I do find it odd when people jump to hasty assumptions about the grand plans of the various legacy acts and their archival releases. Assuming sets that are discussed offhandedly in interviews are cancelled during a quiet spell for news... The same happens in the world of Beatlemaniacs with assumptions about whether or not certain albums will be remixed or have already been remixed and are waiting to be released or will just be skipped entirely... Hendrix fans assuming the legal action between Experience Hendrix and the estates of Mitch Mitchell and Noel Redding have been the cause of delays with the 'Electric Lady Studios' box set that briefly appeared on amazon listings a couple of years ago... Zappa fans  assuming that Universal Music Enterprises isn't interested in producing physical DVD/Blu-Ray products based on "reportedly low sales"... And while all of this is certainly possible, it always seems to me like a knee-jerk reaction. Lots of us expect the industry machine to always move at breakneck pace and capitalize on every scrap of hype and momentum to deliver more and more ever faster, but in a lot of cases, the machine does move slowly and things do take time to materialize. Plans can change and hangups that the average Joe couldn't/wouldn't fathom get in the way. I'm sure there's some sort of project in the pipeline that probably won't be exactly what I'm wishing for, but will still blow me away whenever it becomes a reality.

Heck I'd be willing to pay for decent quality mp3 downloads of any of these tracks... I know scattered tracks have been uploaded to youtube by (mostly) various unofficial accounts, but none of these sets are available on streaming in any proper fashion, are they? It's a shame because I have heard a few gorgeous gems over the years and have been genuinely curious about quite a few tracks as well. According to the discogs database, both 'Carl Wilson: Under God' and 'Dennis Wilson: Only with You' have both only been sold on that website ONCE (each in fairly recent history) and the 'One in a Million' CD has apparently NEVER been sold secondhand through the discogs marketplace! Talk about limited -- Does anyone know if there's any way to listen to these CDs without moving heaven and earth? I'd be stunned if those original issues of Endless Summer Quarterly were still in stock/available for purchase...

Great stuff! I do look forward to these podcasts, even if I may forget to check in on them for a few months at a time. The interviews are always thoughtfully conducted and you do a great service to give spotlight to some of the less prominent speakers in the Beach Boys circle; it was a delight to hear how down to earth the young Lovester sounds -- he really strikes me as a sensible guy. And I have enjoyed what I have heard of his album as well, it isn't exactly "Beach Boys music" but I'm glad to see him chasing some sort of artistic flame. I've thought for a long time it would be great to get a "solo" album from Matt Jardine (with or without features from associates of the organization), but he seems content performing with his pops. And even Carnie & Wendy (who also seem to be content occasionally performing with Al) seem to have other things than releasing studio-recorded music on their minds. Aside from the 'California Music Presents Add Some Music' project, I'm not aware of much anything in the last decade. But I digress...

I really enjoyed listening to the podcast, and look forward to remembering to check for another one! Wonderful work! Thanks a bunch for your time and effort!

This may be better placed in either the 2023 Al Jardine tour thread, or a dedicated thread of its own, or perhaps some other buried thread I'm not aware of... But it seems as good a place as any at the moment to ramble about how I just came home from seeing Al Jardine and His Endless Summer Band at Septemberfest in Shaumburg, IL -- what a fantastic time. Al and the band blew me away from start to finish -- Al is such a cool, charismatic presence on stage, and Matt has really grown into much more of an impressive vocalist than I think even most serious fans realize. I left with the impression that he was almost directing the show, giving cues to the rest of the band and sound crew such. The band was tight and still had fun, I could go on about the individual members, but it's late, and the adrenaline is finally starting to wear off.

But anyway, as quirky as Al's history with song production may or may not be, he put on a (day after) birthday show to remember! (The audience did sing him "Happy Birthday" at one point, and he was offered a cake. He said he also had several cupcakes.) I'm sure I'm preaching to the choir for many of you when I say how grateful I am to have actually been able to sing along with a Beach Boy in my lifetime! I wish Al as much health and happiness as humanly possible! And I wish Matt the recognition for his immense talent and hard work!

Al Jardine is the man!

Edit: In my grogginess, I neglected to mention a small highlight of the evening -- at the end of the show I was also lucky enough to be given a setlist and a fist-bump by drummer/icon of the Beach Boys inner-circle Bobby Figueroa. Truly a wonderful band of gentle souls!

It would be the best news I've heard all year (a low bar, to be fair) if this were an indicator of a physical reissue (on either CD or LP, heck, both would be great!) but I feel like that's wishful thinking on my part. Glad this album is more readily available for listening, in any case!

I think it's safe to say the delays and multiple months of confusion regarding the status of the Feel Flows set and speculation about what might have been going on behind-the-scenes were a significant factor in the amount of discussions that quickly accumulated leading up to the eventual release of the box set. Plus, it was the first time in a decade we'd gotten a truly massive release from The Beach Boys camp -- I can't think of any release that has rivaled the scope and ambition of 'Feel Flows' since 'The SMiLE Sessions' box set. I too, am surprised there hasn't been/isn't more discussion about the new set (my post a few pages ago wondering if anyone could highlight which tracks might have previously circulated and which tracks are new to even collectors has gone unanswered   )

This being said I finally got to give a listen to one of the discs in this set (I chose CD6 for new studio content) and WOW this is everything I was hoping it would be. The 'Mount Vernon and Fairway' are wonderful, the 30-40 seconds of a cappella "Radio King Dom" is literally a dream of mine. The boys have done it again!

My copy (ordered either the last couple days of November or the first couple days of December... I can't even remember now) is supposed to be arriving Thursday. Along with the new David Crosby live CD/DVD which was released the same day. It's been a long while since I've been able to get my hands on any new music release within a day or two of release.

Wow!  This set looks to be everything I've been hoping it would be and more! Can any hardcore collectors clue me in to how much of the unreleased stuff has never circulated? There's plenty of content that I've only read about, and stuff I don't think I've ever even heard of! Another embarrassment of riches for us this holiday season!  What a time to be a Beach Boys fan!

As easy as it is to give Mike sh*t (deservedly) about either his personal politics or musical tendencies, I would be pretty hyped for a Mike Love Anthology style collection, compiling some of his lesser-known gems among his classic Beach Boy contributions. He's put out a lot of material I would rate poor-to-middling over the years, but I think there's certainly at least one full CD worth of solid/enjoyable/fun material out there...

Without getting into debates about one's feelings on the material or the inevitable comparisons to contemporaries that are more highly regarded, I for one am certainly far more interested in the release of some of these mid-late 60s gems. The latter-era remakes are (hopefully) fun at best and harmless at worst, and in this case (still wondering WTF "Dr. Landy Version" could possibly mean??) potentially somewhat enlightening. Though perhaps it will only create more questions...

On a release like this I am glad to see Dean's version of "Louisiana Man" get reissued; I would love to see a release of all his productions, not only J&D but also including the 1964 Gary Zekely single he produced, "Other Towns, Other Girls"/"When I Go to Sleep" (the A-Side would sound in place right alongside any track from the B-Side of 'The Beach Boys Today!' in my opinion) and ALL of the early-mid 70s Legendary Masked Surfers songs (I think two singles comprising remakes of three songs?) and of course the 1975 version of "Sidewalk Surfin'" is worth inclusion. I do think getting into the late-70s and 80s remakes is largely unnecessary (though I admit to loving the 80s 'Silver Summer' remake of "Summer Rain").

I suppose this is as good a place to ask as any: Dean Torrence is credited with composition on both sides of the 45 "Look Around You"/"Happy Human People" by a group called Black Society, signed to STAX records. So my first thought is it must be a different guy with a same name, but (an often reliable, though not infallible database,) disocgs links to Dean-O's artist page. I've never seen/heard him talk about it and it seems so left-field for him, especially in that time-period. The A-Side is available on YouTube, and it's not tooooooo much of a stretch compositionally to imagine Dean being involved (upbeat, vaguely soulful sunshine vibe-kinda song), but I dunno... Does anyone have any info? The B-Side is not online to my knowledge... Again, a release like this is the kind of place that material like that could ideally potentially be highlighted and given explanation if there is some actual connection.

Discogs link: https://www.discogs.com/release/6828167-Black-Society-Look-Around-You-Happy-Human-People

Black Society - "Look Around You" YouTube link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cK-LWLn2jKM

I know most folks around here seem to be rather hot and cold on topics pertaining to Jan & Dean, but with enough crossover interest, and involvement from key players in The Beach Boys, I figure this merits at least a mention and platform for further discussion...


Dean Torrence
The Teammates: Twenty Years Of Making Music 1965-1985
Release date: October 14, 2022
Collection of Dean Torrence collaborations spanning 1965–1985, including previously unissued recordings, rare tracks, and alternate mixes.
 
“Dean has always been really upbeat, positive, fun-seeking and joy-projecting person on stage. He’s always about pleasing the audience, and I’ve always been very sympathetic to that as well. I think we had a commonality in our philosophy in performing and having a good time.”
—Mike Love
 
Dean Torrence’s The Teammates: Twenty Years Of Making Music 1965-1985 is a curated collection that traverses the decades of the various musical teams Torrence has captained. Whether it was in the producer’s chair, behind the microphone or putting together musical entities, Dean has done it all. This collection includes many of Dean’s rare collaborations with the likes of Mike Love, Jan Berry, Bruce Johnston, Harry Nilsson, and Leon Russell.

Teaming with The Beach Boys/Jan & Dean historian David Beard (also editor/publisher of Endless Summer Quarterly), Torrence raided his vaults and discovered previously unreleased recordings from 1965–1985. Beginning with the ultra-rare single of “Summertime, Summertime” by Our Gang (never available on CD and taken from the original 2-track master), this collection is a treasure trove of rarities and previously unheard music. There are alternate recordings by Jan & Dean, never before heard music from 1973 by Terry Melcher, Bruce Johnston & Torrence, and a slew of rare tracks by Mike (Love of The Beach Boys) & Dean from the early ’80s that has never been made available on CD or digitally until now!

Omnivore Recordings is proud to continue its association with Dean Torrence on this exciting and rare compilation of historical music from one of the early progenitors of rock ’n’ roll. The Teammates: Twenty Years Of Making Music 1965-1985 also offers extensive liner notes by Torrence, a track-by-track conversation with David Beard on the album’s contents and a forward by longtime Jan & Dean associate, and entertainment executive Winston Simone.

“It was important to us that we offer the fan something different and special, and Dean dug right in. This collection is about friendship, buddies… teammates. This was a true team effort.”
—David Beard
 
CD / DIGITAL TRACK LIST:
BUY OUR ALBUM – The Legendary Masked Surfers
SUMMERTIME, SUMMERTIME – Our Gang
THE THEME FROM LEON’S GARAGE – Our Gang
LOUISIANA MAN – Jan & Dean
SNOWFLAKES ON LAUGHING GRAVY’S WHISKERS – The Laughing Gravy
VEGETABLES (Alternate Mix) – The Laughing Gravy
MOVING DAY – Locksley Hall
IT’S A BEAUTIFUL DAY – Hogfat Cantina Singers & Bel Air Bandits
JUST KEEP IT UP – Terry Melcher, Bruce Johnston, Dean Torrence
LOVE LACE – Terry Melcher, Bruce Johnston, Dean Torrence
A TEENAGER IN LOVE – Dean Torrence
I ONLY HAVE EYES FOR YOU – Dean Torrence
GET A JOB – Dean Torrence
ONE SUMMER NIGHT – Dean Torrence
DEAD MAN’S CURVE (Dr. Landy Version) – Dean Torrence
BE TRUE TO YOUR BUD (BUDWEISER FIGHT SONG) – Mike & Dean
LIGHTNIN’ STRIKES – Mike & Dean
HER BOYFRIEND’S BACK – Mike & Dean
ALLEY OOP – Mike & Dean
JINGLE BELL ROCK – Mike & Dean
RIDE THE WILD SURF – Flo & Eddie with Dean Torrence
ORDER OUR ALBUM – The Legendary Masked Surfers
FUN, FUN, FUN (Commercial) – Mike & Dean
Tracks 1, 4, 6–10, 15, 21–23 previously unissued.

Cat: OV-504

Omnivore Recordings YouTube Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DhYBgA7ogaA

Omnivore Recordings Pre-Order: http://omnivorerecordings.com/shop/teammates/

So is Fred's Gofundme up yet?   Love the idea of a fan-financed completion of "Cows."   If 600 BB fans put in $50 each...

This was just highlighted on my YouTube page. Answer finally is ‘Yes’.

https://youtu.be/pskot043v2g

https://gofund.me/26a7e8da

    
This is the fantastic news!! It's been months since I started my morning with a smile this big! Please take my money, Fred!!

Umm what..? Live 1971 shows, misc. 1971 tracks and The Flame 2nd album? 

For lack of a better word, much of Jan's music lacked soul. It is all technically well-done, but it is not music that touches you emotionally, nor was it designed to. Jan just didn't have it in him to be emotional in his music. When he tried--for example, A Beginning From An End from Folk n' Roll, which talks about a woman dying in childbirth, and may have been based on Jan's experiences in medical school--it comes off a heavy handed. His most soulful music was Carnival of Sound, where he was expressing the real suffering of his physical and mental handicaps.

I agree with your first point to an extent (Jan presenting his teen-oriented music in a way that an older audience might more easily appreciate) but this further point is where we begin to wade into serious subjectivity. There are definitely more than a few J&D cuts that I find quite soulful and emotional -- "A Surfer's Dream" is a bit of a deep cut that comes to mind in that regard, featuring a superb vocal from Jill Gibson (who seems to be rarely given credit for her contributions to a few stellar J&D tracks). But I understand that this is my subjective opinion, and just because I might be deeply moved by a song or (out-of-key) vocal doesn't mean someone else will be. It strikes me as interesting the broad stroke statements made by some throughout this thread; all music is different things for different people.

I definitely agree that most of 'Carnival of Sound' is quite "soulful" as you put it, in my opinion, as is a fair amount of Jan's solo work (both released and unfinished) but I wouldn't necessarily say because of expressing "the real suffering" of his handicaps as you put it, but rather that he was expressing himself through those handicaps. Sometimes in suffering, sometimes in joy. Yes, Jan was CERTAINLY no Brian Wilson, it's been said again and again, but he was an interesting guy with a lot going on upstairs, and even after "the accident" had a lot of drive and passion right up to the end. Again, this is just one music listener's subjective opinion.

I also have to remember a time when people who were following all this stuff back to the early 90's had a notion of Brian doing a new project more in line with Smile/Smiley Smile that might end up sounding in their minds like an Animal Collective or Elephant 6 label project or something, and perhaps that kind of hope or expectation is what drove (or continues to drive) the letdowns and disappointments when a Brian project comes out and it's not all weird and goofy like "Smiley Smile 2" or something.

Big facts. And this phenomenon doesn't seem to plague too many of his contemporaries in the same way. I don't think there have been too many people complaining about McCartney's solo albums not being something along the lines of 'Sgt. Pepper 2' (didn't he actually do something like that in the 80s and NOT release it?) Most people seemed to like the relatively recent album by The Who, even though it's certainly not 'Tommy 2' or 'Quadrophenia 2'.

Funny you'd bring up Animal Collective and Elephant 6 though, obviously for musical/aesthetic comparison, but it gets me thinking about how a lot of Animal Collective fans have spent 10+ years complaining about not getting 'Merriweather Post Pavilion 2' and a lot of Neutral Milk Hotel fans have been dreaming about 'In the Aeroplane Over the Sea 2' for almost 25 years! People like us just want it all, sometimes 

Fantastic discussion, great listening. Funny, casual and off-the-cuff but informed AND informative! All of these podcasts are enjoyable listens, but this is an especially wonderful installment! Thanks to all involved!

While most of the J&D discography is pretty fun surface-level material, there is definitely some material (Jan's solo single "Mother Earth" comes to mind, as do some of Dean's 'Save for a Rainy Day' and Jan's 'Carnival of Sound' songs) that should not be overlooked for their emotional/artistic content, and while one can certainly debate quality on various levels I for one find that most of it definitely hits the sweet spot (again, this is just me). As for stuff like "Universal Coward" I used to figure that Jan was kind of playing both sides in a manner of speaking (including "Eve of Destruction" on the same album). Kind of like "Only a Boy" isn't really an anti-war song but isn't exactly a pro-war song (in my opinion). Was he too afraid to take one stand? Did he see both sides? Did he not care?

It is definitely a reach to put J&D on the same level as a lot of their peers who had more time to continue to discover themselves in the late sixties, but I don't think it's quite like filet mignon vs a McDouble.

On an objective level there are definite flaws in more than a few of the J&D vocal deliveries. I certainly agree that it is odd given the obvious effort put into so many other aspects of the recording. As far as their influence J&D were without a doubt influential on the evolving scene and many people, musicians or otherwise of the day. I can see that in my parents who moved from out west, their lifestyle definitely owed something to the culture perpetuated by J&D. As far as my further opinion, again, I've been a big BB fan for most of my life and since high school have really become a hopeless fanatic. But it wasn't until the last few years that I really listened to more of J&D than just the Brian-adjacent tunes, and I personally was in fact blown away the deeper I delved. Is every tune 5-Stars? Hell no, but the same can certainly be said about a few BBs albums in my humble opinion. Again, this all gets down to subjective taste at a certain level, I can definitely acknowledge pretty much all of the flaws the articulate members of the board bring to discussion (this is a thoroughly enjoyable, respectful, witty and entertaining discussion  ) but to echo my earlier sentiment, a lot of those flaws are just quirky enough for me to enjoy as opposed to... Not. Again, I'm only an amateur musician and certainly not vocally trained, but I can recognize the difference between a Beatle and Jan & Dean when it comes to vocal skill. I know what I'm getting into when I throw on one of their records. I always have fun.

[I'd say in my (unprofessional) opinion they are better-than-average singers, but maybe just didn't really care all that much.]

As someone who has been a fan of The Beach Boys for most of his life, and got into Jan & Dean only within the last few years, there is certainly no question that even at their most ragged The Boys could sing circles around Jan & Dean (and many of their other contemporary sound-alikes as well) but I would argue that Jan & Dean have plenty of passionate vocals (some of the more passionate ones are sometimes also the more out-of-tune ones) and would agree that for me, these qualities that are detractors for some are more of a personal flavor that makes their songs all the more unique. I'd say in my (unprofessional) opinion they are better-than-average singers, but maybe just didn't really care all that much. As a wise man once said, "It's just a ride..."

The point in bold is probably the key issue I have in this discussion and with Jan & Dean in general. There are people telling us how much care and attention Jan Berry gave to his studio productions, writing out each and every part for the musicians to play and mixing everything with such meticulous attention to detail, really taking the craft of recording and arranging pop or teen music into an art form.

Then you hear the out of tune vocals, and vocal tracks which sound like they really didn't care all that much, and it almost immediately destroys the other point by example.

Again the question becomes why would such care and attention be given to the instrumental tracks only to put vocals on those tracks that too often sound like they were half-assed?

It almost makes you think about Brian producing an entire album (or SERIES of albums, god forbid!) of songs like "Teeter Totter Love" 

As someone who has been a fan of The Beach Boys for most of his life, and got into Jan & Dean only within the last few years, there is certainly no question that even at their most ragged The Boys could sing circles around Jan & Dean (and many of their other contemporary sound-alikes as well) but I would argue that Jan & Dean have plenty of passionate vocals (some of the more passionate ones are sometimes also the more out-of-tune ones) and would agree that for me, these qualities that are detractors for some are more of a personal flavor that makes their songs all the more unique. I'd say in my (unprofessional) opinion they are better-than-average singers, but maybe just didn't really care all that much. As a wise man once said, "It's just a ride..."

Very late on this... But did OP ever upload this footage (or even just audio) to MEGA and/or Google Drive or something of that nature? Would love some sauce, as they say on the web.

More than a few days late sharing here, but what the hell... For ol' Al's birthday this year (seventy-nine big ones around the sun...) I took the initiative to record myself performing one of my favorite of his co-writes with the band; concurrently commemorating the 50th anniversary of the release of the 'Surf's Up' album (on which the song I cover was originally released) which falls a few days prior to Al's birthday.

So anyway, here's "Take a Load Off Your Feet": https://youtu.be/JagSVLTDsI0

P.S. I also have other videos on my youtube channel of me covering songs and also doing vinyl album reviews. Please check it out if you're at all inclined and have the time. Thanks!

Susie Cinc , Back home- 7/3/76- Anaheim
Disney Girls- Blossom Music Center  6/11/82
This Whole World - Groton, Ct 6/19/88
Riot In Cellblock #9- Big Sur  Festival 10/3/1970
Its About Time- Fillmore East 6/27/1971
Surfs Up- Chicago 8/15/73
Take Good Care of Your Feet, Add Some Music To Your Day-  NYC- 11/26/93
Student Demonstration Time- Carnegie Hall 11/23/72
Long Promised Road- Carnegie Hall 11/23/72

Thank you immensely for this information! But I must ask, if "Student Demonstration Time" was indeed recorded @ Carnegie Hall 11/23/1972, does that mean the tracklist on the back and liner notes are incorrect when they notate the track as (Live 1971)? If so that is quite a surprising error.

Whenever we get these copyright extension/sessions/outtakes sets I usually compile a playlist for my personal listening of a conceptual deluxe album, kind of imagining if the album(s) in question had been released as a double album or something like that... I did this with the 'Friends' and '20/20' albums after those digital sets came out a few years ago. And after obsessive listening this past weekend I have done the same for the 'Sunflower' and 'Surf's Up' albums:

Sunflower Deluxe
Side A (19:31)
1. "This Whole World" (Alternate Ending) / 2. "Break Away" (Original 1969 Single Mix) / 3. "Soulful Old Man Sunshine" (2019 Mix) / 4. "Good Time" (2019 Mix) / 5. "Slip On Through" (Alternate 1969 Mix w/ Session Intro) / 6, "I'm Going Your Way" (Alternate Vocal Take) / 7. "Got to Know the Woman"
Side B (22:26)
8. "Susie Cincinnati" (2020 Mix. / 9) "San Miguel" (2020 Mix) / 10. "It's About Time" / 11. "Tears in the Morning" / 12. "Add Some Music to Your Day" (Alternate Version) / 13. "Walkin'" (2019 Mix)
Side C (23:08)
14. "Back Home" (Alternate Version) / 15. "Cotton Fields (The Cotton Song)" (2021 Stereo Mix) / 16. "Celebrate the News" (2020 Mix) / 17. "Two Can Play" (2019 Mix) / 18. "Our Sweet Love" / 19. "When Girls Get Together" (2020 Mix) / 20. "Deidre" / 21. "At My Window"
Side D (16:58)
22. "Where Can She Be" (2019 Mix) / 23. "Cool, Cool Water" (Alternate 2019 Mix) / 24. "All I Wanna Do" / 25. "Won't You Tell Me" (2019 Mix) / 26. "Forever"

- Alternate Vocal Take of "I'm Going Your Way" sourced from the digital EP '1969 - I'm Going Your Way' released in 2019, I just enjoy the double-tracked vocal.

The only concept I really had putting this one together was trying to start it strong and fun, and end it sweet and sappy; I wound up with what I think is a real upbeat and even rockin' hypothetical side A, a fun and varied sides B & C, and a softer and more syrupy side D. Ending strong as you can hope to with Denny's "Forever" which I felt was appropriately prefaced in the lyrics of "Won't You Tell Me" (and even the concept of the lyrics in "All I Wanna Do"). So there you have your delxue 'Sunflower'.

Surf's Up Deluxe
Side A (18:40)
1. "Don't Go Near the Water" / 2. "Long Promised Road" / 3. "4th of July" (2019 Mix) / 4. "Disney Girls (1957)" / 5. "Big Sur" (Outtake) / 6. "It's Natural" (Outtake)
Side B (19:25)
6. "Take a Load Off Your Feet" (Alternate Vocal) / 7. "I Just Got My Pay" (2019 Mix) / 8. "H.E.L.P. is On the Way" (2019 Mix) / 9. "Settle Down/Sound of Free" (Basic Session Outtake) / 10. "Sound of Free" (1970 Single Mix) / 11. "Lookin' at Tomorrow (A Welfare Song)" / 12. "Medley: All of My Love/Ecology" (Outtake)
Side C (22:22)
13. "Before" (Outtake) / 14. "Behold the Night" (Outtake) / 15. "Awake" (Outtake) / 16. "Old Movie (Cuddle Up)" / 17. "A Day in the Life of a Tree" / 18. "Hawaiian Dream" (Outtake) / 19. "I've Got a Friend" (Outtake)
Side D (22:22)
20. "'Til I Die" (Alternate Mix) / 21. "(Wouldn't It Be Nice To) Live Again" (Extended Mix) / 22. "Feel Flows" / 23. "You Never Give Me Your Money" (Outtake) / 24. "Surf's Up" (2019 Mix)

- "'Til I Die" (Alternate Mix) sourced from the 1998 'Endless Harmony Soundtrack' album, I don't care too much for the alternate lyrics of the long version on the new Feel Flows set, as interesting a historical document as it is... So I used this version.

I sort of had a vague concept for this one, I wanted to include as much Dennis as possible, but I also wanted to capitalize on some of the goofy songs they had recorded in this time that I actually think are quite fantastic... So for the hypothetical side A I figured, again, start strong, with the classic Beach Boys sound but across a progressive range of songs, from rockers to ballads and the gambit in between. Side B is where I cluster my beloved trio of fun/goofy songs, which is coupled with the instrumental session for "Sound of Free" and then the actual track itself, getting some Dennis in there. I debated including the new Feel Flows version of "Lookin' at Tomorrow" but decided to go with the original for the sake of the vocal effects. That gives us a nice transition into the Dennis medley that both closes the hypothetical side B and teases the material to come on this imaginary third side. Side C would be home for the majority of the 'Poops'/'Hubba Hubba' material, intermittently broken up by equally gorgeous Brian songs. Closing with the epic instrumental "I've Got a Friend" would be quite a statement. Side D would open with the extended "'Til I Die" followed by the extended "(Wouldn't It Be Nice To) Live Again" followed by "Feel Flows" which would give us a succession of objective masterpieces from each of the Wilson brothers, oldest to youngest. The instrumental Beatles cover/snippet would really be more of an introductory segment to the curtain call of the title track.

EDIT: Sorry to anyone who's heartbroken over the removal of "Student Demonstration Time" from the sequence; if you really like that song you can just insert it in place of the session outtake before the single mix of "Sound of Free" and voila!

SECOND EDIT: After a few more days of listening, I decided to add "It's Natural" to the end of my imaginary A side of 'Surf's Up' Deluxe, it fits the mood, and gives Mike two dynamite vocal spots in a row.

THIRD EDIT: After further listening, I have slightly shuffled the sequence of my hypothetical Side C... This is a living playlist 

Oh man... After this 20+ month journey we've all gone on... This is such a surreal listening experience... It's so bittersweet, thinking about what a completely different place I am in my life than when this crazy ride started... There are people who aren't in my life anymore that I spent hours theorizing and prattling into the night about this material and the various delays (like the obsessive fans and music nerds we are) and here I am finally hearing it, but by myself. There's so much personal emotional content intertwined with this incredibly emotional music... This set is special in a way that goes way beyond words...

And I wholeheartedly agree, there's plenty of fantastic material throughout all the discs, but CD5 is sure THE BIG ONE. I remember being in high school (I'm a younger guy) when The SMiLE Sessions box came out, and having not heard most of the circulating boots prior to that, I was totally blown away by every single disc. And even though we've gotten a flood of expanded/deluxe session box sets by classic/legacy acts in my lifetime, this is really the first time an ENTIRE set has left me in awe through each and every disc... The SUNFLOWER LIVE tracks really rock a lot more than I expected... The SURF'S UP BONUS TRACKS are absolutely essential outtakes... Both of the session discs totally exceeded my expectations for dissecting the albums, each one just had me literally head in hand... And I'm a sucker for the a cappella tracks, that's one of the things I was looking forward to most on this set... But CD5 is practically an embarrassment of riches... The Dennis 'suite' is pure magic... And the two 'Carl and the Passions' tracks just get you hyped for what's to come in the future...

I can't give enough thanks to Howie, Mark, Alan... To THE BOYS... To everyone who made this possible...

I'm gonna go out on the limb and say this set is easily (Archival) Album of the Year.