Mr. Desper,

I don't post often, but I wanted to thank you for your contributions here and your continued work on these videos. They are an absolute treasure for fans. This board is lucky to have your participation and insight. Thank you very much.

Having seen Rodriguez at a small Detroit venue right when Cold Fact was reissued (but maybe two years before the Searching for Sugar Man film), I was pleasantly surprised to see that he was opening. He was headlining his own tour not too long ago, and is worth the trip for sure. It almost feels like a double headliner tour to me, because he really brought it and still sounds great. I love the guy, plus he's from the area, so there's a bit of hometown pride there.

But obviously, most of us here are pumped for Brian, Al, and Blondie. Part of me feels that with some of the "this could be my final tour" talk a few months ago, Blondie being there, and Al having mentioned that he'd be interested in doing some Love You tracks, we could be in for some deeper cuts. After all, it's a Brian Wilson tour, not a Beach Boy tour. There's no question that Brian's band is more than capable of doing the stuff, and I'm sure they, being fans as well, would probably dig playing something like "Honkin' Down the Highway" or "Funky Pretty" or even (hopefully) "Rio Grande." Give me a Love You cut, something from either CatP/Holland(besides "Marcella" and "Sail on Sailor"), and everything else is gravy.

On the other hand, Brian's touring not only the new record, but also the film, so I'm aware that there's a cultural resurgence for him and his music, which makes me wonder if they might cater to a more hits-based playlist. After all, it's a Brian Wilson tour, not a Beach Boy tour, so it might see a bit odd or out of place for the newer (or older, "I never knew...") fan for the band to play some of the more obscure, fan favorite stuff.

I'm pumped either way. My friend and I saw him on the Beck tour and dug both acts. My girlfriend is coming with me this time. I know neither guy is going to disappoint.

I honestly don't understand the beef with "Shortnin' Bread"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5isCTstGgeo

One question: any chance you can point me in the direction of your book "Recording the Beach Boys"? I can't seem to find a link. I understand it might be out of print. In any case, thanks again for everything!

My understanding is that these videos are intended to replace the book, with all the same information and more.

Ah, makes sense. It would be nice to have a print copy, but I suppose there's no need to get greedy.

Thanks a lot for that, Mr. Desper! Sunflower is probably my favorite Beach Boy album and the Cool Cool Water video alone blew me away, but this was something else entirely. Sunflower has grabbed me from the moment I heard it, and a big part is because of your work on it. Thanks for this, and thanks for all the work you've done with the band. Can't wait for the Surf's Up video.

One question: any chance you can point me in the direction of your book "Recording the Beach Boys"? I can't seem to find a link. I understand it might be out of print. In any case, thanks again for everything!

Here's hoping some of his lesser known music is represented. The guest list seems a bit inspired. Can anyone explain why Danny Masterson (That 70's Show, Men at Work) is involved? I don't have anything against the guy, but I don't understand the connection at all.

This just posted to Brian's Facebook:

To my fans: it kind of bums me out to see some of the negativity here about the album I’ve been working so hard on. In my life in music, I’ve been told too many times not to f*** with the formula, but as an artist it’s my job to do that – and I think I’ve earned that right.
I’m really proud of these new songs and to hear these great artists sing on them just blows me away. I love what we’ve done.
I would think that after making music for more than fifty years, my fans would understand that I’ll always do what’s in my heart – and I think that’s why you are my fans. So let’s just wait until the album comes out because I think you just might dig it as much as I do.
Love and Mercy, Brian

SHOTS FIRED

Speaking of accuracy, I know I've read at least one interview where Carol Kaye said she never wore a fire helmet, and that only Brian, Hal Blaine, and (I think) Lyle Ritz put them on. The issue of Mojo that came out around the 50th anniversary had a small sidebar with Carol in it where she said that, at least. Not that it's a big deal; this doesn't look like an actual still from the film anyway, and I'm not about to judge, but I did find it a bit funny in a nerdy sort of way.

In terms of the film overall, I would agree with some of the others here and say that the hardcore fans (us, I suppose) will probably find plenty that'll tighten their sphincters once everything is said and done. It's just unavoidable whenever you're adapting something from existing material, whether the source is fiction (Blade Runner comes immediately to mind) or not. It's extremely hard to make a 90-120 minute movie about anybody, especially Brian Wilson/the Beach Boys, without glossing over or flat-out ignoring certain parts. It doesn't "excuse" the difference in what car they use in what scene, so to speak, but it does make sense if they cut David out. Some of us probably feel like he already gets ignored enough as it is, but that's Hollywood. They've got to keep it "accessible." If anything, it'll give us all an excuse to sneak a flask into the picture for an impromptu error-spotting drinking game.

Bull Sessions. I dig why they were included in the first place, back in the day, but they're pretty dated and not necessary.