When I first got into the Beach Boys....I found "Surf's Up" in 1975, in a cut bin with a cut corner for $0.99!!!   I still have that copy 40+ years later!!  
And it's definitely well-worn.  Especially Side Two.

Hard to believe that all of these years later, it's now been re-issued several times and considered a classic!!!  How times change!!  

Except for "Student Demonstration Time"...which just stands out like a sore thumb  (You know..this ROCK TUNE in between these mellow tunes), the album
has a nice flow.  I don't mind SDT, but I imagine it could've been a different album with something else from the can or one of those Dennis tracks which were floating around
at the time.   Shame really.  

Dogbone

Interesting to see this coming out, after all the information in Murphy's book about Brad Elliot and Bruce Morgan and all of the back and forth and the lawsuits in the past.

Will either Brad and Bruce have a hand in it?   I know many have their gripes and problems with Brad with what happened in the past, myself included, but he was really the first one
to really try to get these tapes released, and he spent a great deal of money (a lot of it NOT his) fighting the lawsuits, to no avail.   It's a sad story and many got screwed, including Brad.   

I can honestly say, I don't know all of the details....but it is a shame that someone who once was held in such high regard by Beach Boys fans and collectors everywhere ended up
screwing everyone, and also getting the short end of the stick to try and make this release happen.   

Perhaps some of you know more about this whole situation than I or many do.  And I'll be clear, I'm not defending Brad, but I was one of the lucky ones who DID get a refund, when it was clear the
release he was planning for the HITE MORGAN tracks way back when, wasn't going to happen.   

Dogbone

Here's the Foster Freeze in San Leandro, California.  This is in the business section of town....at the corner of Alvarado and Montague.

The owner is an older Chinese Man, who runs the place with his wife and grandkids.  Looks like a dump, but the food is quite good albeit a bit pricey.

You'll pay $8-$10 for a Burger, Fries and Soda.   He's had the place for about 20 years he tells me.



Dogbone

Holy sh*t Ian---

You wrote:  <<May 7 1965 the BBs performed at Legion Field in Birmingham, Alabama with The Rolling Stones, The Righteous Brothers, Marty Robbins. Sonny James, Cannibal and the Headhunters, Skeeter Davis and Bill Reeves.>>

I mean...this is a COUNTRY show for the most part....Marty Robbins, Sonny James, Skeeter Davis and Bill Reeves.   How did the others get on the show?   
Can you share anymore details about it??

Can you imagine the crowd??   Beach Boys Fans, Stones Fans, and Good old boys from Birmingham, chewing tobacco and eatin' possum pie!!

I would've never guess that even the Stones would have shared a bill with these same country artists.  (Well, even though they're big "country" fans..."Far Away Eyes" and others come to mind)


Dogbone

This is really intriguing!!  And since I posted the US Copy some months ago...I've been digging.

A friend who lives at the top of a Mountain in Sweden sent me a copy of what he claims to be the "withdrawn" Sleeve for
the Zeppo Wilson release in Sweden.  He couldn't provide scans of the record, as it also appears to have been cancelled. 

Here's the scan he sent of the sleeve:



And like many of the Euro releases, this seems to follow the serial number they used in the UK.   Could there be a UK release??

The mystery continues.

Dogbone

Love and Mercy to you and your friends tonight; i think it's time to close the thread. 

This is EXACTLY my point.  

Amen.

Dogbone

I personally like "Careless Whisper".
I think George Michael really nailed that one.  The saxophone melody is amazing.

Another favorite is "Last Christmas".   Such a fun filled Christmas number!!
My holidays are filled with hope when I hear that one!!

Is Wham reforming to do shows during the Holidays with the Beach Boys??  Thought I heard a rumour!
Or maybe my Alzheimer's is setting in again!!

Am I in the right place??   

Dogbone

Can anyone tell me if WHAM is reforming and opening up for the Beach Boys during the 2016 Summer Tour??

Having George and Andrew posting on this board, and answering questions about their music would be groovy!!

Just be sure to "Wake Me Up, Before you Go - Go"!!!



Dogbone

This might work a little better, in the right direction....it's 7:45pm (I would guess, don't think Brian would be up this early in the morning)...and it's time to hit the MEN'S ROOM, but some idiot can't let Brian pee in peace.  Just have to take another photo!! LOL!

As for the article.  I find most of the comments have little depth.  Sure, some seem to understand the significance of PET SOUNDS, but many we're probably just asked to write a few words, and I would guess most of these were done in an email and quickly with little thought.  One thing that is clear:  There is a lot of love for Brian nowadays, by many of the young, hip musicians.  Unfortunately, I'm not familiar with more than 3 or 4 of them.

Dogbone

Also, Alan and Blondie are great singers/musicians, but neither added much to the show.

I can't really agree with that -- I think they're each serving an important role in the band as it stands.  Al handling the likes of "Little Deuce Coupe" gives Brian a break while still keeping that authentic Beach Boy sound.  And Blondie?  He's really stretching the band this time around -- it's the contrast between cutting loose on an authentic "In Concert" arrangement of "Funky Pretty", almost back-to-back with the complete "Pet Sounds", which really drives home how damn talented they are.

Cheers,
Jon Blum

Hey Jon--

I think you missed what I was actually saying.  For the show in San Francisco, Al and Blondie didn't really make the show any better by being there.  I wasn't questioning or commenting
on their "role", whatever it might be, in being on the tour with Brian. 

Of course Al and Blondie do support Brian, but the show would go on, whether they were there or not.  I'm glad they're both touring with Brian,  and yes, Al singing some songs,
does give Brian a break here and there.   But my point was that the show in San Francisco was still a bit flat and a bit uninspired.  Blondie doing "Sail On, Sailor" was fine, but
like I said, "Wild Honey" just wasn't that good.  Just didn't have it.  The current arrangement is pretty awful and Blondie seemed to fumble at the words.  This is not to say he should
sing them "exactly" like the record, but his performance just seem rushed and under rehearsed to me.  Just didn't like it.   As for him doing "Funky Pretty" on this tour, I've not heard
any performances of it yet, so I can't comment.   

And further for those two being on the current tour, I see what others say, and perhaps it would be nice if Al was given the spotlight to do a set of a few songs acoustically or with
just him and Matt and a few others, while Brian leaves the stage for a bit.  But we know it's "Brian's Gig" and this isn't going to happen.  Shame really, as I think it
might be fun and something fresh.

Anyway, I'm not knocking the talent that both Al Jardine and Blondie Chaplin have.  They're great musicians and great singers.  But this talent didn't seem to
be really showing in San Francisco last year.   This was my main point. 

Cheers,

Dogbone

The writer's main argument ("it's time to let it go") isn't without at least enough validity to ponder it. But he undercuts his argument by being so effusive in praising the 2004 and 2002 tours, because people were writing these same sort of negative reviews of his shows back then too.

Again, I sense the writer has changed more than Brian has.

Yes, the writer does praise the previous tours, but since then, if you feel the writer has changed, IMO, I think it's because he clearly sees that the 'novelty' of seeing Brian Wilson in
person, has since run it's course.  How long will it go on?? 

And let me add:  I love Brian.  I saw his NO PIER PRESSURE show last year in San Francisco.  I recorded the whole show, and listening back to it.... I just couldn't get through it.
it just wasn't that good or that interesting. It just lacked any inspiration and was so flat in so many places.  Brian's vocals at times were awful, and when a song would end, he wouldn't pause
for a moment and accept the applause and admiration, he would start introducing the next song, or the person who was going to sing the next song.  The audience didn't know what to do at
times.  It was like, "Okay, let's get on to the next one".  Just a bit painful to see.  But let's face it, many in the audience are very forgiving on this, and on many other things. 

Also, Alan and Blondie are great singers/musicians, but neither added much to the show.   The band, (God Bless them) do what they can to cover up all of these imperfections, and they
do a great job imitating that "Beach Boys' Sound", but frankly, sometimes they sound like they're rushing to get through the song.  The arrangements are sometimes bland and
not very refreshing.  I especially cringe at the arrangement of "Wild Honey" which is such a durge!  It's just sometimes too painful.  Just not very uplifting. 

Maybe I expect more, but not for myself or the fans, but for Brian.  He might be enjoying himself, and smiling and acting like he's into it, but at times he seems to be somewhere else, and
just going through the motions.  I know I can't expect too much from him, but I didn't leave the show last year feeling like, "Wow...I just saw an amazing Brian Wilson show".   It was more,
"Well, there were some good things, but there was a lot of things, that didn't come across that well."  It wasn't a show that I even cared to tell my friends about.

I know a lot of you may criticize me for saying so, but I also don't think Brian deserves to have to go through all of the hassle to be out on tour. 
He should be relaxing at home, and enjoying his life.   If he wants to record from time to time, so be it.  He's had a great career and has nothing more to prove. 
But he shouldn't be touring anymore.  Just doesn't need to do it anymore.   He's never been one for life on the road.

As for this tour, I do not plan to see it.  Like I said, it's just too painful to watch the drama unfold.  And for seeing the WHOLE of PET SOUNDS album done live...well, been there done that many times before. 

Dogbone

Here's more info and all of the different things which were available at the time.  

http://www.beachboys45.nl/USA-Regular-SOLO-AJ.htm

When it was for sale, you could buy copies for $10 and with Al's Autograph for a bit more maybe $15 or $20, or with the sleeve with the four autographs for about $150, if I remember correctly.

There was some talk, about doing a RED vinyl version as well, but it was mostly hearsay.  

The RED label on the white background is suppose to represent the Japanese Flag and the Japanese Symbol at the top is the character for "FRIENDS"

Here's part of his performance at Amoeba Records in Berkeley, California on Record Store Day, back in 2011, where he performed and sold the record.  There's was a nice crowd there to see him.

Part One:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6wgUDcCeEYw

Part Two:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u6DKm3DT_-k

Enjoy.

Dogbone

Hey Lee--

I'm around...just don't post a lot.   Just don't have a lot of time.  Drop me a line...you know where.

Hope things are good on your end Mr. Malaka!!

Dogbone

Here is what I think of when anyone brings up the Medley--the 1981 version of the group lip synching to it on the Merv Griffin show in what may have been their all-time worst tv "performance." Brutal.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K3PdP7ikQZM

and this one's pretty bad from the Dick Clark Special.  

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CbX3rKMHYy4

Funny thing on BOTH....Dennis on drums.  He and Brian were BOTH in rough shape during these times (albeit Brian was on the mend a bit, before Dr. Landy was brought in the 2nd time).

I just don't get how Dennis would've agreed to showcase this Medley.   And I remember seeing BOTH clips back when they were aired.  

Scary then, and even more scary now!! LOL!!

Dogbone

"The Beach Boys Medley" was on the 1982 vinyl release of Sunshine Dream.  The length was, ironically, 4:09.  Here's the track listing:



Lee

I always laugh and wish I knew how "How She Boogalooed It" made this release!!  I'm sure there was something else that could've worked better!!

The Powers that Be (or Been)  (sigh!)

Dogbone

Does anyone know what the song Beach Boys Medley is on this album? https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sunshine_Dream I notice its almost two minutes longer then the official version released as a single! Is that not  an official Beach Boys album???

Also was this released as a single with out the permission of the Beach Boys? it sure did good if it wasn't.

The 6:44 time appears to be a Typo, the version on this album is the 4:05 version.   There is a Japanese 12" , that has different versions.   There's also a UK CD single, done as a promo, that has a different version as well.   And in the UK, I think they took some of the Japanese Versions from this 12" I mention, and added them as bonus tracks to the CD singles.  I think it was done for the STILL CRUISIN' UK CD single, and one or two others.  In the USA a few years ago, I believe there was also a CD single where it was included.  I'll see if I can find some scans.

Dogbone

The removal of Landy's & Morgan's names from song credits - including the 1985 BB album - was compensated by a financial settlement. No idea how much.

Thanks for the info AGD.  Can I ask what your source is?   I figured there was some financial settlement, but was this in the terms of the agreement reached?
Or was this something which was worked out with all of the parties involved.  I figure who ever took over for Brian, and the Lawyers for the Beach Boys may have
had some sort of hand in it.   Can you elaborate at all? 

Thanks,

Dogbone

After all their legal problems were thru, Landy, Alexandre Morgan, Kevin Leslie, etc. were broke and moved to Hawaii.

 

I find this hard to believe.  Broke?   How did they move to Hawaii then?  Did they float over on a raft?   I would guess the Lawsuit
did cost Landy quite a bit of $$$, but I would also speculate that he clearly put some of the $$$ away for a rainy day.  I've been told
he lived quite comfortably in Hawaii with Alexandre for many years before he died.  It is also my understanding that with others Landy
treated, or so has been said, he had plenty of $$$ put away as well.   If he had to liquidate his assets to be removed from Brian's life
and move to Hawaii....I'm sure he was more than well off.   Doubt he was "broke".   Hell, I'm broke, but I can't afford to live in Hawaii,
much less have a house on the coast which Brian lived in with Kevin Leslie.   

I also tend to believe that the true basis of the settlement to remove Landy from Brian, or Brian from Landy will never be known.  I speculate
that there were so many legal twists and turns involved, that even to this day, some things aren't very clear at all.  For instance, the REVAMPED
version of BRIAN WILSON, when it was re-released with Bonus tracks, etc....There's no sign of Dr. Eugene Landy's name on ANY of the tracks,
as a co-writer.  Brian told me himself that Landy and Alexandre had written their fair share of the words for many of the tracks.  The settlement
removed their names, but I still wonder if they receive any royalties or received any compensation when the album we reissued.   

I'd be interested to hear what anyone might have to say about this.   I've always wondered.

Dogbone

The track is now available from CD Baby:
http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/carlwilson1

Amazon and iTunes releases coming soon.

They have it available in 3 different formats.  MP3 (At 200kbps), MP3-320 (At 320kbps) and a FLAC download as well.  You can download all three for $0.99

Nice vocals from Carl and Myrna, but really..a lame, lame song.   Doesn't do it for me.

I wonder if this was written before, or after "Heaven", because of the similarity.  Is there an exact date on it?

Dogbone

"Take a load off your feet, Pete and stop touching my ass"

 

"I'd like a candy bar, and then we'll have world peace!!"

Criminal omissions:

Peter Gabriel
David Crosby
Isely-Jasper-Isely
Stephen Stills
Neil Finn
k. d. lang

Who's that other one you like AGD?  Jim Steinman?    And not only Neil Finn....but Tim Finn is another amazing writer who doesn't get his due outside of Australia/New Zealand.

Dogbone

http://www.rollingstone.com/music/lists/100-greatest-songwriters

This list just went up at Rolling Stone's site.  For those who have been following RS editorial policy for the last half-century minus two years, the top 10 selections aren't particularly surprising - nor is the fact that Brian was placed just outside the top ten.  Some of these choices are mighty peculiar though. James Taylor, for instance. Most of his biggest hits were written by other people. (Then again, Harry Nilsson's two biggest hits were not songs he wrote, but he, deservedly I'd say, makes this list.) Where the Brill Building teams go - I would put Pomus and Shuman above Goffin and King. 

You mention Nilsson.   His two biggest hits  "Everybody's Talkin'" written by Fred Neil   and "Without You" written by Badfinger's Pete Ham and Tom Evans.

Personally, I think Pete Ham should be on the list as well.  Amazing songwriter.   

Dogbone

Rolling Stone and their lists.   Just a hodgepodge of opinions.

This is not to say that there isn't any truth to the list, but if you don't care for Bob Dylan, for instance, then his significance as a songwriter to you is null.

Any songwriter who writes a song which moves anybody in anyway, should be considered a "great" songwriter.

It's all a matter of taste.

Is Johnny Mercer on the list?  NO.  This is Bruce Johnston's favorite songwriter I believe!   What about Rodgers and Hammerstein?
There's so many that this list overlooks. 

Dogbone

I'm just surprised to see that when talking about NO PIER PRESSURE Brian didn't use that old cliche he always falls back on:

"Oh yeh...we recorded this album with a lot of love.  There's a lot of love in it".

But he will, sooner or later.  It's somewhat automatic!!

And it's not just the Wondermints who back him up...there's many others as well.  Either way...I wonder if he ever gives the whole band
a bonus for the amazing performances they put in for him gig after gig.  I hope they get an extra chunk of dosh every once in a while. 

Dogbone

I don't remember which interview, but he did indeed say that about NPP. 

Dam, and I missed it??   He's said this about most everything over the years.  About PET SOUNDS, About SMiLE, about recording with the Beach Boys in general. 
Glad to see he didn't miss a beat with NO PIER PRESSURE.

Brian is the king of "Bullshit", when it comes to interviews!!

Dogbone

I'm just surprised to see that when talking about NO PIER PRESSURE Brian didn't use that old cliche he always falls back on:

"Oh yeh...we recorded this album with a lot of love.  There's a lot of love in it".

But he will, sooner or later.  It's somewhat automatic!!

And it's not just the Wondermints who back him up...there's many others as well.  Either way...I wonder if he ever gives the whole band
a bonus for the amazing performances they put in for him gig after gig.  I hope they get an extra chunk of dosh every once in a while. 

Dogbone