The Smiley Smile Message Board

I was just wondering, and I know its probably been discussed to death, but who is your favourite Beach Boy. I honestly cant choose between the Wilson Brothers as I love them all, so Im not going to even vote. Im assuming the three most popular amongst most fans are Brian, Carl & Dennis. There's just something about them all (to me anyway) that just makes them cool and interesting in their own little ways, plus they were the most talented in the band (in my opinion - in order 1. Brian 2. Dennis 3. Carl) Those three guys are my three musical heroes :). Anyway, what do you think?

Well, I voted -  no prizes for guessing my vote - but would the result be different if the question was "Which Beach Boy would you like to have been?"   Which leads to the question, why would I want to have been the womanising, hard-drinking, drug taking, Manson-pandering, first-to-die band member!?!?!? Nevertheless that would be my vote!

1. Brian
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
2. Carl
3. Dennis
4. Bruce
5. Al
6. Mike

Thought I'd add why I ranked each name like I did
1.Brian-When he was in his 20s he was just such a great singer and composer. He had a style about him that was cool and a humor I like. He invented so many new sounds.
2. Dennis-Just as unique as Brian he was also a great singer in his 20s. His writing was always terrific too, and just his coolness and realness. Charisma is what he and Brian had. Only wish he had been featured more. 
3. Carl-Not as charismatic as his brothers, his voice was technically better in some ways if not as distinct. He was a terrific performer, and soulful. Not a prolific writer, he was a wonderful interpreter. He certainly had talent and shared the passion for music that his brothers has but not the individuality. He was overall more consistent then either of them but never quite reached their heights.
4 Al-Good singer, fairly talented songwriter, very good live performer, just an all round great entertainer. Not very dynamic he never really carved a sound away from Brian's, but like Carl worked great within the Beach Boys framework
5 Mike-He is ranked this low for almost all of his creative choices since 1976. In the early days he was a great writer and harmony singer. His lead's were very distinctive if not as passionate as the Wilson's. Like Brian and Dennis his was best in his youth, but unlike them he totally wasted his talents later.
6 Blondie-He has the best voice of the five non original members and wrote some damn good songs too. Very talented totally different sound then the Beach Boys
7 Ricky-I feel he was a great musician and fine singer. He wrote some good stuff as well and was good in the Rutles. I like the Flame very much. Only reason he is lower then Blondie is because he didn't have the same power in his voice.
8 Bruce-Good for what he is which is a pop composer. Decent Brian knockoff's early in his career gave way to a certain degree of blandness. He is not a prolific writer and while Deirdre and Disney are great Beach Boys records, they were the last songs of his I really like. His and Mike's Don't Run Away was good. Just a bit too MOR and helped the Beach Boys become less soulfull in the 80s. He obviously is a good musician but is vastly underused within the group.
9 Dave I guess I really don't think he had a chance to really contribute, his guitar playing seemed to fit fine and Stebbins is correct when he said Dave added a more youthful vibe then Al. Haven't heard enough of his later work to make an informed judgement but nothing knocked me out that I heard. Not that it was bad he seems to be a pleasent singer and did become quite a good musician. Just didn't get to do that much within the Beach Boys.
10. Glen-Only there a few months was a good studio player. Decent  country artist though not a real fave. Guess I'm Dumb is a great record.

1. Carl Wilson
2.Brian Wilson
3.Al Jardine
4.Ricky Fataar
5.Blondie Chaplin
6.Dennis Wilson
7.Mike Love

Did this some time ago on the german message board and it was quite interesting.
Anyway, my list has changed a little bit:

1. Carl
2. Dennis
    Mike (hit me ;D)
4. Al
5. Brian
6. Bruce
7. David
8. Glenn
9. Ricky
    Blondie

I don't know why but since the 90ies I don't like Al, Mike, Brian and Bruce so much.

Yeah, Dennis hasn't endeared himself to me recently either  :lol

My favorite has always been Dennis. I'm not going into 'why'...that would take a while to explain...but I have my reasons.

Brian was most important, but Dennis is still my favorite.

1. Mike
2. Carl
3. Brian
4. Dennis
5. Blondie
6. Ricky
7. Al
8. David
9. Bruce

Mike has always had the most interesting, hard-to-pin-down personality to me

["Brian is the BB's, we're just his messengers"] Dennis Wilson 

Brian - obviously
Mike- I just like his voice (up until say 1971 or 2) a lot
Carl - seems so gentle and has a really good voice
Al- Just seems likeable
Dennis - VERY interesting and probably fun to party with but probably exhausting too
Bruce - Bland city

Heck, I was all set to vote for BB King.

I was gonna vote for a BB gun.

I voted for Brian. Without him there's nothing.
My full order:

Brian
Dennis [he put the rock and roll in the band]
Carl
Mike [one of the most distinctive leads in rock]
Alan
Dave
Bruce
Ricky [because he was a Rutle]
Blondie

Most girls always say Dennis or Carl (or is it just me?) ... I've always been a Brian girl. I was totally struck by his weirdness and how attractive he was. He always fasinated me and still does I feel. I do like the other brothers, but BW stole my heart.

1. Brian
2. Coming in at a very close second, Dennis.
3. Carl, a very solid third.
4. Al 
5. David Marks
6. Blondie
7. Ricky
8. Mike.

Oh come on, you knew I was going to put the Lovester last! ;D

1) Brian

2) Carl & Dennis

3) Al

4) Mike

Brian
Dennis
Carl
Al
Mike
Bruce

On my taste in their music (meaning compositional skill, singing voice, instrumental ability, production skill) alone:

1. Brian
2. Carl
3. Al and Dennis
5. Bruce
6. Mike

(If I were adding Ricky and Blondie, they'd both fall just after Al and Dennis, before Bruce.)

If I were going to get into my impressions of their personalities and things, I'm sure the list would change some...oh wait, no it wouldn't! But I must say, I'm sure I would have despised Brian by the early-to-mid 70s if I were anyone else in the band.

EDIT: I just noticed there is only one Dennis vote. That is a little surprising, considering he has these assets in such a vote: 1) women would love him for certain obvious reasons; 2) some segment of men would love him for the same reasons; 3) most other men probably wish to a certain degree they WERE him; 4) his music has a tough quality and an emotional quality to attract each of the above segments!

Dennis is so good but Brian is Brian. I don't think Brian was disliked by the band until the 80s Landy era.

I don't really know, other than what is in the books. I just meant to say I am sure I would have disliked him, or at least been almost unbearably frustrated with him.

Well, the category is FAVORITE, not most important or valauble. So, with that in mind:

1) Carl.  Best voive I have ever heard. Period. After meeting all of the guys (save Dennis) several times, Carl was consistently friendly, jovial, genuine.     Pure class act.

2). Al. Great singer, underrated in the band's history. Interseting to talk to.

3). Brian. Not much more to say.

4). Mike. can't diminish his lyrical importance to Brian's compositions; undeniable presence in the band which is both vastly important and at the same time nauseating.

5) Bruce. Everything I said about Carl?  Reverse it for Bruce.

1) Brian.  Without him, there would have been no Beach Boys.  Had a fantastic voice until he retired from life in the early to mid 70s.

2) Dennis.  In some ways more talented than Big Brother Brian.  His songs reach into your heart, pull it out and let you admire it's beauty.  A shame that some of his best stuff is still unreleased. (WIBN) To Live Again anyone?

3) Carl.  Undeniably the best voice I've ever heard.  A true gentle soul.  Hard to believe he's been gone as long as he has...

4) Al.  Underrated when people discuss the Boys.  Very nice to talk to when I had the chance back in 99.

5) Mike.  While I don't think he's quite the motherfodaer some make him out to be, he has done his share of things to make me dislike him a little.  Still, he gets points for having a distinctive voice, great bass vocals, and some good lyrics.  The voicemail he left for me helps too  :)

6) Bruce.  The guy seems to clean-cut and boring to be in one of the greatest bands the world has ever known.

I can understand how you feel, but I guess I don't feel that he was really not trying with the band until maybe 71 or 72. Even then I still don't think he detracted from the group until he began to tour again. Then I can see him getting high and messing up the shows to be a major pain. Did they deserve it? Maybe but  he should have simply not gone if he didn't want to.  As the seventies progressed and Dennis and Brian's antics were no longer cute there had to have been genuine sadness mixed in with the anger over how screwed up they had become. I do feel sorry for Mike. Bruce, Carl, and Al when I watch things like the 1980 Good Morning America. Dennis and Brian's behavior is inexcusable.

By now, it's no state secret that my fave was, and still is, Carl. That's both on account of his incredible voice, his skill as a performer, and the remarkable human being he was.

For songwriting, it's a tie between Brian and Dennis. For singing, it's the whole enchilada working together -- Al, Brian, Bruce, Dennis, Carl, Dennis, and Mike (names in alphabetical order, not in order of favor) -- that is, I love the Beach Boys!  :3d

Taylor Mills

Because I'm just so dam PC ! ;D

Guess nobody has any love for John Stamos.... :'(

Stamos is a special guest star, not a Beach Boy.

Brian, of course. But there are times, when I'm groovin' on the '67-'73 years, that Carl is tops for me.

I just like the Wilson Brothers the most, really. I am with Emdeeh, though; I feel these guys are only at their very best when all together. Like, Pet Sounds is Brian's greatest work, but it only really makes it because of the Beach Boys' voices. The vocal blend is perfect, too.

Brian the songwriter (Pet Sounds, Smile, over 50 hit singles and much, much more) vs. Dennis the songwriter (about a dozen fan favorites and an underrated solo album) a tie?

Star? ;)

Quality wise it is

Sure Dennis was a great songwriter as well, but in my opinion have never wrote anything, apart from Forever, that was in the same league as God Only Knows, Good Vibrations, Surf's Up, Wouldn't It Be Nice, Cabin Essence, Please Let Me Wonder or Heroes And Villains...

While I love Brian and Dennis (I love the Wilson brothers all the same) I think its hard to judge that Brian is better or their both as good as each other. Because I think Brian got more of a chance (obviously) and when Dennis did get a chance he pretty much always came up with the goods. So if he had been given more of a chance then maby he couldve come close to Brian? Who knows, but ratio wise on how good their songs where I think its pretty close. And while maby Dennis lacked the arranging skills, production skills etc.. of Brian, he had a unique quality in his music (just as Brian does) and he had a passion in his singing that is miles ahead of what most people can deliver. And even though the production on POB might not be up to the standard of Pet Sounds, its irrelevant I believe because POB doesnt NEED that kind of production or whatever because its spose to be like that to go with Dennis's rough & passionate vocals (in my opinion).

Come on, what on earth did Dennis ever do that proves that he was in the same league as a guy that wrote Pet Sounds, Smile and about 50 hit singles? I agree that Dennis wrote some really great songs, but I think you're not giving Brian enough (or Dennis too much) credit here.

If anything Itd be giving Dennis too much credit. I think Brian is the biggest musical genius ever. My point is that Dennis was never given a chance but if he was who knows, maby he couldve been up there with Brian I dont think he couldve matched Brian but he certainly couldve been up there with him. Dennis might not have the clean-cut sound that Brian had on his productions but Dennis had this raw thing about him where he was so honest and so passionate which that is so rare amongst most musicians/people. I mean I sure hate when I do something and then nobody even cares or encourages me, imagine how Dennis must've felt baring his soul like that and getting little attention from most people. Im not suggesting Dennis IS better/as good as/or near what Brian is BUT im just saying Dennis was never pushed by the band and therefore its hard to judge fairly because Brian was backed by everyone and Dennis wasn't. I just think that Dennis had qualities in his music that Brian didnt and vice-versa, and while Brian's songs are more catchy, more accessible Dennis's compositions still have their own positives. I Know its a "what-if" just like "what if Brian had completed SMiLE - where could he have gone on from there" but Im just saying Dennis was an extremely talented songwriter just like Brian though just very different.

I think Dennis would've gotten the chance eventually if he would've had a little more self-discipline.

Yeh I agree Dennis did create a lot of his own problems, it was just in his nature, but underneath all of that there was a special soul inside of him, and most of the band (i feel) couldnt see past all of his 'antics' etc.... So much potential wasted if you ask me

Johnny Stamos cooked up some hot beats with his fresh skills, yo. :drumroll

I can't say I dislike the 1992 version of Forever... Of course it's not nearly as good as the original, but for a cover (cause that's what it basically is) it's really not bad at all. Stamos did an OK job there.

I crack up everytime I see Mr. Stamos in the Kokomo video. You know, from what Bruce said in the interview published in the MAKING OF PET SOUNDS book from the box set, he didn't seem like a bad dude. I really liked his insight into Brians' creative processes. He also seemed grateful that Brian gave him parts in California Girls and You Still Believe in Me even though perhaps it wasn't necessary.

I picked Brian, mostly because I sorta see pre-67 Beach Boys as one band and when the dynamic changed in mid to late 67, they morphed into a different band. The Beach Boys that really get me jazzed was the one when Brian was at the helm. Post '67 it tends to be stuff here and there that I like okay, and those still tend to be Brian's contributions. It drops off drastically after Sunflower. Sort of either clarifying or complicating my indifference towards later BBs is fact that I'm generally not a big fan of 70's rock (at least until the punk thing happened) anyway, so the later BBs might hold their own within the context of the early 70's, but I'm not a fan of that genre so it still doesn't move me.

Anyway, enough outta me...

Dean

Yup, it's a tie if you like them both equally as songwriters. This is about favorites, not volume of work, just about how much their music pleases me.

Because of the discussion on the songwriting merits of Dennis and Brian over the past page or two, I wanted to weigh in my opinion between them. I think that both of these two were great songwriters, but I give Brian more than a slight edge for a couple of reasons:

1) Brian, based on my understanding, did a lot more of his own arrangements, whereas Dennis was more likely to leave them to people like Daryl Dragon. Dennis' melodies were great, but it seems like Brian (in his "good" years, followed through, whereas even in Dennis' prolific years, I understand him to have "outsourced" that part of the work.

2) For my taste, Brian had more restraint, or taste. Dennis' songs went too far into over-the-top sentimentality for me, whereas even when Brian got sugary, it wasn't quite so far along. Of course I realize this is purely based on an individual's taste, so I don't expect others to think the same thing--it's just my opinion.

A quick thing on Stamos, too: I would never talk smack about him. Man, I envy him! Good-looking guy who got to be a Beach Boy for a while? (Oh, and marry Rebecca Romijn!) Sounds like a good life to me. Sure, the 90s forever was cheese, but who cares? Most everything in the 90s was cheese. (By the way, was that his responsibility, or was he just singing over a track arranged by others? I never did know that whole story of how Forever came about again, other than to push along a Full House episode.)

Didn't mean to talk smack about him, just wanted to have a laugh at his expense... not unlike Mr. Love :banana

Did you think I was having a laugh at his expense? I hope you don't think that was what I was doing. My words about Mr. Stamos were meant to be taken literally. If you meant you were having a laugh at his expense, then I'm sorry i misunderstood you.

it's all good.... :)

Well it all really boils down to everyone having different taste. For example I like Brian's 67-72 compositions every bit as much as his 62-66. They never sold as much but musically I like them. Brian is the best, but Dennis had his own sound and really went places with it. Again just my opinion

A little late on the topic, but here's my list:

1. Brian

...

2. Carl
3. Al & Bruce
4. Dennis
5. Mike

But really... I like them all. Brian is on top, but all the others are really in a tie. Ask me the same question tomorrow and my answer would probably not be the same.

[
1) Brian, based on my understanding, did a lot more of his own arrangements, whereas Dennis was more likely to leave them to people like Daryl Dragon.

DD said that Dennis gave him WAY too much credit for what he did. He said all he really did was get Dennis' ideas down in a proper manner. At least as far as songwriting went and production.

Do you happen to know where DD said that? I am curious to know more about who arranged what for everyone in the BBs, actually. I think it is safe to say none of them--Brian included, based on what I have heard various Wrecking Crew personnel say--was what you'd call accomplished in terms of writing out arrangements properly so that session players could play off them. But it also seems pretty safe to say Brian did at least have some ability to read and write music, and could get his ideas for specific arrangements across.

I have no doubt Dennis' songs were his own, not Dragon's, and that Dennis had specific ideas regarding production. But in terms of the actual arrangements--that is, the orchestration--it has been my understanding that Dragon or others did that for Dennis. My guesses on that would mean that where Dennis said things like "I want big walls of strings over this," Dragon would say "oh, ok...first violins hold this third over the top, second violins glissando from fifth to root below that, violas..." etc. I mean, really arrange it. And some of the string parts on Dennis' songs sound "correct," meaning they follow traditional rules. That also makes me think Dragon did them. But I'd be interested to know if that weren't the case.

(By the way, to be clear, I mean no disrespect to Dennis anyway. Plenty of great rock musicians didn't / don't arrange all their own music, including Brian on BWPS, where he had help from Mertens, or the Beatles, who had help from George Martin.)

In an interview with Adam Webb:

Adam Webb: "Do you think that Dennis lacked confidence in his talent?"

Daryl Dragon: "He had no confidence in his own talent and I helped him with that. I know that his wife Barbara really liked his music and she knew that I believed in him. I spent lots of time working with him and he was really nice to give me a cut of some of those songs. You know, I'd think of one word - it was like Gregg Jakobson, he'd think of a single word and then Dennis would give him part of the writer's [credit]. A joke."

The Adam Webb interview plus my own interview with Dragon (which will come out in something I am working on) is how I found out. Dennis knew arranging as far as knowing what he wanted as far as specific instruments or layering.  Dragon would often make that relatable to the musicians themselves.

It has to be Brian..though Mike love is a close 2nd..then it's Dennis
Brian is the type of person you just want around you all the time..very soft spoken,kind,strange sense of humor,sensitive..and on top of that he's a musical genius..

Al is my favorite BB. He's a nice, down to earth guy, whose voice I absolutely love. Second favorite would have to be Brian, just because he's the creative force behind a lot of the Beach Boy's success, all he's been through, etc. I'm not sure I can rank the others besides Al and Brian.

Brian

Dennis & Carl

Al

Blondie/Ricky

David

Mike













Bruce. I'd put Glen Campbell and Murry ahead of Bruce any day, man is Bruce a square useless man...

If anyone picks Bruce i hope they're also going to have the balls to explain why!! (Personally I picked Dennis - I like Carl and Brian just as much, but I don't like how Denny is (very unfairly) lagging behind his brothers - he was by some considerable distance the second best songwriter in the band (and between '68-'79 arguably the best). He may not have always been as pleasant to be around as his more laidback brothers, but he was always interesting, always.

IMO, Denny is the most misunderstood Beach Boy.  I will come right out and state that he was the second best songwriter in the band (after his elder brother) and that he had a large amount of natural talent that I don't think he even knew he had until he actually started coming through with the goods.  Not a great technical drummer, but a great "feel" drummer.  He also had such an incredible voice...rough around the edges, yet vulnerable...damaged.  I don't know if he was given a fair shake by the band.  We've all heard the stories/rumors of jealousy within the organization over his growing influence and confidence as a songwriter.  Just think about the fact that he had two wonderful (though we've only heard one of them) songs bumped from "Surf's Up".  Then there is the ultimatum over remaining the band's drummer or working on a solo career (again, probably driven by jealousy over the quaility of "Pacific Ocean Blue").  I think the band helped break him down (not that he needed much help)...and I think it's fair to blame Mike for a lot of that.  Towards the end it was clear that Dennis needed some serious help...yet...he was essentially left to his own devices.  Sure, maybe he didn't "want" help...but the guy died a homeless alcoholic.  He deserved a better fate than that...which makes me glad that his musical output has only gained accolades over the years.  Finally, I've always felt that Dennis was the only of band member who ever truly "got" Brian.  There was a connection between those two...you can hear it in Denny's songwriting...which is, at times, out there...but he took chances.  He looked for new sounds.  It's sad that he didn't get the accolades he deserved in life...but it's good that he's getting them now!

wow reading this almost made me shed a tear...beautiful :) ..very deep and touching!

Carl: THE voice!!! Plus an excellent performer, good guitar player. He came across as sincere and one who honestly enjoyed performing the music. In all the concerts I saw him in, I always felt he gave his best every time. Really enjoyed his "I Can Hear Music" in addition to the standards (GOK; Darlin; et. al.).

No doubt...Carl gave his all on stage (except maybe for that horrid Australian tour).  I mean, the guy was dying of cancer...yet he still went out on stage...even if he had to sit on a stool most of the night.  He was the heart of the group.  Dennis was the soul and Brian is the brain.  The rest are just extra pieces.  I considered The Beach Boys dead once Carl passed away...and only consider them "alive" again because "Brian is back..."!  I truly believe you need a Wilson Brother in actively in the band for it to truly be The Beach Boys (sorry Mike).   

I'm a Beach Boys fan, first & foremost. I voted Carl as my favorite. He is my favorite vocalist. He was their leader on stage and who had great presence and professionalism. We all know the importance of Brian & Mike as composer and frontman, but Carl was the glue and rock of the band.

And that would be a great choice. Would love to hear him sing "Sail on Sailor" or "Got to Know the Woman"  :)

God I did Dave wrong in my original post. I really am glad I now know how important he is. Also I might be a little easier on them all.

Oh,yeah, it's Mike's fault what happened to Dennis Wilson.  Mike also made Brian mentally ill. I read it in the books.  Mike is the devil.   ::)

Myke Luhv is/was a power hungry SOB and nothing gets in his way-especially Brian Wilson or any other Wilson for that matter.

Mike Love is the reason for kokomo ..enough said..(I mean that in a good way)

Dennis had enough of his own problems...and I'm not solely laying any blame on Mike...but it's common knowledge that the relationship between the two was rocky at best.  Dennis was the only Beach Boy who could ever stand up to Mike (and knock his a*s out cold on occasion)...and as Denny's personal demons started to really get the better of him in the late 70s/early 80s...I think the organization's concern for his welfare (especially in regards to his cousin) was very neglectful.  Dennis had a sickness.  He needed help...but there was no Doctor Landy waiting in the wings...just another bottle of vodka and a date with the Pacific Ocean.

Carl tried to get Dennis help. Dennis would have never accepted the kind of control that Landy placed over Brian. On his own, he never got through a full rehab stint. Andrew?

I will explain why, and by favourite, it's just a personal thing, I am not mounting an argument based on some criteria of non-subjective benchmarks or what have you.

First off, I have had more personal interaction with him than any other member of the group.  He has always shown incredible kindness towards me and whomever I was with.  We have shared long conversations, had breakfast, had a Pacifico...and he has always been totally cool to be around.

Secondly, I really think he has been a champion of the band from the beginning.  A loyal soldier, as well, but not afraid to speak his mind.  He is the true conduit from fans to group in my opinion.

Also, I find his musical history fascinating; really as much or more so than anybody else in the band.  Sandy Nelson, Phil Spector, Richie Valens, Terry Melcher, Elton, Manilow, Pink Floyd...

And he surfs, lives in Montecito, and generally carries on the lifestyle associated with the band.

True.  I guess I'm just the kind of person who thinks that there's always hope.

Originally, Carl.
Then Mike, for years.
Now, Dave.

Look at all the people who go on that Dr. Drew show and are never helped in spite of help.  If Dr. Drew couldn't help Jeff Conaway from "Taxi," could anyone have helped Dennis?

I believe the longest he lasted was two, three days. There was a plan in place for Dennis to be treated by Landy... to commence after New Year 1984.

Which begs the question, were the events of December 28th a blessing or curse?

Found my 2007 reply to this thread. Now, it'd be slightly different:

1. Brian
2. Mike & Carl (tie)
3. Al & Bruce (tie)
4. Dennis & David

And all the other guys are much closer to Brian in my current ranking than they originally were.

Wow!  I never knew that.  I wonder how that would have worked out? 

Although he died before I turned 15, Carl has become my favourite Beach Boy. It is mainly because of his voice, but also the reputation he has and the tireless work he did for the Beach Boys. He kept them classy. It has to be Dennis second for me.

Amen to that.  The guy continued touring even though he was dying...performing on a stool for most of the show...yet...he would always stand to perform God Only Knows out of respect for the song!  When he died...the band died.  Al was thrown out and whatever outfit toured as "The Beach Boys" was Mike Love and Smilin' Bruce and a (good) backing band...but it wasn't the Boys.

Brian Wilson circa '65-'70. In my opinion, Brian was at his most brilliant and best during those years. He could write and produce masterpieces and sing masterfully.

In terms of musical contribution, Brian, Dennis, Carl, Al, Mike, Blondie, Ricky, Bruce, David. I know David was hugely important to the sound of the early albums, and he's added a lot to the shows I've seen with him, but for me the music from Today through Love You is what makes me a fan.

As people, from the brief interactions I've had with them - Al (absolutely lovely to talk to), David & Mike (both polite and friendly but not especially interested in talking to fans), Brian (spacey and barely acknowledging my existence, but not in a rude way, just obviously very tired), Bruce (*very* friendly and talkative at times, but other times brusque and grumpy, and I've seen him be incredibly rude to other fans, though never to me). Sadly never got to meet Dennis or Carl.

That would not have worked. Dennis would've punched out Landy and his goons on day one and escaped.

If only he could've lived long enough to have done that!!

hahaha denny's goons would've whipped that ass lol

How much truth is there to the story that Denny beat the heck out of Charles Manson after Manson threatened the safety of his stepson?

Nice to see this poll netting Myke and Bruth much more than they deserve at 2% with B/W at the top followed by his brothers and Al. 8)

1. Dennis Wilson. This would come as no surprise to a lot of people around here :lol. But seriously, almost everything about him is so awesome! He was the second-most talented BB, and sadly the BB with the most tragic story. It's a Genuine Fact that Dennis Ruled! And he did. He really did :).
2. Carl Wilson. Had it been a few months ago, I would have picked Brian as second. But Carl has really grown on me lately. His work is even more underrated than Denny's, he was far and away the BB's best singer, and was also by all accounts the BB with the friendliest personality. He is greatly missed along with Dennis.
3. Brian Wilson. How could he not be in the top 3? He is easily the most talented BB. Had it not been for Brian, the BB's would be nothing. He was the American Lennon/McCartney, and with Pet Sounds and the Smile Sessions, he created some of the greatest music of the 20th Century. He is a man who will always deserve respect!
4. Al Jardine.
5. Blonde Chaplin.
6. Bruce Johnston.
7. David Marks.
8. Ricky Fataar.
9. Mike Love.

I see him more as the American Lennon/McCartney/Martin!  :)

Ooo good one. How could I forget!  :lol :-[

Brian, but I symphatize most with Al. He seems like the one who would be nicest to hang out with.

Really? I'd give Carl that distinction, but to each his own I guess

I voted Mike. I know he gets a lot of stick off some people, but I've never been let down by his performances, I like his attitude to the music and I think he lead vocals are signature Beach Boys moments. I love his bass-parts, enjoy the songs he wrote or co-wrote, and generally think he's pretty amazing as a front-man.

:) Mark

The one with the least votes so far----which is a problem when you can't see the score until after you've voted. 

OSD....Gone, but his words live on! ;D

  1. Brian
  2. Dennis & Carl (tie)
  3. Al
  4. Mike
  5. David
  6. Blondie & Ricky (tie)
  7. Bruce
 

‍

1. Dennis
2. Carl
3. Brian
4. Al
5. Mike
6. Bruce
7. Blondie, Ricky, David (three way tie)

This is my list and reasoning exactly!

I love all the original Beach Boys, and I'd include David as an original, even Bruce as a longtime member.  If you're talking about musical contributions, how could anyone NOT like them all.  They all contributed – in varying degrees – to what was the most distinctive (and best, in my opinion) sound in modern music.

That said, my favorite – now and always – is Carl Wilson.  And it's not even close.  Carl – or more precisely, his absence – is the reason the group we heard and loved during the C50 tour could not quite measure up, vocally, to the band we fell in love with in the early 60s; and the band that kept its longtime fans in total awe for almost four decades.

Best answer I have seen!   I myself just ASSUMED the touring Beach Boys were history when Carl died and was shocked that the group continued because in the post-Brian AWOL era Carl seemed to BE the Beach Boys, even making Kokomo tolerable.   The lineup on TWGMTR and the 50 tour was acceptable to me and having David Marks onboard went a long way to make it legit to me but still a huge part of the soul was missing.   Closest thing to a "real" Beach Boys lineup we have seen in decades though.

Thanks for the compliment, slim.  However, I failed to verbalize a thought I was searching for.  You supplied it:  "A huge part of the soul was missing."  Indeed.  And that's what Carl Wilson's absence meant to me, also.

They are all great for different reasons. I refuse to choose.

I didn't get to attend any C50 concerts, but I did watch the DVD, and even though I knew that Carl wasn't going to be on it, I still felt his absence. I guess I learned to live with Dennis' absence, attended a lot of BB's show after his passing, and always enjoyed them, but Carl....he made the group what it was for me in the 80's/90's.

I wonder which Beach Boy would be our favorite if we had to actually hang out with them?   
I doubt it would be Brian because of his instability.    Which one is reputed to be the most pleasant in person?

I would've loved to hang out with both Dennis and Carl. Modern-day Brian would make me too nervous, I wouldn't know what to say. But 60's and 70's Brian, sure.

Brian is my favorite Beach Boy for many different reasons, with Dennis being my second for many different reasons as well. But if I were to spend a significant amount of time with all members of the Beach Boys something tells me that Al would be the guy I would feel the most comfortable being with.

Possibly, but Carl is the one that would go out of his way to make you feel comfortable.

Brian

Carl
Dennis
Al
Mike
Bruce
David

with appreciation for everyone who has worked with and supported them

Brian. I mean...c'mon.

Brian is my favorite.

Let's see........

1.  Brian Wilson - Well.....genius

2.  Dennis Wilson - His output contributed to the greatest of the 2nd golden era

3.  Al Jardine - Underused member

4.  Carl Wilson - Voice of an angel

5.  Mike Love - The guy is by no means a saint, but I don't think he deserves the hate he gets. 

6.  Bruce Johnston

7.  Blondie Chaplin - Had some nice leads on the Holland album

8.  David Marks

9.  Ricky Fataar - My 9th favorite Beach Boy, but my #1 Rutle

10. John Stamos - From Love and Mercy to Have Mercy. 

Yeah, I kinda have Al and Carl tied for my number 3.  I think Al's voice in criminally underused in the entire BB catalog.