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680597 Posts in 27600 Topics by 4068 Members - Latest Member: Dae Lims March 28, 2024, 09:04:19 AM
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201  Smiley Smile Stuff / General On Topic Discussions / Re: Sounds of Summer 6LP Announced on: June 15, 2022, 05:49:37 AM
24 of the 80 tracks have new mixes. From what I've heard of 'Shut Down' and 'Good Vibrations' I don't think the remixes of the early tracks are going to butcher these tracks into unrecognizable garbage. Rather those early tracks seem to be very tastefully mixed for a new generation of stereo sound (assuming that the Dolby Atmos 3D listening era has a lot to do with this new push for immersive remixing).

It was the 2009 stereo remix of 'Don't Worry Baby' on the Summer Love Songs comp that first really hooked me back into being a fan (which led to me becoming the lunatic of a fan I am today). Yes, the original mono song will always be beautiful to me (and my favorite version depending on how I'm listening to the song), but it was that great stereo mix on the SLS comp that really drew me in. So as a new fan who didn't know anything about all the different mixes of the song, I just thought that it was a great sounding track, and it started me down a wonderful path of finding new mixes, fan mixes, original mixes. I think many others will have a similar experience.

As for this being a Greatest Hits comp, I think the first disc is a Greatest Hits comp, but the rest is a sampler of many deep cuts. I mean, if this were solely a Greatest Hits package I highly doubt 'Do You Like Worms' would be on here. So honestly I think having some new mixes on this comp is the way to go given the diverse nature of the package.
202  Smiley Smile Stuff / General On Topic Discussions / Re: Sounds of Summer 6LP Announced on: June 15, 2022, 01:46:56 AM
Also, the idea that remixing songs is “playing God” is completely absurd as well. Brian is literally deaf in one ear and can’t properly hear in stereo. It was impossible* for Brian to even mix Pet Sounds (and other early Beach Boys records) in proper stereo himself, so it is supposedly sacrilege if professional mixers who have a HUGE love for the Beach Boys create a stereo version??

Marcella is clearly not in the same category as it wasn’t originally mixed by Brian in mono. But I guess I also don’t see the point in getting all angsty about a song you can freely hear the original of anytime anywhere. And that’s not to say people shouldn’t have opinions about it, I guess I just find some of the criticism rather offensive/outlandish given this is a sampler compilation whose hopeful target audience is young new fans (while also giving us long-time fans a new way to experience the music).

*want to clarify my meaning of “impossible” before I get raked over the coals for that. I forget if Brian mixed Friends or had a hand in it, but clearly Brian has had a hand in mixing stereo sound during his life. But he can’t actually hear the full stereo experience so hence I say it is rather impossible for him to mix a proper stereo sound.
203  Smiley Smile Stuff / General On Topic Discussions / Re: Sounds of Summer 6LP Announced on: June 15, 2022, 01:09:34 AM
A couple comments:

1) perhaps I’m out of the loop, but is it that impossible to find original vinyl of Beach Boys albums via eBay or record stores? And from what I can tell there are three different versions of every early Beach Boys album on Apple Music: the mono/stereo rereleases, then there is the generic stereo version that was out before the re-releases. I was under the impression that these mono versions aren’t much different from their original mix, they are just remastered (not remixed). So it’s not as if the 1997 stereo mix of Pet Sounds is now the only way to hear Pet Sounds - I am able to listen to 3 different versions via streaming, and I can have all my archived versions in my Apple Music library as well. This seems to be the case for every album they have released (unless I’m missing something). They remixed ‘Don’t Worry Baby’ in 2009 and yet that remix was never a part of an official release of Shut Down Vol II. So I guess I personally don’t see the worry that a remix of Marcella in a sampler compilation somehow eventually erasing any memory of the original mix in an official capacity.

2) I’ve heard this complaint about the bridge in WIBN now a couple times in the last couple days. I was under the impression that in 1997 they had to put Brian in the bridge because they could not transfer the original mono (where Mike is singing?) into stereo - they didn’t have Mike’s vocal on a separate track and thus at the time it could not be mixed in stereo. This problem was rectified later on. It’s the same problem that YSBIM had/has - they only had/have one vocal track separate from the mono mixdown and thus Brian’s double-tracked lead can’t be reproduced in stereo (and they can only use one track for the lead in stereo). It’s not an artistic liberty on the part of the mixers, it’s just the limitations they are dealt with in certain circumstances.

3) comparing a stereo remix to the idea of completely altering the ending of novel/movie by introducing completely new species/characters is a terrible analogy (not trying to offend, but it is rather an offensive analogy to the people working on these mixes). This new mix of Marcella isn’t adding vocals from 2022 or some CGI equivalent to aliens, it is mixing original elements from the original sessions to create an altered listening experience. It’s almost the exact same song, we are just hearing it slightly differently. A better analogy (still not a perfect one) is comparing this to the alternate versions of Blade Runner. I can still watch the original cut of Blade Runner, but I can also watch the Final Cut where they altered colors (for the better, imho), cut some scenes, and took out the narration. It’s a different way to view the film. It doesn’t introduce new characters or vastly alter the plot, but it’s a different way of viewing the film.

I’m a young(ish) fan, but I have always been able to find either original vinyl, have been able to acquire original mono recordings either by back channels, or eBay, etc.. Currently I can listen to official releases via streaming in mono, stereo, remixes, remasters, etc.. There are very smart and dedicated people running the show now, and I highly doubt they will spearhead a campaign to make it so only modern stereo remixes of The Beach Boys catalogue are available for listening.
204  Smiley Smile Stuff / General On Topic Discussions / Re: Sounds of Summer 6LP Announced on: June 14, 2022, 03:58:31 PM
One day I imagine liner notes being able to be viewed as the music plays, where you just maneuver around like a Kindle and flip through. That would be amazing.

That's why I'd love to see a Beach Boys app with the full catalogue, liner notes, exclusives, etc. because I feel like we would never get this with Spotify...It took them almost a decade to bring back song lyrics and I feel like liner notes are a dying breed in modern popular music anyways.

I sometimes use the app Idagio when I get into a classical music mood, and they are wonderful about including liner notes. But that is a niche app. But similarly, a Beach Boys app could include essays, rare photos, interviews, etc. I dream.
205  Smiley Smile Stuff / General On Topic Discussions / Re: Sounds of Summer 6LP Announced on: June 14, 2022, 02:35:25 PM
Funny I've always thought the original mix of CatP (including Marcella) was absolutely magical. But at the same time I am loving the new mix more with each listen...may surpass the original for me at some point.
_______

Aaaaand they have literally locked the Sounds of Summer thread on EH because apparently Howie didn't react to their firing squad in a proper manner LOL

Such petulance/negativity is a huge reason why I will never join that forum. The place is run by people who close threads when a respected insider WHO HELPS PUT THESE SETS TOGETHER reacts logically to a public lambasting of an open/honest interview. What most of us here have been saying about that place for years is on full display for everyone to witness now.
206  Smiley Smile Stuff / General On Topic Discussions / Re: Sounds of Summer 6LP Announced on: June 14, 2022, 01:57:22 PM
The problem with some segments of fandom only starts with the pedantry. It’s a symptom of a larger problem, of not being able to see the big picture and contextualize everything.

I mean I wouldn't expect a whole lot of logical critical deduction from a crowd that thinks 'Marcella' is mixed like a death metal song...I'm sure that Linett was calling up the members of Slayer asking advice on mixing techniques.
____

Also want to add, without creating yet another post in this thread, that I hope all that petulant negativity doesn't affect the mixes on the CatP/Holland set. If there were plans on having the CatP's mixes sound like this 2021 Marcella mix, I hope they keep it that way. If I want to hear the original I can do that with the 3-4 other copies of the album I own. But I'd love to hear the album in this whole new mixing style - there is something about it that keeps me coming back for more.
207  Smiley Smile Stuff / General On Topic Discussions / Re: Sounds of Summer 6LP Announced on: June 14, 2022, 01:53:02 PM
Remixes are awesome because they don't replace the originals at all. It's the closest way we can get to a brand new album by our favorite band to exist.

Perfectly put! Honestly I love the original mono of Pet Sounds, but I also love the sonic cornucopia that is the stereo version. They are two totally different albums to my ears, but they're both amazing in their own ways.

That's how I see any of the modern stereo mixes, the experimentation on a song like Marcella or Sail Plane Song...I'm glad they exist because it's a whole new way of listening to a song. You're right, it's like hearing a brand new album. And we're very lucky to even have such diverse ways of listening to this music.
208  Smiley Smile Stuff / General On Topic Discussions / Re: Sounds of Summer 6LP Announced on: June 14, 2022, 01:25:06 PM
Yeah, it's a bad scene over there.

I can't take it personally. There's so much anger, frustration and DEEP PAIN at that space.
And there's also ZERO concept of how anything goes down -- they're under the impression I'm berating Linett to make mixes "modern for the kids!!!!"
(For those in the know -- imagine how ABSURD that would look like. . . )

It's a handful of remixes on a mondo comp and it turns into  days of character assassination.
DAYSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS.
Some man with a fake name there actually told me to "run away from my problems like I always do!"

Okay?

It's not cool. It's not healthy. And it's definitely not for me.


Can't wait to see the line-by-line breakdown thread of this post on Ended Harmony LOL

....

Oh Jeesh just checked and there's been a thread made about this post there. Seemingly some regret that yeah, some people on the EH forum are negative as hell...we couldn't decipher that from the bullshit rumors about Melinda? Or the trash talk there about the members here on SS? Or the doxing of a moderator here on SS? No, apparently this is the first ever time that negativity has crept onto the EH forum....yeah Roll Eyes
_____

Honestly Howie, it was a great interview and I'm glad you did it. Thank goodness most average fans have no clue about these message boards, and just want to hear some good music. The set looks gorgeous, the 3 tracks sound amazing and I'd bet most fans would agree. Looking forward to where the next decade takes us in the fandom!

To try to steer this in a better direction, I have to admit I had kind of lost track of how soon this thing is due to be released. Lest some pedants forget, it's filled with life-changing, life-affirming music.

Just what, 3 days?? I can't wait. The new stereo version of 'Don't Worry Baby' has me so excited, as well as the rest of the lineup of course.
209  Smiley Smile Stuff / General On Topic Discussions / Re: Sounds of Summer 6LP Announced on: June 14, 2022, 10:37:54 AM
Whoa, catching up on the Endless Bummer threads just now Shocked I hadn't been there in a few days (a great few days it was) and didn't realize that a hellstorm of childish hissy fits had rained down upon Howie from the "fans". I thought y'all were just referring to the regular whining that had been going on there since the new tracks started dropping.

I feel like while constructive discussion/criticism of remixes is fine and in fact can be interesting and enlightening, a lot of the carping I’ve seen in other corners of the internet are often missing the point. They just don’t get it. They just don’t understand how things work, whether it’s the industry, or buying or listening trends, demographics, or how things work in the BRI/Iconic world. They also seem to sometimes not have seemingly ever had to work on large projects with a contingent of people where a lot of compromising and horse trading and productive back-and-forth happens behind the scenes. As Howie mentions in the interview, it’s a “think tank” sort of scenario, which is WHAT HARDCORE FANS HAVE ALWAYS WANTED AND NEEDED. It’s not some random old EMI executive, handed a job “without portfolio” looking for something to futz with just to have something to justify their job, coming in with no knowledge of the Beach Boys and deciding what the CD should be is an entire CD of “Kokomo” remixes. It’s a collective of people who both know and love the band as well as anybody, and also know how both the industry the internecine world of BRI/Iconic/Capitol, etc. works.

I know some are actually clueless, but I'm sure on some level there are politics at play here from certain posters. Reading some of that garbage over there, it's straight up insane.

Thank goodness no one here will determine that my opinion on the insanity of 15+ pages and 3 threads of shitting on Howie Edelson is me gaslighting everyone....the freakin nerve LOL

My favorite post there: "And you guys go on about that “other board”. Jesus Christ." - Debonbon LOL
210  Smiley Smile Stuff / General On Topic Discussions / Re: Sounds of Summer 6LP Announced on: June 14, 2022, 09:14:14 AM
Endless Harmony in trashing Howie… Roll Eyes

Yep.

Endless Negativity is more like it. Honestly I am super excited for the new mixes (especially the 30 tracks in Dolby Atmos) - I have been blasting Marcella nonstop both with studio headphones, AirPods, and my home stereo. I love the bass that comes through on the home stereo, and if the other mixes are like this I think we'll be in for a great new way to hear the music. And if we don't like the mixes, guess what? We have years of vinyl, pirated tracks, reissued vinyl, reissued CDs, boxsets, etc with ALL THESE SAME SONGS in whatever way you prefer to hear them. Mindblowing to me that fans are having a temper tantrum over this set.
211  Smiley Smile Stuff / General On Topic Discussions / Re: Sounds of Summer 6LP Announced on: June 14, 2022, 09:07:16 AM
I think what Howie meant was that the Boomers don’t buy new music, just reissues of their favorites. The trouble with that is that demographic is, literally and figuratively, dying out.  It makes sense to want to target a younger audience.

Oooh that makes more sense. But yeah I do agree with what he is saying though. Targeting the younger audience is the way to go.
212  Smiley Smile Stuff / General On Topic Discussions / Re: Sounds of Summer 6LP Announced on: June 14, 2022, 07:03:17 AM
A full podcast featuring an new, entertaining interview with Howie Edelson; the vast majority is about the Beach Boys and upcoming releases (Sounds of Summer, the archival sets, etc.):

Spotify
https://open.spotify.com/episode/0bSHeJB65I3nUbp4eiFsz8?si=YSmMFyPgTO-3Mst6QcO33A&fbclid=IwAR0MiXsihIyHMNq1qtz0PHDJsvLzGfhMlDTyauBrZuqXaJB5zEi_maAEN84&nd=1

or

Google
https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy5idXp6c3Byb3V0LmNvbS8xODY4Nzg0LnJzcw/episode/QnV6enNwcm91dC0xMDc2NzI2NA?sa=X&ved=0CAUQkfYCahcKEwiwzuehpKP4AhUAAAAAHQAAAAAQNQ

Probably available on other podcast services as well.

Thanks for linking this!

A few thoughts:

- first time I've heard Howie speak his thoughts and really elaborate on where he is coming from. It's great to get some background and awesome to hear the passion he has for this band.
- I love knowing that such caring people are in control of this stuff, we are incredibly lucky fans!
- cannot wait for the CatP, Holland set!! Holland has got to be my favorite era outside of mid-60s stuff.

One thing I want to point out; Howie's thought that "65 year old people aren't buying new music....we have to be aiming at the 23 year old, or this thing dies"

I don't know enough about the market/demographics to really have a meaningful opinion on this, but it is my understanding that the 65 year olds are kinda the only ones actually buying music. I would think that the 23 year olds are mostly streaming music via Spotify, whereas the die-hard older fans are actually buying the sets. I could be completely off on that, but that's my perception of what goes on. And this is coming from someone who at the age of 23 (just 10 some years ago) was spending $100s (if not thousands) on Beach Boys stuff (from books to CDs to boxsets to movies). But from my perspective the market has changed, and more and more kids are just streaming.

I very much agree with Howie that the aim should be at 23 year olds because they are the future of the fandom, but part of me thinks that you can't sell the same type of boxsets that sold 10 years ago to a new generation that doesn't even own a CD player (and many don't own vinyl players). Part of me thinks that the future is an official Beach Boys music app. The main stuff is still on Spotify, but the good stuff, the deep deep cuts, alternate mixes, the studio chatter, insider interviews, monthly giveaways, a new song or small EP every month or two is there for every fan at for $5 a month subscription.

I know people are seemingly overwhelmed by subscriptions, but it is the future and I think it's here to stay. We subscribe to hear music, watch TV, keep a balanced budget, etc etc. I don't think it's outside the realm of possibility that die-hard fans would pay $5 a month to have access to some amazing continuous content brought to you by a team that really does care about this music a lot.

My basic point is that as generations go by and the fandom evolves, so do the mediums in which we listen to and interact with the music.
213  Smiley Smile Stuff / General On Topic Discussions / Re: Sounds of Summer 6LP Announced on: June 10, 2022, 03:05:40 AM
It sounds OK but it's not something I'll play again too often I think. Love the original mix, despite its 'muddiness' - easily my favorite BB song from the early 70s era. This new mix sounds like they were trying way too hard to make every little sonic detail stick out. If it'll help people (re)discover the song, that's great.

Ever since I heard it for the first time, I’ve thought that CatP was their best mixed album (even if it does get a little muddy at times). There is so much sonic creativity going on in the compositions, and yet almost each element is perfectly represented in the mix. For lack of a better term, it is dazzling and can’t really be improved upon.

I wonder if Mark & Alan felt the same way, and just wanted to try something totally different.
214  Smiley Smile Stuff / General On Topic Discussions / Re: Sounds of Summer 6LP Announced on: June 10, 2022, 02:52:08 AM
Honestly I love the new mix. And I can see why some dislike it, but to me it’s great hearing this song with a completely new spin. It’s not yet another digital remaster of an original mix, this is a completely new way to listen to the song.

Hard to explain but that compression gives it a crunch(?) that makes me want to crank this up in the car. The vocals are really out front giving it the vibe of their earlier tunes.

Really glad to see Mark/Alan/etc stepping into the unknown, knowing that something like this won’t go over well with some in the fanbase. I’m sure they read the criticism about the ‘Sail Plane Song’ from MiC, but I’m glad it doesn’t deter them from keeping an open mind about new mixes.

I can’t wait for next Friday!
215  Smiley Smile Stuff / General On Topic Discussions / Re: The original sandbox ?? on: June 09, 2022, 06:14:03 AM
I never thought we'd see a picture of this. Even though I know it actually existed, it always seemed so mythical to me for many reasons, but one being there were never any photos of it. Truly fascinating. Thanks for posting this!
216  Smiley Smile Stuff / General On Topic Discussions / Re: Beach Boys Featured Prominently in New Season of \ on: June 01, 2022, 05:23:58 AM
And Heroes and Villains is the soundtrack for Amazon's 'The Boys' new season 3 trailer video. Guess somebody's hard at work out there working those licensing deals.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K-8VYKUZYiw

Surprised hearing that in the theatre before seeing Top Gun Maverick.
217  Smiley Smile Stuff / General On Topic Discussions / Re: A question for all Beach Boys and Brian Wilson fans on: May 27, 2022, 06:47:51 AM
The magic was Brian and the music he created and contributed to. When he wasn't involved in Beach Boys music, even though the music could be top-notch, it was missing that magic.

Of course! That particular magic was and is Brian's, no doubt about that.
But Brian's magic was enabled and brought to fulfilment by two groups of people. In the '60s and later, it was the fantastic, unique ensemble which was the Beach Boys, of course. And in the 2000s, the great band which had the Wondermints at its core.  

And... then, what is Brian's particular magic? And by this, here I don't mean the miracle that Brian gave us TWO great albums as late as the end of 2021, some months ago.
Here I simply mean the music. What is that makes even comparatively minor songs, or even snippets, by Brian so unique? And makes even a cover of a song, done by him, sound so totally "Brian" (think "Wanderlust", or "Proud Mary"). I have read a lot about his music, but nothing, imho, which really nailed a possible answer. Maybe I am looking for the impossible, and there is no real answer?

Brian tapped into something ethereal. Brian from 1977 regarding Pet Sounds:

Quote
Carl and I used to hold a series of prayer sessions for the world. I got into marijuana and it opened some doors for me and I got a little more committed to ... the making of music for people on a spiritual level. ... Carl said, "What if we make an album after these prayer sessions, an album for people? A special album." I said, "That's a good idea."

And I know we're talking about his music in general and not just Pet Sounds - but that's just it: Brian is the type of person who would initiate a prayer session linked to his music. He wanted to write music that "people would pray to". SamMcK brought up Brian's mental health - and that's probably a major reason why Brian's music was so empathetic/emotional/nostalgic. And it's probably why Brian sought a spiritual link in his life - to help alleviate the demons plaguing him.

Perhaps Brian created such different music than other musicians because he had a different drive than other musicians. Rock stars want the girls, they want the fame, so they create great music that will get them laid/famous. Whereas Brian shied away from the stage life, and retreated from the spotlight in ways. He seemed to be driven to be the best, which is why he wrote #1 hits, but those hits were permeated with Brian's sad/nostalgic perspective on life.

And while many of us want to live/party like rockstars (especially when we're teenagers), there is something deep down inside of us that may long for sadness, or long for past times (which in turn makes us sad). Take the song "All Summer Long" played at the end of American Graffiti: "All Summer Long" was written in the mid-60s, yet it fits perfectly at the end of American Graffiti due to the nostalgic subject/mood of the song. Yet the song was written well before the nostalgia era of American Graffiti...Brian was tapped into something that hadn't even been considered yet in pop culture.

Idk, I'm just rambling. You're right, Zenobi, the answer may be impossible. But I think that everything that everyone has written here (perhaps excluding my ramblings haha) is entirely on point. There's truth in it all, yet still no definitive answer.
218  Non Smiley Smile Stuff / General Music Discussion / Re: Album Closers on: May 24, 2022, 01:38:51 PM
- "The End" (The Doors song)

Yesss. I can't believe I forgot about this one.
219  Smiley Smile Stuff / General On Topic Discussions / Re: A question for all Beach Boys and Brian Wilson fans on: May 24, 2022, 01:37:52 PM
I agree with all of the above. And I really think these guys created a little piece of heaven right here on earth and that is what makes them so special to so many people. And I think it was a mixture of God and their drive for success that created this "anomaly" of a music group.

I say God because the these guys have the most angelic/unique voices, they all came together at just the right time in just the perfect place. It seems too coincidental for it to be chance. However if one is an atheist/agnostic then you could derive joy from the thought that the universe, in all it's upheavals and eons of evolution came together for a spit second of geological time to create such a harmonious blend of beauty for us to enjoy.

And these guys were absolutely driven - the amount of shows they did, the amount of takes they did in the studio. The band drama, fighting, deaths, drugs, etc - they overcame a lot, they were damaged by a lot, but they still keep on making music. Even if the band is in tatters at the moment (I mean that there really is no band making original music anymore).

I really think that their voices lend so much to how this music is perceived. Brian's voice in incredible - far and away the best singer I can think of (maybe besides Carl but I do prefer Brian's tone). And for the kid down the street (Al) to have just as a unique voice (and somehow he still sounds young to this day). Mike even had a unique tone that added so much to those early songs. Bruce came along in the mid-60s but his voice is yet another beautiful tone on these records.

Not many bands have that amount of talent. And then Brian's music style - his compositions are outta this world - and were consistently so in the 60s.

Also, these were kids, most of which not out of high school yet, and they were living every teenagers dream: being rock-n-roll stars. There is so much to their music, so complex, beautiful, harmonious - it's why they are so loved, and yet still an enigma.

Magic indeed.
220  Non Smiley Smile Stuff / General Music Discussion / Re: Album Closers on: May 21, 2022, 08:13:27 AM
‘Time of the Season’ from Odessey and Oracle by the Zombies.
‘Sad Eyed Lady of the Lowlands’ from Blonde on Blonde by Bob Dylan.
‘Funky Pretty’ from Holland by The Beach Boys.

Completely agree with Tomorrow Never Knows. I’d add ‘A Day in the Life’ to that as well.
221  Smiley Smile Stuff / General On Topic Discussions / I can't get over how good the GV segment is in Love & Mercy on: April 08, 2022, 06:51:54 AM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_GLnLUWwc7I

I get goosebumps watching this scene. For starters, it is a brilliant overview of Brian Wilson working on a song from start to finish. And the accuracy of the musical process - we hear the beginning attempts at finding this new sound...warts and all. In the beginning the instrumentals sound sparse, the flutes sound off in places. But over the course of the scene the song gets more and more intense and pieced together.

The vocals-only moments are mind-blowing. I'll never forget the first time I saw this in the theaters and I heard Carl's part, then the harmony "Gotta keep those a lovin good vibrations happenin" - it floored me that I'd never heard those before, and the first time I'm hearing it is in this beautiful recreation that I'm watching in a feature film in a theater. We are so blessed as fans.

As a commenter on YouTube said: "The guy who plays Mike Love looks more like Mike Love than Mike Love does." and it's so true! Each actor seems to perfectly embody the person they're portraying.

The cinematography during the first cello scene is so cool - the 360 pan around the studio. Dennis goofing off but also a possible foreshadow of his venture into piano/music. The shot of Carl is a perfect recreation of his Smile era studio shots. Paul Dano is so convincing when directing the cello players - you completely forget that he isn't Brian Wilson in that moment (and this happens so often in the movie).

This scene/movie is the closest we'll come to going back in time to be a fly-on-the-wall during one of Brian's sessions. Anywho, I'm done gushing.

Fun (kinda sad?) fact (that I don't think has been mentioned here): Paul Dano's Riddler character in the new Batman movie was somewhat inspired by his Brian Wilson character in Love & Mercy. Matt Reeves (director of Batman) : “That character, he’s caught up in his artistry and he struggles to communicate with those around him,” Reeves said of Dano as Wilson. “That was spiritually connected to the idea of this isolation that the Riddler felt. The Riddler is a product of our time, the way that people become isolated online and retreat to mental activities that substitute for not having contact.”

I saw The Batman in IMAX and Dano's parts were unbelievably disturbing - but it goes to show how talented Dano is, to pull off such a role.
222  Smiley Smile Stuff / General On Topic Discussions / Re: Anybody went to a Beach Boys (Mike and Bruce) concert recently? Your opinion? on: April 05, 2022, 05:14:58 PM
Even if one should think Mike is Satan and Brian is Jesus, could still love watching a Mike & Bruce gig. Appreciating music does not necessarily mean you'd want to go on a date with the performers. I am very far from the staunchest fan of Mike's around, but I liked even that "Do It Again" with Mark McGrath. Smiley

I do agree with this, but want to add a side note: when Mike was going on with his "Brian did street drugs but he's now on prescription drugs and Melinda is controlling and the only regret I have in my life is that Brian did street drugs" phase not too long ago, it really did sour some of the music for me at the time. And I know some people would blow a gasket at that admission...but I'll compare it to how I feel about Chevy Chase: I love a lot of his movies and find him hilarious. But he is famous for often being a prick to his co-stars and directors. This behavior came to a boiling point during Chase's time on the show Community and many fans were rather perturbed about it. His behavior off-camera made you look at his character from the show in a much different way (he was eventually written off or fired from the show). Likewise, Mike throwing incessant negativity toward one of his own band members was rather sad to see for me, and I'd sometimes be reminded of the negativity when hearing him on a song.

I guess it just hits people in different ways. Mike has been very chill recently and seems to have come to peace with some things regarding his cousin (at least publicly). So I've seen him in a somewhat different light recently thankfully. But I can definitely relate to people being reserved about seeing him in concert - especially during the peak(s) of his litigations and character assassinations (ugh Looking Back With Love vibes) of Brian.

But with all that said, we live in an era where these guys are still performing - and it's their 60th anniversary as a band Shocked we're lucky they're still around doing what they love doing. Embrace it while we can.
223  Smiley Smile Stuff / General On Topic Discussions / Re: Anybody went to a Beach Boys (Mike and Bruce) concert recently? Your opinion? on: April 04, 2022, 07:55:46 AM
One thing to keep in mind is that YouTube videos aren't the best way to judge a performance. A lot of Brian Wilson performances sound awful on YouTube (the ones recorded from someone's shaky cellphone 50 yards away from the stage) but yet his concerts in person sound amazing (my own personal opinion). I've been to quite a few Brian shows in recent years, and in person they sound fantastic, but yet my videos of the same performance end up sounding very lackluster.

I looked up the March 2022 Cruise shows and honestly a lot of those songs sound great all things considered. Mike sounds as good as I've heard him in years, and the band is pretty tight. But that's just my opinion.

As someone who also isn't the biggest fan of Mike, I'd say head to the show if you can make it. Seeing two of the Beach Boys would be a trip, and I'm sure the music sounds great as well. See these guys while you can.
224  Smiley Smile Stuff / General On Topic Discussions / Re: The Specific Beach Boys Musical Moment That Is Kicking Your Ass Right Now on: April 01, 2022, 11:07:16 AM
Not a specific moment, but:

Wouldn't It Be Nice (mono)
Wouldn't It Be Nice (stereo)
Wouldn't It Be Nice (instrumental)
Wouldn't It Be Nice (vocals only)
Wouldn't It Be Nice (single lead vocal)
Wouldn't It Be Nice (Brian's At My Piano version)

Every version of this song blows my mind. The stripped down piano chords are just beautiful, the instrumental is layered with energy and ethereal sound. The vocals-only sounds angelic. Even some of Brian's alternate leads sound amazing.
225  Smiley Smile Stuff / General On Topic Discussions / Re: Jeffrey Foskett on: March 30, 2022, 09:34:20 AM
I definitely see what you're saying. I think part of me sympathizes (in a way) with Stamos and the projects he was a part of relating to the band. I guess between Landy, Melinda, Mike, the lawsuits, the craziness of the culture, etc I just can't imagine being in the shoes of Stamos (or pretty much anyone) trying to maneuver through all of that during the 80s/90s. To clarify that: I would doubt that Stamos had any bad/harmful intentions when agreeing to be a producer of a Beach Boys miniseries, or when he decided to bring attention to the song 'Forever'. But the fact is that clearly someone had bad intentions regarding the mini-series (and Stamos has his name tethered to it), and that perhaps John's vanity blinded him to the more timeless nature of 'Forever'.

And I think it's perfectly logical for fans to push back when things like this happen....good or bad intentions, if something is bad it will be called out by passionate fans. I'm with you, I give Stamos credit for having self-awareness about his image and the effect he has on some fans.
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