Circa 1995, Brian was arguably a bigger name than the band. That may have complicated things. It was cool to like BW, less so the other guys. He was cooler than the other guys.

Honestly, that doesn't make much sense to me, Brian was always the number 1 guy in charge straight from the beginning.

There were a number of years/eras where Brian was either literally not there, or not all there emotionally/performance-wise. Certainly when it comes to live touring.

Brian in 1979 or 1980 wasn't in charge of anything. He was a stage decoration.

And there are of course a million layers to all of that stuff. But rightly or wrongly, by whatever circumstance, there was definitely an element of the band potentially having moments of resentment because they were schlepping out on tour (and sometimes in the studio) while Brian was either not there at all, or was in rough shape (78-82), or perhaps even more grating, post-Landy '83 through 1990 Brian would mostly only show up for high profile gigs and TV appearances (and on rare occasions was a fill-in for one of the other guys).

I'm not defending the guys being antagonistic or resentful or whatever in that 90s time frame. But between Landy, and the nasty stuff written about them in the "autobiography", and then Brian not being there much (literally not at all on stage between mid-1990 and 1995), these are all things that may have played into various strains of estrangement/resentment/awkwardness.

And again I refer back to Bruce's interview with Howie Edelson, where Bruce opines that the two Paley tracks weren't that great, and that he felt as through *he* (and the other guys) were the ones doing *Brian* a favor by being there and singing on it. That seems totally asinine to me (Brian hands you two great songs, but what are you doing to do instead, another AC remix of Stamos's "Forever"?), but it's an important insight into the attitude at least some of the guys had about Brian and Brian material in 1995.

Bruce interview with Howie? I don't remember seeing or hearing that. You sure you don't mean the Peter Ames Carlin? I remember reading some stuff from Bruce (or was it Mike?) in his biography of Brian. Anyways, if there is a digital copy of that Bruce interview, would you be willing to pass it on?

Actually, I think if Mike were to really let loose on how he feels about working with Brian today, you guys would be even more enraged.

And how would you feel about this? Would you think it was neat-o?! That he was a badass for “telling it like it is man”? You enjoy a man in his 80s throwing a diss out there against his band mate? Well I’ll tell you, if older men hating on his former mates is your thing, you’ll love this band called Pink Floyd and it’s bassist Roger Waters.

Paradise Found is a rather lovely track. A minor classic in the weird, limited world of early 80s Beach Boy music.

Definitely the best song on the album. Either that or "Be My Baby" but I don't know if I'd call it a minor classic. A pretty good song though.

The album is back up on streaming sites.

The company behind this release—43 North Broadway—is one of the intellectual property vultures that has gained notoriety in the last few years from buying up defunct independent labels and then putting out these slipshod digital releases. They must have acquired Boardwalk’s assets at some point. Probably can safely assume that Mike/the BBs’ camp/Iconic had nothing to do with the release. Haven’t fully taken the time to examine this new digital version of LBWL but I think I’ve already noticed the left and right channels have been swapped from the original release.

Also if you, "Big Daddy," know this or any of the other posters on here, does the digital version actually have reversed stereo channels from the original release? I know it would mean listening to two versions of this album in succession to find it, but does anybody know?

So anyways, now that I have more time I have to admit that I'm kinda stunned Dean is getting a second "solo" compilation. Good for him. And of course I'll be happy to have digital copies of rare stuff like the Our Gang stuff and The Laughing Gravy b-side.

Also as I kinda mentioned elsewhere, I wonder if Mike or Bruce has been offered a deal to do a set like this on Omnivore. I think honestly those could be kinda worthwhile if done with care.

Dean was a genius and a visionary with Music Packaging & Graphics.

He's done some nice album art, but I think we throw around the word genius in the world these days just a bit too much. Am I wrong?

[Carnival Of Sound]

I’m actually really happy this is getting released. Some cool California music history in here.

Dean's production of "Louisiana Man" taking Jan's original track from before the accident and adding some overdubs) is fantastic. Imo better that Jan's version from "Carnivall of Sound". It's very much in style with Jan's "Norwegian Wood" production and others. Really, really good.

I absolutely prefer the way Dean finished it over what got released on Carnival Of Sound. That’s one of the reasons why I’m glad this set is coming out.

I’m a bit busy right now but planning on commenting a bit more on this set later when I get time.

[Pacific Ocean Blue]

The basic track was dated March 21 1973, but that was probably erroneous and meant to be 1974. Dennis added his vocal on August 20 1974. There isn't another version from 1977, as far as I know.

Andrew Doe's site lists recording taking place on October 18, 1977 for "My Love Lives On", "Something New" and "10,000 Years Ago." I wonder if maybe this is a mistake then?

Interesting. Based on how he sounds, I would havevthought 1977 or later for the vocal.

I feel absolutely the same way. He sounds gravelly, immediately making me think it was from the Pacific Ocean Blue sessions or later. But perhaps it is indeed '74. He does sound pretty rough (in a good way) on "Barnyard Blues" as well, which is also a '74 cut. So who knows?

[Made In California]

Does anybody know when the released version was recorded? It definitely sounds like later Dennis vocal, but I see sessions for it in 1974 and 1977. I assume these are different versions? Or was work on the '74 version continued in '77? Anybody know?

I know this might just be resolved by looking at the liner notes for Made In California, but honestly I don't remember if recording dates were even listed in there.

[Use Your Illusion]

This was also a different time as well. In the early to mid ‘90s, artists seemed to “work” albums for years. Take for instance, Guns N’ Roses Use Your Illusion albums or Alanis Morrissette’s Jagged Little Pill album. You could have these albums that would have anywhere from maybe four to seven singles and/or music videos supported by tours that could last like three years. And with The Beach Boys, what else were they gonna do? So they pushed that garbage hoping against hope that one of those dinky Summer In Paradise songs might take off somehow and they’d be onto a new wave of their career. I also think possibly that’s what Carl didn’t wanna do a new Brian-helmed album. He knew that they were gonna have new top-40 singles with a Brian Wilson production. I’m not sure he knew what was hip in rock or pop but I’m sure he listened to adult contemporary music and thought that it was unlikely that “You’re Still A Mystery” or “Soul Searchin’” would work in that scene. Although, by ‘97 you have Dylan releasing what’s thought to be his best album in years and you had the Beatles’ revival and reunion. So maybe he judged incorrectly.

Or maybe I’m just off base. We will never know I suppose.

[Summer In Paradise]

I always cringe when I see  TWGMTR "top 5" in a post. If the album had been the mega-hit that kind of chart peak implies, the Beach Boys and Brian/Al would still be performing those songs today. Yes, the album had a great first week on the charts, but let's not fool ourselves, it wasn't Summer Days and Summer Nights part 2. How much airplay did any of those songs get? There's wasn't a Getcha Back size hit on the album, let alone a California Girls or Kokomo.
On the other end of the spectrum, it shocked me and stunned me how many years the group was pushing SIP material in their shows. How long had KTSA songs stayed in the setlists? Rock 'N' Roll to the Rescue? BB85 songs other than Getcha Back? Yet the group kept pushing this pathetic album, year after year. Maybe that's what killed Carl.

Sorry Lonely, but it was a top 5 album. Did you have a top 5 album before? Did any of your friends? It was a nice accomplishment either way. People were excited for the album and bought it. If it was a collection of remakes featuring The Beach Boys with Bruno Mars and Locash, I'm willing to wager it wouldn't have gotten that high on the charts. People knew it was a new album featuring Brian Wilson. It mattered and it sold. Can't say the same of of Summer In Paradise, not selling enough to likely get in the top 500.

Sorry. I know the era was what it was, as far as physical copies of albums, but this is group that had albums chart at 151 or whatever just years after having massive hits. So yeah, the chart placement was a big deal. If Mike Love had an album chart at number 5 today, you and drbeachboy and whoever would be throwing a party at the Endless Summer Forum.

So, did it sell more than the Titanic soundtrack or Rumours? No. But it did well. Just as McCartney's latter day albums have been doing. Or whoever's.

I give maybe the Nate Ruess take on "Hold on Dear Brother" a pass, both because it wasn't really a "tribute" show, and hearing Brian's band nail that song was worth it. And even if Ruess found the song just for the show, it's at least an inspired choice. (Though one wonders if someone else threw the song at him for consideration).

I think it’s more likely than not that Nate was very, very familiar with “Hold On Dear Brother” and the Carl and the Passions album. I was a pretty big fan of Nate’s band The Format (which was his group before he achieved more mainstream notoriety with his band fun.) and they wore their influences pretty heavily on their sleeves as far as I remember, definitely name checking Paul and Linda McCartney’s RAM and Nilsson. I’m nearly positive that they cited Brian as a major influence. So yeah, very likely hit knew that material very well.

You know, before this tour I never saw Brian wear a cap, no matter what time of day the show was or how hot. I think the only time (besides the fireman helmet) was him wearing a Kangol hat in like 1965 or so. Nothing to me pointing that out , but just saying it never occurred to me  til last month. It’s like seeing that photo of Carl in 1977 when he had shaved (and he had stubble). Just looked *different*

Brian had a cap on at some of the shows? I never saw that. Any pics?

Brian has said in interviews that the idea of growing old and dying scares the crap out of him. He really did not look happy in that video in which the members of Chicago presented him with the birthday cake. And that break might be when he was able to ruminate and it may have really hit him then.

Man. I was gonna start a thread a few weeks ago kinda saying something similar to this. I guess I either decided against it or forgot about it. But anyways yeah, I feel like that may be a reason why Brian has seemed so sad lately.

I mean, I get it. I'm 38, but I've felt like the above probably since like age 11. And knowing it's something that has concerned Brian for a long time, I'm sure it must mean something at 80. I guess, y'know maybe it's easier for the Mike Loves of the world, the Al Pacinos, the Paul McCartneys. They are all over 80, but none seem to act as if there is anything to worry about any time soon. Maybe they do and we don't know. We are all complicated people to put it simply.

They just played the slightly alternate single mix of "In My Car."

There is a single mix of “In My Car”? Where’s that available?

[M.I.U.]

Well, M.I.U. of course had the TV special, as did Keepin' The Summer Alive.

I remember the M.I.U. one was "Our Team" and the KTSA one was called "Goin' Platinum" or something.

I will say it doesn't seem like The Beach Boys were very well promoted from Smiley Smile through Holland. The labels just didn't seem to be doing it. However with everything from 15 Big Ones through That's Why God Made The Radio, every album outside of Love You got quite the push. I mean, any group that got a TV special, especially in the '70s and early '80s when there just weren't a ton of choices on the TV, you had to be happy.

Now, why Love You didn't get that push might've come down to the their new contract with CBS at the time, which I'm sure didn't make Warners very happy. And while I consider Love You a top Brian Wilson / Beach Boys album, I'm just not sure I can see a world where that thing ever sells a bunch, even with expert promotion.

Well, maybe one other album didn't get a ton of promotion, but I really can't speak on it. L.A. (Light Album)? I know they definitely did some personal publicity with personal signings and what not, but how heavily was it promoted? I mean, as their first record for CBS I'd assume they put a lot into it, but I honestly don't know / can't remember.

Happy birthday to you Brian!!! What a guy!


Also my jaw dropped when I saw Dylan in that video.

Does anyone have info about what is actually out there that is included on this article? I don't remember finding and hearing half of this stuff, like a Brian sung "Our Sweet Love"?

https://www.laweekly.com/brian-wilsons-secret-bedroom-tapes-a-track-by-track-description/

Hey, I don’t know if you ever figured this out, but I’m pretty sure that a so-called “Brian sung” version of “Our Sweet Love” is just the song as he left it before Al and Carl got their hands on it.

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

And that is basically it, I’d say.

Thanks a lot for all your comments!

I agree, nobody actually replaced Carl and became a full/core member of the Beach Boys. Nobody replaced Dennis and became a core member either. I think the only time this happened was when Bruce replaced Brian. Although Brian still contributed to the band with compositions and occasional appearances.

I think when Dennis died the loss was not so apparent as with Carl. He didn't sing. He was important in a more subtle way, having brought the surfing theme to the band. He also added credibility, having surfed himself.

For me the Beach Boys died the day Carl died. He sang the lead on some of their signature songs, and his voice was so beautiful. I think he also had a stabilizing presence, which was needed with all the arguing going on between the band members. IMHO he also had a lot of charisma on stage.

I felt the same way for a long time. I had last seen the group in 1991; then SIP came out, and I just felt "if this is the best they can do, it's not worth bothering with them anymore". Of course, when Carl died, I immediately regretted not having seen them for several years. And then I stubbornly refused to see Mike's group when they came to down. I did go see Brian once, early 00's, but I found it depressing to see him on stage at the same venue where I had seen the group so many times. I kept thinking "Mike, Al and Bruce should be singing these songs with him".
People kept telling me I should go see Mike's Beach Boys; finally decided to give them a chance back in 2019 - and I loved it. No, it's not the original Beach Boys, the original Beach Boys can never be, because two of them are gone. Mike has some strong talent on the stage with him, though. I'm glad they are touring today - and thankful I don't have to mortage my house to buy concert tickets.

So it was depressing to see Brian without the other guys even though it was billed as a performance by Brian Wilson, but you loved seeing Mike and Bruce. Now of course, we like what we like, but it's odd.

I would just like to mention I saw Mike's group earlier this year. The have a lot of energy and play a good show, only really dragged down by goop like from Mike's solo records like "Pisces Brothers" and "Here Comes the Sun," which to me don't seem to have a place at a Beach Boys show. But on up-tempo stuff Mike can really bring. Bruce does a passable "Disney Girls" but his lead vocals otherwise are anemic, and when he recreates his parts on the tags of "God Only Knows" and "California Girls" live, it really is quite a thrill, but he's basically useless as a band member otherwise. He's more of a Ed McMahon figure to Mike Love's Johnny Carson than anything, not really providing the crowd with much besides another guy on stage who is actually a Beach Boy.

Alls I know is Howie confirmed Brian’s “Sail On Sailor” demo. So to hear that, it’s gonna be weird. In fact I’m not sure if I really want to hear it. Definitely sounded like an emotionally painful time for Brian.

This looks like a great starter set for a new fan.

I do have to say that I'm disappointed (but obviously not surprised) that we couldn't have gotten a new track or two from the guys. I guess the chances of a real reunion are probably not great.

Also, count me as a little annoyed at all the new stereo remixes. It was neat in the late '90s and early '00s, but now we have to be on like fourth stereo remixes for some of these songs, right? But nobody's forcing me to buy this, although I'm nearly positive I will. Cuz I'm me.

[Holland]

I don't buy for a second that a Don Goldberg lead would have ever ended up on a Beach Boys album. I'd totally buy Brian talked about it as an idea for five minutes, but it would have never happened.

Hmm. So you're assumption is its more of an everyday guy doing the whole "my brush with greatness" thing and kinda inflating what may have been an offhand remark of Brian's for something serious (e.g. "Out in the Country" with his lead vocal appearing on a Beach Boys album).

Brian primarily wrote, produced, played on (as did Carl), and sang on Out in the Country, and the sessions were funded with the Beach Boys as the artist. The only material difference between it and Tree is that one was released on an album in the 70s.

Goldberg's vocal was intended as a scratch while the song sat in stasis, apparently meant to be replaced by a Beach Boy until Brian came up with the scheme to have him guest on the album. If an unfinished backing track with no vocal doesn't disqualify something from a Beach Boys release, I don't really see why Don singing on it should. Very different situation to Fading Love Song - OITC is an important piece of the time period, especially with the later remake in Holland. As much went into that production as the rest of So Tough. The 2014 CopEx set and Smile Sessions included Larry Denton and Jasper Dailey tracks that were never even aimed at the group.

Great points Will. If we got Jasper Dailey and Larry Denton stuff, why not? Also, it is interesting that you point out that the group also recorded a version of "Out in the Country" during the Holland sessions, which surely ties it closer to The Beach Boys than some random Larry Denton vocal. If indeed Don Goldberg's version of events is indeed accurate, I think it's likely we see some version of the Carl and the Passions-era recording.

Yeah, this song is good, if you think absolute sh*t is good.

[Carl and the Passions]

Also, when Goldberg put out those three songs on YouTube however many years ago, some and probably all of the recordings (certainly "Sweet and Bitter") had overdubs on them that clearly took place *years* after the early 70s sessions that Goldberg had done with the BBs. "Sweet and Bitter" was probably the most obvious, as most of it sounded much more late 70s/early 80s than early 70s.

In any event, I know someone at some point in the past was thinking the two tracks with Goldberg on lead might surface on a future BB set, but I highly doubt it. I don't need "Fading Love Song" on a BB set.

"Sweet and Bitter" was by far the most interesting track of the three ("Out in the Country" might be more interesting if a BB recording didn't also already exist), and the only one that needs to be released on a "Beach Boys" product.

You don't believe that the version of  "Out in the Country" which was apparently cut for inclusion on the Carl and the Passions album, albeit with a lead vocal apparently by Don Goldberg, should be on the upcoming set focusing on the Blondie and Ricky era of the group? By my qualifications, this is as much of a Beach Boys song as "A Day in the Life of a Tree" if Brian intended for it to feature on a Beach Boys album.

[MISC TRACKS 1971]

So make fun of me if you want, but I bought all 5 of the MISC TRACKS 1971 release, all separately as that cost less than buying the "set" for $9.99 or whatever it was.

Funny thing is though, I got a refund from Bandcamp today. So are we sure this was indeed sanctioned by Brother Records? I just think it's interesting they didn't keep my money if it was something on the level.

Telephone Backgrounds reminds me a lot of Carnival of Light.  Similar vein.  I'm also willing to bet Rooftop Harry isn't too dissimilar.

You've heard "Carnival of Light"? No way. I will say, as a massive Beatles fan (big surprise) that I expect nothing out of that "song" and really don't care if it's released.

"Rooftop Harry," on the other hand, from descriptions sounds like it should be an actual song. Doubtful it's anywhere near complete, but still.