I was at the Syracuse gig, as well.

Being the last in a string of recent shows, I anticipated some of the 'phoning it in' element might creep in, but the musicians were on-point throughout.  The number "Pet Sounds" was well-played and went over particularly well with the crowd.


Other highlights:

- Matt was smooth as ever, vocally.  I never thought Jeff Foskett deserved some of the harsher criticisms he used to get, but I have to admit to now kind of wishing the younger Jardine had taken the iconic falsetto parts during the C50 tour.

- Yes, Blondie was the man.  And damn, is his guitar tone ever sweet.


And the big guys?  I had seen some samplings of the tour from earlier this summer; videos where Al was a little rough, vocally.  Well, he must have been battling a cold or something back then, because last evening, I thought Jardine sounded terrific.




Brian was Brian.  Vocally, he teetered between sublime and (to be fair)... less so.  This (along with the shortened set) was maybe the one noticeable evidence of what must have been a tired group of fellas.  Still, from his "Good evening Syracuse," to introducing each number, Wilson did engage the audience a little more than I remember him doing so back in 2012 (though this may just be a function of necessity, what with the Love'ster not being there to emcee between cuts).  Brian did his little wiggling fingers thing during the chorus of "Good Vibrations" and, rather than making his "Clap! Clap!" entreaty to the crowd (Dub just looked to the crowd and clapped himself to get the point across), Wilson instead waited until just before the big vocal "Aaaahhhh!" to suddenly command us to "Stop clapping!"  That made me chuckle.

Others' MMV, but I'd say the guy was fairly charming, myself.




The band received a standing ovation after "God Only Knows," and, as he's done before, Brian asked us (twice) to "Please be seated."  Also, maybe three different times during the Pet Sounds set, Wilson almost apologetically promised we'd be "rocking" again soon.  I know we're not quite an English crowd, Brian, but some of us (a lot of us) adore your more introspective work!

---

My only real disappointment?  Yep, you guessed it:  The truncated set list.  Look, I get that last night's show amounted to what is known as a "getaway day" game in baseball.  That, and what the hell do I have to complain about, anyway?  It was Brian Wilson -- and for free(!)  But I so wanted to hear "Our Prayer."  Brian and the rest of the Beach Boys performed "Heroes and Villains" when I saw them in 2012, of course.  But for whatever reason, they skipped "Prayer" that evening.  Hearing these two coupled together would have been sublime.

And, well, this was my first time seeing Brian and Al since C50.  While I knew full well that this was to be a very different thing, I suppose that I naturally (if unfairly) gauged one thing against the other to some degree.

---

But toss all of that aside.  While the magic may not have risen to the level I experienced that June evening four years ago (But then, how could it?), I certainly did have a wonderful, memorable time.

The very best part of it all?  Well, that's easy: Being there with my mom and daughter.  This was my five year-old's first look at Bee-Dub in the flesh, and she had a glorious experience.  Yeah, she was the one who kept gleefully shouting "Brian Wiiiiilson!!!" between numbers.  Apologies to anyone within earshot who may have grown weary of that!  


ETA: http://www.syracuse.com/entertainment/index.ssf/2016/08/brian_wilson_nys_fair_syracuse_review.html

I've usually found Tony Asher's lyrical work with the Beach Boys more poetic than Mike Love's more down-to-earth approach, sure.  But then, every so often, Love would pen something so simple and so very 'right' ("All I Wanna Do," anyone?), that I'd be reminded of Michael's genuine (if what I find to be sadly underused) ability for more elegant expression.

I'm glad every time an early version of any published work is made available.  I nearly always find them fascinating (and GV is by no means an exception, there) and often end up enjoying them even more than their better-known counterparts.  But in the case of "Good Vibrations" -- while I certainly have an appreciation for Asher's efforts -- it is Love's lyrical contribution which wins out for me.


Now, if we're speaking strictly on the merits of the music?  It's no contest.  As others have already stated, the 45 is, quite simply, perfection.

Here's to another fifty years!

["Surf's up mm-mm mm-mm mm-mm aboard a tidal wave"]

Which part do you like the best?

The beginning (Carl)
Middle (Brian)
Finale (group)

Well, my version of "Surf's Up" looks more like this:

The beginning (Brian)
Middle (Brian)
Finale (Group)

'Cause I prefer the TSS mix, see.  Yeah, all Brian, all the time.


Now, tasked with picking a favorite moment from that?  I'm with Emily:

"Surf's up mm-mm mm-mm mm-mm aboard a tidal wave"


When the columnated ruins domino, it takes my breath away, yes.  And the finale is so finely-laden with gorgeous harmony, I sometimes get so swept up in the moment that I lose all sense of time.

But when Brian sings those magical words "Surf's up... aboard a tidal wave"?  Well, there's just something sublime about that.

It's perfect.

[forty-five minutes]

Wait -- there's forty-five minutes worth of this "Good Vibrations" studio footage?!?   

I'd love to see that shot/footage of Brian at the piano.

the dreaded lysergic.

microscope... it looks like little bits of rope.

Heh.  I was thinking the exact same thing. 

Produce Mike on Wrinkles

Good Lord -- your avatar!  It gave me an awful fright.

I've always wanted [Brian] to just do a girl group and teach them how to sing

Between this quote and the title of the thread?  There's a joke in there, somewhere.

Surfin' Safari to Meet the Beach Boys!
Surfin' USA to The Beach Boys Second Album
Little Deuce Coupe to Something Partially New
Shut Down Vol. 2 to Beach Boys V
Lost and Found to The Early Beach Boys
The Beach Boys Today! to Today, Not Yesterday
All Summer Long to Beach Boys '65
Pet Sounds to California Soul
Smiley Smile to The Green Album
Wild Honey to Let It Cool Out
20/20 to Capitol Tower
Smile to Wilson
Sunflower to Meet the Beach!
Love You to Wilson II

[TWGMTR]

Well, assuming that TWGMTR actually ends up being the Beach Boys' swan song, I rather like the sound of Ocean Way for its title.


First, the name is obviously in keeping with the band's traditional use of the nautical theme.  There's something pleasing to the ear, I think, about "The Beach Boys Ocean Way."


But then there's the idea that it would have seen the band taking the name of their recording studio for the title of their final album.  I think that would have been a neat parallel with what the Beatles did with Abbey Road.


Who knows, maybe it can still happen if there's ever another "last" great Beach Boys album in our future?  

I regret it, too.

I've always had a soft spot for "Kokomo."  And I really, really wish Brian had been on the track in some form, whether it be instrumentally, vocally or both.


Now, I'm not 'up-to-the-minute' and devotedly detail-oriented with the Beach Boys in the same manner I am with the Beatles (so I may be mis-remembering this), but I seem to recall some disagreement over the reason why Brian wasn't there (as in, Wilson claiming he was never asked, with the BB guys steadfastly saying they did everything they could to reach him).

But regardless of the reasons why, sometimes when Brian discusses the session, I get the feeling he still hurts a little over not having been there.

For my money, it's a really awkward thing to have to sit through and watch.

I feel for the other guys in the band.  It's a big moment for them professionally, and in that sense, Denny is totally blowing it for them.  More importantly than that, though, they are watching a brother fall to pieces before their eyes.

My heart aches the most for Denny.  There's nothing funny or clever about suicide (whether it be the short and quick version, or the long, slow slide).

Hey, that "Chasin' the Sky" isn't too bad.

Heck, it's pretty good.  I like it!

[that]

If Brian were to decide to hang 'em up and quit with the touring, I'd get it.  I'd miss him, for sure, but I could see why it might be an attractive option for Mr. Wilson. He'd miss out on the money any tour might generate, and there's the lost opportunity to promote any current material to consider, as well.  But I get the impression Wilson has never been entirely comfortable playing to the public (to say nothing of the constant travel touring demands out of a person).


That said, I hope we never see the day where Brian Wilson decides he's no longer interested in writing and recording.  Can you imagine?!?  Now, that would be the biggest loss, I think.  As long as the muse is with you, Brian, please keep pumping out those studio productions.

----------

Now, all that said, the one circumstance I'd definitely want to see Brian on stage for again would be another reunion of the surviving Beach Boys.  I'm just conjuring this out of thin air, but something like say, some kind of Beach Boys joint-celebration of the Pet Sounds/Smile era, would be absolutely incredible.  Seeing, for example, the Beach Boys performing all of Pet Sounds during the first act, with the BWPS-styled Smile tunes following the intermission?  That would be so Won-Won-Wonderful, and I'd be crushed if everyone but Brian were to sign on for something so very cool.

Shame it will never happen.

----------

But back to recording... Who knows?  Maybe (just maybe) the 'Boys will find it in themselves to reunite long enough for one more studio album?

Don't get me wrong: I fully recognize that That's Why God Made the Radio is a fine way for the group to bow out; ending things on a very high note, and all that.  But I still very, very much want to hear a completed Life Suite (preferably sung by the Beach Boys) one day.  That, and, for all we know, Brian and Mike may even have some more terrific tunes up their sleeves?

As much as I adore TWGMTR, if we could get the remainder of the Suite, coupled with some more new Wilson/Love material, I'd be awaiting that release with baited breath.

----------

But even if -- as most suspect -- the band never does get back together again, I'd still be very interested in future solo albums by the guys in the group.  A follow-up to No Pier Pressure, for example, would be most welcome.

----------

So, the TL;DR:  "Don't leave us, Brian!"

[TSS]

I agree with those who feel Brian ought to be singing this classic.

So for me, it's the TSS version all the way.

The Mono is of course glorious, but "Surf's Up" works really, really well in Stereo, I think.  So that's usually the version I spin.

Full disclosure time: It did take me a while to get over the way the lyric "Domino" slightly lags (well, not "lags," exactly) versus every other version of the song.  It works, it just took me some time to get used to the effect.

Now I just cherish that version.

-------------------------

But this "Bruiteur Mix"?  Boy, that's really something!  Me likey.  I'd like to ask if anyone who has a lossless copy of this 1966/2004 mix, and would be willing to share, might post a link.

As it's a fan mix, I think it's in the realm of what is allowable here.  If not, please disregard with my apologies in advance.

I like the idea of contemporary mixes being used, as well.  And I'd love to hear/download this work (particularly if the files are lossless).

Unfortunately, I'm getting "not allowed," too.  

Great stuff!   

Thanks much for sharing, GV33.

This of course is far from being the last picture of Dennis and yet it has a strong connection to his end. The following was posted by Ed Roach on facebook (Dennis Wilson 1944-1983). Thanks for sharing this Ed! I felt strange when I saw it...





Funny how life gets in the way at times; had to neglect DW's page for a few days.
However, I had read people discussing the things Dennis was diving for 'that day'.... This is the image he pulled from the ocean floor, undamaged & tightly sealed in a sterling silver frame.
Was absolutely blown away years later when Karen told me that after that day it forever sat on her mantle. They both found such piece & contentment in the image; only hope they have truly found it now

So this is the photo that Denny brought up out of the water?  Wow.

In contemplating the events of that fateful, terrible early evening, I've always found the fact that Dennis brought a photo of he and a loved one back from the ocean floor such a touching gesture on his part.  Sad, but romantic.

I've often wondered what the photo looked like.  I guess I always pictured a kind of formal, Wedding Day-styled portrait, or something.

But this photo is so heartwarming, I can see why Denny wanted to preserve it.

I'm really glad that Mr. Roach shared it with us.


EDIT: About how long did the picture sit at the bottom of the marina, again?

I haven't the time to dig into a new topic right now, just perusing (so apologies in advance if it has been noted).

But it occurs to me that one Mr. Stephen Desper might prove invaluable to this topic, no?

[right]

I've almost certainly mentioned it here before, but man, what a great mix Roach/Mankey pulled off there.

It's glorious!  Those warm, crunchy guitars give the number just the right kind of raunchy swagger.   

So, this mix has never received the kind of official release treatment that it deserves?  If not, why not?  And when (if ever) can we expect it?

If this tweet bothered Mr. Wilson half as much as some of us here, I think I'd actually be surprised.  Brian has people heaping praise upon his genius everywhere he turns.  Who knows, maybe when something a little irreverent comes from someone Brian actually knows, the guy steps back and has himself a laugh?

I don't know.  I guess I don't see the same malicious intend behind it that some others do.  To me, it came off simply as VDP having a little fun of noting Brian's birthday.

But maybe I'm reading things wrong.

"Surf's Up."  Wow. 

Well, that's nice of him.  I'm glad to hear he's feeling better.   

I see Mr. Desper is cited in the credits for this production, as well.