Summer In Paradise is just a tragic record period! The entire album was recorded using Pro Tools on a Macintosh Quadra computer, being one of the first albums to do so. Musically, it continued in the vein of The Beach Boys and Still Cruisin'. The entire rhythm section was electronic on most songs, with all the drum parts being programmed and most of the bass parts being synthesized as well.

The only band member to actually play was Bruce Johnston, although Terry Melcher played many keyboard parts, and Van Dyke Parks played accordion on two tracks.  Al Jardine's son Adam did sing backup vocals on the title track, and touring musician Adrian Baker contributed background vocals.

The album sold very badly (reportedly less than 1,000 copies) and was received less favorably than any album put out by the band to date. Critics attacked the album upon release and are still going at it today. In their book "The Beach Boys and Brian Wilson: The Complete Guide to Their Music", Andrew G. Doe and John Tobler call the album "the absolute nadir of their recording career", "pointless, vapid and soulless" and "utterly disposable" (the latter in reference to the songs). In "Catch a Wave", Peter Ames Carlin speaks especially disparagingly about "Summer of Love", referencing its overtly sexual lyrics.

The band never again released an album of original material. The last official group project was Stars and Stripes Vol. 1, an album of Beach Boys classics performed by country stars with the Boys on backup vocals.

And there endeth the lesson!

The '72-72 lineup:

Mike Love - lead vocals
Carl Wilson - lead guitar, vocals
Blondie Chaplin - bass, vocals
Al Jardine - guitar, vocals
Dennis Wilson - keyboards, vocals
Ricky Fataar - keyboards, drums, vocals
Brian Wilson - keyboards, bass, vocals (only in the studio)

The '73-74 lineup: By the end of '74 Both Fatarr and Chaplin had left the band

Mike Love - lead vocals
Carl Wilson - lead guitar, vocals
Al Jardine - guitar, vocals
Dennis Wilson - keyboards, vocals
Ricky Fataar - keyboards, drums, vocals
Brian Wilson - no longer involved in the studio

The '74-'76 lineup:

Mike Love - lead vocals
Carl Wilson - lead guitar, vocals
Al Jardine - guitar, vocals
Brian Wilson - keyboards, bass, vocals (also on stage)
Dennis Wilson - keyboards, vocals, drums
Bobby Figueroa - drums

The '76-'78 lineup:

Mike Love - lead vocals
Carl Wilson - lead guitar, vocals
Al Jardine - guitar, vocals
Bobby Figueroa - drums
Brian Wilson - bass, keyboards, vocals (also on stage)
Dennis Wilson - keyboards, vocals, drums

The '78-'83 lineup:

Mike Love - lead vocals
Carl Wilson - lead guitar, vocals
Al Jardine - guitar, vocals
Bruce Johnston - bass, keyboards, vocals
Bobby Figueroa - drums
Brian Wilson - bass, keyboards, vocals (also on stage)
Dennis Wilson - keyboards, vocals, drums


Though not corporate members of The Beach Boys, supporting players have featured many notable musicians over the years. Keyboard players Daryl Dragon & Toni Tennille, later famous as the pop duo The Captain & Tennille, toured with the band. Carli Muñoz, who had been playing keyboards with the band since 1970, in 1971 replaced Daryl Dragon as keyboard player until 1979. Mike Meros took over the position from May 1, 1979 to July 4th, 2000. Drummer Mike Kowalski and bassist/guitarist Ed Carter were two of the first outside musicians to join the group in 1969. Percussionist/drummer Bobby Figueroa was added in the mid-seventies until the end of 1987. Adrian Baker joined the band in 1981 as a vocalist/guitarist and left sometime in mid-1982. Jeff Foskett came aboard in early 1982 as a guitarist and vocalist and played his last show with the group on the night of July 4th, 1990. There was a stretch of time in 1981 and 1982 where both Jeff Foskett and Adrian Baker were in the band. Foskett was generally filling in for Carl's harmony parts, while he was away, while Baker did the falsetto vocals. Foskett is currently a member of Brian Wilson's group. Adrian Baker re-joined the band in 1989 to 1993 as a vocalist/guitarist. Saxman John Renner was added in the Summer of 1991 for live sax on Kokomo and others. John Renner was replaced in 1992 by Ritchie Cannata, one of Billy Joel's early live band and record saxophone players. Billy Hinsche, of Dino, Desi, & Billy fame, was also a longtime member of the supporting band throughout the '70s, '80s and '90s. Matt Jardine, son of Beach Boy Al Jardine also joined the band in 1989 through 1998 as singer / percussionist. In 1998, Adrian Baker re-joined the band (for a record-breaking third time) in 1998 until 2004. Randell Kirsch replaced Baker in 2004 to present as falsetto vocalist/guitarist. Nashville musician John Foster temporarily filled in on falsetto vocals and guitar between Baker's tenure and the addition of Kirsch. John Cowsill, an original member of the 1960s pop band The Cowsills, has been a vocalist/keyboardist since 1999. John Cowsill, replaced Mike Kowalski as the group's full time drummer in late 2007, leaving his secondary keyboard spot vacant.

And that sums it up!

 

 

John Cowsill singing Darlin sounds like well John Cowsill! If that's what Beach Boys fans want to listen to then listen to it. I have not seen Mike Love and Bruce Johnston's touring band nor will I. I have not seen the Beach Boys since about a year before Carl passed away. When Carl passed away The Beach Boys as a whole passed away. You could say that when Dennis passed away the heart of the Beach Boys passed away as well. It's a tragic story but Mike being Mike never seen it that way! Mike has created nothing on his own. Dennis, Carl, and Brian were creative outside of the Beach Boys! Oh and I do not Consider Looking Back With Love filled with bad remakes a creative talent. Besides Mike couldn't even write the title track to his own solo effort.   

Let's talk Pacific Ocean Blue! Released in '77 Dennis Wilson shined through the '70's lending his songs to Beach Boys albums that were essentially much better with Dennis' songs. Take a look at the personnel Dennis had on this album and the result was just an absolutely great production! Dennis RIP you have been missed by millions!



Personnel
Dennis Wilson — Strings, Drums, Keyboards, Vocals, Producer
Carli Munoz — Piano, Keyboards, Moog synthesizer, percussion, Producer
Carl Wilson — Lead guitar, Vocals
Bruce Johnston — background Vocals
Hal Blaine — Drums
Chuck Domanico — Bass
Ricky Fataar — Drums
John Hanlon — Guitar, Engineer
Gregg Jakobson — Producer
James Jamerson — Bass
Earle Mankey — Guitar, Engineer
Dean Torrence — Background Vocals
Steven Moffitt — Chief Engineer
Michael Andreas — Horn
Lance Buller — Horn
Sterling Smith — Keyboards
Tommy Smith — Drums
Dave Hessler — Bass
Ed Carter — Bass, Guitar
Bobby Figueroa — Drums
Wayne Tweed — Bass
Manolo Badrena — Percussion
Janice Hubbard — Horn
Bill Lamb — Horn
Charles McCarthy — Horn
Stephen Moffitt — Engineer
Eddie Tuleja — Guitar, Vocals
Sid Sharp — Live strings ensemble
Alexander Hamilton's Double Rock Baptist Choir

Carl and the Passions So Tough was the 2nd album of a two album release of Pet Sounds in '72 and consists of eight tracks. Gone is Bruce Johnston and joined are Ricky Fatarr and Blondie Chaplin. Still So Tough managed to hit #50 in the US and #25 in the UK.

You Need a Mess of Help to Stand Alone" (Brian Wilson/Jack Rieley) – 3:27
Features Carl Wilson on lead vocals
"Here She Comes" (Ricky Fataar/Blondie Chaplin) – 5:10
Features Ricky Fataar and Blondie Chaplin on lead vocals
"He Come Down" (Brian Wilson/Al Jardine/Mike Love) – 4:41
Features Mike Love, Blondie Chaplin, Al Jardine, and Carl Wilson on lead vocals
"Marcella" (Brian Wilson/Tandyn Almer/Jack Rieley) – 3:54
Features Carl Wilson and Mike Love on lead vocals
"Hold On Dear Brother" (Ricky Fataar/Blondie Chaplin) – 4:43
Features Blondie Chaplin on lead vocals
"Make It Good" (Dennis Wilson/Daryl Dragon) – 2:36
Features Dennis Wilson on lead vocals
"All This Is That" (Alan Jardine/Carl Wilson/Mike Love) – 4:00
Features Carl Wilson, Alan Jardine and Mike Love on lead vocals
"Cuddle Up" (Dennis Wilson/Daryl Dragon) – 5:30
Features Dennis Wilson on lead vocals

Singles
"You Need a Mess of Help to Stand Alone" b/w "Cuddle Up" (Brother 1091), 15 May 1972
"Marcella" b/w "Hold On Dear Brother" (Brother 1101), 26 June 1972) US #110
Carl and the Passions – "So Tough" is now paired on CD with Holland.

Carl and the Passions – "So Tough" (Brother/Reprise 2MS 2083) hit #50 in the US during a 20 week chart stay. It reached #25 in the UK.

Friends is the 14th studio album of the Beach Boys. Released in June of '68 the album  takes full advantage a very talented Dennis Wilson on "Be Still" and "Little Bird. Still a very talented band the Beach Boys sound continues to shine. Interestingly Friends only managed to hit #126 in the US but was highly successful in the UK hitting #13. Mike was MIA for most of the album to concentrate on transcendental meditation. Mike returned in March '68 to complete his vocal sessions.   

Side one
"Meant for You" (Brian Wilson/Mike Love) – 0:38
Features Mike Love on lead vocals
"Friends" (Brian Wilson/Carl Wilson/Dennis Wilson/Al Jardine) – 2:30
Features Carl Wilson on lead vocals
"Wake the World" (Brian Wilson/Al Jardine) – 1:28
Features Brian Wilson and Carl Wilson on lead vocals
"Be Here in the Mornin' " (Brian Wilson/Carl Wilson/Mike Love/Dennis Wilson/Al Jardine) – 2:16
Features Alan Jardine [sped-up], Brian Wilson and Carl Wilson on lead vocals
"When a Man Needs a Woman" (Brian Wilson/Dennis Wilson/Carl Wilson/Al Jardine/Steve Korthof/Jon Parks) – 2:06
Features Brian Wilson on lead vocals
"Passing By" (Brian Wilson) – 2:23
Features Brian Wilson and Al Jardine on lead vocals

Side two
"Anna Lee, the Healer" (Brian Wilson/Mike Love) – 1:51
Features Mike Love on lead vocals
"Little Bird" (Dennis Wilson/Steve Kalinich/Brian Wilson [uncredited]) – 1:57
Features Dennis Wilson on lead vocals
"Be Still" (Dennis Wilson/Steve Kalinich) – 1:22
Features Dennis Wilson on lead vocals
"Busy Doin' Nothin'" (Brian Wilson) – 3:04
Features Brian Wilson on lead vocals
"Diamond Head" (Al Vescovo/Lyle Ritz/Jim Ackley/Brian Wilson) – 3:37
Instrumental
"Transcendental Meditation" (Brian Wilson/Mike Love/Al Jardine) – 1:49
Features Brian Wilson on lead vocals

Foreign editions
The Australian release of Friends had "Good Vibrations" replace "Diamond Head" on Side 2.

The Japanese release of Friends added "Do It Again" as the first song on Side 2.

Singles
"Friends" b/w "Little Bird" (Capitol 2160), 8 April 1968 US #47; UK #25
"Wake the World" featured as the B-side of "Do It Again"

The Beach Boy Today hit #6 on the charts and enjoyed a 50 week run. It shows the Beach Boys growing up. Their sound is beginning to change. Brian had to go outside of the Beach Boys in '64 with Don't Worry Baby since Mike did not want to stray from the forumula even a few years before Pet Sounds.

  Side one
"Do You Wanna Dance?" (Bobby Freeman) – 2:19
Features Dennis Wilson on lead vocals
"Good to My Baby" – 2:16
Features Brian Wilson and Mike Love on lead vocals
"Don't Hurt My Little Sister" – 2:07
Features Mike Love and Brian Wilson on lead vocals
"When I Grow Up (To Be a Man)" – 2:01
Features Mike Love and Brian Wilson on lead vocals
This song is used during the opening credits of the 2009 American comedy-drama Men of a Certain Age
"Help Me, Ronda" – 3:08
Features Al Jardine on lead vocals; this is the original version. Brian Wilson re-recorded a different arrangement of "Ronda," changed the spelling of her name to "Rhonda," and released it as the Beach Boys' next single.
"Dance, Dance, Dance" (Brian Wilson/Carl Wilson/Mike Love) – 1:59
Features Mike Love and Brian Wilson on lead vocals

Side two
"Please Let Me Wonder" – 2:45
Features Brian Wilson and Mike Love on lead vocals
"I'm So Young" (William H. Tyrus Jr.) – 2:30
Features Brian Wilson on lead vocals
"Kiss Me, Baby" – 2:35
Features Mike Love and Brian Wilson on lead vocals
"She Knows Me Too Well" – 2:27
Features Brian Wilson on lead vocals
"In the Back of My Mind" – 2:07
Features Dennis Wilson on lead vocals
"Bull Session with the "Big Daddy"" (Brian Wilson/Carl Wilson/Mike Love/Al Jardine) – 2:10
Group interview with Earl Leaf. Marilyn Wilson also appears briefly, but Alan Jardine is absent.

Singles
"When I Grow Up" b/w "She Knows Me Too Well" (Capitol 5245), 17 August 1964 US #9; UK #27
"Dance, Dance, Dance" b/w "The Warmth of the Sun" (from Shut Down Volume 2) (Capitol 5306), 26 October 1964 US #8; UK #24
"Do You Wanna Dance?" b/w "Please Let Me Wonder" (Capitol 5372), 8 February 1965 US #12 ("Please Let Me Wonder" US #52)
"Kiss Me, Baby" featured as the B-side to "Help Me, Rhonda"

The Christmas Album of '64 contained a great mixture of Beach Boys songs and traditional songs. Brian sang awesome leads on Blue and White Christmas. It plays in our house every holiday and stands the test of time every year. 

Surfin Safari peaked at #37 on the charts and had a 37 week run. All of the instruments are played by the 5 Beach Boys and shows their raw talent but great talent non the less.

Orginal recordings were all within '61-'62 in a year and a half span. I have always liked the raw sound!

"Luau" (Bruce Morgan) – 1:46
"Surfin'" (Brian Wilson/Mike Love) – 2:31
"Studio Chatter" – 0:16
"Surfin'" (Brian Wilson/Mike Love) – 2:29
"Studio Chatter" – 0:07
"Surfin'" (Brian Wilson/Mike Love) – 2:21
"Studio Chatter" – 0:23
"Luau" (Bruce Morgan) – 1:50
"Luau" (Bruce Morgan) – 1:49
"Barbie" (Bruce Morgan) – 2:23
"What Is a Young Girl Made Of" (Bruce Morgan) – 2:18
"Surfin' Safari" (Brian Wilson/Mike Love) – 2:06
"Studio Chatter" – 0:20
"Surfin' Safari" (Brian Wilson/Mike Love) – 2:05
"Studio Chatter" – 1:00
"Surfer Girl" (Brian Wilson) – 2:26
"Judy" (Brian Wilson) – 2:22
"Judy" (Brian Wilson) – 2:21
"Beach Boys Stomp (A.K.A. Karate)" (Carl Wilson) – 2:15
"Surfin' Safari" (Brian Wilson/Mike Love) – 2:09
"Lavender" (Bruce Morgan) – 2:31
 

Surfin' USA peaked at #2 on the charts and had a 78 week run on the charts. I like the raw sound the best. This album would sound great back in '63 if the Beach Boys were playing in a garage party!

 Side one
# Title Writer(s) Lead Vocals Length
1. "Surfin' USA"   Brian Wilson/Chuck Berry Mike Love 2:27
2. "Farmer's Daughter"   B. Wilson/Love B. Wilson 1:49
3. "Misirlou"   Roubanis/Wise/Leeds/Russell instrumental 2:03
4. "Stoked"   B. Wilson instrumental 1:59
5. "Lonely Sea"   B. Wilson/Gary Usher B. Wilson 2:21
6. "Shut Down"   B. Wilson/Roger Christian Love 1:49

Side two
# Title Writer(s) Lead Vocals Length
1. "Noble Surfer"   B. Wilson/Love Love 1:51
2. "Honky Tonk"   Doggett/Scott/Butler/Sheper/Glover instrumental 2:01
3. "Lana"   B. Wilson B. Wilson 1:39
4. "Surf Jam"   Carl Wilson instrumental 2:10
5. "Let's Go Trippin'"   Dick Dale instrumental 1:57
6. "Finders Keepers"   B. Wilson/Love Love 1:38

Very guitar driven sound with Carl Wilson lead and David Marks rhythm. It's a classic!

Surfer Girl is the full album in which Brian was in total control of production. The 3rd album in two years is the first sign that the Beach Boys are more than just a fad! Surfer Girl peaked at #7 on the charts and had a 56 week stay on the charts. Hawaii, Lil Deuce Coup, Surfer Girl, Catch a Wave and In My Room (Gary Usher) were strong enough to carry Surfer Girl to be considered a great album which it was!   

My opinion on the possibilities of:

Performances - I think the only way Brian will do a concert with the other guys is if his management think that he needs to do it to boost his career. Al went from persona non grata to being part of Brian's band within a short space of time presumably because they thought it would help to shift tickets. As Brian is pretty busy right now, I don't see it happening.

Music - Can't see a new album happening. A live release is more likely - maybe from 1993 or a double CD which takes songs from right throughout the band's career. I would love a 50 song rarities album but I doubt the band would want it released. The Smile box set could come out but again only if Brian's management think it would benefit him. As it might overshadow BWPS, I don't expect it. Sadly I think there will be a lot more releases only as the band members die off one by one.

Documentaries - Very possible.

Books - Not sure an official book would be that interesting.

Merchandise - There probably will be slightly more than normal I guess.

DVD - That could be interesting and Billy has said before that he would be happy for Brother to use his material for an official DVD.

Brian doesn't need to boost his career for one thing. There are many scenerios for a very successful 50 anniversary reunion tour!

My lineup would look like this:

Brian Wilson
Mike Love
Alan Jardine
Bruce Johnston
David Marks
Dean O Torrence

The backup band could consist of The Wondermints or the Beach Boys touring band or some of both. It would be a shame to miss this last opportunity to reunite for selfish reasons. They should think of the fans. Dean Torrence would be a great addition especially since Jan&Dean and The Beach Boys were so close in the early-mid 60's.