on what may have been the biggest opportunity The Beach Boys had to strike while the iron was hot in decades?

It already is.  Let's face it, ANYYYYYTHING Brian comes up with is 10X better than what Mike would come up with.  I love Mike, wish he was along for the ride, but he knows full well what he's giving up. 

That Lucky Old Sun is great except for the spoken parts. A little choppy yes, a bit poppy, but very good overall.

I think BWRG is pretty "Brian by numbers". It sounds like they are going for 1966 Brian and not getting close. Listen to Sharon Marie's "Summertime" and the one from the solo LP. The first is spooky, goes into odd places, is innovative in its very simplicity. The recent version sounds like someone going for "Brian Wilson" rather than Brian Wilson himself. Disney isn't worthy of comment, GIOMH is bad but not as bad maybe as Andrew thinks.

All the work with Andy Paley was pretty good. Joe Thomas...well TWGNTR is basically good, the previous stuff he did isn't. I didn't mind the auto tune so much, on vinyl it sounds darn good. BWPS helped the final Beach Boys version happen but doesn't hold a candle to the 1966-67 vocals because Brian's special voice is gone and the other guys were also terrific. Domenic Priore and I differ respectfully on a few things but he is right when he says these were the Beach Boys best vocals ever. Listen to Brian imitating a horn on the "Vegetables" tag. Simply fantastic!

I like the Xmas LP for some reason. The live albums so so/ OCA is not my style nor do I like the vocals. Soundtrack is mediocre but the 1988 remakes and the Still I dream Of It demo were truely worth hearing.

I can only guess but I'm sure it will all come out eventually. I think Mike has a list of demands for future Beach Boys' recordings, and at the top of that list is more lyrical and concept contribution from Mike himself. I don't think Mike has a problem with the music that Brian has produced, he probably likes it. And, Mike probably still wants to turn it into Beach Boys' music, but on HIS (Mike's) terms. I would think that Mike thinks he could improve it, you know, by adding his touch like he did so many times in the past. I don't think Mike got his way, and an opportunity for another Beach Boys' album was lost.

After reading through a few more comments I realized I must have strayed into Bizzaro World again... in Bizarro world, Brian Wilson hasn't made a good song in 30 years, in Bizarro world, Brian's only value is if he writes a song that has 'beach boys' on it even though half of them are dead.

In the world I'm usually in, Brian Wilson is considered a genius and has been pretty consistantly writing great songs, touring the world, and enjoying critical success for the last 10 years.  

It's impossible for me to ascertain whether or not Mike Love could actually contribute anything lyrically to a Brian Wilson song that would improve it just due to the fact that M&B don't release new original material of their own.  Mike Love was a great contributor to many of The Beach Boys' hits back in the sixties a fact that was pretty much obscured for years by some stealth maneuvering on the part of Murray Wilson.  But to quote another forum member that was "A LONG time ago, in a galaxy far,far away...."

Now subjectively I think one thing that Mike, Al, Bruce and Dave could contribute to Brian's records at this stage in his career in an immensely positive way is the vocal blend that was accomplished on TWGMTR.  I'm not sure if I'm the only one who feels like this but to me the vocals on that record seemed a lot tighter and more fluid than any of Brian's solo efforts.  It seems that in that case at least "The whole was greater than the sum of it's parts" as the boys were able to really cover for each other's shortcomings when it came to putting forth vocals for TWGMTR that really were solid in every respect.  I know it might be blasphemy to some to even suggest this but I wonder if Brian had recruited The Beach Boys (assuming the all parties would've been willing) for BWPS instead of the musicians that he used would we be viewing that record differently than we do today?  Would it hold up better to the original sixties SMiLE recordings than BWPS does?

Yeah alternate universe scenarios bug me too  :-D so I'm out for now.  Wishing Brian Wilson the best on all fronts and hope that birthday cake was as delicious as it looked. 

well I don't think I'm easy, particularly since I haven't really cared much for most of Brian's solo output. But I guess you know me better than  I do...

myKe luHv's "touch" is not a necessary ingredient in any Brian project. I hope to listen to all future BW product without any participation whatsoever from luHv. Here's hoping that Brian fully distances himself from any further association from him altogether.

Thanks, Ron. I've missed ya, buddy.

And the Gershwin album is really amazing. To say it's Brian by the numbers boggles my mind. Where has Brian ever recorded numbers that sound like the Porgy and Bess suite that kicks off the record? It's lush and dramatic and humorous and, at least to my ears, unlike anything he's done before.

Okay, so he did a couple of shuffle numbers. Which he's done consistently album after album since the 60s, right? Oh wait, he hadn't done one since the 60s. My bad.

I don't like it, give me 1961-74 Brian any day over it. He's good sometimes since then, but if the pre 1975 did not exist I would not take notice of him. Frankly it's cool Brian has hardcore fans, but it's not cool if they don't accept that not everyone is enamored by some of his music mid seventies to present. I respect your taste, but lately this whole board seems based on shouting people down. It's becoming a bully pulpit for Brian fanatics.

So, here's my take on all this. I've been buying Brian Wilson solo albums for a while now, and I gotta admit that with nearly all of them, besides his solo debut album, they are exciting to listen to at first, but get old pretty fast. Even with That Lucky Old Sun, I just don't think it's as great as everybody says it is, although as a collection as songs, it was probably his best since the debut. By the time the Disney album came out, I didn't even bother to buy it, even though I was super excited for SMiLE to come out. The only thing that kept me somewhat excited about more current work by Brian was how great he sounded on the Buddy Holly cover, "Listen To Me".

So basically it was that, combined with the fact that he would have the other Beach Boys voices, that made me excited about That's Why God Made The Radio. Well anyways, I get the album and to this day, I still listen to it pretty regularly. To me it just seems like the best thing that Brian or the group as a whole has done since Brian's debut, or maybe even L.A. (Light Album). And I think the reason it works so well is that Brian brought some great songs to the table, but also equally how great Brian's songs sound with Al Jardine, Mike Love and Bruce Johnston singing them. That's what puts over the top. When Brian has these guys to work with, he has a larger palette to choose from, and it gives both the songs and the album as a whole more depth, more variety. Something like "From There To Back Again" probably wouldn't work again if it was Brian singing it straight through, but when you have Al and Brian both taking a lead, then Mike with his part and also group harmonies, it lifts it into the stratosphere. And that's just not something you can get with anybody. It's Brian Wilson writing great material and having some of the best voices around to work with.

So that's why I was really hoping for another Beach Boys album. And that's why I'm disappointed with Mike Love, because I felt that we are missing out on another chance to hear a great writer working some of the best voices in the business. But anyways, it is very heartening to hear that Al Jardine have some involvement in Brian's new album. Because Al's voice worked great on the few chances he had on TWGMTR, and I'm sure if given the chance again, he will deliver the goods. It's cool that David Marks will be involved, but if the credits are to be believed, he wasn't involved vocally, and so his presence doesn't matter as much. But it will be great to have three Beach Boys on Brian's new album. And because of all this, I have higher expectations for Brian's new album than I have for any of his work in a very long time. I'm expecting something as great as the last Beach Boys album, with great vocals from him and Al.

I thought he already did so in 1967... ;D

For the most part, the backing tracks on the Gershwin album sound really bland to these ears. The singing I guess is OK but still nothing to write home about really, just "surprisingly good" and consistent in the sense that we know it could've been much worse. The promo shots of the man looked really forced and I felt a little uncomfortable with the whole Disney project so that, just like sweetdudejim, I didn't even bother to buy the second album they put out.

I totally agree on the bullying and shouting down, but just by Brian fanatics? Really??? There is a contingent on here, be they Brianista's, Mike lovers, autotune apologists etc who seem intent on pushing down any negative statements regarding their chosen area of fandom. So Mike, I think it depends on your perspective.

I haven't had a chance to go through this thread but thought I'd chime in with how exciting this news is to me of an apparently creatively un-blocked BW. Even if the end results are patchy, the potential of 3 LPs worth of music suggests there will be a few new gems in there.

I'm particularly excited by the news that the life suite thing may be in the works. Say what you like about Joe Thomas, if the collaboration means Brian is comfortable enough to get creative and write some of his best music in decades (eg. the heavy tracks from TWGMTR), then it works for me.

OK

He's a wanker

Marry me.

I really hope Al has at least a few leads on the new album. I know it's Brian's album, but still, I hope this is being approached as "Mike and Bruce didn't agree to tour on our schedule, so we're approaching this as another Beach Boys album, just without them." Maybe that's being way too optimistic. Probably is.

But yeah, agreed that TWGMTR is miles and miles above most of Brian's solo work overall. Hate to say that, I love the guy, but something in the songwriting of the last album was very much there that wasn't there very often before in any individual member's work since maybe some time in the 70s. Maybe even above that, there's still so much magic in hearing those guys' voices together (even if heavily processed and lacking two elements of the original blend) and it's a shame they don't realize that and put their bullshit aside (the wifeandmanagers from all parties, too). Said bullshit even manages to slightly cheapen that now seemingly distant, brief period where they did make it work.

I just really thought that while we might not see them continue touring like they did for the 50th anniversary shows, we'd at least see them continue to make Beach Boys records for the remainder of their time here. Breaks my heart that I was wrong.

Exactly.  About time you got your ass in gear. 

Who's shouting?  You're allowed to have your pessimistic, don't like anything attitude and we're allowed to have our optimistic, I like it attitude.  We just happen to be very vocal about things like happiness, goodness, wholesome family values, the sun, the beach, beautiful women, nice cars, brotherly love, harmony, great music and Love.... and you're very vocal about autotune. 

A masterclass in the dismissive post. Shame it's total bollocks  :lol

There is no argument. There are no sides. There's just a small group of people, of which you are a big part, who seem hell bent on regulating what other people post. And using words like goodness and wholesome to describe your side of the "arguement" is one of the most ridiculous things I've ever read on here.

Seriously, if you weighed in on my side of a debate using tactics like that I'd be embarrassed and defect to the other side.

The thing I find saddest of all is that band issues became so complicated and unpleasant. It's sad that Brian can't just have Mike turn up and do a few vocals on an a few songs, or that Al can't play a show with Mike and Bruce every now and again. I don't know why it's so complicated or difficult for these people to collaborate freely, but it seems to be. Is it Mike only wanting to do things on his terms, or does Brian not bother asking him or make it unnecessarily difficult due to all of the people and things he brings with him? Are Mike and Al so at odds with each other that they'll avoid each other whenever possible? I'm pleased that Brian, Al and David are able to do this together and I wonder whether Bruce would be willing if the politics wasn't such an issue. Bruce seems to be a huge Brian fan and I think he helped Brian out a few times earlier in his solo career. His voice has held out well and he really made a difference to parts of TWGMTR, so it's a shame we won't hear him in the blend again any time soon.

It's a shame that this album won't have all the remaining members in the vocal blend but the only thing they can really offer is their vocals, and Al's involvement should therefore be a huge bonus. Brian is currently so far ahead of the other guys in creative terms that he'd be the significantly dominating force in any collective album. The Beach Boys vocals might improve his work but Brian's music can still be good without them.

As regards Brian's solo career, I think he's really stepped it up for his last three records. Maybe removing the pressure of producing an album full of original material allowed him to focus more on the arrangements and vocals of the songs, but they're much more enduring than Imagination or GIOMH. I enjoy both of those albums in parts, but I probably wouldn't recommend them to people. After GIOMH, I had concerns over Brian's next releases, but I've been pleasantly surprised by everything since That Lucky Old Sun. If we were talking about a follow up to GIOMH now, I'd probably have big doubts over whether a new album will be any good or not. But given that he's released three solid albums in each of the last three years (I'm including the reunion album) I'm really looking forward to what comes next. I still listen to the Gershwin and Disney albums and TWGMTR is still a regular play for me, so I'm quite excited about his next release. If you didn't like his output from the last few years then you'll see it differently, but I'll base my expectations on his last three or four projects rather than on solo stuff from ten years ago or more.

Then Mike, or those who wish to speak on his behalf, are in denial.  Simple as.  :-)  They've got consistently positive reviews in a way that nothing Beach Boys - related since about 1973 bar "Pacific Ocean Blue" has.


More impact than any other new Beach Boys - related release in a quarter of a century, easily.


I think you're speaking for yourself there, while trying to wrap it in the legitimacy of others.


All we know is, Capitol Records -- a major-league label -- was happy enough with "That Lucky Old Sun" hitting #23 that they've signed for another Brian Wilson solo album of originals -- the first such album he's even tried to offer to any label since then.  Meanwhile, Mike Love's latest solo album is gathering dust in his closet, aside from the one track from it he got put onto the last Beach Boys album.  Basically a mirror image of 1988, there...

Cheers,
Jon Blum

Seconded.  "Brian by numbers" is an attempt to turn "Sounds like Brian Wilson" into an insult.  No real way that works in my book.  :-)

Cheers,
Jon Blum

^ THIS

Without taking this topic more off course than it already is in my opinion in regards to the alleged current discord between members of The Beach Boys, here is my take on what happened:  Mike Love made a business decision albeit one we as the fanbase have yet to get his full reasoning behind not to continue on with the C50 despite the notion that from the outside looking in continuing C50 related activities would seem to have been a no-brainer especially from a business point of view.  Anyhow Mike makes this business decision not to continue on and Brian Wilson or at least those who represent him have seemed to take this extremely personally.  That isn't to say he's exactly crying into his pillow but not a moment has passed since the C50 has ended where Camp Wilson hasn't taken a shot at M&B.  From my vantage point there just seems to be a lot of anger and resentment from that side of the room and again I think we are still missing part of the story.  Some forum members have brought up that the fact that the C50 was halted by Mike Love took the other members of the band by surprise but that theory has been pretty much debunked by just simple research of statements made by the band while the C50 was still going on.  So the notion that the rug was pulled out from under anyone seems to be a bit of a falsehood in enough of itself.

I too find it sad that from all the "circumstantial evidence" there seems to have been some legitimate personal fallout and hard feelings stemming from the fact the C50 didn't continue.  This to me stems far beyond another C50 lineup tour or another Beach Boys album and unfortunately seems to speak again to a group of old friends who rather not be in each others company anymore.  

Yeah, Ron's really good at dismissing other people's opinions and trying to make them look like they are unreasonable, all while acting like he's got at all figured out. Gag me.

Please, don't hold back.  :)

No, I'm speaking for the majority of Beach Boys' fans, as I see it. Frankly, I don't understand how you can't see it. If you surveyed every Beach Boys' fan that attended a C50 concert, and asked them the following question -  Brian Wilson has written some new songs, and there is going to be a new 2013 studio album. Would you prefer the songs to be used for a Brian Wilson solo album, or would you prefer the songs to be used for a new Beach Boys' album - what do you think the results of that survey would be? I am saying that most Beach Boys' fans would prefer the songs to be used for a new Beach Boys' album. You don't agree. Respectfully, I think you're wrong.
 

I want to come to your world! It sounds much better than the one I am in  ;D

One aspect of all this which I find "interesting" and would like to have factual (not suppositions etc.) info about goes back to a comment made someplace during the C50 tour by ML that he'd like to return to the studio with BW to do more new stuff but without "others" around. Who's he referring to (JT, MW, other 3rd parties)? What are the issues (creative control; style; direction; etc.)?
Some here might say that's a good thing because ML's involvement would "water down" BW's material (ie. more fun & sun stuff, less "Summer's Gone") but others might say it would result in material closer to "typical BB" stuff. Another point of view could be that there'd b a good mixture sort of like the Today and Summer Days/Nights output.
As part of trying to figure out where the interpersonal relationships of the member is at the moment, it would be interesting to know the reasons to his reluctance - if asked - to collaborate given certain presences. And, perhaps to speculate what might result if they did eventually collaborate with minimal 3rd party presences.

I'm just happy to have new music from Brian...I don't care if it is as a Beach Boy, solo, or a member of One Direction.

I harbor no grudges against anyone personally on this board, and indeed I respect everyone here. There are a few people whose behavior I don't care for, but even those folks have good points at times.

I do not, however, believe than a post -- or any other statement of belief or opinion -- is the same as a person. Even the most respected individual is capable of believing dumb or mistaken things. And that goes for me as much as it does for anyone else. So I have tried very hard over the past couple of years, especially when passions run high, to distinguish between addressing people and addressing the things they say. I don't always hit the mark on that, but I do try.

And I continue to post, and continue to write the way I do because I feel that ideas and opinions and facts are important. Arguing passionately is not bullying or trying to shut people down. Using powerful rhetoric is not using some sort of dirty trick. It's the very essence of the back-and-forth that message boards are meant to encourage.

But using dismissive language and essentially telling people their subjective views are wrong, unwelcome and unwholesome is

And I don't mean you by that Wirestone. You've had your moments, as have I, but you're always open to make amends if you've erred


On here, all we are to others is our names, avators, and most importantly our words

I like to think I'm seen as a fair, tolerant person, rather self effacing, who makes some funny jokes.

(But in reality, I suspect I come across as  annoyingly pompous and sanctimonious, or, if none of those things, rather inconsequential  :lol)

Nah...I don't often agree with you, but it's more of a difference of opinion rather than anything else.

Awww, I always agree with you  :(

^ Epic Paradox

Seriously, though, sometimes I disagree with you (especially concerning TWGMTR) but it's more a friendly debate type deal rather than anything else. That's what makes this board fun, as long as people are debating in an adult manner rather than piss and moan like children.

It is yes. Friendly. Absolutely.  And there's nothing wrong with stuff getting heated sometimes, as Wirey said.  But the dismissiveness and utter lack of empathy.....nah, can't be doing with it.  

By the way, liking the vomity new avator!

:lol  I messed up though...it was supposed to be animated. It's actually a waterslide, and kids were going down it.


Oh yeah. One thing that gets me is that people forget that with a band that's been around for 50+ years...not everybody is going to like the entire catalogue. They're closer to someone like Fleetwood Mac than a band like the Stones.

And my point remains, you've just made that up.


...then the answers would represent the fact that easily two thirds of the people at the concerts didn't even buy "Radio" and have no real interest in the matter of new material either way.  And such a question would still have no bearing whatsoever on your previous claims about "told you so" or "disappointing" or "gathering dust" or etc etc etc.

Preferring a Beach Boys album does not equal treating a Brian Wilson album as marginal or forgettable.  *I'd* prefer to get another album from the boys...  but possibly not if it meant that experimental tracks with Al Jardine and Jeff Beck would never see the light of day.

Regards,
Jon Blum

Your point remains that I made something up? Well, um, yes, you would be correct. It's called an opinion. We all have them. I expressed mine.

Just because two thirds of the people at a Beach Boys concert didn't purchase TWGMTR, doesn't mean they aren't entitled to an opinion, or aren't qualified to make one, or wouldn't be qualified to answer a simple question on a survey. There are several million Beach Boys' fans who didn't purchase TWGMTR, and they are perfectly qualified to opine whether they prefer a solo album or a Beach Boys' album. Actually, by their past actions (or lack of), they already have spoken.

You wrote, "Preferring a Beach Boys album does not equal treating a Brian Wilson album as marginal or forgettable." I never said it did. You used the terms "marginal and forgettable". I used the term "disappointing". And, I presented other reasons why I found Brian Wilson's solo career to be overall disappointing. I pointed out the lack of a hit single, the disappointing album sales, after the initial release the lack of solo material performed live, the decreasing concert ticket sales, and the going from record company to record company.

My basic point is that the majority of Beach Boys' fans would prefer Brian's new material to be used for a Beach Boys' album as opposed to a Brian Wilson solo album. That's what I think; that's how I feel. I think that says a lot - not everything, but a lot - about the impact of Brian's solo career. You obviously disagree. I respect your opinion, but I don't agree with you.

You're not just saying it's your opinion, tho. You're citing imaginary surveys of hypothetical audiences to bolster your argument with the agreement of thousands of people who have no idea what you're opining about. It's all well and good to state your opinion, but without any actual data to back it up, it might rub people the wrong way when you seem to be claiming almost everybody else agrees with you.

Time to bust out those Audience Appreciation Index reports. Start calling everybody just as they sit down for dinner and ask them what they think about Brian's new album plans.

All this stuff is gravy anyway. BW entered showbiz heaven decades ago and these are just victory laps, therapy, and more music for those who like it. Sounds like it might be some interesting stuff, so i'm in!

First, I'm only using an imaginary survey to make a point. It's just a way of counting or measuring the opinions if you will. I did not state as fact how the results of a survey would come out. I stated how I THINK they would turn out. I thought that was understood. The imaginary survey was only one way I was making my point. I did list other criteria to "bolster the argument". I didn't really claim that "almost everybody agrees" with me, just the MAJORITY of Beach Boys' fans. But, I do agree with you that it "might rub people the wrong way". Seriously, I will try to work on that. I have to improve the way I express myself. Do you think it also has to do with being critical of Brian Wilson? :police:

You sum it up perfectly. I yawn when seeing these Brian whiners twist my words. Did you hear the two I mentioned? Did you really think Brian's 1964 production wasn't in another galaxy altogether? It sounds like Brian, but it isn't anything that measures up to his work through 1974, and intermittently afterwards. I did buy the Disney and found it contrived, and too jazzy, No vinyl was a bummer too! I don't at all concede because I gave a very fair and even summation of Brian Wilson the solo artist. Some is good-some isn't. I'm proud of his survival as much as anyone else, but either something is good or it isn't. I divorce it from the story purely as music.

...And the bit that you've made up is that the clear majority of fans, and Mike Love too, would agree with your own opinion.  Not just about a Beach Boys album being preferable to a Brian Wilson album, but about Brian Wilson's albums being disappointing and so forth.

When all the evidence we have is of a general lack of disappointment with Brian's solo work in recent years.  (Even among the sorts of fans who've been vocally disappointed in practically every album the Beach Boys have put out in the past 35 years or so.)


Of course it doesn't.  Point is, they're not holding your opinion.  Disinterest does not equal disappointment or disdain.


You talked about "lack of impact" and being "quick to fade".  I think my point stands.  I also think that you'll find that in the big picture, opinions on "Lucky Old Sun", Gershwin, etc haven't shifted very much over the years -- the people who loved them still enjoy them, the people who bitched about brickwalling or it-sounds-too-much-like-Brian-Wilsony-stuff still aren't keen.  People still feel basically the same way, even if they don't think about the album as much because new releases are taking more attention.  That's partly my opinion, partly the observation of how people actually vote in polls on sites like this.


You're entirely entitled to your own opinion.  You're just not entitled to declare that most people share it, when there's no sign of that.

And again:  I'd prefer another Beach Boys album.  Doesn't mean I'm disappointed by what we're getting instead.  A re-energized Brian, writing even more songs than on his last big creative roll around 2006, which brought us a great solo album?  Not really seeing a downside there...

Cheers,
Jon Blum

Its the 21st century. Why cant we have a pitch corrected version and a regular version?

Its what the fans demand!!!  ;D

He's entitled to his opinion but in this case I think his analysis of the situation regarding what the general public would be more interested in a new Beach Boys album versus a new Brian Wilson album might be factually correct.  Without proper polling procedures we are obviously never going to have anything close to a definitive answer on that one but his point is more than fair from where I'm standing.  Something worth noting at this juncture is it seems whenever the name "Brian Wilson" is brought up in a national article or press release or what have you there always seems to be someone who comes forward with legitimate surprise as to the fact that Brian Wilson is still alive.  He just doesn't have as much of a high profile as the name of the brand comparatively speaking so if I were to handicap this one I'd probably say it would fall more on the side of how SJS sees it. 

ur on a roll.  ;D

Al weighs in:

http://www.theticker.tc/story/q-a-with-beach-boys-guitarist-al-jardine

Right on cue! Gentlemen, reheat your arguments!

Al Jardine: "We were just shocked. After all the momentum we created, that he would want to continue on alone – we didn't understand it."

Incidentally, we need to find the writer and lob burning oil at her for opening with "The Beach Boys guitarist, vocalist and founding member Al Jardine really does get around." That sort of talk is reserved for opening roundabouts!

Hmmm: "a follow-up album ready to go."

"I can understand wanting to tour with your own people, but this was our legacy as a band. To be short-sighted enough to abandon that to do your own thing – it's a shame."

A damn shame.

Holy sh*t, it just gets better. This one is good for 40 pages of fighting at the very least: "However, Brian and I decided that, heck – we're the heart and soul of this thing anyway..."

"...and a follow-up album ready to go."

WOW.

FWIW, I personally would like a BB release os opposed to a BW "only" release as I do believe that the sum is greater than the parts; but having said that in no way am I unhappy with a BW release - now or at any time!

(Now, to go see what AJ said...)

"You know – we ought to do a contest between the two lineups. (laughs). It could be fun for fans. It would be illuminating."

Hot damn. Al "Heart and Soul" Jardine on the rampage! Lock up the women and acoustic guitars.

:lol

This probably needs it's own thread to reach full screaming endless bullshit potential, I would think.

What he said times 10,000!

Oh, I don't doubt they'd be more interested -- it's clearly the Beach Boys name (and tour, and QVC appearance) which made the difference between hitting #23 (a la TLOS / Gershwin) and hitting #3.  The bit I think doesn't stand up is the idea that Brian's solo stuff is seen as disappointing -- it's the difference between a good result and a "where the hell did that come from" surprise success...


Really?  I haven't noticed that for years, myself -- I'd think the 50th press would have put paid to that!

Cheers,
Jon Blum

Radio.com did an article and poll a number of months sgo. As it stands, 87% would prefer to see Brian, Al  and David while 10% want to see the Mike/Bruce show.

http://news.radio.com/2013/03/12/mike-loves-beach-boys-or-brian-wilson-friends-who-is-the-real-deal/

Radio.com did an article and poll a number of months sgo. As it stands, 87% would prefer to see Brian, Al  and David while 10% want to see the Mike/Bruce show.

So if Brian decided to shadow Cuzin Love on his tour that might spell disaster -- for the "Beach Boys", that is.

But Im sure Brian will take extra care his tour schedule doesnt cause confilcts - why should he if he gets a cuts of BB revenue. Besides, Brian is a nice guy!

I for one didn't understand that. Thank you for clarifying.

I wonder who the general public perceives to be the leader of the C50 lineup of the band?

I'm guessing the hardcores perceive Brian Wilson to be the leader of the band which may say something as to how many on here view the M&B incarnation of the group.

Someone tell Al the tour always had an end date and that's that! ;)

Wiseguy!

Brian was at Ocean Way today, putting in some extra hours ...

(https://fbcdn-sphotos-b-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/1044904_10151692184627241_1708901106_n.png)

Brian's looking real good there.

So excited to hear what he's got up his sleeve with this record.

That 5 '0 Clock shadow had better be the start of an epic beard. Then there will be no doubt in my mind that he is working on Pleasure Island :woot

I want Brian to grow a beard again badly for some reason

From the looks of said stubble, he'd end up looking like Santa Claus ...

Long as he comes through with more musical presents he can look like Santa all he wants.

Man those guys had some beards in the 70's. They were in ZZTop territory.

Reminds me of this great comic strip that was posted on Brian's facebook a while back.

(https://fbcdn-sphotos-e-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/762_10151306086272241_1662266937_n.jpg)

:lol

I want him to wear a Beatle haircut again

Someone photoshopped 1966 Brian's hair onto 2012 Brian's face last year. It was strange. Can anyone dig that pic up?

BUMP!  I thought I had saved that photo somewhere, but I can't find it now.  It was quite hilarious!