The Smiley Smile Message Board

I understand Kokomo isn't everyone's 'cup of tea' (I like it, not their best, but fond memories of the time in which it was released)

I must say though that I have always found it's live performance underwhelming. Maybe it's the pace of the song, or maybe it would fit better earlier in the set list. Not sure. Also, is it just me, or does it seem like a bit of an awkward ending, when they finish on 'Jamaica'?

I agree completely, especially the "Jamaica" ending. On the 50th live CD/DVD, the song gets off to a rough start, as well, as the drums and strummed acoustic sort of come in on different places and at different cadences.

The recording catches you with the exotic percussion...all of which they have virtually ditched on stage. Every time I hear Mike and Bruce start the song, I have to think for about five seconds and figure out what it is, unless Bruce does his terrible "let's take a trip down to Koookomoooo!"  ::)

Ya it needs a bit of a punch up, maybe a slightly quicker tempo live, if possible.

I think they should have a loop of the beginning intro (that drum machine/percussion loop) and that'll get the song going.

I think Id put it at a different spot in the setlist.  Seems a bit of an anti climax between Surfin USA and Fun Fun Fun

It needs to be played at double speed, with distortion and leather jackets

This made me laugh.  :lol

The Ramones!

I have the opposite opinion. I never want to listen to the recorded version, but when I've seen it done live (2x C50, 3x M&B), it's impossible not to get wrapped up in the moment and sing along.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0MdJcjl42D0
 :lol

Carl's studio vocals are what MAKE the song. Although I have to say that Mike's vocals are very good on the studio recording too, and as much as people might have issues with the song not being "BBs" enough, or too cheesy, Mike does sing well in this register. But without Carl's vocals, it's just weak sauce. Carl literally made the song.

Mike's vocals are bit on the creepy side IMO.

I always completely lose it when he says "cocaine", here at the 8 second mark.

It's funny, I just sat down with my guitar and gave this a quick Ramones-formatted once-over and it totally works.  The best part is that the Ramones obviously would have just eliminated the sax solo completely.

The best version IMO
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zRPIKqH2csw

Best arrangement! :lol

I have a hard time hearing any other Beach Boy trying to sing Carl's vocals on ANY song. God Only Knows, Good Vibrations, Darlin', Kokomo - there's a reason that guy was special. THAT voice!

 :woot :woot :woot :woot

This is great.  It sort of reminds me of this guy's sober younger brother.  

https://youtu.be/VBs_CFbl6B8

Can't beat King Uszniewicz! ;D

The Vandals did a tasty souped-up version of the K-song:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BZKqVuxRn0M

Agreed.  The song lies dead w/o Carl.  HE made it happen.  Live?  It's torture.

Agree with the comments about Carl's vocals...on Kokomo and every other song he sang lead on. None sound the same w/o Carl.

Ya know now that I think about it, I don't think it ever came across spectacular live. Even with Carl. Maybe the tempo , they never got it quite right. It was all right, passable. Just not one they nailed. I don't think it fits the end of the concert either. It would be better off earlier honestly. That was definitely true with C50.

When Mike and Bruce do shows with an intermission, I think Kokomo would be a good opener for the second set.

Mike puts "Kokomo" at the end of the show because he feels it *belongs* among that iconic final run of songs. I think Mike thinks the song is in every way, both artistically and commercially, on par with "Good Vibrations", and I would guess that's a big part of why "Kokomo" is usually right in the vicinity if not right next to GV in the setlist.

If, in fact, myKe does think along those likes, and knowing his gigantic ego, I'm sure you're entirely correct. With GV, we're dealing with artistry. With Kohkohmoe, we're dealing with what he thinks is artistic but is really a sub-standard, forgettable, run of the mill tune that doesn't have a chance in hell of standing up to GV.

Let's have a battle of the bands with BW band playing GV and Mike's band playing Kokomo. 8)

I’m surprised that anti-drugs/drink Mike is such a big proponent of Kokomo, being as the song’s title could be seen as promoting both cocaine and mojitos.

 :drunks

Cokomo!  :lol

The verses in Kokomo are pleasant, though bland.  It's the chorus, and specifically the harmonies in the chorus, that really makes the song.  And it's Carl's part that makes the chorus.  So yeah, without Carl it's not nearly as nice to listen to. 

However, I don't have a problem with the song performed live, and in fact I don't find it terribly different than the record version.  I actually really like the way they end on "Jamaica"...as it's quite interesting, musically.   

^^^ This!!!  Try watching/listening to a live concert performance from the late '80s/early 90s and you'll forget about any inadequacies that you've noticed since Carl's passing.  Carl Wilson's vocals are what made that song a huge hit for the Boys.

Listen to John Phillips' demo recording, the song itself is OK but pretty bland in terms of just songwriting (to be fair, the original chorus wasn't half as interesting as the one on the BB version). I agree that the exotic percussion and Carl's singing made it what it is.