I give maybe the Nate Ruess take on "Hold on Dear Brother" a pass, both because it wasn't really a "tribute" show, and hearing Brian's band nail that song was worth it. And even if Ruess found the song just for the show, it's at least an inspired choice. (Though one wonders if someone else threw the song at him for consideration).

I think it’s more likely than not that Nate was very, very familiar with “Hold On Dear Brother” and the Carl and the Passions album. I was a pretty big fan of Nate’s band The Format (which was his group before he achieved more mainstream notoriety with his band fun.) and they wore their influences pretty heavily on their sleeves as far as I remember, definitely name checking Paul and Linda McCartney’s RAM and Nilsson. I’m nearly positive that they cited Brian as a major influence. So yeah, very likely hit knew that material very well.

You know, before this tour I never saw Brian wear a cap, no matter what time of day the show was or how hot. I think the only time (besides the fireman helmet) was him wearing a Kangol hat in like 1965 or so. Nothing to me pointing that out , but just saying it never occurred to me  til last month. It’s like seeing that photo of Carl in 1977 when he had shaved (and he had stubble). Just looked *different*

Brian had a cap on at some of the shows? I never saw that. Any pics?

Brian has said in interviews that the idea of growing old and dying scares the crap out of him. He really did not look happy in that video in which the members of Chicago presented him with the birthday cake. And that break might be when he was able to ruminate and it may have really hit him then.

Man. I was gonna start a thread a few weeks ago kinda saying something similar to this. I guess I either decided against it or forgot about it. But anyways yeah, I feel like that may be a reason why Brian has seemed so sad lately.

I mean, I get it. I'm 38, but I've felt like the above probably since like age 11. And knowing it's something that has concerned Brian for a long time, I'm sure it must mean something at 80. I guess, y'know maybe it's easier for the Mike Loves of the world, the Al Pacinos, the Paul McCartneys. They are all over 80, but none seem to act as if there is anything to worry about any time soon. Maybe they do and we don't know. We are all complicated people to put it simply.

They just played the slightly alternate single mix of "In My Car."

There is a single mix of “In My Car”? Where’s that available?

[M.I.U.]

Well, M.I.U. of course had the TV special, as did Keepin' The Summer Alive.

I remember the M.I.U. one was "Our Team" and the KTSA one was called "Goin' Platinum" or something.

I will say it doesn't seem like The Beach Boys were very well promoted from Smiley Smile through Holland. The labels just didn't seem to be doing it. However with everything from 15 Big Ones through That's Why God Made The Radio, every album outside of Love You got quite the push. I mean, any group that got a TV special, especially in the '70s and early '80s when there just weren't a ton of choices on the TV, you had to be happy.

Now, why Love You didn't get that push might've come down to the their new contract with CBS at the time, which I'm sure didn't make Warners very happy. And while I consider Love You a top Brian Wilson / Beach Boys album, I'm just not sure I can see a world where that thing ever sells a bunch, even with expert promotion.

Well, maybe one other album didn't get a ton of promotion, but I really can't speak on it. L.A. (Light Album)? I know they definitely did some personal publicity with personal signings and what not, but how heavily was it promoted? I mean, as their first record for CBS I'd assume they put a lot into it, but I honestly don't know / can't remember.

Happy birthday to you Brian!!! What a guy!


Also my jaw dropped when I saw Dylan in that video.

Does anyone have info about what is actually out there that is included on this article? I don't remember finding and hearing half of this stuff, like a Brian sung "Our Sweet Love"?

https://www.laweekly.com/brian-wilsons-secret-bedroom-tapes-a-track-by-track-description/

Hey, I don’t know if you ever figured this out, but I’m pretty sure that a so-called “Brian sung” version of “Our Sweet Love” is just the song as he left it before Al and Carl got their hands on it.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=rpeWMGOEuAU

And that is basically it, I’d say.

Thanks a lot for all your comments!

I agree, nobody actually replaced Carl and became a full/core member of the Beach Boys. Nobody replaced Dennis and became a core member either. I think the only time this happened was when Bruce replaced Brian. Although Brian still contributed to the band with compositions and occasional appearances.

I think when Dennis died the loss was not so apparent as with Carl. He didn't sing. He was important in a more subtle way, having brought the surfing theme to the band. He also added credibility, having surfed himself.

For me the Beach Boys died the day Carl died. He sang the lead on some of their signature songs, and his voice was so beautiful. I think he also had a stabilizing presence, which was needed with all the arguing going on between the band members. IMHO he also had a lot of charisma on stage.

I felt the same way for a long time. I had last seen the group in 1991; then SIP came out, and I just felt "if this is the best they can do, it's not worth bothering with them anymore". Of course, when Carl died, I immediately regretted not having seen them for several years. And then I stubbornly refused to see Mike's group when they came to down. I did go see Brian once, early 00's, but I found it depressing to see him on stage at the same venue where I had seen the group so many times. I kept thinking "Mike, Al and Bruce should be singing these songs with him".
People kept telling me I should go see Mike's Beach Boys; finally decided to give them a chance back in 2019 - and I loved it. No, it's not the original Beach Boys, the original Beach Boys can never be, because two of them are gone. Mike has some strong talent on the stage with him, though. I'm glad they are touring today - and thankful I don't have to mortage my house to buy concert tickets.

So it was depressing to see Brian without the other guys even though it was billed as a performance by Brian Wilson, but you loved seeing Mike and Bruce. Now of course, we like what we like, but it's odd.

I would just like to mention I saw Mike's group earlier this year. The have a lot of energy and play a good show, only really dragged down by goop like from Mike's solo records like "Pisces Brothers" and "Here Comes the Sun," which to me don't seem to have a place at a Beach Boys show. But on up-tempo stuff Mike can really bring. Bruce does a passable "Disney Girls" but his lead vocals otherwise are anemic, and when he recreates his parts on the tags of "God Only Knows" and "California Girls" live, it really is quite a thrill, but he's basically useless as a band member otherwise. He's more of a Ed McMahon figure to Mike Love's Johnny Carson than anything, not really providing the crowd with much besides another guy on stage who is actually a Beach Boy.

Alls I know is Howie confirmed Brian’s “Sail On Sailor” demo. So to hear that, it’s gonna be weird. In fact I’m not sure if I really want to hear it. Definitely sounded like an emotionally painful time for Brian.

This looks like a great starter set for a new fan.

I do have to say that I'm disappointed (but obviously not surprised) that we couldn't have gotten a new track or two from the guys. I guess the chances of a real reunion are probably not great.

Also, count me as a little annoyed at all the new stereo remixes. It was neat in the late '90s and early '00s, but now we have to be on like fourth stereo remixes for some of these songs, right? But nobody's forcing me to buy this, although I'm nearly positive I will. Cuz I'm me.

[Holland]

I don't buy for a second that a Don Goldberg lead would have ever ended up on a Beach Boys album. I'd totally buy Brian talked about it as an idea for five minutes, but it would have never happened.

Hmm. So you're assumption is its more of an everyday guy doing the whole "my brush with greatness" thing and kinda inflating what may have been an offhand remark of Brian's for something serious (e.g. "Out in the Country" with his lead vocal appearing on a Beach Boys album).

Brian primarily wrote, produced, played on (as did Carl), and sang on Out in the Country, and the sessions were funded with the Beach Boys as the artist. The only material difference between it and Tree is that one was released on an album in the 70s.

Goldberg's vocal was intended as a scratch while the song sat in stasis, apparently meant to be replaced by a Beach Boy until Brian came up with the scheme to have him guest on the album. If an unfinished backing track with no vocal doesn't disqualify something from a Beach Boys release, I don't really see why Don singing on it should. Very different situation to Fading Love Song - OITC is an important piece of the time period, especially with the later remake in Holland. As much went into that production as the rest of So Tough. The 2014 CopEx set and Smile Sessions included Larry Denton and Jasper Dailey tracks that were never even aimed at the group.

Great points Will. If we got Jasper Dailey and Larry Denton stuff, why not? Also, it is interesting that you point out that the group also recorded a version of "Out in the Country" during the Holland sessions, which surely ties it closer to The Beach Boys than some random Larry Denton vocal. If indeed Don Goldberg's version of events is indeed accurate, I think it's likely we see some version of the Carl and the Passions-era recording.

Yeah, this song is good, if you think absolute sh*t is good.

[Carl and the Passions]

Also, when Goldberg put out those three songs on YouTube however many years ago, some and probably all of the recordings (certainly "Sweet and Bitter") had overdubs on them that clearly took place *years* after the early 70s sessions that Goldberg had done with the BBs. "Sweet and Bitter" was probably the most obvious, as most of it sounded much more late 70s/early 80s than early 70s.

In any event, I know someone at some point in the past was thinking the two tracks with Goldberg on lead might surface on a future BB set, but I highly doubt it. I don't need "Fading Love Song" on a BB set.

"Sweet and Bitter" was by far the most interesting track of the three ("Out in the Country" might be more interesting if a BB recording didn't also already exist), and the only one that needs to be released on a "Beach Boys" product.

You don't believe that the version of  "Out in the Country" which was apparently cut for inclusion on the Carl and the Passions album, albeit with a lead vocal apparently by Don Goldberg, should be on the upcoming set focusing on the Blondie and Ricky era of the group? By my qualifications, this is as much of a Beach Boys song as "A Day in the Life of a Tree" if Brian intended for it to feature on a Beach Boys album.

[MISC TRACKS 1971]

So make fun of me if you want, but I bought all 5 of the MISC TRACKS 1971 release, all separately as that cost less than buying the "set" for $9.99 or whatever it was.

Funny thing is though, I got a refund from Bandcamp today. So are we sure this was indeed sanctioned by Brother Records? I just think it's interesting they didn't keep my money if it was something on the level.

Telephone Backgrounds reminds me a lot of Carnival of Light.  Similar vein.  I'm also willing to bet Rooftop Harry isn't too dissimilar.

You've heard "Carnival of Light"? No way. I will say, as a massive Beatles fan (big surprise) that I expect nothing out of that "song" and really don't care if it's released.

"Rooftop Harry," on the other hand, from descriptions sounds like it should be an actual song. Doubtful it's anywhere near complete, but still.

[THREE]

So....er....

Nobody has any comment on any of this stuff?

I love this board and much prefer it to any other Beach Boys board, but ain't nobody really interested in talking, especially as there is material out there that we'd been interested in hearing.

THREE previously unheard Dennis Wilson recordings: the 1971 "Sea Cruise" cover, "Just For You" and "Untitled 1971 Piano Track."

Then you got a previously unheard David Sandler composition, "Sing Out A Song" which in its tracking form is kinda nice, in my opinion.

Then there is Carl's beloved "Telephone Backgrounds" which in my humble opinion is a masterpiece on the level of George Harrison's Electronic Sound. Yeah. Sure.

[Carl and the Passions]

I think both of these hail from 1972 so we'll find out next year if they exist or not.  Just my educated guess.

Nah. Or kinda nah actually. 

At least according to some reputable sources (in my opinion), "Telephone Backgrounds" apparently comes from '71. As far as "Burlesque," I'm not sure anybody knows, but I feel like Jack tied it to the Carl and the Passions era. But perhaps I'm wrong.

[Feel Flows]

Hey there everybody. Got some questions about two little known "songs" from the early '70s.

First off, "Telephone Backgrounds (On a Clear Day)." Since we are getting near the end of the year and it didn't appear on Feel Flows, it appears that this title is either no longer on tape, was never recorded in the first or perhaps was such an experiment that there is nothing to put out. Or maybe it's just a rumored title that never existed?

As for whether it was an actual "song" or whatever it is/was, does anybody know? My assumption is, if we don't hear anything by years end, it either never existed or is unreleasable.

Then onto "Burlesque." This one confuses me. We have lyrics recited by Jack Rieley. We have an apparent reaction to the song by Mike Love back in the day (via Jack). It's been listed in Beach Boys books and what not as far back as either the late '70s or the early '80s. But apparently there is no tape. Nothing.

Maybe "Burlesque" is "Body Talk" aka "Grease Job"? I don't know. Maybe next year we will find out.

If anybody knows anything or just wants to help theorize, please pitch in!

[That Lucky Old Sun]

I'm glad "I'm Going Home" is on here, but I think I prefer "Going Home" from That Lucky Old Sun. Also, I can't figure it out but where else did Brian use the melody from the part "the moon and stars all seem to say / wonder why you ever ran away"? It sounds so familiar but I just cannot figure out what it is.

It sounds a bit like a line from Black Widow/Let's Do It Again, IMO.

I think you might have nailed it. That might just be it.

Also, I gotta say how on earth is there basically two new albums out by Brian Wilson and this board kinda don't care for sh*t? Like...two pages for this soundtrack? Has this forum really hit the shits that much? Shame.

[Long Promised Road]

Man, after living with this Long Promised Road album, there are some things I really love.

Favorites from the project for me have to start with "I'm Broke". I freaking love it and I think it's one of Brian's best rockers, solo career or Beach Boys. The fuzz bass really gets it going and honestly whatever Mark Linnet did for the mixing and mastering honestly makes it just absolutely rocking. The song never really did anything for me on bootleg, but this here on this particularl album, it finally hit me.

I always really enjoyed the new version of "The Night Was So Young." It definitely was a surprise to see the song on the track listing and it was even more surprising to hear that we got a new Brian version of it and not some instrumental or something else.

Never really cared for "Must Be a Miracle" on any of the boots, and didn't really feel much for it when this soundtrack was first released. But this version is pretty affecting. For whatever reason, now it hits me. I see some of you all are saying this has a post-Paley sessions vocal? Isn't the track different as well? Any guess on when this stuff was done? Maybe around the time he rerecorded the vocal for "You're Still A Mystery"?

And thought I'm not usually a big fan of live stuff from any of The Beach Boys, I gotta say I really loved this version of "In My Room." For whatever reason this version just hits the spot, and I'm very glad to have it.

As far as the more newly recorded stuff, I really like the Brian's cover of the title track. Always happy to hear a Blondie lead, and Jim James voice actually did stick out like a sore thumb amongst the Beach Boys present. Also thought "It's O.K." and "Honeycomb" were cute, if a bit sloppy. But of course I think that was the point. I will also say I'm glad Brian finally got to record (and finish) his own version of "Honeycomb" which it seems like he's been trying to get on tape since at least 1974. "Right Where I Belong" isn't quite the statement song I hoped for, but its a solid tune by Brian and Jim James, and it's been growing on me. I don't think it'll ever be a favorite of mine though.

I'm glad "I'm Going Home" is on here, but I think I prefer "Going Home" from That Lucky Old Sun. Also, I can't figure it out but where else did Brian use the melody from the part "the moon and stars all seem to say / wonder why you ever ran away"? It sounds so familiar but I just cannot figure out what it is.

I've never been a huge fan of "It's Not Easy Being Me" and the appearance of that song on here didn't change my mind. I know it's the kind of thing in line with "I Just Wasn't Made For These Times" but for me it just doesn't work.

"Slightly American Music" sounds oddly both very Brian and very un-Brian at the same time. Not a song a personally care much for, but it's cool.

Lastly, "Rock & Roll Has Got a Hold on Me" is cute, I honestly find it kinda endearing Brian reuses these old melodies. I doubt many people even know of "Country Feelin's" though I'm sure a fair amount more know of "In My Car." But whatever. "Concert Tonight" I honestly don't know that well, but it's interesting that even a song like that is fair game to be used for parts years later. I read on here that there was a recording from the earlier 2000s of "Rock & Roll Has Got a Hold on Me"?  I never knew that one.

I don't know why I went through all the tracks and I don't know if it'll be of any help to anybody, but just wanted to throw my opinion out there on this stuff, so hopefully it's not a drag for anybody to read.

[Disney]

Oh wow... heard the tracks from the soundtrack................................one-take style vocals from Brian instead of the professional leads of the Gerswhin or Disney records.... no one wants to tell him that he needs to do another take... sloppy and full of slurring... he even at his age could do so much better... 

Yeah I mean I get why people want the "raw" thing and that it's cool to hear Brian so engaged. But for my money, some of his most affecting recent leads are on Disney, That's Why God Made the Radio and No Pier Pressure.

Overall I like the new album, but yeah, just my two cents.

[Carl and the Passions]

I wasn't aware that Love You was "futzed with" in the name of being "commercial" -- whatever Carl did in the hopes of making that record more commercial, he very clearly didn't succeed! (Full disclosure: Love You is one of my favorite albums by anyone, not just the BBs)

Yeah I mean I'm sure c-man or a number of other posters might know better but basically I think Carl was crediting as something like "mixdown producer" or something like that. So he probably just cleaned up the mixes or something. I'm not sure he overdubbed any vocals or instruments or anything, but perhaps somebody else knows. And yeah, as you said, this just wasn't a very commercial record, though I must say that a lot of the music is very catchy nonetheless.

Perhaps there's a way to recreate the "hot" mix of FP as part of what gets released in the next retro-compilation...I mean, really, what does anyone have to lose at this point by giving that a whirl?

I mean, maybe Blondie has been reminded of this mix with work likely ongoing for what we assume will be next year's release of some type of collection covering the Beach Boys Carl and the Passions / Holland era? So maybe he's heard that mix recently if it still exists. Or maybe there will be a "faders up" mix of "Funky Pretty" a la the "2012 mix" of "Rock And Roll Music" that featured on Made In California.

[Love You]

It's revelatory that Brian was so involved in the making of the Holland album. My previous impression was that he was very reluctant participant and channeled most of his focus towards Mt Vernon.

That was my impression as well, nice to hear otherwise. That really is one of my favorite Beach Boys albums - I mean it doesn’t get much better than Steamboat.

That interview was great - a lot of solid questions. Brian’s mix of SOS Funky Pretty sounds fascinating!

You know I've never been one to subscribe to the oh-so-romantic theory that The Beach Boys as an entity stifled a lot of Brian's creativity over the years. At least not at the level where he was truly impeded from making the music that he wanted.

However, I do think some of his music may have been futzed with after he was done with it to make it more "commercial." We definitely know that happened with Carl's work on Love You after Brian was finished with. And now we seem to have the same situation with "Funky Pretty." Perhaps the mix that Blondie describes was honestly ridiculous and would've come off horribly on vinyl. But more likely it probably woulda been awesomely nuts (in a good way). And isn't something like that what we love to hear from Brian?

Now I should clarify that I don't think things were done without Brian's knowledge to his recordings. But that maybe having the second guessing and tinkering going on after he had finished something might've got to be a bit of pain for him.

Honestly a bit surprised that Mike’s group has top billing, considered Nesmith and Dolenz are performing together. I’d think that pairing has more cachet than Love and Johnston. Guess not. Of course if it was the reunited Beach Boys that’s a different story. But as the photo shows, it’s Mike and his gang of dudes.

Also count me as surprised Nesmith is doing this. I’m also surprised he’s been doing this Monkees thing at all recently.