Anyone know about all the session members on Sweet Insanity and their contributions? For instance, there's a guy belting his soul at the end of The Spirit of Rock and Roll. Who would that be? I recently acquired a really good transfer of the cassette so a lot of details and intricacies musically, and in the mix have opened up to my ears, even if it's still a big, mushy sounding album.
https://www.discogs.com/Brian-Wilson-Sweet-Insanity/release/2883919 What was, say, Paula Abdul's role in the album? Make a Wish, maybe? How about Jeff Lynne, or Tom Petty? I'm sure most of the mentioned people have minor roles, but I'm dying to find out their specific places.

["BW: I like digital. It's a lot easier and a lot more perfectionist — you can perfect the pitch and the sound."]

"BW: I like digital. It's a lot easier and a lot more perfectionist — you can perfect the pitch and the sound."
I read this and can only think that the imperfections (minor or not) are also what made his best work his best, and ironically, all of this overt-'perfecting' only tampers and turns the music far from said perfection.

I would love to hear "The Night Was So Young" live. 

[early]

Back in the early 90's Brian told me that his "nah nah nah nah nah" vocals at the end of Forever were not pre-planned. He said the inspiration just suddenly hit him and he started singing that part.

Wow, knowing that it's going to make my next listen of the song much more powerful. Certainly one of the most beautiful things he's ever sung, and it's so simple, even ending slightly too soon..
I wish I could have had things like that told to me by Brian back in the early 90s... even if I wasn't born yet 

There's a vocals only version on Hawthorne, CA that confirms your supposition. 

I don't know how I haven't listened to the 'Hawthorne, CA' compilation either (yet I've heard 'Endless Bummer' of all things)

I recently picked up an original Sunflower US pressing and it's certainly the best I've heard this album, 'Cool Cool Water' truly is an audio achievement.  The only thing bringing it back is your typical vinyl inner groove distortion and sibilance (some of which seems to be in the mix/consistent through all pressings so far) but that's where a better turntable and cartridge comes in handy I have a solid set up.

I'm imagining these High Def downloads that are coming are going to be based off of the 2012 masters which were 'fine' and faithful, but too overdone, especially Sunflower... if they're the upcoming Analogue Productions master then that is very exciting.

The Sunflower & Surf's Up HD versions available now are different to the editions that came out a few years ago, which were hi-res versions of the 2012 CDs, respectively. It's anyone guess if they're going to be the same as the upcoming AP SACDs. But I do believe Holland mentions Kevin Bartley as handling the mastering, so we know that one will not be the same as Kevin Gray's take on the forthcoming Holland SACD. I think these new releases are better than the previous offerings.

If you'd like a Surf's Up first pressing to go along with your Sunflower, make sure you look for THANKS MARILYN in the deadwax.

Oh they're out now? I just checked myself but it looks like they aren't available due to region restrictions (maybe it's not like this in the US). I can't wait to hear what they sound like... spinning my Sunflower LP again.

Almost bought a copy of Surf's Up online, but it was sold before I bought it.. who knows, maybe it didn't have 'Thanks Marilyn', but I'll keep this in mind, thanks you!

I'm sure the vocal duties have been discussed to death, but I'm wondering, who sings (the 'nah nah nah') during the fadeout/end of 'Forever'? Is it Brian? There's a few specific, vague vocal bits like that where I can't tell who is who..

It is indeed Brian:

http://smileysmile.net/board/index.php/topic,5525.msg71616.html#msg71616

You're my savior! Thank you! Not sure what took me so long to join this site 

I recently picked up an original Sunflower US pressing and it's certainly the best I've heard this album, 'Cool Cool Water' truly is an audio achievement.  The only thing bringing it back is your typical vinyl inner groove distortion and sibilance (some of which seems to be in the mix/consistent through all pressings so far) but that's where a better turntable and cartridge comes in handy I have a solid set up.

I'm imagining these High Def downloads that are coming are going to be based off of the 2012 masters which were 'fine' and faithful, but too overdone, especially Sunflower... if they're the upcoming Analogue Productions master then that is very exciting.

I'm sure the vocal duties have been discussed to death, but I'm wondering, who sings (the 'nah nah nah') during the fadeout/end of 'Forever'? Is it Brian? There's a few specific, vague vocal bits like that where I can't tell who is who..