The Smiley Smile Message Board

Happy to help out.....


Link...

https://www.thebeachboys.com/tour

OSD! :lol

(https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t31.0-8/fr/cp0/e15/q65/27797785_2023543281006949_2931431405275339859_o.jpg?efg=eyJpIjoibCJ9&oh=42bc987f04a8a1921731f8fe0a81a26f&oe=5B1C11A1)

Enter to win two tickets to The Beach Boys shows at Ruth Eckerd Hall! Can you name the episode of Full House where The Beach Boys were guests? Beach Boys ________. If you can guess this 5 letter word text it to 95323 and you could win two tickets to this concert!

Seriously this is a real promotion based around the 80s sitcom Full House. Love that the band’s musical output isn’t enough for this venue to promote, we gotta get Jesse and the Rippers to drum up some ticket sales. And what’s this I hear about an ostrich farm concert?

The hell is happening to this band?

There's the legacy, ladies and gentlemen, on full display.

There are more photos of Full House than there are of The Beach Boys in that advert for a BB's concert giveaway.

If the Philadelphia Eagles had not just won the Super Bowl and yesterday paraded triumphantly through Philly with the Lombardi Trophy...I'd be even more upset.  ;D

Dammit, rab..,, ;D.  Least we don’t have a twelve paragraph Filleplage(buster)...

Full “House” is technically not an “80s” sitcom. It had an “airing” between 1987 “through” 1995. It had more “years” as a 90s sitcom so “technically” it should be considered a 90s “sitcom”. I wonder if there are any legal “entanglements” one could get in by classifying “this” as an 80s sitcom. ;)
_____

Guitarfool, congrats on your Eagles. They played one hell of a game.

Was OSD shirtless on broad street? ;D

So Brian is taken to court over Mikes likeness being shown on an album giveaway from a UK paper, yet it’s ok for Brian and other group members being used to publicise a M&B concert and contest? WTF!

It was absolutely terrific. One of the best games of pure football I have ever seen. When a guy passes for over 500 yards and still loses the game...when a backup QB shows that much confidence and leadership on the field in the biggest game of the season...when a relatively green head coach calls a game as Pederson did...that's one helluva game.

Great post.  ;D

Full House wasn't as much a "sitcom" per se, in a legal sense, as it was an "event", and "hallmark" in "family entertainment" which sadly is all too "passe" in our modern busy "culture". Mike Love was at the forefront of bringing "family" and "Beach Boys" together for a whole generation of "new" young fans (I know several myself  ;) ), and having the esteemed Mr. John Stamos perform "Forever" as a wedding song is a throwback to a much more "innocent" time which was filled with "Love", TV dinners, and apple pie. Credit to Messrs. Love, Foskett, and Stamos for "keeping the torch lit" and continuing all the "Fun Fun Fun"! Happy Friday!  :beer

Bingo!

But ask the "experts" and they'll tell you it was the fault of some "sloppy" work by a college intern working in the marketing/promotions department of the Ruth Eckerd Hall.

Of course!

But the sloppy intern at the UK paper argument didn’t wash with Mike.

(https://i.imgur.com/WK7RK6f.jpg)

 ;D

Congratulations! You have guessed the correct answer for the Ruth Eckerd Hall Beach Boys Concert (feat. John Stamos) two ticket giveaway! The name of the Full House episode where The Beach Boys guest starred is “Beach Boys Bingo”! Text your answer to 95323 for your chance to snag these once in a lifetime front row tickets!

I don't think it's equivalent.  My assumption is that Mike's BWPS lawsuit (merits aside) concerned what Mike perceived to be Brian and Co.'s use of the trademark/brand "Beach Boys" to promote solo, "Brian Wilson" music.  The image at issue above (assuming it is legitimate) is the promotion of current "Beach Boys" shows with pictures of... the Beach Boys.  I'd say it's all on the up-and-up, legally with respect to Beach Boys images (don't know about the others). This is what it means to license a trademark.  When Mike gets/pays for the license, he gets certain valuable things that come along with that name, including , we can assume, images of the Beach Boys of yore.  And in return, Mike is of course obligated to kick back whatever amount he's required to kick back.  This is how they want it, I wouldn't sweat it. 

In all seriousness, Id love if a contest were held like this if they played near me.   If getting a front row seat when the answer is pretty much in the "puzzle," is that easy, I'm in..

I don't think I want a front row seat...or any seat to Mike and Bruce again. Having been front row and center last summer, it's not entirely what it's cracked up to be. It was great being that close to the band because I could really watch them feeding off each other and that was great stuff. However, the entire night was beyond awkward with Bruce. Mike was gracious to provide his autograph on my copy of his autobiography as well as interact a great deal all night. But the worst of it, is the audience that Mike and Bruce attract literally ANYWHERE now. You can't stand up and enjoy yourself at all. They should be playing retirement homes. Not so much because of the band, but because of the people they attract anymore. The vast majority of people in attendance anymore look like they could be MIKE'S father. It's crazy. Okay...mini-rant over.

As for the contest? That's some hokey sh*t. They couldn't come up with something better to ask? And they had to slather the promotion in more Full House promotions than Beach Boys? PLUS they have the audacity to use two group shots that include Brian/Carl/Dennis (x2) Alan, and David. Yet NONE with Bruce. 'Nuff said.

Terrific!  :lol

If I win the two tickets, I'll wear a "Brian Wilson Presents Smile" t-shirt and hat and wave a copy of the 2004 Sunday Mail giveaway CD in front of the stage bugging Mike to autograph it. I'll give the other ticket to Van Dyke Parks, who can sit in the front row and glare disapprovingly at Mike all night.

If Van Dyke can't make it to the show, I'll bring an ostrich instead.

Assuming it is legitimate? Dude, it's the contest promoted on the Ruth Eckerd Hall's Facebook page! https://www.facebook.com/RuthEckerdHall/photos/a.169327353095227.41528.116170388410924/2023543281006949/?type=3&theater (https://www.facebook.com/RuthEckerdHall/photos/a.169327353095227.41528.116170388410924/2023543281006949/?type=3&theater)

It's also ironic to see this listing:

Details
Tue, Feb 13 at 7:30 PM @ Ruth Eckerd Hall

The unforgettable harmonies and classic sound of The Beach Boys will bring Good Vibrations back to Ruth Eckerd Hall after their sold-out performances in 2015 and 2016! Performing a career spanning range of material from their early surf rock classics to masterpieces like Wouldn’t It Be Nice and God Only Knows, to later hits including Kokomo. The Beach Boys remain legendary to their millions of fans spanning multiple generations, playing and singing with the same bold imagination and style that marked their explosive debut 50 years ago! Original members Mike Love and Bruce Johnston bring the hits in this epic one-night-only performance.

Tickets are *$150, $75, $55, and $45.
*$150 Dinner Package includes a premium seat and pre-show dinner. Artist does not appear at Dinner.


Won't be the first time Mike didn't appear at a dinner...  ;)

Epic, indeed.

I hope they have a giveaway for the ostrich festival too. Like a "Where's Waldo" puzzle where you have to find Mike and Bruce in a herd of 500 ostriches.

What’s up with this band and livestock? Didn’t they play a revolving stage at a rodeo a few years ago? Now they’ve got an ostrich gig. Really wonderful the band name is literally being dragged through the mud.

Livestock!!!  :lol :lol :lol

There is a World Pork Expo and swine show coming up in Iowa in June, I wonder if Mike has booked a gig there too.

 :lol :lol :lol Will there be a deluxe version of the video of the show? What a great venue for that pork product posing as a Beach Boy.  :p   

I hate Mike Love.

Sorry, why the f*** is the Smile font included in that?

The person who set this up probably has ZERO idea of the history of this band. The promotional person cut and pasted more pictures of Jesse Katsopolis and the Tanner family than actual friggin Beach Boys. That says it all right there.

We’re in an era where the main draw for a current The Beach Boys concert is having John Stamos attend - and part of the promotional coverage of that “feature” is a Full House trivia question contest. Oh, also, Ostrich concert. Seriously, at this point the parking lot gig at the Lucky Strike Lanes and Lounge from years back is looking awfully good.

Goodbye Surfing, Hello Ornithology!

To enter for your chance to win 2 FRONT ROW tickets, you'll have to guess the missing word from the title of this Full House episode that the band appeared in; Beach Boys _____. If you know the 5 letter word, text it to 95323 for your chance to win

OK, lets go...5 letters

Beach Boys Baked
Beach Boys Baldy
Beach Boys Bawdy
Beach Boys Bigot
Beach Boys Bitch
Beach Boys Boobs
Beach Boys Bogus
Beach Boys Bully

nah, not working..

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

Beach Boys Bogus. For the win.

Beach Boys Booed

Damn - Ok, am I allowed to say I love Mike love ? I have met the gut a few times, blimey he even bought me a drink and signed everything I gave him 😉

Hell yeah you’re allowed to say that. I think most of the fans who’ve met him have great things to say about the experience. To me, no matter how many drinks the man buys people or how many items he signs, doesn’t take away the fact that he blatantly lied about Brian on a personal level in the 2005 lawsuit, and to that I think he’s a pretty scummy individual (among other reasons). No need for me to meet the man to understand what a dick move that was. But if you like him, no harm in that either. We’ve all got our reasons for our likes and dislikes that make sense to us.

He's more like an old acquaintance that constantly disappoints you with his decisions but you still let him off the hook more than you should because you both go way back or something. :lol

This is pretty spot on. The past few months I started giving him the benefit of the doubt because he seemed like a different person in his interviews in the last year. Then that weird Mojo interview happened and it shattered my hopes haha.

I really want to like the guy. I can’t even imagine the roller coaster it has been for everyone in the band (aside from all we have read and heard, the emotional aspect is something I don’t think we fans understand at all), so I think all the people in this band should be given some slack here and there. When Mike opened up about his childhood it really helped me understand him more and I gave him some slack in many areas. But Mike just keeps on with tactless nonsense about the Wilsons and it’s really unnecessary. Contrary to what some windbags out there think, people don’t go looking furiously for a villain in Mike Love - you don’t at all have to stretch reality to understand why some think Mike is a dick: when you lie about your family members for potential monetary gain, expect people to look down on you. When you make constant tactless comments about your family members, expect people to look down on you.

Imagine a world where we all treated our relatives the way Mike Love treats Brian and the legacy of Carl and Dennis. Imagine if you made some bad decisions in your past and your famous cousin mentioned these decisions every time a mic was stuck in his face. Imagine if a family member sued you and lied about the accomplishments you made in life just to make a few bucks. That would be a horrible world to live in.

Also, SamMcK, I went off on a tangent and the last two paragraphs are not directed at you ;D

I used to [usually] feel that way...but that stupid old bastard kept making a fool out of me...and especially out of himself...so finally, about 2 - 2 1/2 years ago, it reached the breaking point where I'd just simply had enough period.  NO MORE ... ... ... EVER.  He's a semi-talent, he's vindictive, he strikes me as completely untrustworthy and dishonest, he's a far over-inflated egoist and he's a prick.  He can trundle on without me, my support or my money.  Eventually he'll sink into 'it'...virtually alone.  And he'll have paid for THAT specific one-way ticket all by himself.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

And Rob...Good for you.  No problem there.  I respect you and your opinion.  From my point of view though...and I've watched him do it many a time...The old 'dick' can certainly make you feel like he appreciates your fandom, interest and your money.  The reasons why he does it..." for my nourishment and revenge"...though, give me pause to totally reconsider lovin' 'love'.  HIGHLY doubtful he really has any kind of a grasp on ANYTHING to do with that 'concept'.

Obviously you have forgotten the episode of Full House where Kimmy Gibbler got an ostrich.

I'm certainly not trying to start anything, however it seems that Bruce may not have been at Universal Studios with the band tonight? I just saw a photo of *almost* the whole stage and unless he is now far stage right (which could be possible) neither he nor his keyboard were in the photo.

I'm very interested as to what the current line up is...

I was watching videos of the Universal Mardi Gras gig from Feb 10, and yes, Bruce was there. But so was Randell Kirsch, not Ike, and Christian Love, as well as John Stamos. Nothing will compare to C50, but having Mike Love, Bruce Johnston, Scott Totten, Christian Love, John Cowsill, Randell Kirsch, Jeff Foskett, Tim Bonhamme, and Randy Leago is one hell of a band. What happened to Ike though I'm curious?

He is there.

https://youtu.be/iowifKYkAk4

Also ostrichs are a great audience, you know

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8X_Ot0k4XJc

What happen to Eichenberger?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hMBRm6U77yk

"They" may be one hell of a band to some but the bottom line still rings true-They are not the Beach Boys, not even with Staymohs.

Sounds like a pretty good lineup, though it would be a shame if Ike is out.

Maybe he had a ‘set start date and a set end date’ ?  ;)

Not just that...but what happened to the vocals? Especially Mike. I mean, I hear people posting how strong Mike's vocals are, and I'm like ten minutes in and he's been out of tune more than in tune, and he's hoarse on some notes to where he's almost growling.

I guess I just don't get the appeal of paying good money to see that show. It seems like many fans are more jazzed that Stamos is there and the band itself is an afterthought or something. WTF?

I'm typing this, no lie, while listening and I just heard McGrath's "DO IT! DO IT!" samples coming in like a spike through my head. Now Mike is trying to sing the bridge. Off key.

Nope, I don't get it.

Surfin USA. Another sub-par lead vocal. I think I'm done for now. Small doses.

I also saw someone mention Mike's video billboard montage is using photos or clips that have watermarks and copyrights on them. True? It is kind of disconcerting to be hit square across the face with the sounds and images of Brian, Al, and Dennis right out of the gate on Mike's montage, considering...well, all things considered. And clips of Brian leading sessions on the talkback too. What?

M&B should play videos of themselves on that board at this point. Mike has seriously destroyed his voice beyond belief.

He's so damn good at destroying things, isn't he.

Here's a small list:

His voice
The Beach Boys legacy
Smile
A good deal of Brian's confidence
TWGMTR-Daybreak Over The Ocean
C-50
SIP
Unleash The luHv
Tried to trash Pet Sounds
Bringing up the Wilson's drug use
numerous failed marriages
Brian's speech at the RRHOF

Yeah, he's quite a guy, huh?

Looks like Ike left the group his Facebook page says left job with The Beach Boys. Guess Randell and Christian is a permanent change for now. Christian sang God and Vibes so guess that’s a permanent change, I do like Christian’s voice there.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UjNN1Qo2S7Y

"This is a song we did on Full House...".

No mention of Dennis. Pictures of Stamos' wedding in the background. I really hate to join in on the bashing, but man, this is painful stuff. What a shitty time to be a "Beach Boys" fan.

I hope it was worth it for Ike to desert the BW band... ::)

This is NOT the BBs....

The Beach Boys are Brian Wilson, Carl Wilson, Dennis Wilson, Al Jardine, and Mike Love....( Give or take David, Bruce, Blondie, and Ricky)......

Holy sh*t that was rough. Mike and Bruce both look like they've aged ten years since August. John Cowsill are Scott Totten are the only redeeming qualities I can find in this video.

Ya know, I have to pass on a comment I saw on Reddit last month. It was the top comment for a top post on the fourth most popular website in the world. The post was about someone jumping out of an airplane into their wedding, top comment was:

“Dangerous move man. Remember that episode of Full House when Uncle Jesse did this and landed in a tomato truck? Then he went to jail and Danny had to bail him out. Wedding could’ve been a disaster but then he played the piano and sang “Forever” to Aunt Becky and everyone was like, Aww, and sort of just forgot about the dumb ass skydiving incident.”

Okay, its a hilarious comment because it showcases the idiocy that Full House was. But right there is the biggest slap in the face to one of Dennis Wilson’s most touching songs. Full House/John Stamos took a really heartfelt song and used it in a sitcom episode where he skydives into a damn tomato truck. Okay, whatever, happened decades ago, right?

But now that SAME episode is being touted as the main draw for this song....AT A “BEACH BOYS” CONCERT. I can’t even let that sink in because its so remarkably stupid. Not to mention that Reddit comment (being upvoted by thousands and viewed by millions) above goes to show how much people remember that show and the song “Forever” being played after Uncle Jesse skydives into a tomoto truck. What a legacy this is becoming!

Though fullhouseplage would defend it... ::)

It's an inconsistent performance. Some things sound good, some not. Boring set list.  Mike's bass parts sounded great, but he struggled with some leads. Dance X 3 and Rhonda ( which he shouldn't be signing anyway)  Foskett really seemed to be struggling too. Hopefully early in the tour and they will even it out.  Sloop John B sounded particularly awful. It sounded like the entire band was trying to sing the lead at the same time.

EDIT The tag to GOK is absolutely dreadful.  I have no idea what sound Mike is making .

I'm a huge fan of the current touring group, but I will agree this particular performance sounded rough. I wish Randell would have sung Don't Worry Baby instead of Foskett. I like his take on that song better.

Am I the only one that is super stoked that Randell is back?? Also happy that Christian is back as well. Brian E was good, but I liked Randell's leads better. And hearing Christian back in the vocal blend is great! Didn't realize how much I missed his voice in the blend after he left.

I think the blend will probably improve. Ike was good but very bland. Christian is also my third favorite person to sing God Only Knows, behind Carl(of course) and Brian. I'd rather have a live vocal than Carl on video too. Mike needs to stop trying to sing along with the falsetto part at the end of GOK though. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MZ4pb9iykV0

The opening montage is pretty cool. Does anyone know which concert  is at 1.33?  It looks like 1973 to me

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n3kgt_4nc0E

I actually preferred Ike's vocals to Randell's in most cases. Honestly, neither of them are all that thrilling...and Christian Love is about the most boring individual I've ever seen grace a stage.

Christian has no stage presence, but his voice sounds remarkably like Carl.

I must say, they sound dreadful! Bruce's cracking voice, Loverster, off key, and the other guys not sounding much better. Sad to say, Stamos may actually sound the best of this group. Maybe Christian wanted back in,  so Mikey cut Ike? Who knows, but Ike had the best voice of the whole crew. Sad times for sure.

P.S.

I find it hilarious, and sad, all the times Stamos switches inaudible guitars. This guy s wants to be a rock start.

It'll be interesting to see if both Kirsche and Christian Love are back permanently. I figure Kirsche probably is (unless he's a temporary replacement until they find a permanent one), as Eichenberger indeed updated his page on February 2nd to show that he is no longer in the band.

What seems a bit strange is that one of Mike's supposed issues with C50 (certainly with keeping such a band going long-term) was the size and cost of such a large band. Many pointed out Mike much preferred his lean, cheap seven-man lineup for his tour dates.

But he's now up to NINE full-time touring members (assuming Christian is back for the foreseeable future), and when Stamos is there it's TEN members.

It'll be interesting to see if Christian Love is back just to beef up the sound, or if someone else in the band is on their way out. It'll also be interesting to see if one of the other members will move over to bass, because I'm not sure the "Mike Model" of touring requires Foskett, Totten, *and* Christian Love all on guitar and vocals, along with Kirsche on bass and vocals.

Or, I suppose it's possible Christian Love was just popping in to guest (although, has he done that since 2014?).

Goodbye Brian

Goodbye.

Has anyone ever confirmed Stamos' guitar being inaudible? Because in that recent Mardi Gras show, in between songs he strummed his guitar which produced sound. Although, I always assumed he was inaudible.

Best if his guitar, voice and drums were inaudible

Yeah, credit where its due...He sang that really well.

Mike tweeted that Brian left the road because he is going to be a first time Dad soon.

Great guy too.

Congrats to Brian!

Christian's voice really helps to fill out the middle third in my opinion.  I'm so glad he is back, just wish he had more vox to sing lead on.  Did anyone else hear the vocal stacking on Why Do Fools Fall In Love, the band has 2 legitimate and excellent falsetto singers and yet "Scotty T" and his thin falsetto take the lead on it.  Sounded awful!

Announced in Florida. Turns out Stamos has just got married and they are expecting.

https://www.today.com/popculture/john-stamos-caitlin-mchugh-celebrate-1-week-marriage-disney-t122983

In the past, it was Scott and Jeff doing a tandem lead. I think that before that, it was Scott and Randell doing a tandem lead (going by memory). I think that attempting this as a solo lead would be a daunting task for anybody, and I give Scott props for trying, and doing fairly well in my book. To be honest, even Brian Wilson's lead on the studio recording sounded iffy to me from first listen.

He talks about decency being at an all-time low, but he has he considered his own actions when appropriating the song by Dennis Wilson, without credit, and who was the very soul of the Beach Boys?

Bland? I disagree. Mike never utilized Ike's ability to nail the early 60's Brian falsetto, which of course came by way of Ike leading the Four Freshmen touring band and having to nail those Bob Flanigan falsetto parts, which is who Brian also modeled himself after vocally (and arranging wise). Ike is also one helluva jazz guitarist, and Mike instead had him in the backline thumping away on bass.

It's a case of having an all-star performer and musician come to the team and putting him on the bench more or less. For what reasons? Who knows. Maybe someone could ask Foskett next time he's interviewed. Because it makes zero sense to bring in a guy who can sound like the classic Brian Wilson falsetto, who plays a terrific guitar as well as bass, and stick him in the backline while the "old guard" takes the leads I'd say Ike should have been taking.

Well, it's a done deal now - He made his choice back in 2015. Brian got Matt Jardine to sing falsetto, and has been a highlight of every BW show since then.

But Ike "bland"? Hardly.

Iffy? Brian nailed that falsetto and did so without trying too hard to sound like Frankie Lymon. Just my opinion.

What sounds iffy about the original lead?

BW’s falsetto is out of this world on that! :hat

I think so too! It's a tough lead to tackle, but I always thought Brian's falsetto kicked into high gear on that one specific cut. He had a strong natural falsetto that didn't seem to be forced, like most of it was coming from his chest voice. That's why I was surprised to see it being called iffy, I think it's one of his best!

He kicked Al, who had the best voice in the band, out of the group. Ike, who had the best falsetto since Brian, was stuck in the shadows. Do you see a *pattern* going on there?  ;)

Eichenberger had (has) a good "falsetto" voice (and I use "falsetto" in the loose Brian Wilson-esque sense, as people in the in past have pointed out how a lot of those "high" parts aren't technically actually "falsetto"), and I think when he took the "high" Brian Wilson type leads, he sounded good.

I *do* think he sounded a *bit* bland when Mike started handing him mid-range Al leads like "Then I Kissed Her" and even weirdly "Lady Lynda."

Last year, there was that couple of days when a full pro-shot charity gig from Mike's band was posted online, and I finally got to see and hear this, and I remember getting to Eichenberger being brought up front for "Then I Kissed Her" while Mike went and sang in the back line, and thinking while this was a nice gesture personally for Eichenberger, his genuinely fine but slightly bland lead and coming to the front of the stage truly started making Mike's band look, feel, and sound like a full-on "Tribute Band."

I was never a huge fan of Ike's falsetto. It had a certain tone to it that I didn't like. I'll take Foskett and Matt Jardine over him. I like Randell Kirsch's falsetto too. I'm hoping he'll take some of the falsetto leads, so there isn't as much strain on Foskett's voice. 

As for the bass playing, I can't tell too much of a difference between Ike and Kirsch, but they both seem to do the job.

All of the falsetto guys over the years have had somewhat different tones.

Eichenberger had a bit more of the sort of "Four Freshman" sound (for obvious reasons), where it kind of had a slightly monotone, less distinctive, sort of jazzy sound. It sounded like his "falsetto" stuff was coming less from the nasal area.

Foskett had/has a more treble-ish, somewhat nasal high voice. He bends notes up into the highest notes instead just hitting them straight on (think the falsetto on the chorus of "California Girls"). I think sometimes he tends to more sort of "full voice" high singing instead of always shifting up into a falsetto, which sometimes means (especially when touring non-stop with Mike) his voice sometimes sounds a bit limp and weak if he's tired.

Adrian Baker was of course famously even more "nasaly", and utilized the more Frankie Valli-esque voice (and it's understandable he apparently did tour with Valli for at least a bit years ago). Whether because of this singing style or some other reasons, he tended most often (especially during his first 1981-82 stint) to sing flat.

Matt Jardine is an interesting one, and perhaps the most Beach Boys-esque for several reasons. I tend to think/assume he kind of just picked up singing by observing the BBs over the years. He obviously has a mid-range tone that sounds somewhat like Al, yet by being around the Wilsons all those years and also perhaps inheriting element of Al's old falsetto (which could sound remarkably like Brian), Matt tends to sound the closest to vintage Brian. To be clear, none of these guys really sound a ton like Brian. I don't mean this in a "nobody could be as good as Brian" way, but in the literal sense that none of them really approach a "wow, that sounds just like 1964 Brian!" sound. But Matt comes closest, and with his DNA (and with his stamp on 80s/90s BB songs/recordings/live shows), his voice evokes more of a "Beach Boys" sound/vibe to me.

While I admire Adrian Baker's overall musicianship, I do not like him as the lead falsetto singer for The Beach Boys! His falsettos, to my ears, usually sounded fine in the blend, but when it was a falsetto lead vocal, there were a lot of pitch issues.

I'm indiffrent as to Christian being back.  He's a fine addition, but tbh I didn't really miss a whole lot in his absence.  Kirsch, on the other hand is a clear downgrade to me. It's all subjective, but I never really cared for his falsetto.  I would rank the various participants as follws:

1. Matt jardine
2. Foskett
3. Ike
4. Nobody
5. Kirsch

x
x
x
6. My Golden Retriever
7. Adrian Baker

AB definitely needed to be let go. Back in 2001-2002 I saw people actually holding their ears during his DWB lead. Then at the end of the show I heard some people talking about how horrible THEY sounded during that song. I remember those kinda things.

Sounds rough!

Does anyone have an opinion on who was the best bassist in Mike's band? Not in terms of bass playing and singing, but just playing bass. So far we've had Chris Farmer, Randell Kirsch, and Ike.

While I'm at it, I think Scott and John are the best lead guitarist and drummer Mike's band has ever had.

I like Scott a lot in Mike's group.  I've said this before, I'm not really a big fan of Pisces Brothers, but his solo in it is really good.  The only bad thing is that The Beach Boys music doesn't really allow for many moments like that.  What are the odds they'd add Steamboat.......nothing.......no.........oh well. 

One thing I love about BB's music is that it DOESN'T allow for many moments like that. Not a fan of guitar solos.....hmmm maybe some Brian May stuff....but that's it  ;D

To each their own.   The Beach Boys are the only band in my top 20 that doesn't feature prominent lead guitar. 

A bit of an all-over-the-place with some digressions, but:

Totten and Cowsill are good, no question. I don't think anything to do with Mike's new solo stuff (including the interminable "Pisces Brothers" which Mike has been subjecting his audiences to for how many years now?) is where Totten shines.

I think Totten more than anything should be noted for saving what remains of Mike's touring reputation. I believe that if Totten hadn't joined and taken over the MD role, Mike's band would be doing mostly dinner theater and multi-band packaged oldies shows at this point. Mike's band was headed down the road of sub-Papa Doo Run Run quality in the early-mid 2000s.

As for fancy guitar work and leads, I think the time to argue the BBs should have leaned more on heavier guitar sounds on their records was the late 60s and into the 70s. But it never happened, and at this stage unless it's Blondie Chaplin wailing a few songs, there's really no place for heavy guitar soloing in the BB catalog. They featured it as a bit of a showpiece now and then in the live shows over the years, sometimes letting Ed Carter do an extended guitar solo on "Barbara Ann" or "Help Me Rhonda", etc. That was all fine.

I'm a fan of tasty and tasteful lead guitar, in the literal and *actual* role of lead guitar. "Lead Guitar" doesn't mean "Lead Guitar Soloist." It means the guitar player in the band that takes the most prominent position in the performance. Some of George Harrrison's best "lead guitar" on Beatles tracks, especially in the early years, are the little runs and riffs on stuff like "I Want to Hold Your Hand." There's stuff like that on BB records too, sometimes played by the guys and sometimes by session musicians. Pull apart "This Whole World" and you'll find some transcendent "lead" guitar work.

I'm just realizing that I misspoke in my post.   I meant to say guitar solos, not lead guitar, as I do know the difference. 

And you're right, The Beach Boys had their chance to incorporate more solos in their work in the late 60s / early 70s, and did so with great results on the Holland album.   

Although they did allow Jeff Baxter to provide a good solo on Spring Vacation in 2012

In response to the bass player question...I don't think The Beach Boys have EVER had an above average bass player on stage. The fact that they found Bruce's bass playing acceptable in 1965 is enough proof of how little they cared about it. Now that being said, Brian Wilson has written some of the greatest bass lines to grace popular recordings...but that has nothing to do with the bass guitar as an instrument, that is purely based on harmony.

So in recent years? One certainly doesn't stand out over the other. The only virtuosic players to grace Mike's band in the past twenty years have been Totten & Cowsill. We'll never see Mike cast them aside. The operation would crumble instantly.

Best to least falsetto:

1. Randell Kirsch
2. Matt Jardine
3. Adrian Baker (sth. about his voice I really like)
4. Brian Eichenberger (great high voice, f.ex. in YSBIM which isn't falsetto song thru & thru as "Fools". When he gets to do falsetto, it's good but I usually think he should sing high voice leads & stay there without going falsetto)
5. Scott Totten ("boyishness" in his given voice places it in the lesser category)
6. Jeff Foskett

I think your list is pretty goid. But, no, not Baker on it at all. And Jeff should be further up, above halfwzy. He is sounding better now in the BB stack than when in BW band

Some here may remember this: when Adrian was dismissed, Randell took over pretty much all the leads that he was doing at the time, including Don't Worry Baby, Good Vibrations, plus others that Adrian did not do.  When Christian was added, and later Jeff, all of Randell's leads were given to them, and he took over Then I Kissed Her as his one lead vocal during the show, which he was OK-to-good at, but definitely not his strongest lead.  Prior to that, I think that he was really, really good on Good Vibrations, as well as Don't Worry Baby.  At one point, he did I'm So Young and was INCREDIBLE!  He was also really good on Brian's part on Good To My Baby.  His take on The Warmth Of The Sun was pretty good, but I think Jeff has him beat on that one. 

Overall, I think that Randell deserves to stay, assuming that's what he wants.  During his 14 years with the band, he didn't get a lot of recognition, but just hearing him and Christian back with the band brings back good memories.  Ike is in an impressive singer in his own right, and fit into the blend well, but he is less Beach Boy-sounding than Randell.  Although I was a BIG fan of his lead on Lady Lynda when it was added briefly to the setlist.

The bass playing on The In Concert album is above average.  Ed Carter was above average on the bass.  So was Blondie.  Bruce is also better than you give him credit for.

You're right about "In Concert". I shouldn't have slighted Ed Carter, or even Blondie. But we'll have to agree to disagree on Bruce!

I disagree. The bass playing at the 1982 4th of July Queen Mary concert is perhaps the greatest bass playing in the history of the universe.

Actually 1981, however Mr Knapp was awful (beyond).
He had to leave due to musical differences, he was playing different songs to the rest of the Band  :lol

I always wondered why Ed departed from the band in the 90s. He definitely seemed like an excellent musician who had played with them for decades, and I never heard about any interpersonal problems with anyone else.

Same here Eric. Would love to hear the story as to why both Eddie and Billy left; if it was either of their decisions, or a cost cutting move by the principles.....which I kind of find hard to fathom because of the good relationships both Carl and Al had with them.

Fair enough but have you seen this?

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=qJZIQmiQETM

 :-D

Yesssss I was waiting for this to be posted. This is the pinnacle of music in the last century. Seriously.

 :lol   Yes, that being the pinnacle of my viewpoint!  :lol