The Smiley Smile Message Board

So in the BW book thread, it was mentioned that at the book signing, Brian confirmed that "Proud Mary" will be one of the covers included. So, with that in mind, I thought it might be fun to do a thread where we can list songs that we'd love for Brian to include! Now, it's likely that it will be mainly 50s and 60s songs (just cause that seems to be Brian's preference), but I figured to expand it a bit to go all the way to the 80s. Just for fun, of course.  So here's my picks...well, not entirely just mine. My daughter Jaymie had her own list too, so I'm including those as well (those are marked with a *).
Ideally, this will include Al, Blondie, and Matt

1) Proud Mary- CCR
2) Baby Blue-Badfinger
3)Mr Blue Sky- ELO *
4) Turn the Page- Bob Seger*
5) Uptown Girl- Billy Joel
6) Crystal Blue Persuasion- Tommy James and the Shandells
7) C'mon Get Happy- Partridge Family *
8) My Sweet Lord - George Harrison
9) Baby Come Back- Player
10) Carry On Wayward Son- Kansas*
11) One More Night- Phil Collins
12) If I fell- Beatles
13)  Go Your Own Way- Fleetwood Mac
14) Dream- Everly Brothers
15)  Mad World - Tears for Fears*

Thoughts?

Yeah, I'd like that.

I tried to recap what songs would be possible since Brian already performed them.

http://smileysmile.net/board/index.php/topic,20516.msg514931.html#msg514931


So, in no particular order:


His latest flame

Don't be cruel   (here's a Brian-produced version by the Honeys  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M7TEB2NZmq8  )

Proud Mary

Johnny B. goode   ( https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uGvvTHzCZ9A )

Keep a knockin'   ( https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D81R-EQ_EoI )

Earth angel

Bermuda shorts

Honeycomb   

River deep, mountain high

Let's talk about us  (the Jerry Lee Lewis hit   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Hj1IaGwNbk hell I could even hear him do "Big Blon' Baby"  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NNPrUmMQteM )



As for original songs I guess he could add "I'm broke" which he tried out live (here also including "Honeycomb":  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fQWi6jzK220  )


It would also be fantastic if he had Blondie reprising his lead singing on "For your precious love"  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zu8uEbiRO4c

I forgot about "Earth Angel"...that's a great choice as well!

This is not based in reality at all but I desperately want Brian to cover Cruel to Be Kind by Nick Lowe (it's my lifetime favourite song since I was 3 years old and basically my own personal Be My Baby). I think it also kind of describes his relationship with Mike.

So I'd take out Phil Collin's One More Night and replace it with that one.

Yeah, I think Brian mentioned it a couple of times as one of his favorites.
Something else I forgot about. When the Beach Boys did that BBC performance in september 2012 they also were interviewed and Al - bless his heart for that - mentioned Carl Perkins. I think he could do a cool "Honey don't" ( https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bVnSb2drVJw ) not to forget that the Beach Boys cut a version of "Shake, rattle & roll" with Al on lead which works great ( https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RxkB2E8yk_Q )
And I guess Little Richard's "Miss Ann" would be something to Brian's taste as well  ( https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aJCR_CmkGFA )


And... do I have to mention "I only have eyes for you" ?  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FvzNeh4Mq1o

Another great pick!

I picked "one more night" as I remember an interview Brian once gave where he referred to that song as "spiritual" and sang part of it.

Covers of songs you like by artists you like are always a tough nut to crack.

I was talking to my girlfriend about a band she loves, and the band has done Kickstarter campaigns to fund their albums, and one of the (pricey) donations allows you to pick a song for the band to cover. I guess you can pick any song (or, rather, I think you have to give them a list of three and they pick from those three).

Anyway, it's out of the price range (I think it was like $1500 or something), but I asked her what song she would pick. And we kinda both came to the conclusion that it's impossible to top the versions of songs we like, and we were joking we would pay the $1,500 if the band would just write another new song of their own instead!

Not to be a stick in the mud, though. Some cover versions are great, and I think we all have songs from one artist we love that we'd be curious to hear interpreted by another artist we love.

I think most of Brian's previous covers (from his solo career anyway) have been generally good but not revelatory. Ironically, the live arrangement he did during his first shows in 1999 of "This Could be The Night" would probably be one of the few times I might like Brian's version more than other versions.

I think most indications are that Brian does good but relatively faithful covers of Beatles or McCartney songs. "Wanderlust" was just fine, but nothing earth-shattering.

I like the idea of Brian covering bands or artists that aren't obvious, that he rarely discusses or that we wouldn't immediately think of. I think Brian doing an ELO track could be amazing. Jeff Lynne, while usually going on and on about The Beatles, Del Shannon, and Roy Orbison, I think was very much influenced by the Beach Boys and Brian (allegedly, Lynne bugged folks while working with Brian on the '88 album to get a listen to some "Smile" stuff!), and I'd love to hear Brian take on some of the lush, layered vocals Lynne did on a lot of his ELO stuff.

Because I'm not a big fan of Brian's modern-day attempts to do a "wall of sound", reverb-laden production, I'd probably steer clear of that sort of stuff for him to cover.

Stripped-down musical arrangements with lush vocals would be ideal. So I like the Everly Brothers idea.

I've never been very into Brian's version(s) of "Proud Mary", so normally I'd say I could easily lose that one. On the other hand, he's been talking about it so long, it would be kind of anti-climactic if he *didn't* include it!

I'd love to hear Brian attempt some Emitt Rhodes, maybe "With My Face on the Floor" or "Promises I've Made" or most anything off the self-titled Rhodes album.

Random Lennon idea: The relatively obscure "Out the Blue" from Lennon's "Mind Games" album.

Me too...and so does Jaymie! That's her 3rd favorite band of all time, right after Journey and the BB (my 9 year olf has great taste).  Funnily enough, "Let It Shine" is her favorite track off of BW88, and that was even before she found out that was a Lynne track!

Weird thing about "Let It Shine." It's probably my favorite track on the BW '88 album (and not even because it's a Lynne track even though I'm a huge Lynne/ELO fan). For years after the album came out, I always felt like even hardcore Brian fans weren't super into the song. It was rarely criticized, but also rarely highlighted. Brian rarely spoke of it after the album came out either. I always thought it would be interesting to hear Brian do it live when he went back out on tour in 1999, but it seemed like the most far-fetched thing imaginable. He's never even dug much into the '88 album at all since going out in 1999.

So in 2000 on the "Pet Sounds" tour, my jaw hit the floor when Brian and the band debuted "Let It Shine", playing it for the first time ever live. It was ostensibly to promote the then-new CD reissue of the '88 album. It didn't last long in the setlist, but it is by leaps and bounds the most pleasant and shocking setlist surprise I've ever experienced at a concert.

Yes to this... I want Telephone Line! Especially since Brian admitting in his book that he doesn't use a mobile phone. So old school. And such a great song.

Fair enough, and knowing that tidbit improves the idea in my mind... I'm just not much of a Phil Collins fan, but I'd give it a chance :)

I'm also looking forward to more studio recordings that would either A) include Matt Jardine (and Al of course), and/or B) Include all-Brian vocal stacks.

I would LOVE it if he added it back!

:lol That's a GREAT reason 8)

How about finally letting Al get "Runaway" a real release, this time with Matt and Brian on vocals with him and the full BW production treatment?

How about a rocking version of The Old Master Painter? I' d like to hear that.  I'll bet it would go over well with the faithful. (I listen to Smile too much, don't I?)

That would be swell.


There is no such thing as too much!

My official prediction is that this album doesn't happen. I really hope I'm wrong, though.  :-\

Why would you think that?

Not flaming, just curious

 :woot :woot :woot

If he fully covered BNL's "Brian Wilson" my brain would explode.

Mine would too...in delight~!

Because Brian has been talking about doing this fabled rock 'n roll album for years, so I'd be amazed if it actually happens this time.

I know what you mean...for some reason I think it is going to happen this time.

Spoiler alert for those who haven't read the new autobiography....



He does talk about it in the book...this is something he's wanted to do since 1972...15 Big Ones was intended to be this but didn't pan out. His original plan for the fairy tale before giving up on it was to have it be a suite and have oldies covers in parts.

Does he talk about the new album in the book? I got the book for my birthday yesterday but I haven't started it yet.

i'd love a proper studio recording of Brian and the band's arrangement of She's Leaving Home.


i'd also love to hear him include things that influenced him back in the 50s (besides Chuck Berry) like Four Freshmen, Rosemary Clooney, Hi-Lo's, etc.

Not by name, but I think he does mention it at some point. I'm at work so I don't have my copy handy.

The thing about the fairy tale was a mindblower for me.

Won't spoil anything else for you...I thoroughly enjoyed it.  A lot of people have said it (including me at least 5 times!) but it really is like chilling with Brian on the porch while he's telling stories.

Rosemary Clooney...yes....I know that would be special for Brian to cover her.

This can perhaps go under the "unpopular opinions" thread too, but if I were in Brian's ear for this album I would suggest he dust off Dennis' Sea Cruise track from the mid-70's, strip it down, and build it back up with some sort of arrangement that includes both he and Dennis.

When did Brian cover "Earth Angel?"

Interesting. The track listing of the "Brother Rarities" tracks that someone stumbled across a couple years ago includes Brian going into "A Casual Look" while demo-ing the "Fairytale."

I think a version of "Easy To Be Hard" recorded by Brian, Blondie, Al and Matt could potentially sound amazing. Brian could sing the verses, and Blondie could do the "Especially people who care about strangers" part.

that lyric would fit the album title...

I would be surprised if "I'm Broke", "Honeycomb" and "Keep A Knockin'" aren't included on the upcoming rock 'n roll album since they've all been played live somewhat recently (i.e. the last few years). They all fit the bill for that kinda thing and I'd be surprised if they didn't make the cut. I'd honestly be totally happy with all three making a new album.

As far as the how many covers and how many originals, I'd kinda hope for about a split. And yes, I know this is probably gonna be an unpopular decision, but maybe even an interesting Beach Boys cover.

I think it would be boss if Brian harmonized up one of Dennis's rockers from the 70s. Not saying he could do better or more soulful than Dennis, but it would undoubtedly be interesting and probably touching in itself. "School Girl" or "What's Wrong" or "Rainbows" or even "River Song," something like that. And, of course, "Tug of Love" is supposed to be about Brian...

If Brian did a Dennis song, it'd have to be You and I....that would sound killer

Interesting... where did you hear that about "Tug of Love"?

Gerry Rafferty did a very nice version of "Out the Blue" some years back.
I can easily imagine Carl singing a few Emitt Rhodes tunes; not sure if they would work for Brian. Definitely need an Everlys tune on this album - Brian and Al in harmony.

Speaking of Gerry Rafferty...if Brian did "Baker St", I could picture Paul Mertens doing a really nice sax bit on it.

well considering the title maybe it will be more like these type of songs,, :lol
1. Hells Bells
2. Helter Skelter
3. smells like teen spirit
4. Girls Girls Girls (Motley Crue)
5. Paradise City
6. Enter Sandman
7. Sabbath Bloody Sabbath
8. Beth
9. Sympathy for the devil
10. You shook me all night long

i personally think SMFSP will be a different album from the rock and roll concept....i have a feeling we're getting an album of new originals. Or maybe i am deluding myself into believing that because i want it to be true

Also, if it comes out before the end of this year, I would really hope that he changes the album title to '16 Big Ones.  :)

I know this was a joke, but I saw GNR in there, and I *immediately* heard him doing "Patience" in my head. Would NEVER happen, but that would be killer.

Just listening to my music at the moment...  ;D

Buddy Holly: "Rave On", "Every Day", "Heartbeat"
The Iveys/Badfigner: "Maybe Tomorrow"
Emilio Pericoli: Al Di La
Herb Alpert: "This Guy's in Love With You"
Sammy Davis: "I've Got to Be Me"
Billy J. Kramer: "Bad to Me"
The Kinks: "A Well Respected Man"
Roy Orbison: "Dream Baby"
Spencer Davis: "Gimme Some Lovin'"
Del Shannon: "Runaway"
The Beatles: "Mother Nature's Son"
The Zombies: "This Will Be Our Year", "Hung Up on a Dream", "Gotta Get a Hold of Myself", "The Way I Feel Inside" (Actually, covering Odessey and Oracle would be amazing!)
Bobby Darin: "Beyond the Sea", "If I Was a Carpenter"
J. Frank Wilson: "Last Kiss"

America: "Sister Golden Hair"
Neil Young: "Heart of Gold", "Old Man"
ELO: "Livin' Thing", "Strange Magic"
Faces: "Ooh La La"
George Harrison: "Don't Let Me Wait Too Long"
CCR: "Someday Never Comes", "Lodi"

Frank Sinatra: "My Way"
The Guess Who: "Laughing"
Paul McCartney: "That Would Be Something", "Heart of the Country"

Be My Baby! I dont think Brian has ever given this song a proper cover before!

I want to hear Brian cover one of these (or all of them) from the Nilsson (and Newman) catalog(s):

Cuddly Toy
Good Old Desk
Mr. Richland's Favorite Song
Simon Smith and his Amazing Dancing Bear
Mourning Glory Story
I'll Be Home
Me and My Arrow
Think About Your Troubles
Gotta Get Up
Coconut

But if he definitely is doing a rocking album, the absolute BEST choice would be "You're Breakin' My Heart"  ;D

Alan Price. "Hit Music Network - 60s" played it recently - I liked it, good choice.

THIS!!

This would be highly appropriate of Brian! Lol

YES!!! STRANGE MAGIC!!!!

(https://scontent-dft4-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/l/t1.0-9/14656384_10154643583694287_1480083391692093910_n.jpg?oh=9f4249860399fdc24135edea0ee68e4e&oe=589E831E)

I knew I would strike a chord with at least one person!

They are in bunches because that's how I was listening to it: 60s, 70s/80s, single artists.

I threw in "Al Di La" because of the reference at the end of one of the SMiLE "Psychedelic Sounds" tracks.

I think True Love Ways is the best song of Buddy Holly's for Brian to do.

If Brian were to cover a Beatles song, I would love for it to be 'Because' from Abby Road!

Do we know for sure the "rock and roll" album will be covers and originals? 

I would love Brian to do "Chain Reaction of Love" - one of my favorites from the Paley sessions.

Now THAT would have been bitchen!!!

Bring it on Brian!! A Fairy Tale Music Suite?? I'm so on board with that, man.  :h5 :rock :pirate :love :happydance :bow :thumbsup :hug :drunks and last but not least... :woot

A Fairy Tale Music Suite... that would be SO good. And how the concept of the "Magic Transistor Radio" could be worked on!
Just think of it:
The original snippets from Mount Vernon, fully realised.
A couple (or three, four, whatever) new tunes.
Rock 'n' Roll, and other oldies, representing the MTR.
The "Sensitive Music... " title would be perfect! :)

Although it wouldn't fit the format of a "rock" album, I'd love to hear Brian re-record "It's Not Easy Being Me" from the same sessions. Lyrically, it'd be the right time with the release of his book.

Just what we need - Brian screaming "she told me to come but I was already there"

haha i dont know if i can picture Brian singing ACDC. at least not in his later years! But it would be very interesting to hear how he would make it sound and putting his touch on it!

Maybe he can just re-record some old BBs tunes and put them out.  He's done it before.  Yawn....