The Smiley Smile Message Board

Anyone see this yet?

http://tongal.com/project/CaliFeelin

Also:  http://tongal.com/project/Gointothebeach

So everyone remembers what happened when they had the Smile Sessions contest on this site.... right?

Just sayin', anyone who's interested in submitting an entry should check out the Assets section for the projects!

This song rocks!!! :rock

What a nice lazy out for marketing people. Get paid six figures, give some schmuck a few bucks and it's a "prize."

(cracks knuckles and enters anyway... ooo, mp3s...)

California Feelin'  :o

I've got the fucking chills. What a song! Never heard it sound like this.

Is there an mp3 available on the page? Where do I find it?

Under assets.

Seriously guys...California fucking Feelin'...My god. How was this not released until now? Could've been a huge hit.

Found it. Just about to listen. Can't wait.

What is up with Brian's vocal?!? When is it from?

It kinda reminds me of Adam Marsland's description, where Brian does that whole "like most days" thing.

I think this is actually the 1978 Brian vocal. And he really does sound like a logical progression from what Brian sounded like early in the '70. So weird. So incredible. It feels unreal that I got to hear this. This is the kinda thing I've dreamed about hearing for years.

Holy sh*t...that opening vocal is Brian, right? Is that opening from 1974 and the rest of the song from 1978? If so, then his voice sounds like it had already changed by that point, minus rasp. If it is from 1978, then he did a good job of sounding like he did in 1973-1974* for the most part. Crazy...Brian's falsetto part during part of it sounds like did in 1973-1974, so it's tricky to date.  His phrasing on 'most days' makes it sound like 1978, but the lack of rasp and his phrasing sounded like it did in 1973/1974.

* from what I've heard from isolated vocals tracks and boots.

I was confused at first but I'm pretty sure it's a 1978 vocal. That person who had the stream said this and the 1974 version had different vocals. Described Brian's 1974 as "really whacked out" to paraphrase.

I'm nearly positive it's 1978 Billy. Isn't it crazy? I wish we got more vocals out of Brian during this period! It is truly his halfway between voice. It seems like if he didn't go downhill after 1978 he coulda at least kept this voice, which honestly is quite different from the early voice, but still a logical progression. His phrasing is also awkward, just like Brian's phrasing has ended up over the years.

And the voice...there's been hints of this voice around before. Think of the end of "Let's Put Our Hearts Together". I'm pretty sure there's other things where this voice pops up too. It'll probably come to me at some point...

Here's RONDEMON's quote that shows it isn't a fly in:

Those harmonies SHINE! Some of the best 70's harmonies by the band, for sure.

Sounds like it's BW at 1:47 as well. There must've been a guide vocal take by him on the multitrack that they pulled from. Pretty neat. Though I miss the constant drums a bit!

On another note, why does Carl's vocal sound a little flat? Something funky with the tape transfer I guess? Sounded fine on the boot version.

Oh, I'm almost certain it is from 1978, too. Just gets me that there is no rasp in his voice at all. As I stated in my edited post, his phrasing on 'most days' gives it away. I think my theory that Brian's voice from 1976-1978 was a bit of of a put-on is correct. And yeah, that's him around the 1:50 mark on falsetto.

As far as why Carl's voice is flat? That's generally how he sounded during that time period.

It's actually not a guide vocal. Apparently they tried to get Brian to do the lead for the song. Adam Marsland says he heard a version where Brian sang the whole thing. I remember him saying that he thought the vocal kinda sounded "disinterested". From what we heard here though, I'm satisfied.

Odd how his 1974 vocal would be gruff and his 1978 vocal would be clear. Lends my theory more credence.

No, there's definitely something up with the vocal speed. It's on the whole vocal, but as a quick example, compare "skies" at 0:57 from the new mix to "skies" at 1:02 on the boot mix http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=om5ocMQQ3d8

Right on pitch on the old version, pretty flat on the new version.

It's not a big deal, I'm actually not even sure how it would be possible. But, my ears picked it up upon listening, FWIW.

   :hat Soulful.  :afro  

Is that Disney...um Bruce soloing the California Feeling lines?

haha I remember finding that, i crashed the site HAHA

The 'new' version is the correct speed. I'd been told previously that several booted  tracks from that time period have some 'issues'. Whether they are like that due to watermarking or for other reasons, I've never been given a straight answer.

Yep. It was him on the old bootlegged version too. Don't know if you heard it before.

Damn. This is a real treat, sounds great! This should hold me for a month!

Sad part is, with my financial situation the way it is, this is the closest I'll be able to get to MIC ;(

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Christmas in July. Not a masterpiece, but a helluva song nonetheless. A few less "California Feelin'"s and more lyrics in their place and it would've been a classic!

Nah. Never mind. It's already a new classic

I think by 1979 (1980 at the very latest) there was no going back. I'm not saying there wasn't actual damage done to his voice prior, just that he wouldn't be able to recover after that. There are some 'odd' vocals after that, though; on some songs he actually uses his vocal style from the 1968-1971 time period, but it's not that obvious as his voice was shot by that point. Good example is the demo version of 'Don't Let Her Know She's an Angel' from 1986, or 'You're Still a Mystery'.

WOW. That was just breathtakingly awesome. A new Beach Boys classic - THIS is what they should be releasing as a single, if anything, off the box. Is this the only song Brian AND Bruce sing lead on? So cool.

And Carl.

Right - but there have been songs where Carl and Brian have lead vocals on the same song - never Brian & Bruce, to my knowledge, though. I love Bruce's "sweet" sounding voice - always good to hear.

I know, just pointing out this track is Carl, Bruce, and Brian , and Brian's more of a cameo. Technically, you can add 'Deirdre' to that list (can it be a list if there are only two things on it? :lol ) in that Bruce is the lead but Brian's the most prominent vocal in the chorus.

In addition to "Deirdre", they both have lead parts on "At My Window". But Brian's part is spoken word so that doesn't count. More recently, there is "Isn't It Time". But yeah, good point, no Brian/Bruce duets really.

And is Eric Wareheim your avatar Billy?

California Feelin =  :o  8)

The version of Goin' to the Beach has the horrible sax solo cut out, and they're apparently having a contest to dub in a new lead guitar track with solo.  Mark Linett and Alan Boyd are going to mix the winner into the track and that's going to be released as an alternate take.

Yup, sure is, Jim!

Have you listened to the Goin' To The Beach mp3?  It's doesn't have the 2013 overdubbed Sax and Guitar solo... pretty cool bonus I'd say.

Yes I have... personally I like it a lot

I knew (from discussions here) that the guitar was new, I wasn't expecting the sax to be new, too. 

Interesting. And I don't doubt there's been some watermarking. That said, and I know I'm nerding out here Billy, I just lined up the two versions in my DAW and they are the same speed - only Carl's vocal is slightly flat on the new version (although the vocal runs at the same speed as the original). Audio - https://soundcloud.com/smile-a-d/calfeel. Notice the background harmonies and instruments blend fine together, minus some very slight phase issues - but there's a clearly defined "double tracked" effect on Carl's vocal due to the two pitches clashing with each other (starting at 0:15).

DonnyL or anyone knowledgeable on the subject of reel to reel, would love to hear your thoughts - Can pitch actually be altered on reel to reel over the years without affecting timing, or is there something else at play here?? I haven't heard it too many times, but I actually noticed a few instances of this when I was creating SMiLE AD - The "Wonderful" background vocals for instance.. in that case, the pitch was correct - but the timing was stretched out!

Again, its not a huge deal and doesn't take away from the enjoyment of the song. Just interesting technical sh*zz.

Can happen due to oxidation and/or general tape decay. I have several analog recordings from about 15 years ago that have that issue.

I wouldn't count Deirdre. At My Window is closer. I guess, though, Add Some Music would qualify.

Ooh, didn't even think to download that Goin' To The Beach....

After a listen I'd say that should be the verison on the box. Like it a lot. Sounds great.

Last time I messed around with Tongal they went ahead and created an account for me using my facebook photo and plastered my private life all over the internet. I'll wait.

Oh yeah? Are those 4 track tapes?

Interesting that it affected Carl's vocal, yet, all the other tracks on the tape seem to be in good shape. It's a strange world.

16-track ADAT.

BTW..I just listened to the 1974 Rollin' Up To Heaven and the 'new' CF back to back...Brian's falsetto sounds the same on both of them. Odd.

If my buddy ends up submitting a lead guitar track, that one should be the one on the box.  He works for another famous music family right now.   :hat

Beautiful, beautiful song.

The vocals, wow. Only the Beach Boys could make a song sound like it has a 20 piece choir when it's just them.

Can't wait to have it on CD.

And when Brian says "Like most days" there's some piano leakage under it. Maybe the vocal IS from 1974.

Just noticed something...are we SURE Carl's voice is the same track as the booted version? And yeah, I caught the piano leakage is well. Another thing...Brian's falsetto at 1:47 and at the very end* sound completely different, like they were recorded at different times (or years...)Weird, huh?

*that's the one I referenced at my post above.

Here's something funny...I had 'Goin to the Beach' playing on my laptop...my daughter walks in the room and immediately started singing 'Goin Home' off TLOS when she heard it...and it kinda fit :lol

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Also, I was at the piano playing along with the song, and the song itself is slightly flat. That could have something to do with Carl's voice sounding wonky.

Speed it up by 2% and Carl sounds normal again.

I believe it. But the vocal itself is out of tune with the rest of the track, as I proved in an earlier post. Definitely something funky going on here.

Wasn't there a similar issue with the original California Girls stereo remix? In that case it was because of synch issues between two multi-tracks. Which could be the case here, but I don't know why they would've had to fly in Carl's vocal, unless they did have to synch it for some reason?

It could be something they did to differentiate it from the version that's going to be released.

I like that theory!

So do I. This could be a 'rough' mix for the contest.

The Adult/Child cuts have the same issue.

wow, she knows her stuff.

When is she getting an account on here  :-D

Hmmm, I've got some stuff going on but maybe I should start thinking about working on a video for this.  I could use the money.  Decisions...

Yeah, same here. Got some bad news last week and any possible outlet would help.

this is '74 Brian all the way

maybe i'll submit a pedal steel solo for grits n shins... it's in the guitar family  :p

thank you for this thread!!!!!!

I didn't look at the link, but the last few posts have me slightly confused. Is thisa the California Feeling version from MIC? Or did somebody add some stuff to it as a "fan mix"?

:lol She's six so may be awhile!

 Now that she did it I can't hear it without hearing 'at 25 I turned out the lights...'

Jay-

yes.

Not sure if this version does justice to the song, it has its shortcomings, but from what we've heard thus far, this is *the* definitive version of the song, for me. I always felt like this one never got the attention it deserved. It absolutely deserved a spot on a hits compilation or something before 2013, it's one of the best things Brian wrote in the 70s and is a career highlight of sorts. Glad we finally have a definitive Beach Boys version.

Brian's vocal is totally 1978. It kind of sounds to be a between point from his Love You voice and his MIU voice more so than a link between the early 70s and Love You.

The "Like most days" addition isn't nearly as comical as I imagined it to be, it's actually a nice touch, but then maybe there IS a comical take on it lying around. Not that that should've been added here, but yeah. What I find curious is how Brian only has a couple lines before Carl comes in and takes over. Is this a composite of a complete Carl vocal and a Brian vocal or was it arranged this way?

I used to think the "California feelin'" part was Mike before I knew better, but later realized it was Bruce. However, hearing it in better quality, it almost sounds like it might be Mike and Bruce in unison with Bruce's voice a little more prominent. Yay? Nay?

Also, hate to say that Carl's vocal being flat wouldn't be due to tape degradation or anything of the sort and most likely would have somehow happened when being mixed recently. seltaeb is saying Carl's vocal is slightly flat compared to the track/music on this mix, he's not saying the entire song is slightly flat compared to old versions as some of you think he's saying (if that helps at all). It wasn't like this on the old booted versions. I can't tell off-hand if it's the same vocal take as on the bootlegged version, I'm not on my own computer and don't have both for reference. I really don't think they'd intentionally make the vocal slightly flat for this version. Strange.

This mix of "Goin' To The Beach" strangely has a lot less dynamic range compression on it than the released MP3 (which has to be sourced from the actual box set). Y U DO THAT, CAPITOL RECORDS. "California Feelin'", on the other hand, looks like it's mastered in line with the released MP3 of "Goin' To The Beach", thus leading me to believe it's not a rough mix or anything.

Uh...Where is the link to actually listen to the song?

http://tongal.com/project/CaliFeelin

On the left side of the page, you'll see a link "Assets". You have to be signed up and logged in first. It's free.
In the Assets they give you the AIF cd quality version and mp3.

Very nice. This is the LA Light version, we just didn't have Brian's lines. 1978 for me. I do hear a difference in the known 1974 vocals (much more natural still) to this personally.

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California Feelin'... Wow! What a song!  :listening

Absolutely worth making an account (that you'll probably never use again) just to listen to this song.  ;D

California Feelin' is The Beach Boys at their very best, incredible stuff. Love the synthesizer touches, Bruce Johnston's short and very effective lead vocal, Brian's somewhat shy but very charming vocal delivery (somehow reminds me of the Spring interview tape)... It's all just so very good!

Goin' To The Beach reminds me so much of Waves of Love…

I uploaded it to Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b0JquRFC-mk

The good news is I think there won't be quite as much competition since it's summer.  Now if only my graphic designer wasn't so busy right now.  I've already got her trying to fit some other things in for me so I hate to spring this on her too.  I wish this would have come up last month.  So much to do.

Man, this version of CF is grrreat - what a blow-out.

Might have missed it above; is this a newly prepared mix/composite of a couple of versions by Boyd/Linnet, or a remaster/spit & polish of a near final version that was sitting in the can (with the Brian intro added in)?

I hear most of the elements of the LA outtake (as noted above), with a few (good) changes - eg the drums in the first half/first verse mixed down, and the Flash Gordon synths reigned in a bit.

  

Awesome song :)

Sounds like a 2013 composite of at least 2 different versions. The Brian intro doesn't sound like it was originally part of the Carl bit that comes next. And there's another vocal snippet of Brian that sounds added in, at 1:46.

No one does backing vox like The Boys. Great stuff.

Who wrote the lyrics for California Feelin'?

I think Stephen Kalinich

I feel happy today. Great stuff.

Yeah, it sounds so much better for it. I don't understand the need for 'loudness' on such a release.

Teach her to write already, will ya? :wink

In what way?

Thanks a lot! :)



I agree with you. Minority opinion: the bg vox are the only thing I like about this song. :-[

This is an interesting recording. It does sound like a very obvious edit from Brian`s vocals at the beginning into Carl`s part. I certainly don`t think this is an absolute classic as some seem to attest (though thay may be partly down to having heard so many versions in the past) but it is a welcome release.

It would have been a good choice for LA if Brian had been willing to include it.

Similar bouncy chunka-chunka rhythm… similar instrumental blend…

Very cool track.

If AGD's word is to be trusted the Brian Wilson vocals are almost certainly post 1974 (i.e. not the infamous demo we've all heard about).  There was a discussion on here about a month ago with AGD (buried no doubt somewhere in the MIC thread) after the tracklist to the boxset was announced.  In this conversation AGD mentioned another different later version of "California Feelin'" which he apparently wasn't too high on and said would never see release.  The reason being is that Brian Wilson wasn't necessarily taking his vocals seriously on this take and made one infamous comment/ad-lib after the line "It was such a beautiful day" making reference to how everyday in California is beautiful.  So it becomes pretty clear now that the Brian Wilson vocals that we are discussing are obviously from that recording if we are to take AGD at his word.

Only the Beach Boys would keep a song as good as this unreleased all these years.

Thank you for the link, SonicVolcano!

Wow, this sure is interesting. My vote goes for a 1974 Brian vocal. I'm hearing more "Child Of Winter" voice than MIU, and Brian wasn't on L.A. Light Album so I can't compare that album. That little ad lib where Brian goes, "Like most days" is what sways me. Due to the lack of, actually no vocals from Brian on L.A. Light Album, if this recording was vintage 1978, you wonder why they didn't include it on L.A. Light Album - just to get Brian's voice on there. This song would've been a perfect closer for that album.

I like this version and I'm glad they put it on the new boxed set, but does anybody think it drags a bit? Maybe I've been listening to Brian's take of the song on the Hallmark From Here And Back CD. On that version I like the drums and the "rolling along" feel that they came up with. Either way, it's hard to believe that this song flirted so many times with being released on an album, and only in 2013 is it finally being officially released...

Forum member AdamGhost seems to corroborate Andrew G. Doe's report that the Brian Wilson vocals we are discussing are from 1978.  In a post dated 3/29/12 he writes:

I heard a later version of "California Feeling" once with a Brian vocal that I believe was from '78.  i don't think I had heard the one from '74...very cool!  The '78 one had a hysterical moment where he's singing "it was such a beautiful day" and he interjects quickly in spoken voice..."like most days!"  Clearly, not that interested in delivering a releasable vocal...

http://smileysmile.net/board/index.php/topic,12489.msg258319.html#msg258319

Also from the aforementioned AdamGhost:

"California Feeling" SHOULD have worked, but I have heard the L.A. version and I see why they left it off.  It just sits there (and the 1978 version with Brian's vocal is a case study in amused disinterest).

I'm really wondering if this is the same Brian vocal Adam heard or if the "like most days!" was something Brian ad-libbed and then opted to work into the vocal. It's certainly not "spoken", here, as Adam describes, nor does it even seem especially awkward or out of place.

Or maybe I'm just disappointed because it's nowhere near as hilarious as I'd imagined. ;(

Here's my 50 cents:

1. California Feelin' is certainly beautiful, only I wish it had more vocals from Brian (or better, he sang it entirely). Carl sounds good (especially his jazzy falsettos), but there's sth. about his voice that says to me it doesn't fit singing this exact melody, let alone in a slow mode. Maybe that's because I'm mostly not fond of his 70s leads. Either way, it's a very good version & Bruce's vocals surely added some mellow color, he kind of lightened up the song. Without that, it would've sounded (again) too majestic which isn't bad but we already have it on Al's & new Brian's takes. So, glad to hear sth. different. As for the harmonies, they're just wonderful! Hands down the best feature of the song.

2. Goin' to the Beach - before listening to it myself, I attentively read the self-titled thread. Seeing people were divided into "for" & "against" camps, I really thought I'd go with the former. But I was wrong: the song's boring, too repetitive, the b/g vocs sound forced, no specifically interesting bits (even boogie-woogie piano). Besides, GTTB reminds me of "On & On & On" which I absolutely hate, be it original or cover. That said, Mike did great performance & thumbs up for saxophone deletion.

Thanks to GV33 for finding & sharing the link to this Tongal site! I never miss the chance to download music for free. And btw, that guitar contest seems like a cool idea! Wonder who'll be that lucky to enter The BBs history on MIC.

Ah.

Goin' to the Beach - this would've fit nicely on KTSA because of how utterly unremarkable it is. A decent tune that's somewhat charming but nothing special.

Really can't get enough of California Feelin'. This might be the one 1970s song of theirs that could've been a huge smash. Utterly wonderful.

:lol

I suppose it's up for debate as to whether it's literally spoken, but it's close enough that I have to believe Adam's description is of the same vocal bit.

It sounds ad libbed to me, and out of place compared to any other version.

I like this new mix, although it sounds like they tacked on a Brian vocal bit just to get him on the song. Not sure if I like that they keep mixing the drums in and out throughout the song.

the "like most days" bit is pure Brian... he doesn't sound at all disinterested or like he didn't care about cutting a releasable vocal.

just Brian being Brian. quirky, funny, adorable Brian. I'd put it right up there with the intro on "Little Pad", the last lines of "I'd Love Just Once to See You" and "I Wanna Pick You Up", lyrics about enemas or being fat as a cow, and other moments in their music that seem to make some folks cringe. Personally, I can't get enough.

I've never heard the version on the Hallmark CD. Can anyone help me out?

If we're talking about "California Feelin'", that one is on the "Classics Selected by Brian Wilson" CD. Brian's track on the Hallmark CD was "The Spirit of Rock and Roll."

oops

It's on teh youtube. It hurts me to say this, but it's definitely my least favorite arrangement of the song among the five versions we now have (soon to be six!). It has its charms though, a few things I wish were in other versions. Brian's vocal is not his best, but still makes me feel good.

I don't want to sound negative, but man, no version really, truly does this one justice. Not that I could do it justice, that was only possible from these guys back in the 70s, but man I'd like to try to cover this one and try to incorporate my favorite elements of all versions. Alas, my skills outside of singing and possibly some drumming ain't especially up to the task.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V-QzVCpvJFo

Not bad, pretty much what to expect from your regular Brian Wilson solo recording.

Off-topic but the Classics album was the first Beach Boys album I bought after Pet Sounds.  It seems to be mostly forgotten due to Sounds of Summer coming out just two years later but it's probably the best chronological single disc collection of the Beach Boys music out there.  If you ever want to introduce a friend to the greatness of the Beach Boys, I highly suggest that one.

So runners, it's went from definitive to least favorite already?? Bummer.  :(

I gotta say that if "California Feelin'" was to have appeared on L.A. it probably wouldn't have appeared in this form. This version almost kinda feels like a "California Feelin'" megamix. But I do think this is the most interesting 1978 version of the song that they could have made. I like having a relatively clear sounding Brian starting it off, I like having Carl's vocals, and I think Bruce's part is one of his top Beach Boys vocal parts. Probably only behind "God Only Knows" and "California Girls".

Now what would be a perfect version of this song? I'm not sure. But I'm pretty sure somebody on the board once wrote that the 1974 version is a "sauntering laze." And I think basically that's what every version of this song is. It's just a mellow, lounge-y meditation on California. So to me, I think that this version is the definitive version, at the very least until I hear the demo version.

And lastly, I accept this as the definitive Beach Boys version, because this is the only version that Brian has sanctioned as a Beach Boys release.


I think AGD is an invaluable part of this board, but it is somewhat annoying that he gets credit for everything. The credit for all the info on Brian doing a vocal on the 1978 version of "California Feelin'" is due to Adam Marsland (aka adamghost) who is a poster on the board here.

Err, no. He considers the version on Made in California definitive while the version on Classics Selected By Brian Wilson is his least favourite.

Oh word. Now that I can probably agree with.

I'm being told that is a composite and Brian's vocals from 1978 were flown in. There might have been some pitch adjustment to make it sound cohesive a la TSS so that might explain why Carl sounds a bit odd.

(http://s8.postimg.org/k9h79mlqt/Untitled_7.png)

?

I love that part!

What? Your prefer Brian's version from Classics over The Beach Boys version from MIC? What's so astounding?

Ah, so it is the same recording that's been booted in the past, nicely remixed.  I like how the 'brass' synth sound has been mixed in this version, much less prominent.  Brian's vocal sounds like a scratch vocal and I would probably have mixed out his 'like every day' as it so tentative.  A very nice version of the song, nicely mixed compared to the bootleg version.

So what versions are out there now?

1. Brian's early piano demo
2. Rocky Pamplin version
4. Bootleg mix from late 70s
5. New remix of late 70s version
6. Solo Brian Wilson version from Classics.. CD
7. Solo Al Jardine version from Postcard

As I haven't heard the demo recording, I'd say at the moment Al Jardine's version closely followed by the new remix of the late 70s versions are my favourites.  Solo Brian is probably the worst.  Yes, I think Pamplin's version is better than the solo Brian.

Well, the 1978 California Feelin' sounds great, and it's always great to hear a long-bootlegged track in full(er) fidelity. I've always liked the tune.

Goin' to the Beach is a summer song. It's not a lost classic, but it's fun. It would sound nice on a car trip.

You missed Spring's version. That makes eight.

The Rocky Pamplin version is the Spring version.

However, on that note, The Honeys did a version recently.

You've seen my "Beach Boys Style" on my Little Bird Cover... hopefully I can write a great solo for this!
Hopefully they see the added potential of picking a younger musician as the winner! :)
My goal: take a fun song, and add a little something to make it GREAT! I'm already exploding with ideas!

I agree 100%.

I also really like the Honeys version.
http://open.spotify.com/track/6QQFzyg1lx16H9GoCX0nun

That's the version I was talking about when I said Spring's version... Incidentally, since when was  Pamplin in Spring?

He was a member in 1977/1978, I'm pretty sure.

http://rapidshare.com/files/4021100474/Goin%20To%20the%20beach.mp3
I'm actually gonna enter this.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=1UNMgENyMUo#at=13
This is where the "solo" comes from.

Bruce sounds great on this song.

There, I said it.

I'm no Bruce fan, but he was the absolute perfect person to pick to sing that part. So nice and mellow.

He really does make the song come together for me.

Totally forgot about Al Jardine's rendition off the Postcard record. Bit unremarkable, just like most of that album.

Never really liked BW's own Classics version, to these ears there's nothing really interesting to the overall arrangement.

This new one pretty much sounds like the real deal, the ultimate version of a song that remains one of the group's biggest post-1960s "what ifs". Do we know why BW didn't want to see it included in one of the albums of its time?

Nobody has asked this yet, so I guess I will. Is Dennis on California Feeling anywhere, either instrumentally, or vocally? What about Goin' To The Beach? Dennis wasn't on KTSA, so I assume there is a good chance he's not on GTTB.

Just heard this for the first time. Shoot me, this is my favorite version by far.

+1, it was my first Beach Boys cd and a great introduction to the more mature serious side of the groups' music!

I'm almost certain he was on neither.

Production and flow is very nice. Brian's lead voxs are unbarable to my ears and his band is far from a substitute when it comes to Beach Boys harmonies (even past their heyday).

I dare say this is the best music released since 'Baby Blue' back in 1979 (barring TTS and PSS releases).

It is incredible that this stuff could be lurking in the vaults through all these years. Heck, this unreleased material is better than many good band's best material.

 The Brian vox are incredible and add that extra charm the booted version lacked. The backing track has been mixed excellently and Bruce really shone on this. Carl's vox on this have never been my favourite and are not the highlight of this song, but they sound far better now.

It is exciting being a fan of a band with so many Easter eggs. This is stuff literally Fabergé level quality!

I dunno. Any piece of the suite on TWGMTR is still miles ahead of CF imo.

I  daresay, I do like the call-and-answer aspect of Brian Wilson's solo version and I feel like it is missing in the 78 version.

Y'mean the "California feelin' (CALIFOOOORNIAAAAARRFGXHH)" part? If so, I agree.

While this is a nice recording it still sounds like an unfinished demo to me. Much of their late 70s stuff sounds more dated than their earlier recordings which is obviously due to Brian pulling back. Although this song had a lot of potential I don`t think any of the versions that I`ve heard have really been stand outs.

Yep, "California Feelin'" was one of those classic Brian's living room #1's. Great song, but it's probably best performed by Brian, alone on a piano.  The song doesn't really lend itself to a big arrangement.

here's the Brian piano/vocal version: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p7YSzHqvSeY

Wtf? Never heard that one...

I've never heard this before - Brian sounds....different. Different good, though. Is this the "other" version that's gonna appear on the box?

I don't know about you, but I prefer this Brian lead than the one that they used on the MiC version.

Doesn't even sound like Brian to me.

Pretty sure that's the American Spring version.

Guys. That's the Spring/Rocky Pamplin version. u got troooolled ;( (as did I)

God, that guy's voice was just caked in cheese. I can't bear it.

Edit: Beaten by teh sweet one by mere seconds. Still. Just wanted to get a stab at good ol' Rocky Pamplin in. What grown man decides to go by "Rocky", anyway?

Had me going for the first few seconds.. I haven't been trolled so hard since the first time I was Rick Roll'd.  :lol

I was actually expecting a Rick Roll. Instead I got an ever more over-the-top vocal performance.

It might be Carl, but to me it sounds more like Brian. Yikes! :(

edit: edit.

I figured!!! I searched youtube for Rocky Pamplin right after I heard it the first time and came up with nothing. He kinda sounds like Brian, though.

Jim Rockford's dad on the Rockford Files went by "Rocky"!   :lol

*sobs*

:lol

I did a pretty good job playing along, but I was actually telling the truth about not hearing that particular clip... mine is in better sound ;)

very very nice!

A grown man whose real first name is Rushton? :police:

If it WAS Brian's vocal instead of Rocky's, we would be crying - crying tears of joy! :o

Not me. For the bit I believed it was legit I was super disappointed.

I'd just like to say that the first 15 seconds or so of this song now rank in my top 10 favorite Beach Boy moments. Can't wait for the Brian/Piano version.

A shame they messed up Carl's vocal on it, though. That 2% increase in speed makes his vocal on it just about perfect. I really hate that they sacrifice one person's vocal to save/add another.

I agree. I might be wrong in saying this, but I think it's the same way on "It's Over Now". Two great songs now ("California Feelin'" included) that I find hard to listen to because of a slowed Carl Wilson vocal. A voice like his should never be tampered with.

I also agree. I keep asking myself - and did since "It's Over Now" was ruined - if we can hear it, why can't the people in charge?

I can't hear the difference in speed here ! I understand the difference is there, but that original tape on the boot has wonky speed !

PS - tape damage won't cause a consistent speed change ... tape stretch can cause fluctuations, but it would be across the board, not just on one discrete element of the multi-track.

So weird. Wonder what the heck it is then. The pitch is definitely lower. On Carl's vocal only. I'd love to understand this.

For anyone who missed it, I ran the boot version at the same speed as the new mix (it was already pretty much the same speed, btw). Carl's vocal is clearly out of tune on the new mix - yet runs at the right speed. You can hear the pitch clashing creating a chorus effect. The boot version can't be TOO wonky, because it synchs up perfectly until the edits in the new version start happening.

https://soundcloud.com/smile-a-d/calfeel

This is a great mix. I didn’t care much for the '78 booted version before, but i find myself really loving it now. Quite an odd little song. Carl sounds drunk and about to fall over, Brian sounds nice, and Bruce sounds GOLDEN. Really cool, sparse arrangement, lots of space. I really love the drums coming in and out throughout the song and how a "beat" is mostly avoided -- this is precisely what i love about drums on Beach Boys records. No one else really does it like that. Oh, and i don’t see in what universe this could’ve been a hit.

Also, i can’t believe how much Rocky Pamplin sounds like Brian  ???. By the way, my uncle, in his late 60s now, goes by the name Rocky.

Anyone have a link to the Honeys version that isn’t Spotify?

Did he and Daniel ever get back on good terms?

And on a slightly related topic why did that chick have so many different names in the first place?

I just listened to CF for the first time...gotta say, I'm not anywhere near as impressed with it as a lot of people. The harmonies are really nice and Bruce sounds good, but I really don't care for Brian on this, and honestly, Carl sounds terrible on this.

It is still better than the Classics version...I don't know that I rate it any higher than Al's Postcard version. Al's voice is really strong on that, the BGVs are solid and the gospel piano is rocking....

Just not overwhelmed with this version.

I hate to bring up the "A" word, but there's some obvious digital tuning on Brian's vocal in two spots. I have no idea why doing the same to Carl's vocals would flat the entire thing, but I've heard it happen before and accidentally did so myself a couple times when I was less experienced with the software.

The flat vocal is one of the most subtle examples I've ever heard (but is indeed there) and likely sounded just fine to whoever mixed it. Everyone's ears are slightly different and occasionally what sounds too sharp or too flat to one person will sound just fine to another (and vice versa, too). Still, it's kind of odd.

I'm deleting my post because I just listened to the two side-by-side, and you guys are right! -- Carl's vocal specifically is slower on the new version. Bruce's vocal is not ... in fact, on the boot version the vocals almost sound LOWER pitched on Bruce and the others.

I really can't think of a scenario where this could have happened. I mean, unless somehow the multi-track w/ Carl's vocal is a different reel than the one with everything else. Even then, the speed variances in the tapes could have been corrected digitally, since this is an obvious digital mix/edit. If this is an intentional choice, why? to match Brian's vocal? wouldn't it have been better to change Brian's vocal to be slightly higher in pitch?

In the case of 'It's Over Now' on the '93 box, the original track was sped-up slightly when Carl's vocal was recorded (and apparently the tape box was not noted), then it was played back at standard speed, creating the slow vocal.

(and PS, I really love this new version overall -- killer !)

(double post)

The Rocky Pamplin version actually used to be one of my favs...but on second hearing...yeah, no  :P

Glad I'm not the only one who hears how flat it is! It's night and day to me.. just listen to the boot version, Carl's pitch is on point. Here's its... flat. Almost a half pitch at times, feels like. Though it's probably closer to a quarter pitch off.

And I agree, sometimes when you're the one at the controls, you miss things like this. It's easy to have an objective ear after someone else put in a ton of work on the project.

On another note.. I didn't catch the autotune! Where at?

California Feelin' just cracked my top 50 Beach Boys songs list.....and rising fast.

Crazy, right?? Mind blower, for sure.

I noted earlier that I heard an example of this on TSS. The "Wonderful" background vocals were in the right pitch, but somehow they were quite a bit slower than the way they are on the master. And yeah, they are the same exact vox!

I was fooled into thinking it was Brian too, I thought the way he enunciated "hair" at 16 seconds was 15 Big Ones Brian coming out for one more show. I was so convinced  :-[ I hate to say it, but I think this is a better vocal than Carl's attempt. Damn you Rocky. Also, I thought the background vocals was a stack of Bruce, not American Spring. Now it's pretty clear it's the latter but I canforgive myself, it does have that "sugary" Bruce quality to it and they're buried under quite a bit of hiss.

Geez guys, I only heard the words "I was walkin", and knew the voice didn't belong to any member of the Beach Boys.  ::)

In regard to what runnersdialzero said about no two people having the same ears, for the life of me I can't hear a problem with Carl's voice on the new CF mix, but to me the way Brian sings "beach" in the opening line is so off key it nearly hurts.

yeh i couldn't hear a problem either, unless you listen side-by-side to the boot version. It doesn't specifically sound off-key to me, it just sounds kind of 'slow' compared to the peppier speed vocal on the boot version.

Actually, upon further listening to it to me Carl's voice on this new mix sounds slightly fast, or higher pitched.  :lol

Hey, I would never have expected this Rocky guy to sing that good!


Imagine a universe with most people being like me. :o

It's especially apparent on "San Onofre", but Brian's vocal in the beginning kind of has that watery, wavery kind of quality to it throughout. "San Onofre" sounds kind of gnarly, but it's not terrible otherwise.

It's just his voice wavering. Trust me, there's no autotune on  Brian's voice.

Agreed.

I also say there's no A-T on Brian. With such a naked vocal like that (the opening section is almost a cappella) it would be really obvious. There's nothing there.

FINE.

This version of California feeling is absolutely beautiful! The harmonies are stunning, definitely one of their best work. I love this song!
They should release it as a single!!

I should preface all of my remarks by saying that I've not listened over high quality speakers, or even a nice set of headphones yet, but personally, I don't hear any outrageous pitch-iness with Brian on the word "beach," and Carl generally sounds okay to me.  Maybe a little druggy (the type of effect heard from slowing down the tape), but then, I've never heard the boot version to compare Carls.

runners, are you listening to the mp3 version?  Maybe this is the reason behind a 'watery' sound?  Just a thought.  I went straight for the aiff file, so I couldn't say for sure.

Anyway, I do quite enjoy this rendition of "California Feelin'."  It's certainly gone straight to the top of versions of the song I've listened to and enjoyed.  Naturally, this has only served to heighten my eagerness to hear the solo Brian take.

teh AIF file., of course The mp3 wouldn't have created the effect heard on the vocal, though. It doesn't sound like a natural wavering of the voice to me (especially from Brian in 1978), and I'm not one of those people who hears autot00n on everything just because I want to criticize it. Music is a special thing to me, I don't want to dislike or criticize any of it. I could very well be wrong, though. Either way, like I said, the effect sounds fine except on "San Onofre", and even then, yeah.

Also, wanted to say that my "FINE" was meant in teh jokingly but then I seemingly killed the thread :'(

Fair enough.  Personally, I wouldn't know, as I don't hear anything "watery" to begin with (but again, I haven't given the song a truly close examination yet), so I was really just taking a stab in the dark.

"Music is a special thing to me, I don't want to dislike or criticize any of it."  Hey, I'm with you.  In fact, I think most of us here would agree that music is something we hold sacred in our lives (even if I do sometimes think some people here kind of revel in making disparaging remarks).   >:D

Goin' To The Beach got a bigger thread than Cal Feelin?

I hope this is due to the controversial nature of the former...

It was the first new track we heard from Made In California, so yeah.

Not gonna lie, I'm kinda surprised at that fact. But combining the fact that "Goin' To The Beach" is probably the most classic stupid cheesy Mike type thing that could come out, coupled with the fact that "California Feelin'" has been out there for quite a few years (albeit minus Brian's lead vocal and a few other changes) probably meant that conversation on "Goin' To The Beach" went on a bit longer.

I took it how you meant it, don't worries Runners. Regarding the pitch correction though, even the voices in my head sound autotuned these days, but I really don't hear it on this track.

Lyrically - yes, it's a summer song. But there's absolutely nothing summery about its melody. I don't hear "fun", either. Generally, summer songs don't sound so boring & repetitive, not mentioning they're usually joyful & catchy. F.ex. the likes of "Sunshine" (KTSA), "Island Girl", "Isn't It Time", "Dance Dance Dance" & even "She's Got Rhythm". In short, I only agree that GTTB isn't a lost classic.

Me too. I only was tricked by the intro, then it immediately became recognizable that the lead is not Brian. Anyway, it's a nice version & without comparison, Rocky did rather good performance. However, it doesn't mean we should discuss him, because simply he's not a Beach Boy or any of their musicians - just some outsider - plus he left an unpleasant mark in the band's history. I don't respect him & surely no one else does.

CF is lovely. A sort of California gospel song, like Timothy White put it. Brian's vocal is remarkable, full of personality, beautifully delivered.

Gowever, I don't think Carl would have approved its release as he sings a number of bum notes and half-assed adlibs. There is a seal of quality to practically all of Carl's released leads, and I don't think this (working vocal) meets such standard. For a guy that was reluctant to show Soulful Ol Man Sunshine to the world because of his vocal in it, it seems unlikely that he would have approved the release of CF.

Play it 2% faster and the bum notes seem to disappear. As discussed earlier, there was some monkeying around going on when this was put together.

So who's entering this contest? The deadline is in 3 weeks, and I've been working on my submission for a while. I would love to win that stratocaster.

How are they releasing Goin' to the Beach with the new guitar solo?

I think it'll be something you can listen to from the Beach Boys website. That's how they make it sound anyway.

I want that guitar.

Can we add a drum solo instead... ;)

How about a little finger poppin' ?

I was hoping a lot of people would be submitting joke solos. You should do some scat singing over the entire thing.

That's only done through overdubs

No overdubbing allowed :(

I don't think it was ever said to be a scratch vocal or anything, I really don't think it is. Several of the guy's leads from this period have the quality they have here, so yeah. He sounds just fine to me considering the era. I don't hear any "half-assed adlibs" in his vocal, either.

Also, the only reason he was against "Soulful Old Man Sunshine" is because he sang "shunshine" once, that's all.

By order of the king

Sad peasants sing Serfs Up, unable to add a crumhorn solo to their favourite track from Sumer is Icumen in Paradise

And then they follow with a rousing 'chorus' of "My Bonnie Lass She SMILEth." :lol

Winners found here: http://tongal.com/project/Gointothebeach

Behold, the 12 bar blues.

It's worth noting that winner #2 cheated. Many other winners broke rules as well.

The dude that got first is flying!!

Yeah, when he actually strayed from the normal pattern, he did pretty well.

I think I liked winner #4 most, despite his hideous gun chewing. I really liked his style, but he did hit a few, mute notes and his solo was a bit lackluster.

Well I was rooting for her:   http://youtu.be/O4bPeyjdIjU (http://youtu.be/O4bPeyjdIjU)   ;)

What rule was broken?

(http://media.zenfs.com/en_US/Sports/AP_Oly/201208051017370560944-p2.jpg)

The guy from Austria?  Meh, I guess.  I don't think he should've gotten first...rather unimaginative playing.  #5 gets my vote...tasteful playing throughout the song--not just the solo.

The gum chewing was nothing compared to the mutton chops and flabby arms though. :lol

California Feelin' videos up. I enjoyed no. 1