My shipment has arrived. I'm in California, so I think it's probably just down to various elements of the postal system as far as shipping speed.

I agree that it is kind of odd that there are no Blu-ray logos on the packaging itself. Perhaps the addition of the Blu-ray disc was a last-minute (and excellent) decision. I would imagine this will be fixed when/if it hits retail. I actually think it might be against Blu-ray association rules to not have the Blu-ray logo on the packaging, but I'm just guessing on that.

Here are some quick pics. Apologies for the mediocre quality:

Alright all of you BW experts, what's the opinion on this autograph?

Real-deal?

Oh, and HeyJude, how were the suite numbers?

I sent off a quick email asking whether my order has shipped.  They promise a response in one business day.  We'll see.

"Love and Mercy" is the Katrina charity single version from 2005 but without the "Walking Down the Path of Life" intro.

http://www.discogs.com/Brian-Wilson-Walking-Down-The-Path-Of-Life-Love-Mercy/release/4231707

Ah, excellent!  Thank you so much for replying!

I've heard this version of the song on YT, and it's definitely my preferred, go-to version of "Love and Mercy."  I think it's just flat-out gorgeous, and really the only thing I didn't completely adore so much about it was the "Walking Down the Path of Life" intro (it's nice, I just liked L&M better all on its own), so this would have been perfect for me.

It makes me wish I had waited and picked up the Target edition, but I don't have a Target store near me and I wanted to hear the album so bad that I went and picked up a copy at my local independent record store instead of ordering the exclusive edition online and waiting for it to be delivered.

Unfortunately, between that record store purchase and the forty bucks I spent for the autographed blu ray of Brian's Sound Stage show, my entertainment budget is all tapped-out.

At least it's good to know that this terrific version of "Love and mercy" is getting a wider release.  More folks will be able to hear this Brian Wilson classic.

Just wondering: Is there anything 'exclusive' about the version of "Love and Mercy" found on the Target disks?  New version?  Demo?  New mix?

Worth it for the live versions of PCH and Summer's Gone.  (Can't believe they did these two without From There to Back Again).

You said it!  Having live renditions of these two in superb quality will be wonderful. 

And didn't they sound-check FTtBA prior to this show (or, at least sometime very recently)?  It sure would have been suite to have all three.

[Wait:]

Thanks to HeyJude and others for your efforts.  By going the extra mile and sharing the replies you received, I was eventually reasonably assured enough to pull the trigger on the autograph package.

From the clips we've seen, the show looks (and sounds) fantastic.  The blu ray would have been a day-one purchase for me whenever it was released, anyway, so I'm happy to get it done. 

Even better, this will be my first BW autograph.  I know evidence has been shared in the past that suggests Brian doesn't sign everything that is purported to be legitimate, and it would be a real bummer to get a 'not-Brian' Brian autograph.  Fingers-crossed that these will be the real deal.  I'll share a photo of the signature when it arrives and hopefully we can reach some kind of consensus on that front.

Wait:  Looking back at the link, it just says "Autographed Brian Wilson and Friends: A Soundstage Special Event Blu-ray disc and DVD and No Pier Pressure CD."  It doesn't actually say "Brian Wilson autographed" or "Signed by Brian Wilson."

Uh-oh.  See, I should have been more careful before clicking 'buy.'

[Brian is credited as playing on]

The lack of track-by-track credit info on NPP is sorely missed. But there are still some interesting points that can be gleaned.

-- First, Brian is credited as playing on one of his own albums for the first time in seven years. (Acoustic piano, B3 organ and additional keyboards).

When I first read the credits, I found this remarkable, as well.

I love that Brian played on the album!  In fact, I recall thinking at the time that it would have been cool for Wilson to have played on TWGMTR.

On the topic of Brian the instrumentalist, wasn't there the suggestion that he was perhaps going to play some bass on this record, too?  Was it a photo, or something?  I forget.

[1.]

In one of the Q&A sessions Brian did say that none of the songs on NPP are from the Life suite.  Of course I'd take that with a grain of salt, though.

I thought that I remembered that, too.

I suppose any Q+A questions re: the suite might be boiled down to: "Are any of the NPP songs from the Life Suite?" (just to be clear), and "Many fans would like to know, will we ever see the completed Life Suite released?"

The answer might be as simple as "1. No, 2. Yes, hopefully."  But you never know.

So, I have a general question for anyone more well-versed in the rules regarding Beach Boys-related material: Can Brian even release the rest of the Life Suite?

What I'm getting at is, since we know that more of the suite numbers were partially recorded during the TWGMTR sessions, does this mean these recordings can only ever be released under the Beach Boys name?

If the 'Boys don't ever regroup again -- if it's just not going to happen -- but Brian Wilson decides that he'd still like to finish the rest of the suite and release it under his own moniker, is that feasible?  What if some of what was recorded for the unfinished suite numbers includes vocals by Mike or Bruce or whatever?  Can such a recording still potentially come out on a "Brain Wilson" album?

Similarly, let's say Brian records the rest of the suite songs, but doesn't use anything from a Beach Boys session; the suite numbers from TWGMTR are still Beach Boys material.  Does the would-be fact that the suite is made-up of both Beach Boys/BW recordings mean that no complete collection of the Life Suite can ever see commercial release?

I'm at a loss.  Somebody help!

[Life Suite]

This morning I've been enjoying the new album with the "life suite" idea bubbling beneath the surface. I came up with something that works well for me. This isn't the product of detective work--I'm clueless about the reality, however much of that there ever was--but rather is just my little stab at something similar based on the idea. A few aspects might be surprising. I look forward to my deluxe edition arriving so I can consider those songs for possible inclusion.

The Life Suite, it's the new Smile.

First:
1. This Beautiful Day
2. Saturday Night*
3. One Kind of Love
4. Whatever Happened
5. Summer's Gone**

Intermission Music:
1. Half Moon Bay

Second:
1. Tell Me Why
2. Strange World
3. From There to Back Again
4. Pacific Coast Highway
5. The Last Song***


*This is probably the biggest liberty I took, using a guest vocalist as part of this "very-Brian" (or at least "very-Beach Boys" project. But to me it brings the sound of freshness and youth, some real energy to a mostly down-tempo and contemplative if not depressing experience.

**This actually worked better than I expected it to. A lot about this--including the actual album on which it appeared--screams "closer." But I wanted "The Last Song" in that role here. And besides, the end of summer isn't the end of the year, is it? Or in the metaphoric sense here, of life? I thought of it more as the end of youth, even middle age--the beginning of old age.

***For me this had a redemptive quality, which is why I wanted it as my closer. The question was whether it would feel good after "Pacific Coast Highway." Splitting up those TWGMTR songs was something I wasn't at all sure about; while I have no idea how they were written, they were produced to run in the order in which they ran. (Obviously.) For me, though, this worked. "Goodbye..." ... followed by a statement of wisdom, if you will (from the grave?).

Fascinating.  What a great post.  And I love that you've shared the reasons why you've gone in the direction you have.  


For instance, I see, captain, that you've chosen to include "The Last Song."  So you feel that it does work as a part of our Life Suite fan mix, then.  That's awesome.

But putting "Summer's Gone" any place other than right after "Pacific Coast Highway"?  Wow, now that's a bold move!  I'll need to hear TLS for myself before I can consider breaking up the flow of those final TWGMTR suite numbers as you have here.  But I like your reasoning behind the decision.  It reads as a compelling case.

Even without hearing the song, I can see why one would think about closing with any number called "The Last Song."  And having it come after "Summer's Gone" just didn't feel right, I imagine (that one's obviously a stunning closer in its own right).  I tell you, I cannot wait to get my hands on the record and give this thing a try for myself.

----------

I'll say it again, buddhahat: I feel you've hit upon a terrific thread topic!  At the very least, it's a lot of fun.  

And in the name of fun...

-Fantasy time-
Now, all of this is predicated on Brian deciding that he wants to finish the recordings, of course.  But assuming that happens, I picture a day when we are not only treated to all of the suite numbers being released in their entirety (along with a running order), but also something wonderful like a television special where the suite is performed front-to-back in the presence of a live audience.  Or maybe a home video project where the studio version of each song is set to its own specially-produced promo film (like a kind of 'video album')?  Something like that could be incredible.  Add in interviews of Brian and the other principles involved.  Behind the scenes stuff.  Studio footage, 'making of' goodies, etc.  

Oh, yeah, if it were my call, I'd see to it that every effort was made to celebrate the Life Suite as a featured element of Wilson's career.  A big 'tent-pole' of Brian's later years.  A milestone.  From what we've heard of the suite, it would certainly seem to merit such attention.  The material is, in a word, outstanding.
-End fantasy-


But until such a day ever comes, there is still an awful lot of fun to be had in adding and subtracting selections for the suite all by ourselves (and trying out any number of different running orders, along the way).  As you say, in a sense, the Life Suite is the new Smile.

[Made in California]

... from TWGMTR and No Pier Pressure tracks?

A couple of NPP tracks have really me blown me away. They're the ones that sound most like the 'Life Suite' tracks (or at least what I assume are life suite tracks) from TWGMTR.

I put them all in a playlist together and, wow, it sounds exactly how I'd dream a late career BW masterpiece would sound (including Friends like brevity of 26 mins)!!

Here's mine:

Think About The Days
This Beautiful Day
Strange World
Half Moon Bay
From There To Back Again
Whatever Happened
Pacific Coast Highway
One Kind Of Love
Summer's Gone

I must admit, from the samples of NPP I knew I was not going to be bowled over by many of the collaboration tracks. No offence to BW but I'm just not a fan of those vocalists. As such I was approaching NPP with caution today but I've been blindsided by the tracks I've included above. Way more than I was expecting.

Great stuff!  I love the thread topic.

As with a lot of us here, I'm quite sure, I've always been a sucker for Brian's suites.  So from the moment we first caught wind of something called "Life's Suite"/the 'Life Suite,' I was intrigued.

And once we actually heard tracks like "Think About the Days," "Strange World" and especially the 'Big Three' of "From There to Back Again," "Pacific Coast Highway" and the almighty "Summer's Gone," I was floored.  Since that time, I've been nigh obsessed with getting to hear the completed suite (and -- importantly, I think -- in Brian's suggested running order for the piece).

Yes, I remember having big hopes of hearing some more of the Life Suite tracks on Made in California, or the 'next Beach Boys album.' 

But of course, as grand a release as it was, the former didn't offer anything from the suite, while latter never quite materialized...


Still, there was reason to hope.  From the time that we first started seeing photos of Brian working in the studio following the C50 tour, I began to wonder.  And then, when we eventually discovered that a new BW album project was indeed in the works, I couldn't help but see this as a golden opportunity to -- if not quite complete the suite -- maybe just offer us a handful of choice selections from the work.

But is this what they have chosen to do?  Does anything at all appearing on No Pier Pressure actually originate from the Life Suite?

I think that until we hear any official word on the matter (one way or the other), it's going to be difficult to say.

----------

Now, for the purposes of this specific topic (and I know none of this is news to anyone here, but for reference), here's some of what we've learned about the suite:

"Four of the five songs from the second half of the suite — "Strange World," "From There to Back Again," "Pacific Coast Highway" and "Summer's Gone" — close out the album. The fifth track, "I'd Go Anywhere," which is meant to go between "Strange World" and "From There to Back Again," remains unfinished. The six songs that comprise the suite's first half are incomplete, too, Thomas said."

So (at least in 2012) the suite was said to comprise eleven songs.  That's Why God Made the Radio gave us at least four of them (though I tend to want to include TWGMTR's opener in the suite.)  And (refresh my memory, somebody) was "I'd Go Anywhere" not that instrumental snippet from the Doin' It Again blu ray?  If so, maybe that belongs in our suite playlist, too (as the quote suggests, between "Strange World" and FTtBA)?

And it would seem that we'd have a pretty good handle on the closing half of the suite.

----------

But to the (unaccounted for) first half?

As I've already alluded to, I personally enjoy putting "Think About the Days" at the start of my own personal suite playlist.  It sounds much too perfect and just 'right' to not be included among the known suite numbers.  But beyond that?

Well, from what precious little I've heard of most of the new songs (I've been trying desperately not to check out too much of the album before I have my hands on the real deal), I feel as though you just may be on to something here with your proposed play list, buddhahat.  Once I have the record in my hands, I'm absolutely going to try your idea on for myself, and see how it feels.

----------

Now, with a mind to adding to your list, I've read some here who have wondered whether the three bonus tracks included in the deluxe edition of NPP ("Don't Worry," "Somewhere Quiet" and "I'm Feeling Sad") may have come from the suite, as well.  But again, as I haven't heard these numbers yet, I'm not in much of a position to say.  But to those who have heard them, are there any takers on this idea?  Do they sound 'right' for the suite?


Finally, if you'll allow me to toss an idea of my own out there: How do we feel about "The Last Song"?

Now, have we any indication whatsoever that this composition was conceived as a part of the suite?  Not to my current understanding, no.

But to they who have heard 'Last Song' in its entirety, do you feel as though it might 'fit' with the feel/flow/subject matter of the Life Suite tracks?

"Fifty damn years..."   

Very cool.  I look forward to Part 2.

Fascinating interview: Brian on a good day makes for a fine subject.

You said it, Andrew.  That was really quite something to hear from Brian.  Good stuff.

Sweet Jesus, I did it again.

DP.

[love]

I quite enjoyed the tune.  Very 'Beach Boys-y.'  Oh, and... Irish?  Did it sound Irish-y to anyone else?

Most of the lyrics were pretty neat, too.  I've shared before that I invariably dig Brian writing on the nautical theme, so no surprise there.

Including Blondie like this is awesome.  Al continues to knock it out of the park.

I guess my only constructive (and relatively minor) criticism is that the drums on the album version don't quite do it for me.  Generic, sort of rock 'n' roll, drums still usually feel out of place to me in a Brian Wilson production.  Even just a less prominent, less boom-y, less in-your-face snare would have helped a whole lot, I think (though it likely wouldn't have rocked in quite the same way).

Incidentally, I'd love a remix of the studio version which features a little less prominent .  Like, I think I would adore it.


But in a live setting?  It's much easier for me to see past those big ol' drums in that atmosphere.  To embrace them, even.

I think that's why I kind of prefer the Soundstage version.


And I know I've said this before, too, but just as an aside, every new thing I hear only serves to increase my anticipation for NPP.  BW is really killing it.

[and NPP]

"... as I understand it, I could be wrong, but the suites, per Joe, for TWGMTR and NPP is the result of their collaborations from many years ago."

Interesting...

"I will elaborate more on the 50th anniversary and it's end in my book."

Fascinating...

Interesting, indeed.

Two things, actually.

One, that Mike hints the suite tracks date from "many years ago."  I know that's a sort of vague statement, but I thought the suite tracks were rather recent?

The second interesting thing is, of course, the notion that NPP may contain suite material.


And oh, I sure hope so.  Ever since we first heard word of a "Life Suite" I was interested.

And then when I actually listened to the suite tracks on TWGMTR, my interest in hearing the rest of the piece went from a case of "anticipation," to a state of full-blown, unabashed desperation.  


Fast-forward to NPP.  When the track listing for the various editions of Brian's new album was first published, I recall someone here suggesting that the three additional tracks on the deluxe version might have come from the suite.  Maybe they were right, after all?

Whatever the case may be, I just hope that any suite tracks on the new album will be acknowledged as such, officially.

And then I'd very much want to know whether we'd heard the entire suite, or if there is still more yet to come?

And finally, if we ever do have the entire suite made available, I'd very much like to know Brian's suggested running order for the darned thing!

What a lovely tune.  Listening to "The Right Time" served to ratchet-up my interest in a project which I was already really excited about.

Very cool.   

Can you guys recommend a good all-around primer on the Wilson/Paley sessions?

It's history, list of known songs written/recorded, plans for release, etc.

And if it's within the rules of the board, the name of the collection(s) where the recordings themselves can be experienced?


I've done some searches here, and while there are some promising-looking threads, I'm just wondering if there exists any "one-stop-shop" place for the fan new to the W/P project?

Thanks.

[Beach Boys]

I agree that I'd be interested in seeing whether a Brian and Mike songwriting session might catch lightning in a bottle.  If they got together and the lyrical result was something other than call-backs to older Beach Boys hits and retreads of the same couple of themes?  If instead, something a little less lyrically 'gimmicky' -- something maybe a little more poetic -- were the outcome?  Outstanding!  Mike has produced any number of fantastic lyrics, and I'd like to think he still has it in him.

But I don't know if that's what Love cares to write these days.  And if that is the case, I suppose my 'best-case' scenario for another Beach Boys album mostly looks like this: Brian producing his own compositions (the more of them in the vein of the 'Life Suite' numbers from TWGMTR, the better), with Mike lending not so much his lyrical talents, but his iconic voice.

Give me an album's-worth of performances featuring the voices of the surviving 'Boys singing all over Brian Wilson's written and produced songs.  Take that, slap a 'The Beach Boys' logo on the cover, and then announce a Summer Tour!  

Logistics?  Sit down over a cheese pizza and hammer it out.

It all sounds so simple, eh?

First time I've zoomed in on that album sleeve image… had thought the bronze coloured arrangement beyond the blackened pier legs was a set of wind chimes! But it's just more pier legs… hey ho!

I like your idea better.

[I think the point of the 'Shopped version is to explore what might have been, since Brian originally wanted the next album to be a Beach Boys project.]

I think the point of the 'Shopped version is to explore what might have been, since Brian originally wanted the next album to be a Beach Boys project.

That was certainly my intent.  Just a glimpse at how things might have looked in that alternate universe where the project came together as Brian first envisioned:  As a Beach Boys album.

Puni puni may have given us the more likely outcome, what with the Torrence logo, and all.  And though I think the "modern" logo has its place, the Cooper Black font makes for what I see as a much more timeless Beach Boys look.


Anyway, I put the picture up because a fellow member asked, and I knew I could probably do a passable job of it, quick-like.  I certainly don't want to steer things too far away from what is important here.  Brian Wilson is releasing a new album in two months (and I couldn't be more excited)!

[TWGMTR]

I'm not the least bit concerned that M&B won't be on the album. I'm sure that not having the lovester poke his nose into this project made it far more enjoyable for everyone involved. It will sound just fine without those two on board now or ever again. The icing on the cake would be to have Brian's next album be a BB affair sans Mike Love. Here's hoping!  

Oh, but I didn't mean to imply that it would ruin the experience for me, mate!

Part of it is that Brian wanted it to be a Beach Boys project; that this is what he was envisioning as he composed.  So I'm sorry for him that he didn't have that realized.

Second, I won't deny that I love Mike Love's voice on Brian Wilson's songs.  I just do.  Not necessarily as the lead singer on each and every number, or anything, but as part of that classic mix.  The suite numbers from TWGMTR, for instance?  Without taking a single proper lead, I felt that Mike's voice lent something truly wonderful to the mix.  Your mileage may vary, of course.

And Bruce?  I still enjoy his voice well enough, I suppose.  Maybe it's more, "If you're going to have every other living Beach Boy on the thing?  Well, then you'd may as well ask Bruce, too."  

But I'm happy you're happy, brother!  I am, too.  I haven't been this excited for a release since... well, since 2012.

Someone who's adept at Photoshop should replace the Brian Wilson text on the "NPP" cover with the Beach Boys logo.

A rather quick job, but I hope that it's to your liking:

[I would wager she's not the record. That is not an oversight]

It's been stated from early on that there were two version of "The Last Song" -- one with Lana and one without.

If she's not listed on the official Capitol press release, then I would wager she's not the record. That is not an oversight.

And that makes me HAPPY!   

Nothing at all against Ms. Del Rey, of course.  She may have made a perfectly nice contribution, but from the few things we have heard about the genesis of this number (and particularly with a title like "Last Song"), there's no other voice alive that I'd want to hear singing the lead than Brian Wilson.

Frankly, there are no other voices than current and former Beach Boys voices that I'd want to hear anywhere on it.

Mind, I'd be perfectly happy to entertain the version with Lana at some point, too.  If they release it as a single, a B-side, put it on some charity album or rarities collection, I'll be all over it, and be glad for it.

But this one sounds like it could be special; really special.  And I'm thankful we'll get the chance to hear Brian sing it first.


As for the rest of the things that I am excited/curious about, upon reading the press release:

- I mentioned in this topic's sister thread that "Sail Away" intrigues me not only for the Brian/nautical theme connection, but for the inclusion of Blondie (and Al), too.

- "On the Island" has had me excited for months now.  I cannot wait to hear the full record.

- Every number which includes Al and/or David Marks makes things that much more special!

- All of the songs with no guests listed [So, I 'm guessing just "All Brian, all the time"].

- And then come the numbers with the other guests.  They may be fantastic, but going in, the concept doesn't blow me away.  But I'll certainly listen with an open mind!  As I said, "On the Island" sounds great to me, so maybe the others will really cook.

- And hey, someone questioned whether the three bonus numbers found on the deluxe version are sourced from Brian's "Life Suite"?  I haven't scanned through the whole topic yet; do we have any idea about these?



Finally (and I know that I've also mentioned this before], I'm not going to lie: I am disappointed that this could not have been a Beach Boys album, as Brian had first envisioned.  I'm not going to deny that.

But I'm also not going to dwell on it, either.  I'd much rather celebrate what we are getting in April.  But the thought is there...