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Smiley Smile Stuff => General On Topic Discussions => Topic started by: GoodVibrations33 on March 28, 2015, 08:29:14 PM



Title: LISTEN TO THE LAST SONG, ON THE ISLAND, & I'M FEELING SAD!! BBC RADIO
Post by: GoodVibrations33 on March 28, 2015, 08:29:14 PM
Ladies and gentlemen seek to 29:15 on this show:  http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b05ndvry (http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b05ndvry)

On the Island (1:31:58 into the program):  http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b05mplm6 (http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b05mplm6)

I'm Feeling Sad (1:18:00 into the program):  http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b05nsb9x (http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b05nsb9x)


Title: Re: THE LAST SONG!!!!! LISTEN HERE BBC RADIO
Post by: joshferrell on March 28, 2015, 08:42:25 PM
nice thanks..


Title: Re: THE LAST SONG!!!!! LISTEN HERE BBC RADIO
Post by: Alan Smith on March 28, 2015, 08:44:20 PM
Thanks for the link, good job!



Title: Re: THE LAST SONG!!!!! LISTEN HERE BBC RADIO
Post by: RBennett123 on March 28, 2015, 08:46:44 PM
Last Song gave me goosebumps. Brian sounds amazing on this. Wow.


Title: Re: LISTEN TO THE LAST SONG & ON THE ISLAND!! BBC RADIO
Post by: rocksong.flac on March 28, 2015, 08:50:05 PM
this song is a dream for joe thomas/adult contemporary fans.


Title: Re: LISTEN TO THE LAST SONG & ON THE ISLAND!! BBC RADIO
Post by: ForHerCryingSoul on March 28, 2015, 08:56:03 PM
this song is a dream for joe thomas/adult contemporary fans.
Troll much?


Title: Re: LISTEN TO THE LAST SONG & ON THE ISLAND!! BBC RADIO
Post by: Wirestone on March 28, 2015, 09:03:21 PM
Holy sh*t.


Title: Re: LISTEN TO THE LAST SONG & ON THE ISLAND!! BBC RADIO
Post by: Niko on March 28, 2015, 09:09:11 PM
My god that is amazing


Title: Re: LISTEN TO THE LAST SONG & ON THE ISLAND!! BBC RADIO
Post by: rocksong.flac on March 28, 2015, 09:16:50 PM
this song is a dream for joe thomas/adult contemporary fans.
Troll much?

no? i think it's just very boring.


Title: Re: LISTEN TO THE LAST SONG & ON THE ISLAND!! BBC RADIO
Post by: Wirestone on March 28, 2015, 09:17:42 PM
Hold on tight
And everything will be all right
I never really felt this way before

Don't let go
There's still time for us
So let's take it slow
I wish that I could give you so much more

La la la la, etc.
La la la la, etc.

Far away
And maybe we'll be coming back someday
Together in the end
To sing with you again

Ah ah ah
Da da da

I never really felt this way before
Don't be sad
There was a time and place for what we had
If there was just another chance for me to sing to you

La la la la, etc.
La la la la, etc.

There's never enough time for the ones that you love
There's never enough time for the ones that you love
There's never enough time for the ones that you love


Title: Re: LISTEN TO THE LAST SONG & ON THE ISLAND!! BBC RADIO
Post by: FatherOfTheMan Sr101 on March 28, 2015, 09:27:28 PM
The song slowly grew on me, it builds into something goshdarn amazing.


Title: Re: LISTEN TO THE LAST SONG & ON THE ISLAND!! BBC RADIO
Post by: Summertime Blooz on March 28, 2015, 09:27:28 PM
this song is a dream for joe thomas/adult contemporary fans.

Last Song: Worst track so far. I just hate the sappy strings. Even the la-la-la's are bothersome. The lyrics are generic and confusing. It sounds like a song for Melinda maybe at the beginning, but supposedly it's a song about the end of the BBs reunion? Huh?  This is more like something I would expect from Bruce Johnston than BW. It doesn't seem like a BW production to me at all. Very disappointing, since this track was being so highly touted. On The Island was quite pleasant though.


Title: Re: LISTEN TO THE LAST SONG & ON THE ISLAND!! BBC RADIO
Post by: seltaeb1012002 on March 28, 2015, 09:28:13 PM
Zooey's vocal reminds me a bit of Marilyn. Could totally picture the song American Spring style.

And wow. Once again Brian hits some notes on "Last Song" he hasn't hit in a long long time. Not necessarily in terms of how high, but moreso in quality. This guy is messing with us. He can sing great falsetto when he wants. Even now.



Title: Re: LISTEN TO THE LAST SONG & ON THE ISLAND!! BBC RADIO
Post by: Alan Smith on March 28, 2015, 09:28:36 PM
Hold on tight
And everything will be all right
I never really felt this way before

Don't let go
There's still time for us
So let's take it slow
I wish that I could give you so much more

La la la la, etc.
La la la la, etc.

Far away
And maybe we'll be coming back someday
Together in the end
To sing with you again

Ah ah ah
Da da da

I never really felt this way before
Don't be sad
There was a time and place for what we had
If there was just another chance for me to sing to you

La la la la, etc.
La la la la, etc.

There's never enough time for the ones that you love
There's never enough time for the ones that you love
There's never enough time for the ones that you love


 :thumbsup fast fingers! Thanks!


Title: Re: LISTEN TO THE LAST SONG & ON THE ISLAND!! BBC RADIO
Post by: acedecade75 on March 28, 2015, 09:32:46 PM
Wow, Brian has made me cry again, and it's beautiful!


Title: Re: LISTEN TO THE LAST SONG & ON THE ISLAND!! BBC RADIO
Post by: Wirestone on March 28, 2015, 09:38:36 PM
It doesn't seem like a BW production to me at all.

You'd be surprised.


Title: Re: LISTEN TO THE LAST SONG & ON THE ISLAND!! BBC RADIO
Post by: pixletwin on March 28, 2015, 09:38:55 PM
Wow. I actually teared up. Beautiful.


Title: Re: LISTEN TO THE LAST SONG & ON THE ISLAND!! BBC RADIO
Post by: Summertime Blooz on March 28, 2015, 10:02:04 PM
It doesn't seem like a BW production to me at all.

You'd be surprised.
I'm not questioning that it's a BW production, just that it's not what I expect from him. And not in a good way.


Title: Re: LISTEN TO THE LAST SONG & ON THE ISLAND!! BBC RADIO
Post by: JohnMill on March 28, 2015, 10:04:11 PM
Hold on tight
And everything will be all right
I never really felt this way before

Don't let go
There's still time for us
So let's take it slow
I wish that I could give you so much more

La la la la, etc.
La la la la, etc.

Far away
And maybe we'll be coming back someday
Together in the end
To sing with you again

Ah ah ah
Da da da

I never really felt this way before
Don't be sad
There was a time and place for what we had
If there was just another chance for me to sing to you

La la la la, etc.
La la la la, etc.

There's never enough time for the ones that you love
There's never enough time for the ones that you love
There's never enough time for the ones that you love


Wow really sad and touching.  When all is said and done ultimately it doesn't matter which side of the fence you fall on.  Laid bare, the fact that two friends who were once so close have spent so many years battling various guises of estrangement is nothing short of tragic.  The silver lining of course is that they both have family and friends around them and seem to both be leading genuinely happy lives.  But still this song is to Mike Love what "Lay Down Burden" was to Carl and what "Like A Brother" was to Brian.


Title: Re: LISTEN TO THE LAST SONG & ON THE ISLAND!! BBC RADIO
Post by: Wirestone on March 28, 2015, 10:46:29 PM
You know ... this reminds me of some of Dennis's orchestral stuff. Same trick of switching between bombast and painful personal reflection.


Title: Re: LISTEN TO THE LAST SONG & ON THE ISLAND!! BBC RADIO
Post by: ontor pertawst on March 28, 2015, 10:52:48 PM
Great stuff, what a sentiment from BW and a nice close to the album, glad he took the lead vocal... sounds like he really put a lot of work into it! Isn't it amazing when art has the power to either make people cry or sneer so what and try to negate it? Still pushing buttons... and those lyrics! I know they don't have the emotional heft and power of "Pisces Brothers," but if Cousin Mike can spare a few minutes this year to listen to it i'd love to hear what the sentimental sap thinks of them.

Once he finishes consulting his lawyer about it mentioning taking it slow, anyway.

"Are you sure we can't do anything?"

"It's a no-go, Mr. Love.

Loved On the Island too... Cute song, nice relaxed atmosphere! I think this is going to nudge TLOS out of "fave BW solo album" spot for me.


Title: Re: LISTEN TO THE LAST SONG & ON THE ISLAND!! BBC RADIO
Post by: Empire Of Love on March 28, 2015, 11:08:36 PM

It doesn't seem like a BW production to me at all. Very disappointing, since this track was being so highly touted. On The Island was quite pleasant though.

To my ears, this sounds as much like a Brian Wilson production as Midnight's Another Day.  I'm not sure who is credited for either song, but they both sound like what I'd expect from a seasoned/mature Brian Wilson.  It seems what a lot of people want is 1965 vintage Brian Wilson production.  I'd say that is about as realistic as him whipping out a 1965 vintage falsetto.  And while I think he could get closer to both than he does, he chooses not to.  If people keep judging his current choices by his 1965 choices there will be nothing but disappointment.  We are all free to dislike what he is doing, but it seems silly to be stuck in the past.

Krab: out of curiosity, do you think Runaway Dancer sounds like a BW production?  I just saw your ranking and you put that song surprisingly near the top.  To me that sounds nothing like a BW production.

EoL


Title: Re: LISTEN TO THE LAST SONG & ON THE ISLAND!! BBC RADIO
Post by: the professor on March 28, 2015, 11:13:02 PM
Ontor is right.  I think Mike will, correctly, perceive the meaning of this song and call Brian and set up some future work together, as the song longs for. At least he should. Brian is making an overture for sure.


Great stuff, what a sentiment from BW and a nice close to the album, glad he took the lead vocal... sounds like he really put a lot of work into it! Isn't it amazing when art has the power to either make people cry or sneer so what and try to negate it? Still pushing buttons... and those lyrics! I know they don't have the emotional heft and power of "Pisces Brothers," but if Cousin Mike can spare a few minutes this year to listen to it i'd love to hear what the sentimental sap thinks of them.

Once he finishes consulting his lawyer about "On the Island" mentioning taking it slow, anyway. Cute song, nice relaxed atmosphere! I think this is going to nudge TLOS out of "fave BW solo album" spot for me.


Title: Re: LISTEN TO THE LAST SONG & ON THE ISLAND!! BBC RADIO
Post by: Bud Shaver on March 28, 2015, 11:29:30 PM
Loved both tracks. I think this album is a grand slam instead of a bunt.

 :hat Long Live Brian Wilson!  :hat


Title: Re: LISTEN TO THE LAST SONG & ON THE ISLAND!! BBC RADIO
Post by: Andrew G. Doe on March 28, 2015, 11:35:57 PM
Very,very,very nice. When Brian sings in his range, the emotional effect is upped by orders of magnitude. Of a piece with "Summer's Gone" (could have fit very easily on TWGMTR. I like it a lot on first listen and it's going to be a grower: up there in the top five on this album. If it is the last song, then, yes, fitting and impressive.

But, be honest, as with "Lay Down Burden", if you'd not been told it's (allegedly) about a specific subject beforehand, you'd never divine that from the lyric.

"On The Island" ?  Like the track, mellow and laid back. Brian's bvs are likewise delightful. And... er, that's all.


Title: Re: LISTEN TO THE LAST SONG & ON THE ISLAND!! BBC RADIO
Post by: Wirestone on March 28, 2015, 11:41:18 PM
Indeed, AGD. It's easily read as a song about a troubled romantic relationship. I do think, though, in this case the multiple readings make it stronger. Who really wants an explicit account of backstage contention?


Title: Re: LISTEN TO THE LAST SONG & ON THE ISLAND!! BBC RADIO
Post by: Andrew G. Doe on March 28, 2015, 11:42:07 PM

It doesn't seem like a BW production to me at all. Very disappointing, since this track was being so highly touted. On The Island was quite pleasant though.

To my ears, this sounds as much like a Brian Wilson production as Midnight's Another Day.  

Chalk & cheese: to these ears "TLS" is a wonderful song, beautifully sung. "MAD" is toweringly majestic in all departments, sung with all the hurt and pain that only Brian knows. "MAD" is "TLS"². Just my opinion.


Title: Re: LISTEN TO THE LAST SONG & ON THE ISLAND!! BBC RADIO
Post by: Andrew G. Doe on March 28, 2015, 11:45:09 PM
Indeed, AGD. It's easily read as a song about a troubled romantic relationship. I do think, though, in this case the multiple readings make it stronger. Who really wants an explicit account of backstage contention?

Oh, I dunno - maybe 95% of those who post here ?  ;D

But enough, this is about music, not assumptions. This album is shaping up to be one of Brian's very finest solo efforts. I duly admonish myself for briefly considering The Road Far Too Often Taken. Bad AGD...  ;D


Title: Re: LISTEN TO THE LAST SONG & ON THE ISLAND!! BBC RADIO
Post by: Wirestone on March 28, 2015, 11:49:30 PM
I should have made it clear --

Who wants such an account in song form?  ;D


Title: Re: LISTEN TO THE LAST SONG & ON THE ISLAND!! BBC RADIO
Post by: Wirestone on March 28, 2015, 11:55:20 PM

It doesn't seem like a BW production to me at all. Very disappointing, since this track was being so highly touted. On The Island was quite pleasant though.

To my ears, this sounds as much like a Brian Wilson production as Midnight's Another Day.  

Chalk & cheese: to these ears "TLS" is a wonderful song, beautifully sung. "MAD" is toweringly majestic in all departments, sung with all the hurt and pain that only Brian knows. "MAD" is "TLS"². Just my opinion.

Mine too. MAD is looking like, some eight years on, perhaps the single greatest combination of song and performance that BW has managed in his solo career. Towering and majestic and personal.

The Last Song is quirkier, more Spector-ized, perhaps more conflicted about what it wants to be. But it's still remarkable work from a man who has -- against all odds -- decided to keep giving us such creations into his eighth decade.


Title: Re: LISTEN TO THE LAST SONG & ON THE ISLAND!! BBC RADIO
Post by: runnersdialzero on March 29, 2015, 12:21:52 AM
"The Last Song" has some nice lyrics and is an okay song. Foskett's voice is not a welcome addition at all, and Brian just does not sound human. Joe Thomas spends more time on his hair than he does producing the vocals of the greatest vocal group of all time.

"On The Island" is pretty pleasant, tho. I got some slight "Busy Doin' Nothin'" vibes from it.


Title: Re: LISTEN TO THE LAST SONG & ON THE ISLAND!! BBC RADIO
Post by: ♩♬🐸 Billy C ♯♫♩🐇 on March 29, 2015, 12:27:34 AM
I went to 1:31:58 and I heard Megan trainor. Did they edit the program


Title: Re: LISTEN TO THE LAST SONG & ON THE ISLAND!! BBC RADIO
Post by: Andrew G. Doe on March 29, 2015, 12:32:44 AM
Different link. I did that too.  ;D

Meghan Trainor... entirely talent free, and that's her plus point.  >:(


Title: Re: LISTEN TO THE LAST SONG & ON THE ISLAND!! BBC RADIO
Post by: smilethebeachboysloveyou on March 29, 2015, 12:46:12 AM
I really like "On the Island"--very nice and laid back.  I think Runners is spot on with the "Busy Doin' Nothin'" vibe this has.  Great choice of collaborators for this one.

I may be about to get myself into trouble, but "The Last Song" is the first song I've heard from this album that I'm not really into.  Maybe I'll warm up to it after a couple more listens but for now I find it… cloying.


Title: Re: LISTEN TO THE LAST SONG & ON THE ISLAND!! BBC RADIO
Post by: Mike's Beard on March 29, 2015, 01:17:43 AM
Ewwwww, nice lyrics but the song itself is like Dennis + Bruce at their most sappiest, wrapped up in JT's crappy production choices.


Title: Re: LISTEN TO THE LAST SONG & ON THE ISLAND!! BBC RADIO
Post by: The Shift on March 29, 2015, 02:01:23 AM
Last two comments hit the nail on the head. Last Song just isn't doing it for me, and normally I let a thing Brian does roll me over and tickle my tummy. I love it when BW does something different but this is like someone (Bruce?) trying to do something so Brian and missing by an open country mile. I mean agriculture.


Title: Re: LISTEN TO THE LAST SONG & ON THE ISLAND!! BBC RADIO
Post by: Tab Lloyd on March 29, 2015, 02:19:35 AM
 I've got to throw my hat in with Mike's Beard...though I think the lyric itself is a bit sappy. There's enough material released so far to prove that Brian has still got his chops, but none of these songs jump out and grab me. Ultimately the artist has to start with a good song conceived out of some sort of passion or vision that almost needs to be communicated. Instead I picture this process more like trying to make gold out of silver. A lot of effort from a lot of talented people...but most of these songs will not be part of Brian's unequaled legacy. And it's not fair to pin it on JT as Brian knows what he wants I'm sure. I don't see MAD or even Summer's Gone...and I'm trying hard!


Title: Re: LISTEN TO THE LAST SONG & ON THE ISLAND!! BBC RADIO
Post by: The Shift on March 29, 2015, 03:14:29 AM
I like most of the tracks so far but the real ear worms this year are the MiniMansions  and Emile Haney guest slots.


Title: Re: LISTEN TO THE LAST SONG & ON THE ISLAND!! BBC RADIO
Post by: buddhahat on March 29, 2015, 03:23:57 AM
but none of these songs jump out and grab me.

Sadly I have to admit the same thing. I love a lot of Brian's recent work. Many of the songs on TWGMTR were so gorgeous that they transcended the 'adult contemporary' production choices. For me this latest stuff really does feel like it's designed for an older audience. More power to Brian - that's clearly where he's at and he's productive which is great. Plus I haven't heard all the NPP songs yet so there may still be some that do it for me ...


Title: Re: LISTEN TO THE LAST SONG & ON THE ISLAND!! BBC RADIO
Post by: RollPlymouthRock on March 29, 2015, 04:30:56 AM
The Last Song is not even in the same league as Summer's Gone i'm afraid maybe it'll grow on me.


Title: Re: LISTEN TO THE LAST SONG & ON THE ISLAND!! BBC RADIO
Post by: SteveJ1980 on March 29, 2015, 05:10:57 AM
Anyone else hearing shades of lay down burden in the last song? I have to say this is in my top 3 songs on NPP so far... Roll on 7th April, I've even booked the day off work! 😄 ;D


Title: Re: LISTEN TO THE LAST SONG & ON THE ISLAND!! BBC RADIO
Post by: Debbie Keil-Leavitt on March 29, 2015, 05:37:19 AM
Great stuff, what a sentiment from BW and a nice close to the album, glad he took the lead vocal... sounds like he really put a lot of work into it! Isn't it amazing when art has the power to either make people cry or sneer so what and try to negate it? Still pushing buttons... and those lyrics! I know they don't have the emotional heft and power of "Pisces Brothers," but if Cousin Mike can spare a few minutes this year to listen to it i'd love to hear what the sentimental sap thinks of them.

Once he finishes consulting his lawyer about it mentioning taking it slow, anyway.

"Are you sure we can't do anything?"

"It's a no-go, Mr. Love.

Loved On the Island too... Cute song, nice relaxed atmosphere! I think this is going to nudge TLOS out of "fave BW solo album" spot for me.

Ontor, thanks for putting it into perspective on our varied views of "Last Song."  It is deeply emotional.  One of my very, very favorite things on this planet (like top 5 - okay maybe a tie for #1, truth be told) since I was a little girl in 1962 has remained a Brian Wilson ballad, so my opinion of "Last Song" is pretty predictable.  I am totally in love with it - gorgeous and moving to me.  Brian's vocal is superb and I think it came together wonderfully as part of the "feel" of this record that covers a lifetime of emotions and experiences.  It has that sophistication coupled with innocence that no one else can do as well as Brian.  It suits my personal taste just fine.  It does convey a powerful sadness, so that may make some uncomfortable.  If it doesn't suit someone else's preferences that's fine, too.  There is plenty of other music to enjoy.

On the Island is even better than I was hoping.  I think it will always be one of my favorite tracks because it is flat-out charming at the same time that it feels so good.  I personally love being charmed, and this song is a true delight - from my perspective, perfectly executed and I love the story it tells.  

I've heard enough of the album now that I know I may spend much of the month of April in a very personal relationship with it, just like I did with Pet Sounds so many years ago.  The only thing that comes close to the pleasures of falling in love is enjoying a new record I adore this much.  I guess that's what being a "fan" is.  We appreciate being given the gift of music that conveys love in all its forms to us.  Other than personal love and friendship, is their anything better really?  I am so happy with this latest gift.


Title: Re: LISTEN TO THE LAST SONG & ON THE ISLAND!! BBC RADIO
Post by: Autotune on March 29, 2015, 06:02:56 AM
Brian's still got it. It makes no sense to jump around every time he releases something anymore just because he can make quality music; we know that. He doesn't have to prove anything and we don't have be validated in any way.

Having said that, I think this a great vocal to a meh song. It's not something I'd pay much attention to if not for the name of the artist. Musically generic, to my ears. And production-wise slick to an extreme I really don't care for. I don't find in it elements to be a grower, unlike with "Sail Away".


Title: Re: LISTEN TO THE LAST SONG & ON THE ISLAND!! BBC RADIO
Post by: rab2591 on March 29, 2015, 06:04:31 AM
The Last Song:

There have been moments in Brian's music where the songs almost feel 3-dimensional to me...the right elements come together and are balanced just right to create a perfectly layered piece of music. California Girls is like this, a lot of Today!, much of Pet Sounds (especially LGAFA), but this sonic depth seemed to disappear for the most part after SMiLE (imo).

That moment where Brian is singing a gorgeous background vocal, or where the organ is playing those beautiful notes alongside the strings and the background vocals...All throughout this song there seem to be elements of Brian's old style creeping back in....a sonic depth that I haven't really heard from him since Pet Sounds...I really hope the rest of the more downtempo songs are mixed like this. The lyrics are wonderful. Definitely a tearjerker for me. 5/5

You may find the piano and strings to be sappy, or the "Joe Thomas Production"* off-putting. But put on some good headphones and really deeply listen to this latest batch of songs...I think there is a lot going on in them that people are overlooking.

On The Island:

A quirky and beautiful tune. The lyrics take me back to a sunny tropical beach down south....and I'm really diggin Zooey's vocal.  

Also, all I typed above is merely my opinion, so I don't want to hear complaints about "false advertising" lol

*again, do we know exactly how much time Joe has spent mixing and producing this album? This could be 95-100% Brian's direct/indirect production/mixing going on here. So before we start blaming Joe for anything we dislike, perhaps we should hold off on such claims until we know for sure.


Title: Re: LISTEN TO THE LAST SONG & ON THE ISLAND!! BBC RADIO
Post by: Mendota Heights on March 29, 2015, 06:43:25 AM
Different link. I did that too.  ;D

Meghan Trainor... entirely talent free, and that's her plus point.  >:(

If she's "entirely talent free" then what are you? Written any worldwide hits lately?


Title: Re: LISTEN TO THE LAST SONG & ON THE ISLAND!! BBC RADIO
Post by: Rocker on March 29, 2015, 06:45:17 AM
Thanks for the heads-up!

I wonder how in the world a new Brian album (apart from Smile) can get so much promotion. It seems TWGMTR's success is kinda responsible.


Title: Re: LISTEN TO THE LAST SONG & ON THE ISLAND!! BBC RADIO
Post by: JohnMill on March 29, 2015, 06:59:00 AM
Different link. I did that too.  ;D

Meghan Trainor... entirely talent free, and that's her plus point.  >:(

If she's "entirely talent free" then what are you? Written any worldwide hits lately?

*delete...I don't want to derail this thread, getting into an age old debate that has no end.


Title: Re: LISTEN TO THE LAST SONG & ON THE ISLAND!! BBC RADIO
Post by: The LEGENDARY OSD on March 29, 2015, 07:02:32 AM
Great stuff, what a sentiment from BW and a nice close to the album, glad he took the lead vocal... sounds like he really put a lot of work into it! Isn't it amazing when art has the power to either make people cry or sneer so what and try to negate it? Still pushing buttons... and those lyrics! I know they don't have the emotional heft and power of "Pisces Brothers," but if Cousin Mike can spare a few minutes this year to listen to it i'd love to hear what the sentimental sap thinks of them.

Once he finishes consulting his lawyer about it mentioning taking it slow, anyway.

"Are you sure we can't do anything?"

"It's a no-go, Mr. Love.

Loved On the Island too... Cute song, nice relaxed atmosphere! I think this is going to nudge TLOS out of "fave BW solo album" spot for me.

Ontor, thanks for putting it into perspective on our varied views of "Last Song."  It is deeply emotional.  One of my very, very favorite things on this planet (like top 5 - okay maybe a tie for #1, truth be told) since I was a little girl in 1962 has remained a Brian Wilson ballad, so my opinion of "Last Song" is pretty predictable.  I am totally in love with it - gorgeous and moving to me.  Brian's vocal is superb and I think it came together wonderfully as part of the "feel" of this record that covers a lifetime of emotions and experiences.  It has that sophistication coupled with innocence that no one else can do as well as Brian.  It suits my personal taste just fine.  It does convey a powerful sadness, so that may make some uncomfortable.  If it doesn't suit someone else's preferences that's fine, too.  There is plenty of other music to enjoy.

On the Island is even better than I was hoping.  I think it will always be one of my favorite tracks because it is flat-out charming at the same time that it feels so good.  I personally love being charmed, and this song is a true delight - from my perspective, perfectly executed and I love the story it tells.  

I've heard enough of the album now that I know I may spend much of the month of April in a very personal relationship with it, just like I did with Pet Sounds so many years ago.  The only thing that comes close to the pleasures of falling in love is enjoying a new record I adore this much.  I guess that's what being a "fan" is.  We appreciate being given the gift of music that conveys love in all its forms to us.  Other than personal love and friendship, is their anything better really?  I am so happy with this latest gift.

A lovely, heart rendering perspective on this latest gift from Brian and company. No one could have said it any better. From buying the CD, taking it home, arranging the pillows on the couch, firing up the stereo,  sitting back, planting my feet on the coffee table, and absorbing my favorite composer's music, well, it just doesn't get any better than that, does it?  :happydance :happydance  


Title: Re: LISTEN TO THE LAST SONG & ON THE ISLAND!! BBC RADIO
Post by: Yorick on March 29, 2015, 07:14:54 AM
but none of these songs jump out and grab me.

Sadly I have to admit the same thing. I love a lot of Brian's recent work. Many of the songs on TWGMTR were so gorgeous that they transcended the 'adult contemporary' production choices. For me this latest stuff really does feel like it's designed for an older audience. More power to Brian - that's clearly where he's at and he's productive which is great. Plus I haven't heard all the NPP songs yet so there may still be some that do it for me ...
You hit the nail on the head for me! Some songs on TWGMTR were so stunning that they transcended the AC production choices and here I find the same AC production choices (sometimes taken a bit further), but not the stunners.


Title: Re: LISTEN TO THE LAST SONG & ON THE ISLAND!! BBC RADIO
Post by: SMiLE Brian on March 29, 2015, 07:15:48 AM
Make sure to have some fine wine to enjoy such an event! 8)


Title: Re: LISTEN TO THE LAST SONG & ON THE ISLAND!! BBC RADIO
Post by: baseball95 on March 29, 2015, 07:51:15 AM
Last Song is fantastic but it's nowhere near as breathtaking as Summer's Gone bottom line for me.


Title: Re: LISTEN TO THE LAST SONG & ON THE ISLAND!! BBC RADIO
Post by: Debbie Keil-Leavitt on March 29, 2015, 07:55:59 AM
Make sure to have some fine wine to enjoy such an event! 8)

I'm going for champagne on the first listen.  If I keep drinking fine wine during subsequent listening, I could become the local drunk, so I'll try to show some restraint!


Title: Re: LISTEN TO THE LAST SONG & ON THE ISLAND!! BBC RADIO
Post by: The LEGENDARY OSD on March 29, 2015, 08:00:47 AM
Make sure to have some fine wine to enjoy such an event! 8)

Well stocked with red and ready to pour!  :drunks


Title: Re: LISTEN TO THE LAST SONG & ON THE ISLAND!! BBC RADIO
Post by: bonnevillemariner on March 29, 2015, 08:02:10 AM
I find both these songs pretty meh. 


Title: Re: LISTEN TO THE LAST SONG & ON THE ISLAND!! BBC RADIO
Post by: rab2591 on March 29, 2015, 08:16:07 AM
(http://i.imgur.com/NkLulXA.gif)


Title: Re: LISTEN TO THE LAST SONG & ON THE ISLAND!! BBC RADIO
Post by: Shady on March 29, 2015, 08:20:29 AM
The last song is as magnificent as expect, truly blown away.

"On the island" is fantastic, I'll be playing that a lot over summer.


Title: Re: LISTEN TO THE LAST SONG & ON THE ISLAND!! BBC RADIO
Post by: Mendota Heights on March 29, 2015, 08:27:21 AM
The last song is as magnificent as expect, truly blown away.

"On the island" is fantastic, I'll be playing that a lot over summer.

With a drink in your hand.


Title: Re: LISTEN TO THE LAST SONG & ON THE ISLAND!! BBC RADIO
Post by: JohnMill on March 29, 2015, 08:29:34 AM
Indeed, AGD. It's easily read as a song about a troubled romantic relationship. I do think, though, in this case the multiple readings make it stronger. Who really wants an explicit account of backstage contention?

There is another possible interpretation that the listener could draw as well.  It could easily be a song about the process of grieving, of losing someone.  You always hear people say when someone close to them passes, that "if only I could speak to that person one last time, what would I say to them...what would they say to me".  There is certainly elements of that in "The Last Song".


Title: Re: LISTEN TO THE LAST SONG & ON THE ISLAND!! BBC RADIO
Post by: mikeddonn on March 29, 2015, 08:41:39 AM
Did anyone hear the similarity between the end of Last Song and Slow Summer Dancing form Summer in Paradise!  It could easily have morphed not that piano part that plays after Al sings his last line of the One Summer Night par of the song.

Last Song is good, touching, and a great vocal from Brian. I wasn't to keen n the LaLa vocals. 

I'm also not the biggest fan of Summer's Gone.  I like it but as a last Beach Boys song I prefered Pacific Coast Highway. Majestic, unbelievable.  Just wish it had been longer!


Title: Re: LISTEN TO THE LAST SONG & ON THE ISLAND!! BBC RADIO
Post by: SIP Mike on March 29, 2015, 09:45:05 AM
This song is the perfect response the Pisces Brothers, it is very obvious Brian took the idea of writing a song that is happy that it happened, but sad that it is over from somewhere in paradise.



Title: Re: LISTEN TO THE LAST SONG & ON THE ISLAND!! BBC RADIO
Post by: SMiLE Brian on March 29, 2015, 09:47:23 AM
You are out of your mind SIP Mike, Pisces brothers is crap! ::)


Title: Re: LISTEN TO THE LAST SONG & ON THE ISLAND!! BBC RADIO
Post by: SIP Mike on March 29, 2015, 09:49:05 AM
You are out of your mind SIP Mike, Pisces brothers is crap! ::)

You like the goods, but not the source. Typical. I am beset by you  >:(


Title: Re: LISTEN TO THE LAST SONG & ON THE ISLAND!! BBC RADIO
Post by: SMiLE Brian on March 29, 2015, 09:54:16 AM
Go be a groupie in club Kokomo or something!


Title: Re: LISTEN TO THE LAST SONG & ON THE ISLAND!! BBC RADIO
Post by: Debbie Keil-Leavitt on March 29, 2015, 09:57:50 AM
You are out of your mind SIP Mike, Pisces brothers is crap! ::)

You like the goods, but not the source. Typical. I am beset by you  >:(

It never crossed my mind that your original post was serious, so I have no response...I can't even imagine one.


Title: Re: LISTEN TO THE LAST SONG & ON THE ISLAND!! BBC RADIO
Post by: Wirestone on March 29, 2015, 10:34:55 AM
Who would have thought that this astonishing piece of art would have been more controversial here than Runaway Dancer?

Go figure.

For the record, as meaningful as Summer's Gone is, I've always liked it more as a concept than a reality, Brian's exquisite vocals notwithstanding. A tad too Caroline, No pastiche-y for my tastes.

For whatever reason, the melody and execution of The Last Song really speak to me. It is overwrought and big hearted, but it's also reticent and tender. It's mixed so peculiarly that I can only imagine BW was behind it. It falls short of its potential while surpassing it at the same time. It's a miraculous, confounding, touching, gauche, nearly perfect yet also flawed.

In one song, basically, you have the experience of Brian's entire solo career. For that matter, his band's career too. However well you put things, however well you express yourself, it pales in comparison to wordless harmonies.


Title: Re: LISTEN TO THE LAST SONG & ON THE ISLAND!! BBC RADIO
Post by: ontor pertawst on March 29, 2015, 10:41:19 AM
I'd really love to see this performed on the tour, it would sound amazing after the two suite tracks... Pacific Coast Highway/Summer's Gone/The Last Song. Then come back for a punchy encore as everyone pretends they have something in their eye.

Al and Ike and a wall of lah lah lahs!


Title: Re: LISTEN TO THE LAST SONG & ON THE ISLAND!! BBC RADIO
Post by: SMiLE Brian on March 29, 2015, 10:52:46 AM
I would sh*t my pants if that happened at a BW show!


Title: Re: LISTEN TO THE LAST SONG & ON THE ISLAND!! BBC RADIO
Post by: Lowbacca on March 29, 2015, 11:14:53 AM
What a closing track... what a song!

(http://i.imgur.com/j2uZGUe.gif)


Title: Re: LISTEN TO THE LAST SONG & ON THE ISLAND!! BBC RADIO
Post by: Peter Reum on March 29, 2015, 12:51:40 PM
The Last Song is a tender and open goodbye to his first cousin. It is intimate, loving , but clearly says "we are related, nothing will ever change that, bit I can't open myself artistically to you again like 2012."


Title: Re: LISTEN TO THE LAST SONG & ON THE ISLAND!! BBC RADIO
Post by: Ray Lawlor on March 29, 2015, 12:57:54 PM
Indeed, AGD. It's easily read as a song about a troubled romantic relationship. I do think, though, in this case the multiple readings make it stronger. Who really wants an explicit account of backstage contention?

There is another possible interpretation that the listener could draw as well.  It could easily be a song about the process of grieving, of losing someone.  You always hear people say when someone close to them passes, that "if only I could speak to that person one last time, what would I say to them...what would they say to me".  There is certainly elements of that in "The Last Song".

Actually the song is about The Beach Boys, especially his late brothers Dennis and Carl


Title: Re: LISTEN TO THE LAST SONG & ON THE ISLAND!! BBC RADIO
Post by: Mendota Heights on March 29, 2015, 12:59:56 PM
This song is beautiful. A worthy album closer.

I would put it in the same category as The Faith by Leonard Cohen.


Title: Re: LISTEN TO THE LAST SONG & ON THE ISLAND!! BBC RADIO
Post by: Lowbacca on March 29, 2015, 01:03:00 PM
Indeed, AGD. It's easily read as a song about a troubled romantic relationship. I do think, though, in this case the multiple readings make it stronger. Who really wants an explicit account of backstage contention?

There is another possible interpretation that the listener could draw as well.  It could easily be a song about the process of grieving, of losing someone.  You always hear people say when someone close to them passes, that "if only I could speak to that person one last time, what would I say to them...what would they say to me".  There is certainly elements of that in "The Last Song".

Actually the song is about The Beach Boys, especially his late brothers Dennis and Carl
I thought that was rather obvious from the first time listening to it..


Title: Re: LISTEN TO THE LAST SONG & ON THE ISLAND!! BBC RADIO
Post by: phirnis on March 29, 2015, 01:23:40 PM
Last Song - sure a nice composition but like others I think the production choices are way over the top. A nice sentiment from Brian, I like the lyrics.

On the Island - nothing spectacular but it's nice enough. Probably closer to Jimmy Buffett than to Busy Doin' Nothin'. It's a pretty short song which I think is good.


Title: Re: LISTEN TO THE LAST SONG & ON THE ISLAND!! BBC RADIO
Post by: Andrew G. Doe on March 29, 2015, 01:28:42 PM
Indeed, AGD. It's easily read as a song about a troubled romantic relationship. I do think, though, in this case the multiple readings make it stronger. Who really wants an explicit account of backstage contention?

There is another possible interpretation that the listener could draw as well.  It could easily be a song about the process of grieving, of losing someone.  You always hear people say when someone close to them passes, that "if only I could speak to that person one last time, what would I say to them...what would they say to me".  There is certainly elements of that in "The Last Song".

Actually the song is about The Beach Boys, especially his late brothers Dennis and Carl

Interesting - that makes a lot more sense than it being specifically about the aftermath of the C50 tour... which is what we've been led to believe.

"Brian Wilson says he turned to a series of guest collaborators, many of them young female pop stars, to help jump start his muse after the Beach Boys‘ 2012 reunion tour came to an abrupt halt. In fact, Lana Del Rey ended up singing a song that deals directly with the issue, called ‘Last Song.’" (ultimateclassicrock.com)

"As for Lana? She worked with Brian on a track called “Last Song,” which will serve as the album’s centerpiece. There’s a version with Wilson on lead vocals, and an alternate one with Del Rey as the primary vocalist. Wilson wrote the song about his sadness over the Beach Boys’ breakup." (mtv.com)

"Now, according to those close to him, his Lana Del Rey collaboration will be the song to remember, as it recounts Wilson’s sadness about the Beach Boys‘ dissolution.

“The song recounts his sadness about the Beach Boys' dissolution. "It started out being about lost love," says co-producer Joe Thomas. "But after the tour fell apart it became more about a missed opportunity for Brian and the guys to ride into the sunset together."(rollingstone.com)


Title: Re: LISTEN TO THE LAST SONG & ON THE ISLAND!! BBC RADIO
Post by: RiC on March 29, 2015, 01:33:05 PM
Last Song: What a beautiful song. Who else wants an album full of songs in style with the Life-suite and this?

On the Island: Like I predicted, nice little song- nothing special.


Title: Re: LISTEN TO THE LAST SONG & ON THE ISLAND!! BBC RADIO
Post by: Ray Lawlor on March 29, 2015, 01:34:16 PM
Indeed, AGD. It's easily read as a song about a troubled romantic relationship. I do think, though, in this case the multiple readings make it stronger. Who really wants an explicit account of backstage contention?

There is another possible interpretation that the listener could draw as well.  It could easily be a song about the process of grieving, of losing someone.  You always hear people say when someone close to them passes, that "if only I could speak to that person one last time, what would I say to them...what would they say to me".  There is certainly elements of that in "The Last Song".

Actually the song is about The Beach Boys, especially his late brothers Dennis and Carl

Interesting - that makes a lot more sense than it being specifically about the aftermath of the C50 tour... which is what we've been led to believe.

"Brian Wilson says he turned to a series of guest collaborators, many of them young female pop stars, to help jump start his muse after the Beach Boys‘ 2012 reunion tour came to an abrupt halt. In fact, Lana Del Rey ended up singing a song that deals directly with the issue, called ‘Last Song.’" (ultimateclassicrock.com)

"As for Lana? She worked with Brian on a track called “Last Song,” which will serve as the album’s centerpiece. There’s a version with Wilson on lead vocals, and an alternate one with Del Rey as the primary vocalist. Wilson wrote the song about his sadness over the Beach Boys’ breakup." (mtv.com)

"Now, according to those close to him, his Lana Del Rey collaboration will be the song to remember, as it recounts Wilson’s sadness about the Beach Boys‘ dissolution.

“The song recounts his sadness about the Beach Boys' dissolution. "It started out being about lost love," says co-producer Joe Thomas. "But after the tour fell apart it became more about a missed opportunity for Brian and the guys to ride into the sunset together."(rollingstone.com)

To be more explicit than my short post above ; it is about the Beach Boys, the pain of the loss of singing with his brothers and the loss of his group after C50. Joe Thomas articulated it far better than I did. In future I will try and expand more .


Title: Re: LISTEN TO THE LAST SONG & ON THE ISLAND!! BBC RADIO
Post by: Andrew G. Doe on March 29, 2015, 01:40:44 PM
Just listened again. Most splendid. The CD will be better still.


Title: Re: LISTEN TO THE LAST SONG & ON THE ISLAND!! BBC RADIO
Post by: Pretty Funky on March 29, 2015, 01:41:26 PM
Sounds like a good enough explanation to me Ray. Lets face it, the Beach Boys breaking up as such can't just be pinned to one period.


Title: Re: LISTEN TO THE LAST SONG & ON THE ISLAND!! BBC RADIO
Post by: Andrew G. Doe on March 29, 2015, 02:16:41 PM
1967... 1977... 1998...


Title: Re: LISTEN TO THE LAST SONG & ON THE ISLAND!! BBC RADIO
Post by: FatherOfTheMan Sr101 on March 29, 2015, 02:17:22 PM
Only gets better with more listens. As with TWGMTR, listen in your car for the best experience... ENJOY! IT'S JUST MUSIC!


Title: Re: LISTEN TO THE LAST SONG & ON THE ISLAND!! BBC RADIO
Post by: rab2591 on March 29, 2015, 02:19:29 PM
Only gets better with more listens. As with TWGMTR, listen in your car for the best experience... ENJOY! IT'S JUST MUSIC!

:rock Hell yeah!


Title: Re: LISTEN TO THE LAST SONG & ON THE ISLAND!! BBC RADIO
Post by: Wirestone on March 29, 2015, 02:53:13 PM
1967... 1977... 1998...

1983 ... 2012 ...


Title: Re: LISTEN TO THE LAST SONG & ON THE ISLAND!! BBC RADIO
Post by: The Cincinnati Kid on March 29, 2015, 04:07:11 PM
Last Song is really great, not sure if I like it more than Summer's Gone, though.  I'm not sure what I would replace it with, but I could do with out all of the "la la las."  Does anyone else think Brian's vocal sounds odd on the last word of the song?  I've never heard it sound like that before. 

On the Island is decent enough.  Not much to say other than that.


Title: Re: LISTEN TO THE LAST SONG & ON THE ISLAND!! BBC RADIO
Post by: EgoHanger1966 on March 29, 2015, 04:14:28 PM
Last Song made me (and continues to make me) emotional as the song intensifies. I have never been one for Joe Thomas' production style, but it doesn't impede the song here one bit. I can understand complaints about Runaway Dancer...guests vocals on a Brian album...other stuff...but this? Listen again. It's beautiful, it's magnificent, it's wonderful, it's Brian giving his listeners exactly what they have been clamoring for. Listen again - it's Brian giving his heart to you the only way he knows how. There is so much love for this man and his music, his soul and his being on this board. Listen again, dammit.


Title: Re: LISTEN TO THE LAST SONG & ON THE ISLAND!! BBC RADIO
Post by: Wylson on March 29, 2015, 04:23:48 PM
The ending is really nice. I find most of the song a bit cheesy - like someone said earlier it's a bit more Bruce Johnston than Brian Wilson (or Dennis Wilson). Nice vocal though. I definitely prefer Southern California and Summer's Gone as direct comparisons though.


Title: Re: LISTEN TO THE LAST SONG & ON THE ISLAND!! BBC RADIO
Post by: 18thofMay on March 29, 2015, 04:24:21 PM
Brilliant work! A great song.


Title: Re: LISTEN TO THE LAST SONG & ON THE ISLAND!! BBC RADIO
Post by: Capitol Punishment on March 29, 2015, 04:28:55 PM
The Last Song is good but I am let down by the production. I think Summer's Gone is a better finale than this song, though this isn't bad. Touching lyrics though.


Title: Re: LISTEN TO THE LAST SONG & ON THE ISLAND!! BBC RADIO
Post by: the captain on March 29, 2015, 04:29:37 PM
it's a bit more Bruce Johnston than Brian Wilson (or Dennis Wilson).

While I certainly understand what's meant by this, the thing is, it's not. Because it's all Brian (maybe with cowriters) and no Bruce. So really it's maybe just that it's not what some people want out of Brian. (What's new...) But it is Brian. That's who's responsible.


Title: Re: LISTEN TO THE LAST SONG & ON THE ISLAND!! BBC RADIO
Post by: SinisterSmile on March 29, 2015, 04:34:46 PM
It's a good song, I like it, but I feel like I'd like it better if the production was different.

That's seems to be my biggest complaint for NPP.


Title: Re: LISTEN TO THE LAST SONG & ON THE ISLAND!! BBC RADIO
Post by: rab2591 on March 29, 2015, 05:00:22 PM
it's a bit more Bruce Johnston than Brian Wilson (or Dennis Wilson).

While I certainly understand what's meant by this, the thing is, it's not. Because it's all Brian (maybe with cowriters) and no Bruce. So really it's maybe just that it's not what some people want out of Brian. (What's new...) But it is Brian. That's who's responsible.

Exactly, Luther. As Ray has said, this is Brian after working his ass off for months upon months in the studio, tinkering and perfecting an album I'm sure he is hoping his fans will enjoy. This is Brian Wilson being Brian Wilson.

There's a lot of pessimism about this track...a lot of pessimism about many of the NPP songs in general. I kinda hope people will leave their preconceived notions behind, and as Kyler said: Listen again, dammit. Peek through the layers, listen deeply into these tracks - listen for those low harmonica notes during the chorus of Sail Away, or the sporadic guitar noodling in On The Island, or that beautiful organ playing in the background during Last Song. There are large specks of Brian's genius all over these tracks.

I'm sure that some of these songs aren't everyone's cup of tea (based on the sample of 'Don't Worry' I really don't think I'll like that one too much), but just remember that there is a sensitive, living, breathing soul on the other side of those speakers you're listening to. From what I hear, he put his heart into this record and even if we may not like some of the tracks, just remember that Brian wrote, recorded, produced, helped mix this album with the intention of spreading a little joy into the world.


Title: Re: LISTEN TO THE LAST SONG & ON THE ISLAND!! BBC RADIO
Post by: elnombre on March 29, 2015, 05:21:45 PM
I'm Feeling Sad was just played. Only caught the last minute but it sounded good. Should be on iPlayer soon, approx 1 hr 18 mins into the stream.


Title: Re: LISTEN TO THE LAST SONG & ON THE ISLAND!! BBC RADIO
Post by: runnersdialzero on March 29, 2015, 05:51:25 PM
IT'S JUST MUSIC!

DON'T TRIVIALIZE STUFF


Title: Re: LISTEN TO THE LAST SONG & ON THE ISLAND!! BBC RADIO
Post by: FatherOfTheMan Sr101 on March 29, 2015, 07:13:39 PM
I'm Feeling Sad was just played. Only caught the last minute but it sounded good. Should be on iPlayer soon, approx 1 hr 18 mins into the stream.

YES I WANTED THIS OH LORD.

Edit: Very cool song, it's literally "Busy Doin Nothin" Lyrically. Another homerun here, I love the accordions.


Title: Re: LISTEN TO THE LAST SONG, ON THE ISLAND, & I'M FEELING SAD!! BBC RADIO
Post by: GoodVibrations33 on March 29, 2015, 07:39:57 PM
I'm Feeling Sad was just played. Only caught the last minute but it sounded good. Should be on iPlayer soon, approx 1 hr 18 mins into the stream.

YES I WANTED THIS OH LORD.

Edit: Very cool song, it's literally "Busy Doin Nothin" Lyrically. Another homerun here, I love the accordions.

Added the link to the original post for everyone's convenience:

I'm Feeling Sad (1:18:00 into the program):  http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b05nsb9x (http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b05nsb9x)  

Also, if anyone's looking for anything NPP related that has been released/aired thus far I've been keeping this list updated too:  http://smileysmile.net/board/index.php/topic,20185.msg506888.html#msg506888 (http://smileysmile.net/board/index.php/topic,20185.msg506888.html#msg506888).  It looks like Amazon.com took down their samples, now you can only listen to the samples of RD or TRT.


Title: Re: LISTEN TO THE LAST SONG, ON THE ISLAND, & I'M FEELING SAD!! BBC RADIO
Post by: NickandthePassions on March 29, 2015, 07:40:26 PM
I'm Feeling Sad is my favorite on the album so far.


Title: Re: LISTEN TO THE LAST SONG, ON THE ISLAND, & I'M FEELING SAD!! BBC RADIO
Post by: doc smiley on March 29, 2015, 08:00:01 PM
I'm Feeling Sad ... wonderful falsetto, Busy Doing Nothing part 2 perhaps, but it also sounds like a track from the suite.
 :)


Title: Re: LISTEN TO THE LAST SONG, ON THE ISLAND, & I'M FEELING SAD!! BBC RADIO
Post by: The Cincinnati Kid on March 29, 2015, 08:11:01 PM
Another great song, definitely getting a Busy Doin Nothin vibe as well.  The one part at 1:19:52 is killing me, though.  He's SO close to hitting the classic BW falsetto.  I guess I'll have to do that for him when I'm singing along.  ;D


Title: Re: LISTEN TO THE LAST SONG, ON THE ISLAND, & I'M FEELING SAD!! BBC RADIO
Post by: Summertime Blooz on March 29, 2015, 08:25:36 PM
'I'm Feeling Sad' Sounds pretty good. Had to hit the replay button a few times for this one.  The chorus reminds me of  'Kiss Me Baby' (anybody else hear it?), which is a good thing to be reminded of. Daft lyrics though (so what else is new). Can anyone say if this is taken from "The Life Suite"? The ba-da-ba vocals are similar to what was on TWGMTR. I like this Album Of The Week stuff. Keep it coming BBC!


Title: Re: LISTEN TO THE LAST SONG, ON THE ISLAND, & I'M FEELING SAD!! BBC RADIO
Post by: The Cincinnati Kid on March 29, 2015, 08:40:54 PM
Is that Brian singing "Sad when you're not at home. Sad cause I'm all alone."


Title: Re: LISTEN TO THE LAST SONG, ON THE ISLAND, & I'M FEELING SAD!! BBC RADIO
Post by: ForHerCryingSoul on March 29, 2015, 08:42:34 PM
Is that Brian singing "Sad when you're not at home. Sad cause I'm all alone."
Sounds like Matt to me.


Title: Re: LISTEN TO THE LAST SONG, ON THE ISLAND, & I'M FEELING SAD!! BBC RADIO
Post by: Ron on March 29, 2015, 08:45:23 PM
I'm feeling Sad is fucking FANTASTIC, I've always been a sucker for a Wall of Brian's.  I know usually it doesn't really work, but holy sh*t he blows it out of the water on this one.  

Also once again, how is he the first to think of the title "I'm feeling Sad" ?  The lyrics are very well done, and a lot of times I have a problem with his lyrics.

It reminds me a lot of "Saturday Morning in the city", because of the songwriting style... however it's much, much better than Saturday Morning in the City.  

The vocal break in the middle is just fantastic... it's so simple but just purrrrfect.

-------------------------

Saturday Night... Nate Ruess sounds great.  Brian sounds great.  Needs more listens, but it sounds pretty solid to me.

Last Song... not really a fan.  It's just the subject matter, I'm at a place in my life where it's really hard for me to dig slow, almost morbid music.  I realize some people really get off on Brian's depressing music but I just don't appreciate it as much as the other stuff.  I can handle a splash of it but when the whole song is slow and depressing I'm more apt to just change it.  I see myself never listening to this, although of course I'll give it a few more spins to see if it grows on me.  

On the Island... I really like it, but part of it is I'm just not that familiar with calypso/bossa nova music, and would likely like any of it.  Zooey sounds just fine.  It has a 60's vibe to it, cool Daddy-o.   Kind of reminds me of the really hipster cool retro sh*t the Brian Setzer Orchestra used to do (of course much more subdued), and it reminds me of some really great Karen Carpenter songs like "This Masquerade" which I have always loved.  


All in all, this pretty much sounds like his best solo album ever, right up there with Lucky Old Sun, the Disney Album, and the Gershwin album.  


Title: Re: LISTEN TO THE LAST SONG & ON THE ISLAND!! BBC RADIO
Post by: Ron on March 29, 2015, 08:47:05 PM
This guy is messing with us. He can sing great falsetto when he wants. Even now.

I've said it before, and illustrated it with various live videos of other singers, there is absolutely no reason that Brian wouldn't be able to sing falsetto anymore, lots of men his age are still singing falsetto every bit as good as they used to.  Brian absolutely can sing remarkably similar to how he did in the 60's and 70's (of course he was once about as good as it gets, so don't expect any miracles)


Title: Re: LISTEN TO THE LAST SONG & ON THE ISLAND!! BBC RADIO
Post by: seltaeb1012002 on March 29, 2015, 08:57:07 PM
This guy is messing with us. He can sing great falsetto when he wants. Even now.

I've said it before, and illustrated it with various live videos of other singers, there is absolutely no reason that Brian wouldn't be able to sing falsetto anymore, lots of men his age are still singing falsetto every bit as good as they used to.  Brian absolutely can sing remarkably similar to how he did in the 60's and 70's (of course he was once about as good as it gets, so don't expect any miracles)

Yes, but there was a long period of time when he couldn't! Think 80's / 90's. I like his shouty vocals, but he sounded like a different person and it seemed like he'd never sound like classic BW again. That's the miracle right there. Ever since Imagination (which has some great vocals) he's been getting closer and closer to his original sound. The fact that he's getting even closer at this stage of the game is mind blowing. It's like he's come full circle.


Title: Re: LISTEN TO THE LAST SONG, ON THE ISLAND, & I'M FEELING SAD!! BBC RADIO
Post by: Ron on March 29, 2015, 09:02:51 PM
Honestly I'm completely fine with how his voice sounds now.  He's perhaps not as great as he was in the early 60's but he's still, honestly, to my ears, a much better singer than about anybody you hear.  When Gettin' in Over My Head came out some of the songs he sounded pretty bad on, but on almost all of his latest stuff and most certainly this album he sounds fantastic.  So if his voice never quite gets back to that old falsetto sound I'll be fine with it since he's in really nice form right now and is competently singing everything he attempts.  Hell I think he sounds great live. 


Title: Re: LISTEN TO THE LAST SONG, ON THE ISLAND, & I'M FEELING SAD!! BBC RADIO
Post by: Bud Shaver on March 29, 2015, 09:12:07 PM
I definitely hear the music from Kiss Me Baby's "were you still awake like me" line after he sings "I'm sad as a guy can be" in I'm Sad.

Great tune. 


Title: Re: LISTEN TO THE LAST SONG, ON THE ISLAND, & I'M FEELING SAD!! BBC RADIO
Post by: Wirestone on March 29, 2015, 09:16:35 PM
There was a change around the time of Imagination (and earlier on the Wilsons album) where, for want of a better word, Brian started sounding laid-back again. It was a real quality of his 60s vocals -- he always sounded a little dreamy. It was even there in the 70s vocals, and into the early 80s. But after Landy popped up for the second time, he sounded incredibly tense on BB85, BW88 and much of the Paley stuff. (Interestingly, he made a bit of a comeback on the original Sweet Insanity vocals, which have some strong moments.)

But for whatever reason -- Melinda, Joe, meds, whatever -- Brian finally relaxed into his mature voice in the late 90s. He stopped forcing it, was singing more quietly perhaps, and slowly got better and better. His live vocals have gone back and forth. Let's say, he never entirely gave up the shouty aspect when singing onstage. Probably a projection and hearing thing.

But over the oughts, he really made an effort with his voice. His live Pet Sounds performances in 2000 had great moments (and falsetto), BWPS saw some breakthroughs, TLOS brought him closer and closer. For me, the real revelation was BWRG. He finally, on that record, sounded like the 60s Brian Wilson, but some 40-plus years later. You could make the mental connection. And even though his follow-up recordings haven't been quite as consistent, he's still reaching that mark more often than not. Really something.


Title: Re: LISTEN TO THE LAST SONG, ON THE ISLAND, & I'M FEELING SAD!! BBC RADIO
Post by: seltaeb1012002 on March 29, 2015, 09:22:25 PM
Yeah, live is tough. Even when his voice was operating at full capacity in the 60's, it wasn't as flawless as the studio stuff. Gotta give him a pass there. He still kills it sometimes.

GIOMH was definitely a bump in the road, minus a few songs. But as far as his new vocals, he sounds healthy. Confident. So great to hear the guy on top of his game.

On another note, I see a lot of people knocking the production here. I gotta say the production of the songs we've heard doesn't bother me at all. In fact I'd say this is probably one of the best produced solo albums he's put out (based off hearing half of the album). Sonically light years ahead of Imagination, and even most of TWGMTR. They significantly mellowed out the vocal tuning, and I'm hearing some nice FAT drum sounds for a change. That snare on "I'm Feeling Sad". We could've used some of that on TWGMTR!!


Title: Re: LISTEN TO THE LAST SONG, ON THE ISLAND, & I'M FEELING SAD!! BBC RADIO
Post by: Ron on March 29, 2015, 09:30:07 PM
That cool upbeat sound on "I'm Feeling Sad" you see a small glimse of at the end of "From there To Back Again" with Al's whistling....


Title: Re: LISTEN TO THE LAST SONG, ON THE ISLAND, & I'M FEELING SAD!! BBC RADIO
Post by: Nothgual on March 29, 2015, 11:11:08 PM
The ending of I'm Feeling Sad is brilliant. It took a lot of guts to end it where he did and it works really well.


Title: Re: LISTEN TO THE LAST SONG, ON THE ISLAND, & I'M FEELING SAD!! BBC RADIO
Post by: stack-o-tracks on March 30, 2015, 01:07:55 AM
That BBC app sucks a lot. The streams of The Last Song & On The Island, and I'm Feeling Sad skipped more than a scratched CD played in the cheapest of Discmans.....


Title: Re: LISTEN TO THE LAST SONG, ON THE ISLAND, & I'M FEELING SAD!! BBC RADIO
Post by: phirnis on March 30, 2015, 02:22:04 AM
Some of my favorite post-70s singing of his is the stuff he did on BB85, not only on Getcha Back. BW88 is perfectly fine with me and he sounds very passionate on the Paley sessions. BWRG does indeed feature some nice latter-day singing of his. OCA and GIOMH are both pretty bad in terms of lead vocals. The new stuff sounds pleasant but I don't like the way his voice is mixed/processed on stuff like On the Island.


Title: Re: LISTEN TO THE LAST SONG, ON THE ISLAND, & I'M FEELING SAD!! BBC RADIO
Post by: SteveJ1980 on March 30, 2015, 06:03:52 AM
The last song is a masterpiece in my opinion. You can truly hear the longing in his vocal as he sings "I wish that I could give you so much more" in an almost apologetic way.... Brian you have NOTHING to apologise for man.

from the line of "don't be sad there was a time and a place for what we had" onwards this work of art goes into the stratosphere and just blows me away. No exaggeration I must be on my30th listen of this and I'm still loving it as much as the first few times.

I agree with a post elsewhere, if he were to play this as a suite at his UK concerts alongside FTTBA, PCH and SG I would probably just bawl with joy!


Title: Re: LISTEN TO THE LAST SONG, ON THE ISLAND, & I'M FEELING SAD!! BBC RADIO
Post by: coco1997 on March 30, 2015, 08:01:24 AM
So we've now heard over half the record, correct? I'm really enjoying everything I've heard.


Title: Re: LISTEN TO THE LAST SONG, ON THE ISLAND, & I'M FEELING SAD!! BBC RADIO
Post by: Mendota Heights on March 30, 2015, 08:11:49 AM
So we've now heard over half the record, correct? I'm really enjoying everything I've heard.

Seconded.


Title: Re: LISTEN TO THE LAST SONG & ON THE ISLAND!! BBC RADIO
Post by: job on March 30, 2015, 08:27:21 AM

I would put it in the same category as The Faith by Leonard Cohen.

More like the great Warren Zevon's "Keep Me In Your Heart for A While".  Hopefully Brian's got more time left on earth than Warren did when he recorded that.


Title: Re: LISTEN TO THE LAST SONG, ON THE ISLAND, & I'M FEELING SAD!! BBC RADIO
Post by: job on March 30, 2015, 08:28:00 AM
So we've now heard over half the record, correct? I'm really enjoying everything I've heard.

Seconded.

Absolutely.  This is an incredibly good album.


Title: Re: LISTEN TO THE LAST SONG, ON THE ISLAND, & I'M FEELING SAD!! BBC RADIO
Post by: the captain on March 30, 2015, 08:36:50 AM
So we've now heard over half the record, correct? I'm really enjoying everything I've heard.

Seconded.

Absolutely.  This is an incredibly good album.

I think NPP is shaping up to be my favorite of the solo albums, with the strange and complicated exception of BWPS. But even outside of that, I really liked--loved?--TLOS, for example, and I think this is turning out to be stronger overall. And just for my personal tastes, as I've said before on this topic, I loves me some non-concept, just-songs albums. ("Just." What a condescending word.) So far, this is a diverse, polished, tuneful, even delightful group of songs.


Title: Re: LISTEN TO THE LAST SONG, ON THE ISLAND, & I'M FEELING SAD!! BBC RADIO
Post by: Rocky Raccoon on March 30, 2015, 01:06:37 PM
"I'm Feeling Sad" is completely blowing my mind, definitely my favorite song from the album thus far.


Title: Re: LISTEN TO THE LAST SONG, ON THE ISLAND, & I'M FEELING SAD!! BBC RADIO
Post by: Empire Of Love on March 30, 2015, 02:20:30 PM
For me, NPP is turning out to be the best Brian Wilson music since Love You.  These are some really good songs.  He isn't blazing any new musical trails, but Brian hasn't been a musical trailblazer for years and years.  For people who like Brian Wilson music, music created by Brian Wilson, music with Brian's magical touch all over it, this is the best thing we've had in years.  It is better than Gershwin, Disney, and That Lucky Old Sun.  It is better than Imagination and Gettin' In Over My Head.  And we haven't even heard the whole album yet.  This is an unexpected gift.  The notion that Brian is not in control of his life, decisions, and music has been dispelled.  He is doing what he wants to do, as he should, and we are reaping the benefits.  May the man find peace for any remaining troubles that plague him, he has certainly given the world a lot of joy...I hope he has is able to experiene as much as he has granted to others.  Melinda, thank you for your part in the good place Brian is in, you must be one special woman.

EoL


Title: Re: LISTEN TO THE LAST SONG, ON THE ISLAND, & I'M FEELING SAD!! BBC RADIO
Post by: Ron on March 30, 2015, 03:27:13 PM
You can kind of tell that Brian's behind it... because it isn't stereotypically Brian enough.  If it was just his folks around him trying to help him make Wilsony sounding songs, they would be less... weird and unexpected. 


Title: Re: LISTEN TO THE LAST SONG & ON THE ISLAND!! BBC RADIO
Post by: bgas on March 30, 2015, 03:38:48 PM
Indeed, AGD. It's easily read as a song about a troubled romantic relationship. I do think, though, in this case the multiple readings make it stronger. Who really wants an explicit account of backstage contention?

There is another possible interpretation that the listener could draw as well.  It could easily be a song about the process of grieving, of losing someone.  You always hear people say when someone close to them passes, that "if only I could speak to that person one last time, what would I say to them...what would they say to me".  There is certainly elements of that in "The Last Song".

Actually the song is about The Beach Boys, especially his late brothers Dennis and Carl

Interesting - that makes a lot more sense than it being specifically about the aftermath of the C50 tour... which is what we've been led to believe.

"Brian Wilson says he turned to a series of guest collaborators, many of them young female pop stars, to help jump start his muse after the Beach Boys‘ 2012 reunion tour came to an abrupt halt. In fact, Lana Del Rey ended up singing a song that deals directly with the issue, called ‘Last Song.’" (ultimateclassicrock.com)

"As for Lana? She worked with Brian on a track called “Last Song,” which will serve as the album’s centerpiece. There’s a version with Wilson on lead vocals, and an alternate one with Del Rey as the primary vocalist. Wilson wrote the song about his sadness over the Beach Boys’ breakup." (mtv.com)

"Now, according to those close to him, his Lana Del Rey collaboration will be the song to remember, as it recounts Wilson’s sadness about the Beach Boys‘ dissolution.

“The song recounts his sadness about the Beach Boys' dissolution. "It started out being about lost love," says co-producer Joe Thomas. "But after the tour fell apart it became more about a missed opportunity for Brian and the guys to ride into the sunset together."(rollingstone.com)

To be more explicit than my short post above ; it is about the Beach Boys, the pain of the loss of singing with his brothers and the loss of his group after C50. Joe Thomas articulated it far better than I did. In future I will try and expand more .

Uh-oh...  Brian disagrees with you!  From Today's Twitter Q&A: 

>>Was the Last Song written with Carl and Dennis in mind?
no, it was just about the end of a relationship. <<


Title: Re: LISTEN TO THE LAST SONG, ON THE ISLAND, & I'M FEELING SAD!! BBC RADIO
Post by: GoodVibrations33 on March 30, 2015, 05:21:30 PM
BBC's After Midnight played "Sail Away" tonight


Title: Re: LISTEN TO THE LAST SONG & ON THE ISLAND!! BBC RADIO
Post by: Debbie Keil-Leavitt on March 30, 2015, 05:54:09 PM
Indeed, AGD. It's easily read as a song about a troubled romantic relationship. I do think, though, in this case the multiple readings make it stronger. Who really wants an explicit account of backstage contention?

There is another possible interpretation that the listener could draw as well.  It could easily be a song about the process of grieving, of losing someone.  You always hear people say when someone close to them passes, that "if only I could speak to that person one last time, what would I say to them...what would they say to me".  There is certainly elements of that in "The Last Song".

Actually the song is about The Beach Boys, especially his late brothers Dennis and Carl

Interesting - that makes a lot more sense than it being specifically about the aftermath of the C50 tour... which is what we've been led to believe.

"Brian Wilson says he turned to a series of guest collaborators, many of them young female pop stars, to help jump start his muse after the Beach Boys‘ 2012 reunion tour came to an abrupt halt. In fact, Lana Del Rey ended up singing a song that deals directly with the issue, called ‘Last Song.’" (ultimateclassicrock.com)

"As for Lana? She worked with Brian on a track called “Last Song,” which will serve as the album’s centerpiece. There’s a version with Wilson on lead vocals, and an alternate one with Del Rey as the primary vocalist. Wilson wrote the song about his sadness over the Beach Boys’ breakup." (mtv.com)

"Now, according to those close to him, his Lana Del Rey collaboration will be the song to remember, as it recounts Wilson’s sadness about the Beach Boys‘ dissolution.

“The song recounts his sadness about the Beach Boys' dissolution. "It started out being about lost love," says co-producer Joe Thomas. "But after the tour fell apart it became more about a missed opportunity for Brian and the guys to ride into the sunset together."(rollingstone.com)

To be more explicit than my short post above ; it is about the Beach Boys, the pain of the loss of singing with his brothers and the loss of his group after C50. Joe Thomas articulated it far better than I did. In future I will try and expand more .

Uh-oh...  Brian disagrees with you!  From Today's Twitter Q&A: 

>>Was the Last Song written with Carl and Dennis in mind?
no, it was just about the end of a relationship. <<

Well, that was Brian TODAY.  He does give the answer that strikes him at the moment, as we know.  He isn't lying, it's what pops to mind at the time.  I'm sure it was "all of the above, sort of."


Title: Re: LISTEN TO THE LAST SONG, ON THE ISLAND, & I'M FEELING SAD!! BBC RADIO
Post by: Andrew G. Doe on March 30, 2015, 11:17:30 PM
Worst job in the world: being Brian Wilson's publicist.  ;D


Title: Re: LISTEN TO THE LAST SONG, ON THE ISLAND, & I'M FEELING SAD!! BBC RADIO
Post by: phirnis on March 30, 2015, 11:31:46 PM
One more thing re: On the Island: I like the lyrics just fine but come to think of it, they're very Still Cruisin'/Summer in Paradise.


Title: Re: LISTEN TO THE LAST SONG, ON THE ISLAND, & I'M FEELING SAD!! BBC RADIO
Post by: GhostyTMRS on March 31, 2015, 12:14:44 AM
Sorry, I just can't see Last Song being about the C50 tour break up…unless you believe Brian is apologizing for the whole thing and wants to hold Mike in his arms. I find that very difficult to believe. When you listen to the entire album, the theme that keeps popping up is mortality, and Brian wishing he had more time to be with his loved ones. Maybe I'm reading into it too, and I know that he had lyricists helping him but much of the record seems to be about his love for Melinda...which is as it should be IMO


Title: Re: LISTEN TO THE LAST SONG, ON THE ISLAND, & I'M FEELING SAD!! BBC RADIO
Post by: guitarfool2002 on March 31, 2015, 12:21:14 AM
Sorry, I just can't see Last Song being about the C50 tour break up…unless you believe Brian is apologizing for the whole thing and wants to hold Mike in his arms. I find that very difficult to believe. When you listen to the entire album, the theme that keeps popping up is mortality, and Brian wishing he had more time to be with his loved ones. Maybe I'm reading into it too, and I know that he had lyricists helping him but much of the record seems to be about his love for Melinda...which is as it should be IMO

“The song recounts his sadness about the Beach Boys' dissolution. "It started out being about lost love," says co-producer Joe Thomas. "But after the tour fell apart it became more about a missed opportunity for Brian and the guys to ride into the sunset together."(rollingstone.com)


Title: Re: LISTEN TO THE LAST SONG, ON THE ISLAND, & I'M FEELING SAD!! BBC RADIO
Post by: GhostyTMRS on March 31, 2015, 12:26:09 AM
I'm well aware Joe said that. That may have be the intent, but it doesn't jibe with the lyrics. If it's true, he has a deep and profound love for Mike and Bruce, the like of which we couldn't possibly begin to understand.


Title: Re: LISTEN TO THE LAST SONG, ON THE ISLAND, & I'M FEELING SAD!! BBC RADIO
Post by: Wylson on March 31, 2015, 12:27:39 AM
It's so obvious that the whole thing about it being about C50 is just marketing. Brian answered this question directly yesterday so why is there debate?

This song could be good but the production is the cheesiest ever. That reverb drenched piano sound, with power ballad playing...


Title: Re: LISTEN TO THE LAST SONG, ON THE ISLAND, & I'M FEELING SAD!! BBC RADIO
Post by: ontor pertawst on March 31, 2015, 12:31:24 AM
What a weird reaction to a solid tune. My only quibble is the Foskett frosting... presumably the Lana Del Rey version would've had Brian lah lahing instead since I doubt a duet with Mr. Foskett had much appeal... they should put that out too! Maybe she'll have a convenient moodswing and complete it or perform it live for a charity to raise money for doomed chanteuses..



Title: Re: LISTEN TO THE LAST SONG, ON THE ISLAND, & I'M FEELING SAD!! BBC RADIO
Post by: guitarfool2002 on March 31, 2015, 12:31:36 AM
Pretty well described by Joe Thomas...started out as X...developed into Y...started out as lost love/romance, ended up with other layers added after the tour broke up. Not to mention those added layers of losing his brothers over the past 30+ years. Brian was asked about the song, it seems like he answered based on how it was conceived, which was backed up by his collaborator very clearly. That doesn't mean the song as it eventually appeared was the same as when it was started or how it was even imagined early in its creation.

Kind of like Good Vibrations as it morphed into the Fall 1966 #1 single after beginning as a Pet Sounds session with different lyrics and a different overall theme. Same song, built on the same basic concept, but add on the layer of boy-girl romance and it became the #1 hit single. Doesn't mean it was written entirely as a boy-girl-romance song as Tony Asher worked on it with Brian.

Not too hard to suss out, this one.


Title: Re: LISTEN TO THE LAST SONG, ON THE ISLAND, & I'M FEELING SAD!! BBC RADIO
Post by: guitarfool2002 on March 31, 2015, 12:41:03 AM
It's so obvious that the whole thing about it being about C50 is just marketing. Brian answered this question directly yesterday so why is there debate?

Then take it up with Joe Thomas. I believe what he said the song turned into, and I also believe there is a difference between Brian answering the question based on what the song was as he started writing it and developing it versus expanding it into what it eventually became.

Again, see Good Vibrations for a great example of Brian having a solid idea of what the song was about as it was being worked up that eventually changed and morphed into something different by the time it was given a final mix. Find an interview where he's asked "what was Good Vibrations about?" and compare the answer given to what the lyrics on the released version ended up being about, and they're two different yet similar concepts based around the same theme. One played up those vibrations being sent and received while the other zeroed in on the boy-meets-girl theme more strongly.

Happens every day in songwriting. Things change, nuance, and shift around by the time the final mix is complete.


Title: Re: LISTEN TO THE LAST SONG, ON THE ISLAND, & I'M FEELING SAD!! BBC RADIO
Post by: GhostyTMRS on March 31, 2015, 12:41:43 AM
Well, considering just yesterday Brian said it was about a relationship ending, and not about Carl and Dennis, How about considering the possibility of a Z..,meaning it then morphed into what it is now..which is something much more powerful and universal then a tour ending.


Title: Re: LISTEN TO THE LAST SONG, ON THE ISLAND, & I'M FEELING SAD!! BBC RADIO
Post by: guitarfool2002 on March 31, 2015, 12:52:40 AM
I'm well aware Joe said that. That may have be the intent, but it doesn't jibe with the lyrics. If it's true, he has a deep and profound love for Mike and Bruce, the like of which we couldn't possibly begin to understand.

What you had written made it seem like you either missed or ignored what Joe had said, and since he was actually involved in the process of making this song, I'd say he'd know quite a bit about how it began and how it developed. It's not about Mike and Bruce, that I agree with 100%. But what about the idea of looking back on one's life, then being on a stage or in a studio and thinking of your brother beside you holding a guitar and your other brother behind the drums, and realizing what the "last song" was years ago without giving it any thought in the moment, then looking at the present and future at what might be your own "last song"? Pretty heavy stuff, obviously, and I can picture a songwriter sitting down to write a song about lost love and romance and all that, and in the process getting all kinds of ideas about similar notions of people you loved or even things you loved (or loved to do) and internalizing those thoughts to the point where they come out in your song which was originally about romantic love but encapsulated much more beyond that concept.


Title: Re: LISTEN TO THE LAST SONG, ON THE ISLAND, & I'M FEELING SAD!! BBC RADIO
Post by: guitarfool2002 on March 31, 2015, 12:58:09 AM
Well, considering just yesterday Brian said it was about a relationship ending, and not about Carl and Dennis, How about considering the possibility of a Z..,meaning it then morphed into what it is now..which is something much more powerful and universal then a tour ending.

And those getting hung up on it being solely about a tour ending...that's not what Joe Thomas said. There was a suggestion it was about Mike, I just don't see that at all. About C50? The events of that tour ending brought forth what I'd imagine were some strong feelings of memories of the past and losing loved ones and the sheer joy of three brothers being in their bedroom as kids singing together, and all the years in between that are now history. One can write about emotions triggered by an event like that without having to peg it directly to the event itself. It's not saying it was about C50 or missing people on stage in 2012, but it could very well have been the trigger or the catalyst to think about the other loved ones (and loves) lost through the years and what is to come in the future.


Title: Re: LISTEN TO THE LAST SONG, ON THE ISLAND, & I'M FEELING SAD!! BBC RADIO
Post by: seltaeb1012002 on March 31, 2015, 12:58:36 AM
Sidenote, I think I remember reading here that "Last Song" was registered back in the 80's? Perhaps I'm confusing the song in question.


Title: Re: LISTEN TO THE LAST SONG, ON THE ISLAND, & I'M FEELING SAD!! BBC RADIO
Post by: Andrew G. Doe on March 31, 2015, 01:10:52 AM
There's "The Lost Song" dating from August 1985...


Title: Re: LISTEN TO THE LAST SONG, ON THE ISLAND, & I'M FEELING SAD!! BBC RADIO
Post by: seltaeb1012002 on March 31, 2015, 01:15:47 AM
There's "The Lost Song" dating from August 1985...

Ah, my bad.  ;D


Title: Re: LISTEN TO THE LAST SONG, ON THE ISLAND, & I'M FEELING SAD!! BBC RADIO
Post by: guitarfool2002 on March 31, 2015, 01:19:57 AM
Another poignant example to consider is "Lay Down Burden". Obviously everyone, I'd think, who knows the song considers it about Carl, or as a tribute to Carl. But it was not written as such, and as (again) Joe revealed, the song was actually written as something for Carl to sing and which Carl would have sung as the Imagination process was underway. So the song which is regarded as a tribute to Carl and which the lyrics can be interpreted or at least perceived as such was actually one Carl was to have been singing himself. The eventual outcome of the song's development wouldn't jive with the actual history of the song or even what the original subject was, but that doesn't mean it was solidly and firmly one thing or the other - it morphed and developed over time and inspired by events that happened while the song itself was being developed.

Sounds like what could have been the case with "Last Song". They worked with a main-idea type of concept/subject matter and various things happened to shift and change that concept to include other events, people, etc. Not uncommon, not a stretch to consider. Much like a song originally written with Carl's lead vocal in mind turned into a song about Carl after his passing.


Title: Re: LISTEN TO THE LAST SONG, ON THE ISLAND, & I'M FEELING SAD!! BBC RADIO
Post by: GhostyTMRS on March 31, 2015, 01:21:44 AM
Well, considering just yesterday Brian said it was about a relationship ending, and not about Carl and Dennis, How about considering the possibility of a Z..,meaning it then morphed into what it is now..which is something much more powerful and universal then a tour ending.

And those getting hung up on it being solely about a tour ending...that's not what Joe Thomas said. There was a suggestion it was about Mike, I just don't see that at all. About C50? The events of that tour ending brought forth what I'd imagine were some strong feelings of memories of the past and losing loved ones and the sheer joy of three brothers being in their bedroom as kids singing together, and all the years in between that are now history. One can write about emotions triggered by an event like that without having to peg it directly to the event itself. It's not saying it was about C50 or missing people on stage in 2012, but it could very well have been the trigger or the catalyst to think about the other loved ones (and loves) lost through the years and what is to come in the future.
I can kind of get behind that, but when you listen to the entire album there's a theme of mortality running through a lot of the songs. Not necessarily Brian observing the mortality in others, but rather meditating on his own. This is a father with very young children and when he sings about not getting enough time with the ones he loves..that's the way I'm hearing it. Several other songs also deal with growing old. The more I listen to it, and I'm going on the fourth time today, that's what I'm feeling from this record.


Title: Re: LISTEN TO THE LAST SONG, ON THE ISLAND, & I'M FEELING SAD!! BBC RADIO
Post by: guitarfool2002 on March 31, 2015, 01:34:29 AM
Well, considering just yesterday Brian said it was about a relationship ending, and not about Carl and Dennis, How about considering the possibility of a Z..,meaning it then morphed into what it is now..which is something much more powerful and universal then a tour ending.

And those getting hung up on it being solely about a tour ending...that's not what Joe Thomas said. There was a suggestion it was about Mike, I just don't see that at all. About C50? The events of that tour ending brought forth what I'd imagine were some strong feelings of memories of the past and losing loved ones and the sheer joy of three brothers being in their bedroom as kids singing together, and all the years in between that are now history. One can write about emotions triggered by an event like that without having to peg it directly to the event itself. It's not saying it was about C50 or missing people on stage in 2012, but it could very well have been the trigger or the catalyst to think about the other loved ones (and loves) lost through the years and what is to come in the future.
I can kind of get behind that, but when you listen to the entire album there's a theme of mortality running through a lot of the songs. Not necessarily Brian observing the mortality in others, but rather meditating on his own. This is a father with very young children and when he sings about not getting enough time with the ones he loves..that's the way I'm hearing it. Several other songs also deal with growing old. The more I listen to it, and I'm going on the fourth time today, that's what I'm feeling from this record.

And I'd also add the layer of his own family experiences with both of his brothers passing away much too young, in one case the sheer shock of losing someone that suddenly and tragically without having a chance to say even a final goodbye or say anything you'd want to say if you knew time was that short with that person...it's the life-changing and life-shattering kind of event that haunts and shadows you forever. And I'd say those feelings would perhaps reveal themselves very strongly when writing a song about love and loss to the point where what it started as would snowball and grow into much more as the emotions started coming out in the process. One's own mortality is that much more of an issue when someone has had to deal with it previously in such an immediate way with losing family members so suddenly.


Title: Re: LISTEN TO THE LAST SONG, ON THE ISLAND, & I'M FEELING SAD!! BBC RADIO
Post by: GhostyTMRS on March 31, 2015, 01:38:24 AM
I see that you guitar fool commented/agreed with what i suggested. For some reason I thought you weren't picking up on what I was saying, but it's 432 in the morning by me and I'm still listening to this thing on a Wilson-high and half-asleep so my reading retention is not what it could be. Carry-on


Title: Re: LISTEN TO THE LAST SONG, ON THE ISLAND, & I'M FEELING SAD!! BBC RADIO
Post by: guitarfool2002 on March 31, 2015, 01:46:43 AM
I see that you guitar fool commented/agreed with what i suggested. For some reason I thought you weren't picking up on what I was saying, but it's 432 in the morning by me and I'm still listening to this thing on a Wilson-high and half-asleep so my reading retention is not what it could be. Carry-on

Many layers to this.


Title: Re: LISTEN TO THE LAST SONG, ON THE ISLAND, & I'M FEELING SAD!! BBC RADIO
Post by: Debbie Keil-Leavitt on March 31, 2015, 04:33:00 AM
Pretty well described by Joe Thomas...started out as X...developed into Y...started out as lost love/romance, ended up with other layers added after the tour broke up. Not to mention those added layers of losing his brothers over the past 30+ years. Brian was asked about the song, it seems like he answered based on how it was conceived, which was backed up by his collaborator very clearly. That doesn't mean the song as it eventually appeared was the same as when it was started or how it was even imagined early in its creation.

Kind of like Good Vibrations as it morphed into the Fall 1966 #1 single after beginning as a Pet Sounds session with different lyrics and a different overall theme. Same song, built on the same basic concept, but add on the layer of boy-girl romance and it became the #1 hit single. Doesn't mean it was written entirely as a boy-girl-romance song as Tony Asher worked on it with Brian.

Not too hard to suss out, this one.

As GF points out, isn't that the creative process?  It morphs at different times.  I said it badly earlier, but any and all of the answers to what the song was about are correct, and when it comes to art - whether music or other forms - it includes the audience and what a person gets from it.  It's no wonder we get short, abbreviated answers from Brian when he's asked what a song is about.  They're all about a lot of things.  I'm sure it's different to him over time and it's certainly different to each listener.  Nobody is lying here, or wrong.

I remember once telling Brian about a couple of roommates I had lived with briefly, Karen and Mona.  For whatever reason, Brian kept repeating the name, "Mona, Mona, you don't REALLY have a friend named Mona!"  He never met Mona, but not too many months later I heard the song, "Mona."  What was it about?  From my experience, Brian liked the sound of the name.  Who knows what it was really about? But it was a fun little rocker in any case.  

Surfer Girl has been about so many women over time, if you listen to Brian.  Well of course, it's his expression of something in him and his life changes.  Now it's undoubtedly about Melinda, even though he didn't know her when he wrote it.  That's what works about art.  It's flexible enough to change its meaning and purpose with each of us over time, including the artist.



Title: Re: LISTEN TO THE LAST SONG, ON THE ISLAND, & I'M FEELING SAD!! BBC RADIO
Post by: debonbon on March 31, 2015, 05:00:10 AM
Nice little song, like the string arrangements. I'd never think it was about the BB if I'd not read about it. Seems more a love/life song in general.


Title: Re: LISTEN TO THE LAST SONG & ON THE ISLAND!! BBC RADIO
Post by: Ray Lawlor on March 31, 2015, 05:14:42 AM
Indeed, AGD. It's easily read as a song about a troubled romantic relationship. I do think, though, in this case the multiple readings make it stronger. Who really wants an explicit account of backstage contention?

There is another possible interpretation that the listener could draw as well.  It could easily be a song about the process of grieving, of losing someone.  You always hear people say when someone close to them passes, that "if only I could speak to that person one last time, what would I say to them...what would they say to me".  There is certainly elements of that in "The Last Song".

Actually the song is about The Beach Boys, especially his late brothers Dennis and Carl

Interesting - that makes a lot more sense than it being specifically about the aftermath of the C50 tour... which is what we've been led to believe.

"Brian Wilson says he turned to a series of guest collaborators, many of them young female pop stars, to help jump start his muse after the Beach Boys‘ 2012 reunion tour came to an abrupt halt. In fact, Lana Del Rey ended up singing a song that deals directly with the issue, called ‘Last Song.’" (ultimateclassicrock.com)

"As for Lana? She worked with Brian on a track called “Last Song,” which will serve as the album’s centerpiece. There’s a version with Wilson on lead vocals, and an alternate one with Del Rey as the primary vocalist. Wilson wrote the song about his sadness over the Beach Boys’ breakup." (mtv.com)

"Now, according to those close to him, his Lana Del Rey collaboration will be the song to remember, as it recounts Wilson’s sadness about the Beach Boys‘ dissolution.

“The song recounts his sadness about the Beach Boys' dissolution. "It started out being about lost love," says co-producer Joe Thomas. "But after the tour fell apart it became more about a missed opportunity for Brian and the guys to ride into the sunset together."(rollingstone.com)

To be more explicit than my short post above ; it is about the Beach Boys, the pain of the loss of singing with his brothers and the loss of his group after C50. Joe Thomas articulated it far better than I did. In future I will try and expand more .

Uh-oh...  Brian disagrees with you!  From Today's Twitter Q&A: 

>>Was the Last Song written with Carl and Dennis in mind?
no, it was just about the end of a relationship. <<

Well it won't be the first time.  That's the explaination he gave me when I heard it for the first time on his car.


Title: Re: LISTEN TO THE LAST SONG, ON THE ISLAND, & I'M FEELING SAD!! BBC RADIO
Post by: Cam Mott on March 31, 2015, 05:48:27 AM
Do we know who wrote what for the song? Did Joe or Brian write the lyrics? Or did they both write the lyrics? You could have two or more co-creators with their own inspirations. I suppose.


Title: Re: LISTEN TO THE LAST SONG, ON THE ISLAND, & I'M FEELING SAD!! BBC RADIO
Post by: Jaco on March 31, 2015, 07:52:37 AM
On the Island,
that song reminds me a little about Brian's collaboration with Jackie DeShannon: 'Boat To Sail'  from 1975, he arranged and sang backing vocals. (& DeShannon wrote the song)

http://www.last.fm/music/Jackie+DeShannon/_/Boat+To+Sail

http://www.yourepeat.com/g/jackie+deshannon+boat+to+sail


Title: Re: LISTEN TO THE LAST SONG, ON THE ISLAND, & I'M FEELING SAD!! BBC RADIO
Post by: seltaeb1012002 on March 31, 2015, 08:06:01 AM
^^ Well spotted. Always loved that record.


Title: Re: LISTEN TO THE LAST SONG, ON THE ISLAND, & I'M FEELING SAD!! BBC RADIO
Post by: job on March 31, 2015, 08:19:28 AM
I'm not completely blown away by On The Island like I am by the other tracks...it feels like a novelty to me.  But as far as novelties go, it's decent.


Title: Re: LISTEN TO THE LAST SONG, ON THE ISLAND, & I'M FEELING SAD!! BBC RADIO
Post by: brother john on March 31, 2015, 10:08:31 AM
I think this may be the first time I don't bother buying the new Brian Wilson album. Everything I've heard so far from NPP is cheesy, corny, clichéd, predictable and has very little to do with the work of the great Brian Wilson. Sorry, but that's it. There were some great moments on TWGMTR, but the well has finally run dry.


Title: Re: LISTEN TO THE LAST SONG, ON THE ISLAND, & I'M FEELING SAD!! BBC RADIO
Post by: guitarfool2002 on March 31, 2015, 10:11:31 AM
Something occurred to me thinking about this discussion on "Last Song". Remember the phrase "lyrics so deft as to defy casual interpretation" as it was applied by (I believe) Derek Taylor in one of his Smile writings? Consider how that applied to the lyrics of Smile and how for decades we got any number of interpretations from fans, we got any number of explanations and answers from both Wilson and Parks as to the meanings of some of these songs, and how sometimes the answers could vary from suggesting there was no meaning, to a number of contradictions or multiple meanings for the same songs. Van Dyke Parks himself has had interviews where his answers run the gamut from directly on-point to veering off into nuances and riddles rather than definitive statements.

I had to compare that to what has played out this week surrounding "Last Song". Look at how many quotes and how many interpretations have been posted already, and the song was just heard for the first time only days ago.

I was also suffering from my bouts with insomnia last night and perhaps not cutting to the chase with what I was saying. But I'm that way when I'm perfectly well-rested too, some might say.  ;D

At this point I believe what Brian said, I believe what Joe said, I believe what Ray said. I don't see much of an argument possible to suggest each of those described elements of the song are not exactly what we hear in the final result. As much as it is about a relationship it is about the band dissolving in 2012 as it is about the Wilson brothers.

Trace the normal development of many songs as they start as an idea or a concept and ebb and flow through the writing process to become what we hear as a finished result. It may have started in a notebook a decade ago, sat collecting dust for years, then one day that idea is revisited and developed further. Events may have taken place in the interim as that notebook was collecting dust which might put a different shade of coloring on those old lyrics. Whatever they may have originated as could take on a different meaning as you read them back with years of happenings and events and other water under the bridge of everyday life to put different and perhaps even more meanings into those original words and ideas than what was in mind at the time. A song about not wanting to lose love when you had it could morph into something different if in the subsequent years between writing and finishing that song you did in fact end up losing that love. Add another verse, a bridge, another few words in a chorus...the song about not wanting to lose the love you had can transform into lamenting that same love.

Songwriting/Lyric Writing 101...well, actually Songwriting 103 perhaps as 101 is more about analyzing rhyme schemes and experimenting with pentameter and all of that jazz.  :-D...but songs develop and sometimes can have not only multiple meanings but also meanings above and beyond what was originally in mind when the first inspiration struck.

Again, I think all of the talk about "Last Song" is actually pretty revelatory in terms of the kind of music Brian is releasing on a new album in 2015. It is layered, there are interpretations beyond the surface, and it has fans talking about the lyrics and the music in ways beyond knee-jerk reactions and no-brainer interpretations and definitions. There is a lot to consider, a lot to take in that perhaps requires more than a cursory listen or reading of the words. This one to me is a bookend to "Summers Gone", that kind of song that Brian is just so damn good at doing and which may be one of the strengths of his recent work in general. Beyond the ear candy, beyond the catchy melodies and the 3-minute hook-laden songs, you have things like "Summers Gone" and "Last Song" which have multiple layers of both meaning and enjoyment beyond what is on the surface.

The man has still got it.


Title: Re: LISTEN TO THE LAST SONG, ON THE ISLAND, & I'M FEELING SAD!! BBC RADIO
Post by: The Cincinnati Kid on March 31, 2015, 10:32:21 AM
Not sure if anyone has mentioned it, but you can now buy On the Island on iTunes.  I'm just going to hold off as the album's only a week away and I'm not a huge fan of the song anyway.


Title: Re: LISTEN TO THE LAST SONG, ON THE ISLAND, & I'M FEELING SAD!! BBC RADIO
Post by: RiC on March 31, 2015, 10:50:28 AM
I think this may be the first time I don't bother buying the new Brian Wilson album. Everything I've heard so far from NPP is cheesy, corny, clichéd, predictable and has very little to do with the work of the great Brian Wilson. Sorry, but that's it. There were some great moments on TWGMTR, but the well has finally run dry.
It's a bummer that you can't enjoy great music. Guess it's not to everyone's taste.


Title: Re: LISTEN TO THE LAST SONG, ON THE ISLAND, & I'M FEELING SAD!! BBC RADIO
Post by: guitarfool2002 on March 31, 2015, 11:08:13 AM
I think this may be the first time I don't bother buying the new Brian Wilson album. Everything I've heard so far from NPP is cheesy, corny, clichéd, predictable and has very little to do with the work of the great Brian Wilson. Sorry, but that's it. There were some great moments on TWGMTR, but the well has finally run dry.
It's a bummer that you can't enjoy great music. Guess it's not to everyone's taste.

Maybe there is something to consider in the bigger picture within this quote from Brian himself as printed today in a review:

“I don’t know why so many songs lack melody today. Maybe songwriters have run out of them. A lot of music now isn’t very positive. Who knows why?

Maybe there could be a point that has been reached in the way music is experienced in popular culture where the expectation is to hear negativity in the music and thus negativity becomes the norm rather than the exception when experiencing it. Listeners get bombarded with negative songs, perhaps when the overall vibe of something new is more positive or uplifting it's a jarring thing to hear. When cynicism and an assumption of a negative vibe running through songs starts creeping into music as an expected element among listeners, maybe hearing something positive as an exception becomes akin to the water changing from warm to ice cold as you're in the shower.



Title: Re: LISTEN TO THE LAST SONG, ON THE ISLAND, & I'M FEELING SAD!! BBC RADIO
Post by: guitarfool2002 on March 31, 2015, 11:09:59 AM
Do we know who wrote what for the song? Did Joe or Brian write the lyrics? Or did they both write the lyrics? You could have two or more co-creators with their own inspirations. I suppose.

From WSJ review:

“Joe wrote some of the chord patterns and I did the melodies,” said Mr. Wilson. “We both wrote the lyrics. We’re on the same frequency.”


Title: Re: LISTEN TO THE LAST SONG, ON THE ISLAND, & I'M FEELING SAD!! BBC RADIO
Post by: brother john on March 31, 2015, 11:35:12 AM
I think this may be the first time I don't bother buying the new Brian Wilson album. Everything I've heard so far from NPP is cheesy, corny, clichéd, predictable and has very little to do with the work of the great Brian Wilson. Sorry, but that's it. There were some great moments on TWGMTR, but the well has finally run dry.
It's a bummer that you can't enjoy great music. Guess it's not to everyone's taste.

I can - that's why I love the Beach Boys. But this isn't great.


Title: Re: LISTEN TO THE LAST SONG, ON THE ISLAND, & I'M FEELING SAD!! BBC RADIO
Post by: Cam Mott on March 31, 2015, 12:06:39 PM
Do we know who wrote what for the song? Did Joe or Brian write the lyrics? Or did they both write the lyrics? You could have two or more co-creators with their own inspirations. I suppose.

From WSJ review:

“Joe wrote some of the chord patterns and I did the melodies,” said Mr. Wilson. “We both wrote the lyrics. We’re on the same frequency.”

There it is.


Title: Re: LISTEN TO THE LAST SONG, ON THE ISLAND, & I'M FEELING SAD!! BBC RADIO
Post by: Mendota Heights on March 31, 2015, 01:01:03 PM
Why does it come across some posters here seem to have a vested interest the lyrics on NPP never refer to the C50 breakup?

Smiley Smilers who normally never discuss lyrics have turned into self-proclaimed prominent discourse analysts a la Jacques Derrida. C50 is a major and recent event in Brian's life so it does not seem too unlikely it could have influenced some of the NPP lyrics.

Posters here who have never met Brian seem to know exactly what Brian means, that only tells us one thing, mentioned posters have no idea what lines Brian wrote and why he wrote them. Case closed.


Title: Re: LISTEN TO THE LAST SONG, ON THE ISLAND, & I'M FEELING SAD!! BBC RADIO
Post by: b00ts on March 31, 2015, 01:20:40 PM
I think this may be the first time I don't bother buying the new Brian Wilson album. Everything I've heard so far from NPP is cheesy, corny, clichéd, predictable and has very little to do with the work of the great Brian Wilson. Sorry, but that's it. There were some great moments on TWGMTR, but the well has finally run dry.
It's a bummer that you can't enjoy great music. Guess it's not to everyone's taste.

I can - that's why I love the Beach Boys. But this isn't great.
Why is this a problem for people? It's a strange thing with Beach Boys/Brian Wilson fans, as though many of us need to constantly reaffirm the fact that we enjoy Brian's music. Very odd.

Opinions being what they are, how about we relax and accept the fact that not everybody's going to like the album - even die-hard fans? Hell, up until I heard "Sail Away," I was not a big fan of what I'd heard from NPP thus far.

The problem with this kind of sh*t - sniping back and forth over perceived slights to Brian/Mike/etc - is that it ruins discussion of the music. It's even worse when the sniping is about issues SmileySmile posters have with each other.

I'm excited for the release of NPP, so I come to Smileysmile.net, only to see nearly every thread devolve, at some point, into these types of shenanigans. It's a waste of everybody's time, and it makes it a lot less fun to read the board. As much as I love some of the posters here, I don't want to read about their personal issues with each other. Life is too damned short (and no one is likely to 'pier pressure' others into sharing their opinions. It's a fools errand).

I humbly submit that we get back to analysis and discussion of Brian and the Beach Boys, secure in the knowledge that one person disliking the album - or another person being a cheerleader for the album - does not need to affect one's own, individual enjoyment of the music.


Title: Re: LISTEN TO THE LAST SONG, ON THE ISLAND, & I'M FEELING SAD!! BBC RADIO
Post by: Wirestone on March 31, 2015, 01:36:01 PM
The problem with this kind of sh*t - sniping back and forth over perceived slights to Brian/Mike/etc - is that it ruins discussion of the music. It's even worse when the sniping is about issues SmileySmile posters have with each other.

The issue I have is that a blanket dismissal like that isn't actually great for discussion. It shuts it down and puts other people on the defensive.

And the whole album isn't even out yet to judge.


Title: Re: LISTEN TO THE LAST SONG, ON THE ISLAND, & I'M FEELING SAD!! BBC RADIO
Post by: RiC on March 31, 2015, 01:40:45 PM
I think this may be the first time I don't bother buying the new Brian Wilson album. Everything I've heard so far from NPP is cheesy, corny, clichéd, predictable and has very little to do with the work of the great Brian Wilson. Sorry, but that's it. There were some great moments on TWGMTR, but the well has finally run dry.
It's a bummer that you can't enjoy great music. Guess it's not to everyone's taste.

I can - that's why I love the Beach Boys. But this isn't great.
Why is this a problem for people? It's a strange thing with Beach Boys/Brian Wilson fans, as though many of us need to constantly reaffirm the fact that we enjoy Brian's music. Very odd.

Opinions being what they are, how about we relax and accept the fact that not everybody's going to like the album - even die-hard fans? Hell, up until I heard "Sail Away," I was not a big fan of what I'd heard from NPP thus far.

The problem with this kind of sh*t - sniping back and forth over perceived slights to Brian/Mike/etc - is that it ruins discussion of the music. It's even worse when the sniping is about issues SmileySmile posters have with each other.

I'm excited for the release of NPP, so I come to Smileysmile.net, only to see nearly every thread devolve, at some point, into these types of shenanigans. It's a waste of everybody's time, and it makes it a lot less fun to read the board. As much as I love some of the posters here, I don't want to read about their personal issues with each other. Life is too damned short (and no one is likely to 'pier pressure' others into sharing their opinions. It's a fools errand).

I humbly submit that we get back to analysis and discussion of Brian and the Beach Boys, secure in the knowledge that one person disliking the album - or another person being a cheerleader for the album - does not need to affect one's own, individual enjoyment of the music.
I think it's funny that you write a long post about your opinions, or whatever, saying that others shouldn't do the same, because it distracts. I don't have an issue (personal or universal) with anything. Isn't this supposed to be a discussion forum? I'm perfectly okay, if somebody hates new Brian Wilson music. But I still think it's a shame, especially in this case. And I believe I have the right to express that, if I want.

On the Island is thus far the weakest track for me. It just doesn't really wake anything special in me. Maybe it's the lyrics, which are kinda dull. Zooey sounds nice, but when the lyrics are what they are, and the genre in itself is kinda dull, what can you do. I'm Feeling Sad sounds fantastic though, it's just the kinda classic BW tune which you'd hope to last longer. I'm eagerly waiting how all these songs fit together and what kind of picture thay make as a whole. What I've heard yet is the best Beach Boys/Brian Wilson music since 1977. And that's a lot to say!


Title: Re: LISTEN TO THE LAST SONG, ON THE ISLAND, & I'M FEELING SAD!! BBC RADIO
Post by: GhostyTMRS on March 31, 2015, 03:28:58 PM
I've said this before on here a dozen times and at the risk of repeating myself and annoying everyone, I'll say it again. Context is everything. I didn't care for "Runaway Dancer" when I first heard it. Now that I've heard it in the context and (all-important) sequence of the album, it works for me. I would suggest that before some posters write off the entire record based on the tracks they've heard thus far, that they wait..buy the album...because we ALL should want to support Brian's music, right?....and then listen to it as a singular experience from start to finish and THEN make up your mind. I've had it for less than 24 hours and I keep listening to it straight through because it was meant to be heard that way and it works brilliantly.

And the copy I have is not really mine anyway. It's the radio station's copy. That means I'm going to Target on Tuesday like everybody else to get the CD with those bonus tracks. BTW Is there a new recording of "Love and Mercy" or is it either the 1988 or 1995 version tacked on at the end to promote the film?



Title: Re: LISTEN TO THE LAST SONG, ON THE ISLAND, & I'M FEELING SAD!! BBC RADIO
Post by: Wirestone on March 31, 2015, 03:40:31 PM
No one knows!


Title: Re: LISTEN TO THE LAST SONG, ON THE ISLAND, & I'M FEELING SAD!! BBC RADIO
Post by: 18thofMay on March 31, 2015, 03:53:27 PM
There is so much coming out at the moment and we have pages and pages of this conjecture. Brian would be pisssing himself laughing!
 Lyrical perception people that's what we have here!
 Its all relevant in the time scale of any one particular event or events.


Title: Re: LISTEN TO THE LAST SONG, ON THE ISLAND, & I'M FEELING SAD!! BBC RADIO
Post by: b00ts on March 31, 2015, 05:33:33 PM
I think this may be the first time I don't bother buying the new Brian Wilson album. Everything I've heard so far from NPP is cheesy, corny, clichéd, predictable and has very little to do with the work of the great Brian Wilson. Sorry, but that's it. There were some great moments on TWGMTR, but the well has finally run dry.
It's a bummer that you can't enjoy great music. Guess it's not to everyone's taste.

I can - that's why I love the Beach Boys. But this isn't great.
Why is this a problem for people? It's a strange thing with Beach Boys/Brian Wilson fans, as though many of us need to constantly reaffirm the fact that we enjoy Brian's music. Very odd.

Opinions being what they are, how about we relax and accept the fact that not everybody's going to like the album - even die-hard fans? Hell, up until I heard "Sail Away," I was not a big fan of what I'd heard from NPP thus far.

The problem with this kind of sh*t - sniping back and forth over perceived slights to Brian/Mike/etc - is that it ruins discussion of the music. It's even worse when the sniping is about issues SmileySmile posters have with each other.

I'm excited for the release of NPP, so I come to Smileysmile.net, only to see nearly every thread devolve, at some point, into these types of shenanigans. It's a waste of everybody's time, and it makes it a lot less fun to read the board. As much as I love some of the posters here, I don't want to read about their personal issues with each other. Life is too damned short (and no one is likely to 'pier pressure' others into sharing their opinions. It's a fools errand).

I humbly submit that we get back to analysis and discussion of Brian and the Beach Boys, secure in the knowledge that one person disliking the album - or another person being a cheerleader for the album - does not need to affect one's own, individual enjoyment of the music.
I think it's funny that you write a long post about your opinions, or whatever, saying that others shouldn't do the same, because it distracts. I don't have an issue (personal or universal) with anything. Isn't this supposed to be a discussion forum? I'm perfectly okay, if somebody hates new Brian Wilson music. But I still think it's a shame, especially in this case. And I believe I have the right to express that, if I want.

On the Island is thus far the weakest track for me. It just doesn't really wake anything special in me. Maybe it's the lyrics, which are kinda dull. Zooey sounds nice, but when the lyrics are what they are, and the genre in itself is kinda dull, what can you do. I'm Feeling Sad sounds fantastic though, it's just the kinda classic BW tune which you'd hope to last longer. I'm eagerly waiting how all these songs fit together and what kind of picture thay make as a whole. What I've heard yet is the best Beach Boys/Brian Wilson music since 1977. And that's a lot to say!
Good point. However, I wasn't saying people shouldn't express their opinions - exactly the opposite. I was trying to say that the personal sniping makes certain threads on this board a real chore to wade through.  In other words, I'd much rather read (just as an example) your opinion about Brian's new music than your opinion about my opinion about Barry's opinion. Does that make sense?

I can't speak for anyone else, but the tedium of wading through posts that aren't about the music - yes, like the post I am typing right now - has kept me off this board for long stretches. I think this is a shame because when people do discuss the music, it is my favorite message board around.

Now, back to the music... "I'm Feeling Sad" might be my favorite track so far. Shades of "Message Man" and "Just Like Me and You" - pure Brian. Absolute melodic bliss. Why is this a bonus track? Maybe I should just be happy that I don't have to wait for Brian's third solo box set in 2033 to hear it!

I think it's safe to say that No Pier Pressure is not a repeat of either GIOMH or TLOS. It is its own animal, for better and for worse. I'm not crazy about some of the guest vocalists, nor the modern sheen of "Runaway Dancer," but so far it is clear to me that a lot more time, thought and effort went into the production of album than, for example, That's Why God Made The Radio.


Title: Re: LISTEN TO THE LAST SONG, ON THE ISLAND, & I'M FEELING SAD!! BBC RADIO
Post by: guitarfool2002 on March 31, 2015, 08:10:27 PM
Why does it come across some posters here seem to have a vested interest the lyrics on NPP never refer to the C50 breakup?

Smiley Smilers who normally never discuss lyrics have turned into self-proclaimed prominent discourse analysts a la Jacques Derrida. C50 is a major and recent event in Brian's life so it does not seem too unlikely it could have influenced some of the NPP lyrics.

Posters here who have never met Brian seem to know exactly what Brian means, that only tells us one thing, mentioned posters have no idea what lines Brian wrote and why he wrote them. Case closed.

I agree and say not only could the events of C50 have influenced some of the lyrics, I believe they did influence some of the lyrics. In this thread we have comments posted from one of the writers, another one of the writers, and a personal friend of one of the writers. People who, in other words, have not only met Brian but have also worked on the very lyrics in question with him and who heard the song and Brian's comments about it. And Brian himself.  :)

That's as close to the source and answers as we could hope to get, right? If one of those involved says this is what the song was about and this is what it became, that is my "case closed" moment. Can we share opinions, of course. Can we disagree with someone's analysis of those words and opinions, of course. But when you have comments from even one of those individuals who can speak from direct involvement and contact, I have to agree, Swedish Frog, that it's hard to deny the influence of C50 as a factor if the person most intimately involved with creating the song says that was the case.

I'll repeat a comment I made:

At this point I believe what Brian said, I believe what Joe said, I believe what Ray said. I don't see much of an argument possible to suggest each of those described elements of the song are not exactly what we hear in the final result. As much as it is about a relationship it is about the band dissolving in 2012 as it is about the Wilson brothers.


A song's creation can be simple or multifaceted - In this case, any of the above "factors" given by these people who really do know are the ones I'm going with.


Title: Re: LISTEN TO THE LAST SONG, ON THE ISLAND, & I'M FEELING SAD!! BBC RADIO
Post by: GhostyTMRS on March 31, 2015, 09:17:57 PM
While I can agree with GF's multi-faceted approach, the insinuation that "some posters have a vested interest in the lyrics on NPP never refer to the C50 breakup" sounds like more of this conspiracy stuff this board has sunk to over the past year. This "us-vs-them" mentality sickens me. Ugh!

I can see interpreting the second verse as having something to do with the C50 breakup, in the way that we later found out that "Love and Mercy" was inspired by when Brian was in a particularly bad frame of mind under Dr. Landy's "care", although the song was written with a more universal message that could apply to anyone who was unhappy about anything and wishing for some love and mercy (and has been accepted as such). Given the tone of the entire album, with it's constant themes of growing old and recognizing that your spouse is what's keeping you going, "Last Song" works best as something in a more last days/romantic vein to these ears (as morbid as that might sound).  

...and I don't even think it's one of the best songs on the album (that would be "One Kind Of Love" IMO).  


Title: Re: LISTEN TO THE LAST SONG, ON THE ISLAND, & I'M FEELING SAD!! BBC RADIO
Post by: Andrew G. Doe on March 31, 2015, 10:47:45 PM
In this thread we have comments posted from one of the writers, another one of the writers, and a personal friend of one of the writers. People who, in other words, have not only met Brian but have also worked on the very lyrics in question with him and who heard the song and Brian's comments about it. And Brian himself.  :)

And the joy of it is, they still contradict not only each other, but in one instance, themselves. The Beatles were never this much fun.  ;D

My best advice ? Think Queen of Hearts.


Title: Re: LISTEN TO THE LAST SONG, ON THE ISLAND, & I'M FEELING SAD!! BBC RADIO
Post by: phirnis on April 01, 2015, 03:30:11 AM
I think this may be the first time I don't bother buying the new Brian Wilson album. Everything I've heard so far from NPP is cheesy, corny, clichéd, predictable and has very little to do with the work of the great Brian Wilson. Sorry, but that's it. There were some great moments on TWGMTR, but the well has finally run dry.

Not so sure about the new material being predictable considering a song like Runaway Dancer. But I do share your sentiments about at least some of the music being corny and clichéd.

Added: I don't think that's necessarily a bad thing. Brian's in his 70s, he's responsible for many of my very favorite records and he has every right to make music considered corny by a small faction of his fans. Save for I'm Feeling Sad, On the Island and (to a lesser extent) Sail Away I'm not too thrilled about the new material but I'm sure I'll give the whole album a spin anyway!


Title: Re: LISTEN TO THE LAST SONG, ON THE ISLAND, & I'M FEELING SAD!! BBC RADIO
Post by: Micha on April 01, 2015, 04:57:59 AM
It's a bummer that you can't enjoy great music. Guess it's not to everyone's taste.

Just an observation, not a criticism: Your first phrase might be interpreted as a snide remark. Your second phrase of course hits the spot: What is great or not depends on the person's individual taste. I have a friend who rates certain music as great that I find unbearably stupid.


I can - that's why I love the Beach Boys. But this isn't great.

It is great to some people obviously. I'm not yet that enthusiastic about it either, but from the clips I heard so far, it will definitely be better than the BBs tracks I rate as worst.


What I've heard yet is the best Beach Boys/Brian Wilson music since 1977. And that's a lot to say!

What I've heard I like way more than BB/BW music from 1977, but so far it doesn't beat "Midnight's Another Day", "Isn't It Time", or "Summer's Gone".


Title: Re: LISTEN TO THE LAST SONG, ON THE ISLAND, & I'M FEELING SAD!! BBC RADIO
Post by: Back Home on April 01, 2015, 11:35:04 AM
It's both interesting and informative to read the diversity of opinions that have been expressed about NPP. I will reserve final judgment until a listen-to of the entire album. All I can say from what I have heard so far is that, for the first time since perhaps-oh, I don't know, never--I have stopped listening to a BW song before it was over. Long before it was over, because it just failed to grab me in any respect. I didn't recognize anything that I have learned to love for almost 50 years. The selections with Al and those with Blondie are a marvelous trip back in time and so enjoyable. Matt's falsetto too. But the songs where Brian carries it alone, or where he is in a duet with someone I never heard of, nope--it doesn't interest me. The final suite in TWGWTR--you bet. The actual TWGMTR single--fabuous. And I can certainly get beyond the intro to "IAT" to really enjoy that one. But NPP...sorry, no. And I am sorry. But if HE is happy with it, that's good enough for me.


Title: Re: LISTEN TO THE LAST SONG, ON THE ISLAND, & I'M FEELING SAD!! BBC RADIO
Post by: Wirestone on April 01, 2015, 11:40:32 AM
Nice to see that a new member has decided to register and spend both of his / her first two posts bad-mouthing the new album!

... And people make fun of those of us who suspect conspiracies in BB/BW land.


Title: Re: LISTEN TO THE LAST SONG, ON THE ISLAND, & I'M FEELING SAD!! BBC RADIO
Post by: 18thofMay on April 01, 2015, 01:25:08 PM
Nice to see that a new member has decided to register and spend both of his / her first two posts bad-mouthing the new album!

... And people make fun of those of us who suspect conspiracies in BB/BW land.
I was only saying something around this very subject in an earlier thread.


Title: Re: LISTEN TO THE LAST SONG, ON THE ISLAND, & I'M FEELING SAD!! BBC RADIO
Post by: Matt Etherton on April 01, 2015, 07:14:25 PM
I've been reading the comments, and I think it's a big mistake to compare Brian the solo artist to The Beach Boys. In my mind, they are two very different things.
I personally love The Beach Boys; the solo stuff is generally "eh".  I know Brain is much akin to The Messiah around here, but I find his solo catalog boring. Same for Al's solo stuff.  It's like The Rolling Stones to me....group=great. Solo=yawn.



Title: Re: LISTEN TO THE LAST SONG, ON THE ISLAND, & I'M FEELING SAD!! BBC RADIO
Post by: Jesse Reiswig on April 01, 2015, 10:53:49 PM
The opening and initial verse of "I'm Feeling Sad" are slightly reminiscent of Simon & Garfunkel's "Punky's Dilemma." A coincidence, but a neat one.  :)


Title: Re: LISTEN TO THE LAST SONG, ON THE ISLAND, & I'M FEELING SAD!! BBC RADIO
Post by: Rocky Raccoon on April 01, 2015, 11:05:49 PM
The opening and initial verse of "I'm Feeling Sad" are slightly reminiscent of Simon & Garfunkel's "Punky's Dilemma." A coincidence, but a neat one.  :)

I noticed that too!


Title: Re: LISTEN TO THE LAST SONG, ON THE ISLAND, & I'M FEELING SAD!! BBC RADIO
Post by: Tomorrowville on April 02, 2015, 07:28:06 AM
Nice to see that a new member has decided to register and spend both of his / her first two posts bad-mouthing the new album!

... And people make fun of those of us who suspect conspiracies in BB/BW land.

With good reason.  There's a lot of hype and attention in BBs/BW land right now because of the new album, which makes it natural that new members would be joining the board.  A lot of them may even be long-time readers/lurkers who never registered or posted until motivated to do so recently.  And...shocker...not all of them may like what they hear of the new music.  That's a lot simpler and more realistic explanation than "there's a vast conspiracy attempting to trash Brian's new album on a quasi-obscure Internet message board!"

I'm a newbie, who read the forum for years and years before I registered and started posting, spurred in part by the hype happening around the new album and whatnot.  I am a huge Beach Boys and Brian fan, though I don't universally love every single thing they've ever put out.  And I'm also not really a fan of what I'm hearing so far of the new stuff - I can't get down with the production style, and some of the songs leave me cold.  It is what it is.

And it's a bit discouraging to see insinuations of nonsensical conspiracies related to this topic - it's really unwelcoming to those of us who might be relatively new.  Reasonable human beings can disagree about the merits of a piece of music and voice their opinions - there's no need to try to formulate conspiracies about it.  These sorts of responses in threads like these make me really not want to return to chat about one of my favorite bands.


Title: Re: LISTEN TO THE LAST SONG, ON THE ISLAND, & I'M FEELING SAD!! BBC RADIO
Post by: Yorick on April 02, 2015, 07:43:34 AM
I think this may be the first time I don't bother buying the new Brian Wilson album. Everything I've heard so far from NPP is cheesy, corny, clichéd, predictable and has very little to do with the work of the great Brian Wilson. Sorry, but that's it. There were some great moments on TWGMTR, but the well has finally run dry.
I am going to buy the album, but mostly for the 1975 version of In The Back Of My Mind. I'm one of the biggest Brian Wilson fans and defenders, but this album is a Frankenstein monster.


Title: Re: LISTEN TO THE LAST SONG, ON THE ISLAND, & I'M FEELING SAD!! BBC RADIO
Post by: Wirestone on April 02, 2015, 08:02:55 AM
So ... longtime fans are drawn to post because of hype surrounding a new album ...

And all they post is how awful the album is, how much of a husk Brian Wilson is, how they have no desire to buy it ...

Right.

"Longtime fans."

Mmm-hmm.


Title: Re: LISTEN TO THE LAST SONG, ON THE ISLAND, & I'M FEELING SAD!! BBC RADIO
Post by: SMiLE Brian on April 02, 2015, 08:17:34 AM
Damn right wirestone, there is agenda being pushed behind the scenes here at SS. ;)


Title: Re: LISTEN TO THE LAST SONG, ON THE ISLAND, & I'M FEELING SAD!! BBC RADIO
Post by: Wirestone on April 02, 2015, 08:23:51 AM
These sorts of responses in threads like these make me really not want to return to chat about one of my favorite bands.

One can hope.


Title: Re: LISTEN TO THE LAST SONG, ON THE ISLAND, & I'M FEELING SAD!! BBC RADIO
Post by: MarcellaHasDirtyFeet on April 02, 2015, 08:24:58 AM
I visit this board a lot more often when there's a new release on the horizon, but I tend to absolutely HATE it at the same time. I abhor differing opinions, I suppose. But the criticism of an album that hasn't even been released it is especially maddening this time around. Here I am, excited and cheerleading for a change, and people dare to air their negative opinions?! Heresy!

I dunno. People are complaining that Brian has stepped outside the box of their preferred vision of his "artistry," but the Brian Wilson of my head canon has never really been a true living, breathing person, either-- but he's getting closer and closer.


Title: Re: LISTEN TO THE LAST SONG, ON THE ISLAND, & I'M FEELING SAD!! BBC RADIO
Post by: The Shift on April 02, 2015, 08:31:44 AM
I suspect Capitol Records. Back in 66 they sabotaged Pet Sounds by releasing a Greatest Hits Lp; now, 49 years later, heure sabotaging NPP by releasing Pet Sounds*.  I suspect they have recruited an army of filth columnists to slag this album off and ruin its chances of ever selling more copies than Summer in Paradise.





* on Blu-Ray**

** Twice within a month



Title: Re: LISTEN TO THE LAST SONG, ON THE ISLAND, & I'M FEELING SAD!! BBC RADIO
Post by: SIP Mike on April 02, 2015, 11:27:38 AM
Does everyone else get a definite vibe that The last song was written with Bruce Johnstons voice in mind? Shame that didn't pan out.


Title: Re: LISTEN TO THE LAST SONG, ON THE ISLAND, & I'M FEELING SAD!! BBC RADIO
Post by: Debbie Keil-Leavitt on April 02, 2015, 11:36:12 AM
These sorts of responses in threads like these make me really not want to return to chat about one of my favorite bands.

One can hope.

 :lol  :police:


Title: Re: LISTEN TO THE LAST SONG, ON THE ISLAND, & I'M FEELING SAD!! BBC RADIO
Post by: Lowbacca on April 02, 2015, 11:41:02 AM
Does everyone else get a definite vibe that The last song was written with Bruce Johnstons voice in mind? Shame that didn't pan out.
:lol


Title: Re: LISTEN TO THE LAST SONG, ON THE ISLAND, & I'M FEELING SAD!! BBC RADIO
Post by: Rocker on April 02, 2015, 12:03:05 PM
I'm just watching the lyric video for "On the island" again. Man, so much is done right this time. This video is great and imo the video to "That's why God made the radio" (which also had the beach theme) should've been done like this instead of that lame, cheesy 90s Disney teenmovie style.
BTW is that supposed to be Carl at 1:47 mins?

http://www.vevo.com/watch/brian-wilson/On-The-Island-%28Lyric-Video%29/USUMV1500068


Title: Re: LISTEN TO THE LAST SONG, ON THE ISLAND, & I'M FEELING SAD!! BBC RADIO
Post by: GhostyTMRS on April 02, 2015, 02:28:59 PM
If there's any REAL conspiracy against Brian Wilson it's the folks who try to justify getting the new album via internet leaks i.e. stealing money out of his pocket.


Title: Re: LISTEN TO THE LAST SONG, ON THE ISLAND, & I'M FEELING SAD!! BBC RADIO
Post by: Jesse Reiswig on April 02, 2015, 03:54:51 PM
I'm just watching the lyric video for "On the island" again. Man, so much is done right this time. This video is great and imo the video to "That's why God made the radio" (which also had the beach theme) should've been done like this instead of that lame, cheesy 90s Disney teenmovie style.
BTW is that supposed to be Carl at 1:47 mins?

http://www.vevo.com/watch/brian-wilson/On-The-Island-%28Lyric-Video%29/USUMV1500068

Agreed. It's a very clever video. Love the "no food, no pets" visual gag.


Title: Re: LISTEN TO THE LAST SONG, ON THE ISLAND, & I'M FEELING SAD!! BBC RADIO
Post by: Autotune on April 02, 2015, 06:04:47 PM
I'm just watching the lyric video for "On the island" again. Man, so much is done right this time. This video is great and imo the video to "That's why God made the radio" (which also had the beach theme) should've been done like this instead of that lame, cheesy 90s Disney teenmovie style.
BTW is that supposed to be Carl at 1:47 mins?

http://www.vevo.com/watch/brian-wilson/On-The-Island-%28Lyric-Video%29/USUMV1500068

Agree that the video adds another layer of interest to what seems to be the ditty of the album. The visual aspects add a level of coolness to the track. Gotta disagree about the TWGMTR, though. At the time, I thought the appearance of the guys in the garage was legendary, if bizarre.


Title: Re: LISTEN TO THE LAST SONG & ON THE ISLAND!! BBC RADIO
Post by: pixletwin on April 02, 2015, 07:20:24 PM
I have listened to this song about 8 times and it still brings tears to my eyes dammit.  :lol

Hold on tight
And everything will be all right
I never really felt this way before

Don't let go
There's still time for us
So let's take it slow
I wish that I could give you so much more

La la la la, etc.
La la la la, etc.

Far away
And maybe we'll be coming back someday
Together in the end
To sing with you again

Ah ah ah
Da da da

I never really felt this way before
Don't be sad
There was a time and place for what we had
If there was just another chance for me to sing to you

La la la la, etc.
La la la la, etc.

There's never enough time for the ones that you love
There's never enough time for the ones that you love
There's never enough time for the ones that you love