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Non Smiley Smile Stuff / General Music Discussion / Ode to Bobbie Gentry: The music and mystery of a Mississippi Delta Queen
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on: July 28, 2012, 11:41:55 AM
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Hi all, Yesterday was the 68th birthday of singer/songwriter Bobbie Gentry. I wrote a 2-part article explaining her significance as a recording artist and why she abandoned her career. Both the single and the album, "Ode to Billie Joe", knocked The Beatles off the top off the pop charts -- "All You Need Is Love" and Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band. She and Glen Campbell had a very popular duet album, too. Anyway, the article includes interviews with arranger Jimmie Haskell [Rick Nelson's producer & arranger for 28 years], her guitarist and drummer, singer B.J. Thomas, and former Capitol A&R man Ken Mansfield. Elvis/Steve McQueen author Marshall Terrill interviewed Mansfield. Mansfield has a lot of connections to the Beach Boys. He was there when the Beach Boys did the Hawaii shows in '67. And Gentry was present for those shows, too. If anyone has any info on whether the Beach Boys have ever commented on Bobbie Gentry, please let me know. Also, don't hesitate to share your memories/anecdotes below or on Examiner.com. There hasn't been a major article about her since a 2003 Mojo feature, so it's high time for a new one. I will be writing more about her later this year... PART ONE http://www.examiner.com/article/ode-to-bobbie-g-the-music-and-mystery-of-a-mississippi-delta-queen?cid=PROD-redesign-right-nextPART TWO http://www.examiner.com/article/bobbie-gentry-rediscovering-the-girl-from-chickasaw-county
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Smiley Smile Stuff / General On Topic Discussions / Re: \
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on: June 09, 2012, 06:58:39 AM
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One of my favorite parts: After Mike says he couldn't dream of not performing their biggest hits in concert, Brian is asked for his vision for the Beach Boys' tour: "I'd like to scare people a little." Just wish he had convinced Mike to do Add Some Music To Your Day & Marcella a little earlier in the tour, since I missed it...
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Smiley Smile Stuff / General On Topic Discussions / Re: Not one vocal credit for David Marks on the new album?
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on: June 06, 2012, 02:36:01 PM
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The only thing that saddens me a bit about the album is the lack of any Beach Boy on instruments, other than Dave. That will continue to feed detractors of the band who love to say the guys didn't or couldn't play any instruments on their records. I would love to hear just the 5 BB's write, sing, and play at least one song all by themselves [okay, maybe with a drummer]. But they would have to get out of their comfort zone first...
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Smiley Smile Stuff / General On Topic Discussions / Re: Thread For VIP Experiences
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on: May 14, 2012, 07:50:40 PM
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Zach95,
You never know. You can probably make a few friends while you wait. I think that depends on the venue location as to whether you might see a Beach Boy before or after a show. If it's a theatre, you might have a better chance [buses may be parked closer to venue]. By the way, as the VIP folks were filing into the venue in St. Augustine, David Marks walked by, on his way to soundcheck.
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Smiley Smile Stuff / General On Topic Discussions / Re: Thread For VIP Experiences
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on: May 14, 2012, 04:14:03 PM
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There were maybe 70 people at the meet & greet in St. Augustine. After the soundcheck, the "meet and greet" lasted less than 10 minutes for 70 people. So I was definitely not happy. For nearly $400, I at least expected to shake their hands. The hooker analogy mentioned above is very appropriate.
Anyway, the advice about focusing on one Beach Boy was definitely worthwhile. And that was Al. Cool that others have had such a good experience with him. A friend of mine actually flew on a plane with them as they left Raleigh & traveled to St. Augustine. Al talked to him the whole time about agriculture, The Civil War [he had several magazines on the plane] & revealed he had lost his wallet in Raleigh. Maybe someone found it for him.
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Smiley Smile Stuff / General On Topic Discussions / Re: Thread For VIP Experiences
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on: May 08, 2012, 06:46:15 PM
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Hi Pet Sounder,
Say what you want when you get to meet the Beach Boys. Again, it will go by very fast. I got a small conversation going with Al, but only a couple of sentences before the host wanted to take the photo. I'm sure you can put your arms around them. I just kinda stood in the middle of them behind Brian's chair.
The guy in front of me was smart enough to shake all of their hands. Somehow I missed Mike. I just had my arm on the back of Brian's chair. Had rehearsed what I was gonna say to him, but could just think to say it was a pleasure to meet him. Got a quick "Thank you" from him.
I would encourage you to be last in line. You have a better chance of getting something signed then. Also, introduce yourself to Jeff Foskett. He stood in the back [behind the VIP Nation host, out of the picture], and I was stupid & didn't say hello to him. Again, it all goes by so quickly. That can also probably increase your chances of getting something signed. Say hello to security; say hi to the VIP Nation host. You never know, this could increase your chances of getting something signed.
Also, take a Sharpie or two with you. The guys might not have one, and if you have a marker in hand, another chance of getting something signed. Mainly, just be nice, but don't be afraid to take the moment & run with it. Life is too short.
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Smiley Smile Stuff / Concert Reviews / Re: Show 6: St Augustine Amphitheater- St Augustine, FL 5/2/12(SETLIST/PICS/REVIEWS)
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on: May 08, 2012, 05:13:10 PM
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Thanks for the nice compliments. I also took my parents to the show. They didn't do the VIP thing. Anyway, my mom kept my camera until the show started; really wish I could have taken some photos at soundcheck. You all have to see Al wearing shorts.
If PBS uses most of the footage from St. Augustine, I think the band will look good on TV. The only one to watch out for is Mike, who dressed kinda loud & Hawaii-like as usual. I wonder if someone told him to change his lime-green pants; he wore the coffee-brown ones after the intermission.
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Smiley Smile Stuff / General On Topic Discussions / Re: Thread For VIP Experiences
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on: May 08, 2012, 08:51:18 AM
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Yes, VIP Nation will send an email approximately 2 weeks after the show is over. I think the photos will then be available on smugmug, and VIP Nation will give everyone a unique password to retrieve their photo.
Eric...now I envy you. At least you were in Carl's presence from afar. Thanks for sharing your story.
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Smiley Smile Stuff / General On Topic Discussions / Re: Thread For VIP Experiences
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on: May 08, 2012, 12:53:42 AM
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I don't think I said it above -- but the main reasons I went with the VIP thing:
1. I figured it was my only opportunity to be in the band's presence. 2. I wanted to sit close to the stage. 3. Access to the soundcheck (it lasted an hour) 4. Photo with the band
I could have paid $450 for front row seats, but I stuck with $375 for tickets within the 1st five rows. I wound up in the second row, since I purchased my package the minute it went on sale. As others have said, concerts in larger cities commanded much higher prices. Regardless, it's the most I've ever paid to see an artist, but it seems reasonable that the guys may not tour together again...
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Smiley Smile Stuff / General On Topic Discussions / Re: Thread For VIP Experiences
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on: May 07, 2012, 11:24:41 PM
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In St. Augustine, meeting the Beach Boys for the photo lasted all of 30 seconds, tops. A few folks were able to get stuff signed if they were at the very end of the line. Expect security to tell you to move on, and the VIP host will say that nothing can be signed. Perhaps if you plead your case...
If you & your family/friends bought the VIP ticket, I'm sure you could all get a photo with the BB. Brian was seated, Mike & David were on side, Al & Bruce were on another. VIP Nation hasn't released my photo yet, so that's all I can offer. You can probably get a few sentences in to whichever Beach Boy you're standing next to, but keep in mind that the VIP host may take the photo while you're talking... Personally, I wish they would allow more interaction with the band due to the steep price. The backing band was not present for the photo session. I take that back for a second -- Jeff Foskett was there. I wish they all had been.
Getting to see the soundcheck was the biggest thing to me. Beware: The T-shirt they give you is really crappy. You can just about see through it. Probably cost them a few dollars at the most. But the black VIP tote bag was cool. I wish they had used the pic on the tote bag [Beach Boys 50th with classic Brother logo] for the t-shirt.
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