The Smiley Smile Message Board

Smiley Smile Stuff => General On Topic Discussions => Topic started by: TdHabib on April 17, 2010, 12:22:58 PM



Title: Brian's worst vocal
Post by: TdHabib on April 17, 2010, 12:22:58 PM
I've always wanted to do this thread, what do you think is Brian's single worst vocal that was released. Please do not simply say GIOMH, please specify one song that is particularly objectionable. Or if you think his worst vocal isn't on that album, go with that choice. Just one song please.


Title: Re: Brian's worst vocal
Post by: Andrew G. Doe on April 17, 2010, 12:31:08 PM
Probably "Just Once In My Life", where he's singing as close to flat as he can.

"Fairy Tale" is pretty crappy, too - "ever afteuuuuuuuuurrrrrrrrrrurgh".


Title: Re: Brian's worst vocal
Post by: Shady on April 17, 2010, 12:32:05 PM
Gotta be Solar System


Title: Re: Brian's worst vocal
Post by: Paulos on April 17, 2010, 01:03:01 PM
Mother May...... that is Brian doing that deranged vocal on the verses right?


Title: Re: Brian's worst vocal
Post by: Wirestone on April 17, 2010, 01:06:14 PM
Well, that one note in Fairy Tale, sure. But IMHO his overall vocal on that tune stands head and shoulders above others on that album.

Worst of the worst --

Make a Wish. Like one of his less-enthusiastic live vocals, but on a studio album. All the backing vocals are flat too. Too bad, because the track cooks. But this should not have been released in this form.

Everything I Need (Jeff Foskett version). Concept sounds great. Brian guesting on a remake of a tune that takes it back to his original vision. Darian's on it too! But Brian sounds like he's falling asleep as he sings.

Love & Mercy (BW88). Robo Wilson to the rescue. He sounds so uncomfortable, and so shouty, and so forced. The distance between the quality of the tune and the quality of the lead has perhaps never been greater.


Title: Re: Brian's worst vocal
Post by: Mahalo on April 17, 2010, 01:08:10 PM
...love JOIML, and Solar System, ...hate Back Home


Title: Re: Brian's worst vocal
Post by: Don_Zabu on April 17, 2010, 01:18:13 PM
I'd say Transcendental Meditation and Take A Load Off Your Feet.


Title: Re: Brian's worst vocal
Post by: Andrew G. Doe on April 17, 2010, 01:40:04 PM
Mother May...... that is Brian doing that deranged vocal on the verses right?

[koff] only released tracks, please...  ::)


Title: Re: Brian's worst vocal
Post by: Paulos on April 17, 2010, 01:43:04 PM
Mother May...... that is Brian doing that deranged vocal on the verses right?

[koff] only released tracks, please...  ::)

Blah, no fair!


Title: Re: Brian's worst vocal
Post by: ♩♬🐸 Billy C ♯♫♩🐇 on April 17, 2010, 02:27:35 PM
What the hell is Mother May? I've never heard of that track.

As far as worst quality-wise, I gotta give an amen to Fairy Tale. The "...and the flowers died" could possibly KILL flowers in its awfulness.

Now if you just mean our least favorite BW vocals, then I gotta say "Don't Back Down" for classic era Brian (I HATE way his voice sounds on the "guts" line) and my all-time least favorite BW song for the post-classic era...Speed F'n Turtle.


Title: Re: Brian's worst vocal
Post by: punkinhead on April 17, 2010, 04:15:11 PM
his vocal on Dont worry Baby live in 1981?


Title: Re: Brian's worst vocal
Post by: oldsurferdude on April 17, 2010, 06:23:56 PM
Solar System with the alternate being LPOHT. :o


Title: Re: Brian's worst vocal
Post by: Jason on April 17, 2010, 07:31:32 PM
If we're talking merely released stuff, I'd say much of Gettin' In Over My Head (the album) would qualify. You've Touched Me in particular.

I'd say Brian's all-time worst vocal wasn't done in a studio, but live in 1981. The band was in San Carlos, CA on Dennis' birthday. Dennis came down with food poisoning so only Brian, Michael, Al, and Bruce made the show. Brian was absolutely, totally out of it the whole night. When he sang Sloop John B, he somehow had the idea to pinch his nose while he was singing! Absolutely terrible, as the show was in general.


Title: Re: Brian's worst vocal
Post by: Magic Transistor Radio on April 17, 2010, 08:08:41 PM
Caroline, No......just kidding


Title: Re: Brian's worst vocal
Post by: Jay on April 17, 2010, 08:27:20 PM


Now if you just mean our least favorite BW vocals, then I gotta say "Don't Back Down" for classic era Brian (I HATE way his voice sounds on the "guts" line)
and my all-time least favorite BW song for the post-classic era...Speed F'n Turtle.
I'm glad I'm not the only one.  ;D For the "early Brian voice" I'd say Don't Back Down, Farmers Daughter(good god, I hate that song) and the ending of Papa Om Mow Mow, or whoever you spell it. His screeching near the end to me is like fingers on a chalk board.


Title: Re: Brian's worst vocal
Post by: kirkmc- banned on the run on April 18, 2010, 12:31:41 AM
She's Got Rhythm..."Laaaaaaaaast night I went out disco dancin'". Yike's...
Worst unreleased...I'm beggin You Please"...This poor guy has been sick for such a long time now.
So glad he seems the happiest he's ever been.


Title: Re: Brian's worst vocal
Post by: hypehat on April 18, 2010, 02:46:05 AM
Thats funny, i absolutely love his vocal on Papa-oom-mow-mow. His falsetto is really powerful.

This is such a hard question.  Maybe some early tune where his falsetto is just grating, like Lana. I tend to like 70's gruff Brian, and haven't listened to 80's Beach Boys enough to really remember if his vocals are as bad as the songs.
Yeah, I'll go for Lana.


Title: Re: Brian's worst vocal
Post by: Dancing Bear on April 18, 2010, 06:40:53 AM
Let the Wind Blow in I Just Wasn't Made for These Times.


Title: Re: Brian's worst vocal
Post by: tpesky on April 18, 2010, 08:08:53 AM
Goin to The Chapel.

One thing I never got about the 81/82 Beach Boys, why let Brian have such an active part in the show?? You couldn't tell how bad he was?!? He sounded awful and didn't really care, did they expect him to belt out Dont Worry Baby like it was 1964 magically one night?? By that point, the BB with or without Brian would have sold tickets.


Title: Re: Brian's worst vocal
Post by: jimmyboy on April 18, 2010, 09:05:14 AM
Love Is A Woman studio and live!


Title: Re: Brian's worst vocal
Post by: Andrew G. Doe on April 18, 2010, 12:53:41 PM
Goin to The Chapel.

One thing I never got about the 81/82 Beach Boys, why let Brian have such an active part in the show?? You couldn't tell how bad he was?!? He sounded awful and didn't really care, did they expect him to belt out Dont Worry Baby like it was 1964 magically one night?? By that point, the BB with or without Brian would have sold tickets.

Simple - no Carl.


Title: Re: Brian's worst vocal
Post by: Jay on April 18, 2010, 07:29:52 PM
Goin to The Chapel.

One thing I never got about the 81/82 Beach Boys, why let Brian have such an active part in the show?? You couldn't tell how bad he was?!? He sounded awful and didn't really care, did they expect him to belt out Dont Worry Baby like it was 1964 magically one night?? By that point, the BB with or without Brian would have sold tickets.

Simple - no Carl.
But they had Bruce, who was more than capable. If you watch the Long Beach footage, there is one scene during Don't Worry Baby where Bruce is clearly unhappy with what's going on. Hell, even Al could have done it.


Title: Re: Brian's worst vocal
Post by: ♩♬🐸 Billy C ♯♫♩🐇 on April 18, 2010, 08:24:22 PM
Yeah, but Bruce wasn't a Wilson.


Title: Re: Brian's worst vocal
Post by: Jay on April 18, 2010, 09:15:55 PM
So? Al wasn't either, and he did it for years when Carl was there.


Title: Re: Brian's worst vocal
Post by: matt-zeus on April 19, 2010, 03:20:55 PM
I think 'Movies is Magic' stands as one of Brians worst sounding vocals, he sort of growls through the first verse or two, though to be honest I love it. I think OCA is my favourite album of any Brian vocals from the last two decades. He sounds enthusiastic (whether or not he was forced) and the falsettos are there. His voice does sound crazy on lots of the songs but that is part of the charm...


Title: Re: Brian's worst vocal
Post by: ♩♬🐸 Billy C ♯♫♩🐇 on April 19, 2010, 05:43:13 PM
So? Al wasn't either, and he did it for years when Carl was there.

Yeah..but Carl was there. My point was they did it because he was the ONLY Wilson there.


Title: Re: Brian's worst vocal
Post by: phirnis on April 20, 2010, 03:55:40 AM
- "Hold Back Time"

- "You've Touched Me"

I would never want to include the '76/'77-era stuff, 'cause even though some of it might be technically bad on 15 Big Ones and Love You he usually sang with lots of soul. Just because he'd lost most of his trademark voice doesn't mean he wasn't capable of pulling off something remarkably touching around that time.


Title: Re: Brian's worst vocal
Post by: Mike's Beard on April 20, 2010, 11:02:25 AM
Love Is A Woman studio and live!

I will second this.


Title: Re: Brian's worst vocal
Post by: RONDEMON on May 10, 2010, 09:35:22 AM
This isn't a bad vocal at all - but kinda eerie.
A 1965 performance of Brian singing Don't Worry Baby. Kinda crazy how much his modern voice is in apparent in his 20's voice.
Especially on the "I Don't know why, but I keep thinkin...." parts before he hits the high stuff.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Q8agQZkCfw (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Q8agQZkCfw)


Title: Re: Brian's worst vocal
Post by: Andrew G. Doe on May 10, 2010, 10:27:00 AM
This isn't a bad vocal at all - but kinda eerie.
A 1965 performance of Brian singing Don't Worry Baby. Kinda crazy how much his modern voice is in apparent in his 20's voice.
Especially on the "I Don't know why, but I keep thinkin...." parts before he hits the high stuff.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Q8agQZkCfw (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Q8agQZkCfw)


Reason for that - by this time (late March 1965), Brian had only played a week's worth of live dates since Christmas Eve 1964. Ring rusty.


Title: Re: Brian's worst vocal
Post by: JaredLekites on May 10, 2010, 07:34:06 PM
His version of "Good Vibrations" on the Mike Douglas Show during the Brian Is Back campaign was the one performance of his that ever had me cringing. He was nervous but you could tell he really wanted to hit those notes... but it just wasn't happening and it was just devastating to watch.


Title: Re: Brian's worst vocal
Post by: Newguy562 on November 09, 2011, 05:17:56 PM
"i'll bet he's nice" or "male ego" lol


Title: Re: Brian's worst vocal
Post by: oldsurferdude on November 09, 2011, 07:03:07 PM
Love Is A Woman studio and live!

I will second this.
And I'll make it three.


Title: Re: Brian's worst vocal
Post by: pixletwin on November 09, 2011, 07:38:27 PM
I always felt Back Home was Brian's worst vocal. Or possible I Wanna Pick You Up.


Title: Re: Brian's worst vocal
Post by: runnersdialzero on November 09, 2011, 08:26:24 PM
"Back Home" has way too much charm to think of it as even being bad, for me, anyway. Nowhere near as good as "Please Let Me Wonder" or something, obviously, but still very worthwhile.


Title: Re: Brian's worst vocal
Post by: MBE on November 09, 2011, 08:32:32 PM
I'm Begging You Please stands out.


Title: Re: Brian's worst vocal
Post by: Ron on November 10, 2011, 07:20:12 AM
his vocal on Dont worry Baby live in 1981?


.... is so bad, it's a good way to illustrate to people bad.  I mean you can go "wanna hear something bad?" then play THAT,.... then they always go "That's Bad".  

as for "I wanna pick you up"... I think most of that is Dennis, Brian's just doing the "pat, pat, pat pat pat her on her butt... butt.. she's going to sleep, Be Quiet!" which is the best part of the song, lol.  Also Dennis' vocal on it I think sounds great. I also can't understand people mentioning any of the Love You stuff, Brian sounds great on there.  15 Big Ones he sounded great, too.

I can't think of any BB's songs that were released, that he sounds bad on.  I'd probably have to go with the bum notes on Fairy Tale as well, although I love the harmony round at the end.  Gives me chills.


Title: Re: Brian's worst vocal
Post by: Ron on November 10, 2011, 07:23:26 AM
His version of "Good Vibrations" on the Mike Douglas Show during the Brian Is Back campaign was the one performance of his that ever had me cringing. He was nervous but you could tell he really wanted to hit those notes... but it just wasn't happening and it was just devastating to watch.

Different strokes for different folks.  Personally, I thought it sounded awesome.  It was amazing, because here's this incredibly technical song, a production masterpiece, and the guy has the BALLS to go out there and play it with just a piano and a raw, doesn't give a sh*t 'husky' voice.  I would hold that up there as one of his best performances I've ever seen. 

It's like somebody saying they're going to perform "Beethoven's 5th, anybody got a piano?  I'm a little drunk.  I think I can pull it off, though. "


Title: Re: Brian's worst vocal
Post by: phirnis on November 10, 2011, 07:28:25 AM
"Back Home" has way too much charm to think of it as even being bad, for me, anyway. Nowhere near as good as "Please Let Me Wonder" or something, obviously, but still very worthwhile.

I agree! The 1977 Largo performance however is really bad, even though still quite "interesting".


Title: Re: Brian's worst vocal
Post by: 37!ws on November 10, 2011, 07:41:11 AM
"Don't Worry Baby" from the 1981 show. What's remarkable, though, is how he instantly switched over to an equivalent harmony when he gave up trying to hit the high notes...


Title: Re: Brian's worst vocal
Post by: Ron on November 10, 2011, 07:45:25 AM
Yup.  So what you have there, is a vocal SO BAD, that even Brian agrees it's bad, halfway through the song.  Easily wins for worst vocal ever. 


Title: Re: Brian's worst vocal
Post by: SMiLE Brian on November 10, 2011, 07:48:28 AM
Well it was interesting to see what happens when Brian tries to sing like he did in 1960s with his gruff voice.


Title: Re: Brian's worst vocal
Post by: Ron on November 10, 2011, 07:51:59 AM
What's so crazy about it is, Brian's supposedly got 'perfect pitch' which I understand only means that you can HEAR pitch with no compass, doesn't necessarily mean you can SING pitch with no compass...

So what THAT means is, Brian frequently will sing a bad note, and know he's singing a bad note.  He'll sing entire songs out of key.  He's done it for a long time, and is fine with it.

EXCEPT this performance.  It's *SO* bad, that he can't keep singing it like that, even though he's obviously usually perfectly fine with singing out of key. 

I mean... that's BAD. 


Title: Re: Brian's worst vocal
Post by: Mikie on November 10, 2011, 08:07:57 AM
As soon as I saw the thread title I immediately thought, "Love Is A Woman". "I'm Begging You Please" ain't too whippy either, though it's unreleased.



Title: Re: Brian's worst vocal
Post by: pixletwin on November 10, 2011, 08:10:44 AM
Brian's vocals on Love is a Woman crack me up everytime in a good way. I am 100% sure that he intends every phrase and nuance.  :lol :lol


Title: Re: Brian's worst vocal
Post by: Amanda Hart on November 10, 2011, 08:40:13 AM

I would never want to include the '76/'77-era stuff, 'cause even though some of it might be technically bad on 15 Big Ones and Love You he usually sang with lots of soul. Just because he'd lost most of his trademark voice doesn't mean he wasn't capable of pulling off something remarkably touching around that time.

This is exactly what makes some of the "bad" songs still enjoyable for me. Most of the songs in this era he still found joy in making music. Even really depressing songs like Still I Dream Of It have a tinge of joy in the ability to express these complex feelings. For me, the stuff that he is checked out of is the worst. I might have to go "Rainbow Eyes" the off key Walls of Brians is unbearable.


Title: Re: Brian's worst vocal
Post by: busy doin nothin on November 10, 2011, 08:46:41 AM
I really dislike these "worst of" threads, I always feel pained when I read some of my favorites dissed.

I cannot believe people have listed "Don't Back Down," "Transcendental Meditation," "Take a Load off Your Feet," "Solar System," "I Wanna Pick You up" (half of which is an incredible Denny vocal!), and "She's Got Rhythm."  Everyone of these is an all-time favorite for me and I wouldn't change a thing about them.

Also, criticizing the '88 "Love and Mercy" vocal?  BW88 was the last time Brian had any of his old vocal magic, so I'm scratching my head on that too . . . .



Title: Re: Brian's worst vocal
Post by: Mike's Beard on November 10, 2011, 09:20:16 AM
I've never heard any of GIOMH but if I did I'd no doubt pick something from it.


Title: Re: Brian's worst vocal
Post by: Mikie on November 10, 2011, 09:40:21 AM
Solar System is another bad vocal. "Sooooolar Syyyyystem brings us wiiiiiisdom!". That's terrible. Rotten to the core.

Teardrops On My Bed".  Another bad vocal.   ;D


Title: Re: Brian's worst vocal
Post by: 37!ws on November 10, 2011, 09:42:31 AM
"Drip Drop" is pretty awful, too.


Title: Re: Brian's worst vocal
Post by: Sound of Free on November 10, 2011, 09:43:13 AM
On "Meet Me in My Dreams Tonight," Brian sounds OK on the chorus, but his singing on the verses is just really whiny.


Title: Re: Brian's worst vocal
Post by: BiNNS on November 10, 2011, 09:46:44 AM
I know they aren't technically his best vocals, but i really like his voice circa '76-'77. Chapel of Love, Back Home, Solar System...there is just something so pure and charming about them. (To my ears anyways).


Title: Re: Brian's worst vocal
Post by: SMiLE Brian on November 10, 2011, 09:47:10 AM
Least Teardrops On My Bed/Drip Drop has cocaine induced excitement and enthusiasm behind it. ;D Skatetown USA is bad vocal, with those weird lyrics that have Mike singing like he was a teenager again in the 1960s.


Title: Re: Brian's worst vocal
Post by: Mikie on November 10, 2011, 09:47:41 AM
That's what I said. "Teardrops On My Bed", a.k.a. "Drip Drop". But you probably knew that.  :)


Title: Re: Brian's worst vocal
Post by: SMiLE Brian on November 10, 2011, 09:53:59 AM
Breaking down awful late 1970s unreleased Beach Boys songs so much fun. :lol But i so want to hear the "in the back of my mind" where Brian goes between his classic voice and gruff voice.


Title: Re: Brian's worst vocal
Post by: Mikie on November 10, 2011, 09:54:26 AM
I don't think "Meet Me In My Dreams Tonight" fits into the Worst Vocal category. Not at all. Even the unreleased  version of that is great.


Title: Re: Brian's worst vocal
Post by: Klay on November 10, 2011, 01:47:09 PM
.


Title: Re: Brian's worst vocal
Post by: joshferrell on November 10, 2011, 02:09:35 PM
even though i like the song I would have to say "let's put our hearts together" just because it's supposed to be a ballad.."love is a woman" is similar as well,personally I htink he should have used carl fpr the ballad songs on the album or maybe AL,"solor system" is okay IMO just because it sounds more like a Burt Bacharach (scratchy voice) type song and is not supposed to be a ballad..so yeah his worst vocals IMO are on "love You" even though musically I think it's a great album..


Title: Re: Brian's worst vocal
Post by: Aegir on November 10, 2011, 02:11:39 PM
Love You is so good BECAUSE of the bad vocals. I love "Let's Put Our Hearts Together", but if it was recorded 10 years earlier... it would be pretty boring. It's probably Marilyn's worst vocal too.


Title: Re: Brian's worst vocal
Post by: Newguy562 on November 10, 2011, 02:12:04 PM
even though i like the song I would have to say "let's put our hearts together" just because it's supposed to be a ballad.."love is a woman" is similar as well,personally I htink he should have used carl fpr the ballad songs on the album or maybe AL,"solor system" is okay IMO just because it sounds more like a Burt Bacharach (scratchy voice) type song and is not supposed to be a ballad..so yeah his worst vocals IMO are on "love You" even though musically I think it's a great album..
his worst vocal appearance has 2 be "male ego" there isnt anything worse den that.


Title: Re: Brian's worst vocal
Post by: MBE on November 10, 2011, 02:14:28 PM
even though i like the song I would have to say "let's put our hearts together" just because it's supposed to be a ballad.."love is a woman" is similar as well,personally I htink he should have used carl fpr the ballad songs on the album or maybe AL,"solor system" is okay IMO just because it sounds more like a Burt Bacharach (scratchy voice) type song and is not supposed to be a ballad..so yeah his worst vocals IMO are on "love You" even though musically I think it's a great album..
his worst vocal appearance has 2 be "male ego" there isnt anything worse den that.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cqjig2Yptbs (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cqjig2Yptbs)


Title: Re: Brian's worst vocal
Post by: anazgnos on November 10, 2011, 02:19:48 PM
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N90zRw-2fkQ

Brian performing Darlin circa 1995. Apparently one of his first performances with The Wondermints.

You know Brian's voice doesn't sound great here, but he does sound pretty spirited and on top of it.  He sounds like he's "in the moment" rather than going through the motions.  If all his latter-day performances had that quality it wouldn't be a bad thing.


Title: Re: Brian's worst vocal
Post by: Newguy562 on November 10, 2011, 02:26:00 PM
even though i like the song I would have to say "let's put our hearts together" just because it's supposed to be a ballad.."love is a woman" is similar as well,personally I htink he should have used carl fpr the ballad songs on the album or maybe AL,"solor system" is okay IMO just because it sounds more like a Burt Bacharach (scratchy voice) type song and is not supposed to be a ballad..so yeah his worst vocals IMO are on "love You" even though musically I think it's a great album..
his worst vocal appearance has 2 be "male ego" there isnt anything worse den that.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cqjig2Yptbs (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cqjig2Yptbs)
wow that wasnt that bad..ok it was bad but still listen 2 this
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LA2eZ2BqXLo
it embarasses me all the time smh..


Title: Re: Brian's worst vocal
Post by: 37!ws on November 10, 2011, 02:33:10 PM
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N90zRw-2fkQ

Brian performing Darlin circa 1995. Apparently one of his first performances with The Wondermints.

From what I understand, there's more, but the reason that's the only performance out...well....apparently that's the BEST of the performances. :(


Title: Re: Brian's worst vocal
Post by: ♩♬🐸 Billy C ♯♫♩🐇 on November 10, 2011, 03:26:58 PM
even though i like the song I would have to say "let's put our hearts together" just because it's supposed to be a ballad.."love is a woman" is similar as well,personally I htink he should have used carl fpr the ballad songs on the album or maybe AL,"solor system" is okay IMO just because it sounds more like a Burt Bacharach (scratchy voice) type song and is not supposed to be a ballad..so yeah his worst vocals IMO are on "love You" even though musically I think it's a great album..
his worst vocal appearance has 2 be "male ego" there isnt anything worse den that.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cqjig2Yptbs (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cqjig2Yptbs)
wow that wasnt that bad..ok it was bad but still listen 2 this
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LA2eZ2BqXLo
it embarasses me all the time smh..

Pretty much all of Brian's vocals on BB85 were bad.


Title: Re: Brian's worst vocal
Post by: Aegir on November 10, 2011, 03:41:33 PM
I like his voice on "I'm Beggin' You Please" better than "Male Ego".


Title: Re: Brian's worst vocal
Post by: Newguy562 on November 10, 2011, 04:09:31 PM
even though i like the song I would have to say "let's put our hearts together" just because it's supposed to be a ballad.."love is a woman" is similar as well,personally I htink he should have used carl fpr the ballad songs on the album or maybe AL,"solor system" is okay IMO just because it sounds more like a Burt Bacharach (scratchy voice) type song and is not supposed to be a ballad..so yeah his worst vocals IMO are on "love You" even though musically I think it's a great album..
his worst vocal appearance has 2 be "male ego" there isnt anything worse den that.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cqjig2Yptbs (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cqjig2Yptbs)
wow that wasnt that bad..ok it was bad but still listen 2 this
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LA2eZ2BqXLo
it embarasses me all the time smh..

Pretty much all of Brian's vocals on BB85 were bad.

u have that right lol..but carl's was still very swell.


Title: Re: Brian's worst vocal
Post by: Pinder's Gone To Kokomo And Back Again on November 10, 2011, 06:46:33 PM
Love Is A Woman without a doubt!

Love the song though.


Title: Re: Brian's worst vocal
Post by: The Madcap on November 10, 2011, 06:52:24 PM
Have we really gone this long without mentioning Smart Girls?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sz0SnpN_O00


Title: Re: Brian's worst vocal
Post by: Jonas on November 10, 2011, 07:00:38 PM
Trick question, doesn't exist.


Title: Re: Brian's worst vocal
Post by: Jim V. on November 10, 2011, 07:00:52 PM
Hey does anybody remember that version of "Don't Worry Baby" from 1995 where Brian sang the lead live in Las Vegas? He did it in the original key if I can remember. Anybody know if that is floating around the interwebs anywhere? Possibly? Maybe?


Title: Re: Brian's worst vocal
Post by: runnersdialzero on November 10, 2011, 07:20:44 PM
He sounds fine on "Male Ego", to me. A bit over the top, but agayn, there's too much energy and charm there for me to think of it as bad.

He sounded worst in the early/mid 90s to me. I Just Wasn't Made For These Times... *shudders*


Title: Re: Brian's worst vocal
Post by: Ganz Allein on November 10, 2011, 07:29:57 PM
He sounds fine on "Male Ego", to me. A bit over the top, but agayn, there's too much energy and charm there for me to think of it as bad.

He sounded worst in the early/mid 90s to me. I Just Wasn't Made For These Times... *shudders*

I agree on IJWMFTT.  As mentioned earlier, Let the Wind Blow is particularly bad, and I think Warmth of the Sun, too. On that album Brian's voice sounds the thinnest I've ever heard it, not to mention strained and pitchy. And on some of those songs he sounds even older than he does now.

Love is a Woman is really bad, too, but in general I don't mind Brian's gruff late '70s to very early '80s vocals because they had soulfulness like phirnis was saying.


Title: Re: Brian's worst vocal
Post by: Ron on November 10, 2011, 08:21:09 PM
Trick question, doesn't exist.

Now that's funny.  Also, Brian was eating sandwiches in his tent. 


Title: Re: Brian's worst vocal
Post by: Ron on November 10, 2011, 08:22:32 PM
Hey does anybody remember that version of "Don't Worry Baby" from 1995 where Brian sang the lead live in Las Vegas? He did it in the original key if I can remember. Anybody know if that is floating around the interwebs anywhere? Possibly? Maybe?

He did it in about 2005, too, but it was in Italy or something.  One of those countries other than this one. 

Sounded pretty good, all things considered.  Original Key!


Title: Re: Brian's worst vocal
Post by: The Heartical Don on November 11, 2011, 12:05:06 AM
Good Time. Too sharp, too childlike.


Title: Re: Brian's worst vocal
Post by: Wirestone on November 11, 2011, 12:19:03 AM
Basically, anything where he's trying to "rock" out.

-- Night Time
-- Concert Tonight
-- Hotter
-- I'm Broke

All dire.

To my mind, there's a world of difference between these songs -- where Brian is awkwardly failing to sing in a style that just doesn't fit him at all -- and tunes where he's singing around or through his vocal limitations. The latter, while sometimes painful, are almost always interesting and have nice moments. The first group are just embarrassing.


Title: Re: Brian's worst vocal
Post by: runnersdialzero on November 11, 2011, 01:23:00 AM
Good Time. Too sharp, too childlike.

:(


Title: Re: Brian's worst vocal
Post by: MBE on November 11, 2011, 02:04:52 AM
Good Time. Too sharp, too childlike.
I love that era of his singing myself. Notice how he uses almost his whole range as he does all the lead on it. 19667-74 really has some of Brian's best singing because he's older and a bit more mature. It wasn't quite the same as on the early Beach Boy sides- the pre 1966 vocals are perhaps more effortless-but honestly I think he sounded slightly different because he matured. I think had he taken care of his voice in his thirties the way he did in his twenties it would never have gotten so nasal, gruff, or slurred (we have Landy to thank for the last part). I doubt he could hit it today like he did in his youth, but he would sound more professional, more like "Brian".


Title: Re: Brian's worst vocal
Post by: hypehat on November 11, 2011, 02:22:21 AM

-- I'm Broke


Oh my god, I forgot about that. That's HORRIFYING.


Title: Re: Brian's worst vocal
Post by: b00ts on April 27, 2012, 02:06:54 PM

-- I'm Broke


Oh my god, I forgot about that. That's HORRIFYING.

Brian has done some good rock and/or roll vocals recently. "Goin' Home" and, to a lesser extent, "Morning Beat" from TLOS evince a new, growly vocal style. Very cool.

Reading back over this thread, it struck me once again how much better Brian's vocals have gotten since GIOMH, which was the nadir of his careless vocal style.


Title: Re: Brian's worst vocal
Post by: seltaeb1012002 on April 27, 2012, 02:30:33 PM
Hey does anybody remember that version of "Don't Worry Baby" from 1995 where Brian sang the lead live in Las Vegas? He did it in the original key if I can remember. Anybody know if that is floating around the interwebs anywhere? Possibly? Maybe?

I'd love to hear that!


Title: Re: Brian's worst vocal
Post by: Wirestone on April 27, 2012, 02:38:44 PM
Hey does anybody remember that version of "Don't Worry Baby" from 1995 where Brian sang the lead live in Las Vegas? He did it in the original key if I can remember. Anybody know if that is floating around the interwebs anywhere? Possibly? Maybe?

I'd love to hear that!

The vocal on that is 90 percent Matt Jardine. Brian is singing along but not especially audible.


Title: Re: Brian's worst vocal
Post by: runnersdialzero on April 27, 2012, 02:53:47 PM

This still makes me sad.


Title: Re: Brian's worst vocal
Post by: seltaeb1012002 on April 27, 2012, 03:05:43 PM
Hey does anybody remember that version of "Don't Worry Baby" from 1995 where Brian sang the lead live in Las Vegas? He did it in the original key if I can remember. Anybody know if that is floating around the interwebs anywhere? Possibly? Maybe?

I'd love to hear that!

The vocal on that is 90 percent Matt Jardine. Brian is singing along but not especially audible.

Ahh, gotcha. Thanks.


Title: Re: Brian's worst vocal
Post by: Menace Wilson on April 27, 2012, 03:11:20 PM
When I played the original version of "Saturday Morning In The City" for my wife, she said it sounded like a clown with blood coming out of his mouth.



Title: Re: Brian's worst vocal
Post by: Wirestone on April 27, 2012, 03:14:57 PM
Hey does anybody remember that version of "Don't Worry Baby" from 1995 where Brian sang the lead live in Las Vegas? He did it in the original key if I can remember. Anybody know if that is floating around the interwebs anywhere? Possibly? Maybe?

I'd love to hear that!

The vocal on that is 90 percent Matt Jardine. Brian is singing along but not especially audible.

Ahh, gotcha. Thanks.

The way it sounds, roughly, is the way the falsetto sounds in "Warmth of the Sun" from Stars and Stripes Vol. 1. Brian is singing that falsetto part, believe it or not, but kind of in the shadow of the younger Jardine. It sounds good, actually, but less distinctive than you might hope.


Title: Re: Brian's worst vocal
Post by: seltaeb1012002 on April 27, 2012, 03:27:32 PM
Hey does anybody remember that version of "Don't Worry Baby" from 1995 where Brian sang the lead live in Las Vegas? He did it in the original key if I can remember. Anybody know if that is floating around the interwebs anywhere? Possibly? Maybe?

I'd love to hear that!

The vocal on that is 90 percent Matt Jardine. Brian is singing along but not especially audible.

Ahh, gotcha. Thanks.

The way it sounds, roughly, is the way the falsetto sounds in "Warmth of the Sun" from Stars and Stripes Vol. 1. Brian is singing that falsetto part, believe it or not, but kind of in the shadow of the younger Jardine. It sounds good, actually, but less distinctive than you might hope.

Very interesting. I noticed Brian was sprinkled throughout S&S on the high parts (though admittedly I don't think I've ever listened to the whole album). I'm hoping we get a little bit of that on the new album.


Title: Re: Brian's worst vocal
Post by: Bean Bag on April 27, 2012, 08:56:34 PM
His version of "Good Vibrations" on the Mike Douglas Show during the Brian Is Back campaign was the one performance of his that ever had me cringing. He was nervous but you could tell he really wanted to hit those notes... but it just wasn't happening and it was just devastating to watch.

Different strokes for different folks.  Personally, I thought it sounded awesome.  It was amazing, because here's this incredibly technical song, a production masterpiece, and the guy has the BALLS to go out there and play it with just a piano and a raw, doesn't give a sh*t 'husky' voice.  I would hold that up there as one of his best performances I've ever seen. 

It's like somebody saying they're going to perform "Beethoven's 5th, anybody got a piano?  I'm a little drunk.  I think I can pull it off, though. "

Yes, awesome post!  I agree.  I can totally understand why someone would find it devastating, too.  It's powerful regardless.  But...I come down more on your side of the fence.  I was held captive watching it.  I wanted more.  I love how he ends too..."ok, that enough..."


Title: Re: Brian's worst vocal
Post by: Bean Bag on April 27, 2012, 09:03:00 PM
When I played the original version of "Saturday Morning In The City" for my wife, she said it sounded like a clown with blood coming out of his mouth.



 :lol  That might be the funniest thing I've ever read!!!!!!!


Title: Re: Brian's worst vocal
Post by: Bean Bag on April 27, 2012, 09:06:32 PM
Good Time. Too sharp, too childlike.

There's VERY few Beach Boy songs I don't like...this is one.  "don't like" maybe a little strong, but...I don't know why...Good Time bothers me.  Well, it shouldn't be on Love You...that I know.


Title: Re: Brian's worst vocal
Post by: Jim V. on April 27, 2012, 09:56:00 PM
Hey does anybody remember that version of "Don't Worry Baby" from 1995 where Brian sang the lead live in Las Vegas? He did it in the original key if I can remember. Anybody know if that is floating around the interwebs anywhere? Possibly? Maybe?

I'd love to hear that!

The vocal on that is 90 percent Matt Jardine. Brian is singing along but not especially audible.

Hmm, I'd still be interested in hearing that anyways...how bout it Wirestone, ol' pal??


Title: Re: Brian's worst vocal
Post by: Wirestone on April 27, 2012, 10:07:11 PM
Hey does anybody remember that version of "Don't Worry Baby" from 1995 where Brian sang the lead live in Las Vegas? He did it in the original key if I can remember. Anybody know if that is floating around the interwebs anywhere? Possibly? Maybe?

I'd love to hear that!

The vocal on that is 90 percent Matt Jardine. Brian is singing along but not especially audible.

Hmm, I'd still be interested in hearing that anyways...how bout it Wirestone, ol' pal??

Ha! Believe it or not, the song was on a cassette tape that fell into my hands back in the late 90s. Not sure if I even still have it. Perhaps its time for some closet cleaning.


Title: Re: Brian's worst vocal
Post by: Cabinessenceking on April 28, 2012, 05:32:21 AM
She's Got Rhythm..."Laaaaaaaaast night I went out disco dancin'". Yike's...
Worst unreleased...I'm beggin You Please"...This poor guy has been sick for such a long time now.
So glad he seems the happiest he's ever been.

^
this one


Title: Re: Brian's worst vocal
Post by: Jim V. on April 28, 2012, 11:37:25 AM
Hey does anybody remember that version of "Don't Worry Baby" from 1995 where Brian sang the lead live in Las Vegas? He did it in the original key if I can remember. Anybody know if that is floating around the interwebs anywhere? Possibly? Maybe?

I'd love to hear that!

The vocal on that is 90 percent Matt Jardine. Brian is singing along but not especially audible.

Hmm, I'd still be interested in hearing that anyways...how bout it Wirestone, ol' pal??

Ha! Believe it or not, the song was on a cassette tape that fell into my hands back in the late 90s. Not sure if I even still have it. Perhaps its time for some closet cleaning.

Fair enough. 'Tis cool. I wouldn't wreck my house looking for it. I do, however, remember it being on the interwebs at some point back in the day, because I had it. But I don't know where it went.


Title: Re: Brian's worst vocal
Post by: ♩♬🐸 Billy C ♯♫♩🐇 on April 28, 2012, 11:54:24 AM
Quote
When I played the original version of "Saturday Morning In The City" for my wife, she said it sounded like a clown with blood coming out of his mouth.

Now I just pictured BW as Pennywise from IT. :lol



Title: Re: Brian's worst vocal
Post by: NHC on April 28, 2012, 02:32:40 PM
"Don't Worry Baby" from the 1981 show. What's remarkable, though, is how he instantly switched over to an equivalent harmony when he gave up trying to hit the high notes...

Yeah, that always impressed me, like the guy still it together enough to do that mid-song. Pure instincts, I guess.


Title: Re: Brian's worst vocal
Post by: NatureShowInStereo on April 28, 2012, 09:58:37 PM
his vocal on Dont worry Baby live in 1981?

First thing that came to my mind.


Title: Re: Brian's worst vocal
Post by: Nicko1234 on April 28, 2012, 10:15:03 PM
Brian`s vocal on the `Why oh why` section of Soul Searchin` on GIOMH is horrendous. How he could be allowed by his overseers to include this instead of Carl`s original is beyond belief.


Title: Re: Brian's worst vocal
Post by: MBE on April 28, 2012, 10:42:41 PM
Well I think it's fantastic vocally.


Title: Re: Brian's worst vocal
Post by: lance on April 28, 2012, 11:13:55 PM
most of the Sweet Insanity album has pretty awful singing. I actually have grown to love most of the songs on that album, but the singing put me off of it for years.


Title: Re: Brian's worst vocal
Post by: joe_blow on April 28, 2012, 11:47:18 PM

 "Just one song please."

Probably "Just Once In My Life", where he's singing as close to flat as he can.

"Fairy Tale" is pretty crappy, too - "ever afteuuuuuuuuurrrrrrrrrrurgh".

I am always amazed when thread start asking for one song or one event or one item how quickly it is before an exception is added. In this case, one post.


Title: Re: Brian's worst vocal
Post by: lance on April 28, 2012, 11:56:16 PM
Dammit, rules are rules. :)


Title: Re: Brian's worst vocal
Post by: Iron Horse-Apples on April 29, 2012, 02:03:09 PM
"Caroline No"

Just horrible, particularly the end. "Noooooooo"

Pass the sick bag, and someone shoot those dogs!


Title: Re: Brian's worst vocal
Post by: Bean Bag on April 30, 2012, 07:56:14 AM
most of the Sweet Insanity album has pretty awful singing. I actually have grown to love most of the songs on that album, but the singing put me off of it for years.

It's been awhile since I've listened to Sweet Insanity.  It may be bad, but I don't remember it being that bad.  It sure is weird though.  I think his singing on GIOMH is perhaps his worst.  Especially since this is a released album.  It's just so sloppy.

I will say, Brian during the late 80's/early 90's is not an easy listen.  There's such a disconnect.  The emotions don't often fit, which gives off a sense of insincerity.   It makes one think that either someone like Gene Landy or perhaps the medication he was on (or both) were pushing him to do things he didn't have his heart in.  It's just so off-putting and bizarre. 

It's like the video of him singing (Night Time?) and dancing.  Was it a Dick Clark show or something? - from the late 80's.  It's just so odd.  His eyes say it all.  It's not that "nobody's home" -- but rather, they're chained up and scared.  And he's not alone...there's someone else in there (Landy?)  It's just weird and sad.  He looks terrified.

Technically, his voice had been shot since the mid-70s.  It's silkiness long gone.  But it still had a lot emotion and personality.  At least least during the 70's it was him that was home.  He was 300lbs and unbathed...but it was him nonetheless.


Title: Re: Brian's worst vocal
Post by: lance on April 30, 2012, 08:59:15 AM
Vocals on GIOMH are bad in a different way. Like I said, though, the songs on SI are actually pretty good, most of them. In my opinion. Just don't like his voice 85-95, too shouty and it sounds like he had sinus problems, or as if his voiced had changed and he wasn't accepting it.


Title: Re: Brian's worst vocal
Post by: onkster on April 30, 2012, 09:47:29 AM
Gotta disagree on SI. I think his singing is quite good sounding on that album--my issue is that the songs are mediocre at best. They're not horrible, they're just...merely OK. Which in its own way, is worse. Probably best that that album was a rehearsal for whatever was next.

I don't know if this will count, but for me, the worst vocal was the Roxy show, which they appear to have completely replaced on disk. Unless what the used was from the night I didn't see.

I kinda don't like all the discussion of Brian's "worst vocals", though here I am contributing. I need to chime in and say that since he starting really working again ('88) his vocals have generally gotten better by the year. By 2004, he sounded pretty damn good. No he doesn't have the "silky" voice of youth, but he has done remarkably well coming back from serious damage.


Title: Re: Brian's worst vocal
Post by: Jim V. on April 30, 2012, 09:57:57 AM
I think one of the main problems with the albums The Beach Boys '85 and Brian Wilson '88 is the fact that Brian seems to singing really energetically regardless of whether the song needed it. Like I said before, it would be like '60s/early '70s Brian using his "Wouldn't It Be Nice" or "Heroes And Villains" voice on songs like "Please Let Me Wonder" or "Caroline No". It wouldn't make any sense.

However, if you listen to stuff like "I'm So Lonely" or "Love And Mercy" or "Melt Away" he's using a more shouty voice. That works great on stuff like "Walkin' the Line" and "Male Ego" (yes I seriously like that one), but using that tone of voice for more reflective pieces just doesn't sound right in my opinion, and that is what keeps his debut solo album for being ever better. And let me say, I consider his first album essential for any Brian Wilson fan.

On Imagination he seemed to finally regain the ability to sing with a bit more subtlety. His vocals on things like "She Says That She Needs Me", "Lay Down Burden" and "Cry" are some of the best vocal work he'd done in probably 25 years at that point. He also sang the ballads on Live at the Roxy with great feel and subtlety. However, on Getting In Over My Head, he just sounded gruff and just bowled through the words without much thought it seemed. And on BWPS he did well on a few things, like "Wind Chimes", but he sounded pretty rough on that too. A lot of people though TLOS was a triumph vocally, but I kinda thought it was a bit rough.

However, I think he sounds great on this new Beach Boys material and look forward to his vocals on the new album.


Title: Re: Brian's worst vocal
Post by: Paulos on April 30, 2012, 01:33:04 PM
Brian worse vocal? 'Goodnight Irene', especially the verses. Terrible, just terrible.


Title: Re: Brian's worst vocal
Post by: Aegir on April 30, 2012, 02:04:04 PM
I think one of the main problems with the albums The Beach Boys '85 and Brian Wilson '88 is the fact that Brian seems to singing really energetically regardless of whether the song needed it. Like I said before, it would be like '60s/early '70s Brian using his "Wouldn't It Be Nice" or "Heroes And Villains" voice on songs like "Please Let Me Wonder" or "Caroline No". It wouldn't make any sense.
Haha, this is really a spot-on description.


Title: Re: Brian's worst vocal
Post by: I. Spaceman on April 30, 2012, 02:25:15 PM
"I'm Telling You Please" is the worst.


Title: Re: Brian's worst vocal
Post by: hypehat on May 25, 2012, 03:11:05 AM
"I'm Telling You Please" is the worst.

What is it with everybody's hate of this song? It's a charming scrap of a song with nice chords, a neat lyric and gruff Brian in the 80's singing it....


Title: Re: Brian's worst vocal
Post by: MBE on May 25, 2012, 04:12:01 AM
"I'm Telling You Please" is the worst.

What is it with everybody's hate of this song? It's a charming scrap of a song with nice chords, a neat lyric and gruff Brian in the 80's singing it....
It's from 1978 and Brian sounds in pain the last 40 seconds. I never heard him struggle that bad elsewhere.


Title: Re: Brian's worst vocal
Post by: The Heartical Don on May 25, 2012, 05:31:38 AM
Brian worse vocal? 'Goodnight Irene', especially the verses. Terrible, just terrible.

You have a point. He sounds so 'pinched', so compressed, so thin, and sometimes so much gasping for air...


Title: Re: Brian's worst vocal
Post by: Sheriff John Stone on May 25, 2012, 05:53:21 AM
"Daddy's Little Girl". I wonder what the movie's director (or whoever) thought when Brian delivered that one.


Title: Re: Brian's worst vocal
Post by: MBE on May 25, 2012, 05:56:33 AM
"Daddy's Little Girl". I wonder what the movie's director (or whoever) thought when Brian delivered that one.
Yeah I was shocked at his voice when I heard that. 1975-77 was way better.


Title: Re: Brian's worst vocal
Post by: Runaways on May 25, 2012, 06:22:02 AM
Nighttime is pretty bad


Title: Re: Brian's worst vocal
Post by: ♩♬🐸 Billy C ♯♫♩🐇 on May 25, 2012, 07:24:38 AM
"I'm Telling You Please" is the worst.

It's 'I'm Begging You Please', and yes, it's dire.


Title: Re: Brian's worst vocal
Post by: runnersdialzero on May 25, 2012, 07:47:00 AM
I like his vocal on "I'm Begging You Please" ;( I also enjoy the song, although obviously a better job could be done of the vocal and such. I wonder if Brianne ever even finished it.


Title: Re: Brian's worst vocal
Post by: FatherOfTheMan Sr101 on May 25, 2012, 08:16:37 AM
Goin to The Chapel.

One thing I never got about the 81/82 Beach Boys, why let Brian have such an active part in the show?? You couldn't tell how bad he was?!? He sounded awful and didn't really care, did they expect him to belt out Dont Worry Baby like it was 1964 magically one night?? By that point, the BB with or without Brian would have sold tickets.

Simple - no Carl.

THIS. IS. WHY. THEY. NEED. CARL.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K3PdP7ikQZM


Title: Re: Brian's worst vocal
Post by: runnersdialzero on May 25, 2012, 08:24:54 AM
Goin to The Chapel.

One thing I never got about the 81/82 Beach Boys, why let Brian have such an active part in the show?? You couldn't tell how bad he was?!? He sounded awful and didn't really care, did they expect him to belt out Dont Worry Baby like it was 1964 magically one night?? By that point, the BB with or without Brian would have sold tickets.

Simple - no Carl.

THIS. IS. WHY. THEY. NEED. CARL.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K3PdP7ikQZM

The lip sync was totally obvious anyway, so hay, may as well have Brian do it just as the icing on the cake.


Title: Re: Brian's worst vocal
Post by: FatherOfTheMan Sr101 on May 25, 2012, 08:27:44 AM
Yeah, but Carl wouldn't have done that. Hahaaa


Title: Re: Brian's worst vocal
Post by: groganb on May 25, 2012, 08:44:06 AM
"She's Got Rhythm." Easy. Ouch, sez me.


Title: Re: Brian's worst vocal
Post by: runnersdialzero on May 25, 2012, 10:45:14 AM
Yeah, but Carl wouldn't have done that. Hahaaa

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fFP5-el8XfQ (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fFP5-el8XfQ)


Title: Re: Brian's worst vocal
Post by: joe_blow on May 25, 2012, 11:10:43 AM
Probably "Just Once In My Life", where he's singing as close to flat as he can.

"Fairy Tale" is pretty crappy, too - "ever afteuuuuuuuuurrrrrrrrrrurgh".

That's two!


Having sad that, I would go for Let's Put Our Hearts Together.