Is it possible that Melinda could be behind this? Sunflower and Surf's Up are considered to be some of the best group albums, with everyone getting a chance to shine. This goes against the "Brian is the sole genius of the Beach Boys" narrative, so I could see Melinda having a problem with a box set covering this period. From Mike's book, we know she interfered with the C50 tour by changing a setlist and ordering five autotune devices. If she can do that, it seems likely she can get a box set delayed.

Maybe she doesn't like the tracklist. There may not be room for both 'Til I Die (track and backing vocals) and Student Demonstration Time (alternate vocal take) and I could see her lobbying for the former.

I'm just speculating and there's no evidence for this, but it seems plausible to me.

It’s same damn song, Al just got wrapped up in recreating that BW vibe...

I dunno, to me they're different songs. SPS has this slightly eerie psychedelic vibe that Loop completely misses. (Although I don't dislike Loop.)

A ghostwritten autobiography referring to Loop de Loop as Brian's song is a good source? Hmm.

I figured "Loop De Loop" is an error made by Ben Greenman (or maybe an editor) and Sail Plane Song was meant.

Anyway, I wasn't trying to argue it is or isn't a demo; I just though it was an interesting and relevant quote.

I've heard rumblings that Mike has been invited to play some sort of Trump inauguration garbage in the event of a reelection.

Where have you heard this?

It's to the point where Howie is literally writing "FEEL FLOWS" on Brian's Facebook posts. And yet some people still don't want to believe anything is wrong.

Wow, I had no idea things had gotten that dire. I'm praying for this set to be released soon.

Hey all, first post here. I'm also a big fan of the 2012 mix of SPS and I'm glad to find there are others. I thought I was the only one. It was the first version of the song I heard and I fell in love with it since I generally love trippy music.

I don't have too much to add beyond what's been said. I also feel like the 2018 mix is a watered-down version of the 2012, maybe made partly in response to the criticisms some had. I'd also be curious to hear Alan & Mark talk about the 2012 mix since it's an unusual mix for them.

Here's an interesting quote from I Am Brian Wilson:

Today or tomorrow or the next day I’ll have some breakfast and take a walk and watch Wheel of Fortune and then check in on the score of the Yankees game. The season is just starting. I might go to my son Dylan’s basketball game. I’ll work on songs. There’s one, “Loop de Loop (Flip Flop Flyin’ in an Aeroplane),” that’s about an airplane. I cut a demo for it back in the late ’60s but I haven’t finished it the way I want.

He seems to imply he's worked on the song in recent years. I wonder what he means by "the way I want."