Hello Andrew and Ian!

Keep up the good work gents!

My first Beach Boys concert was May 2, 1987 (in Calgary where I live)

I'm looking at the ticket stub now and the venue was:

Olympic Saddledome (now called Pengrowth Saddledome)

I also know of a gig that is not listed in your great gigography but I don't have a tcket stubb or printed review to point to.  The Beach Boys played a invite only gig at Canada Olympic Park in February 1988 Calgary Alberta as part of the 1988 Winter Olympics.  Brian was there.  I'll try to get more definitive info on it but there isn't a bunch of info or printed reviews as it was a private gig.  Perhaps you guys with your great research skills may be able to find out more on the details as I haven't had much luck with various google searches.

Yes the dvd includes the video and animation segments from the live show.

The person who posted that Brian's vocal is exactly the same performance from the cd is wrong.  It is compiled from the several run throughs of TLOS that they perfomed at the tower though.  And I do agree that that the performance while quite good is a little bit sterile. 

But the DVD is VERY MUCH WORTH HAVING.  In fact I love it for the following reasons:

The Going Home documentary is well done (it is no Endless Harmony by any means but it tells a good story)

The outakes of making TLOS - GREAT footage.  There are many who think Brian is a helpless vega - table whom Darian, Jeff and Scott have to do ALL the work for.  This section of the dvd demonstrates that Brian did do a bunch of work on TLOS (writing good songs being the main thing) and many REAL moments and great stories are contained here.  No doubt that there will be some who claim everything was staged (the fact that Brian's people have stage footage before is no help - I know) and that Brian actually died in 1988 and has been a badly programmed robot for the last two decades...

I enjoy the Black Cab session - it is loose and fun and worthy of keeping.

*******************

My favorite part of the dvd though is...

The Nissan Live set.  WAAAAAYYYY better than the performances from the basement of the tower.  Brian is at his best here (and the band of course is Brilliant).  Though the picture quality isn't perfect, the audio kicks.  The mix is perfect and Brian's vocals sound wonderful. 

Let me also go out on a limb and say that Brian and the band's performance on the Nissan live set version of Midnight's Another Day is THE DEFINITIVE live version of the song.  The demo of MAD is the best version of the song, but the live version presented here is much better than the final cd version of MAD and the best live version of the song that I have ever heard (and I have heard at least 20 different live versions of MAD).

Even with the good but not great live version of TLOS (the bad editing / synching bugs me - and I miss the bridge of Southern California) there are so many extras (over 2.5 hours of stuff here) that it is well worth the money.

Dr. Tim,

I am happy to hear you have had a great experience with kids and music collections.  I hope I have a similar experience with my kid(s). 

Sorry to continue to highjack this thread but I have a pretty funny true story about my dad's record collection.  My dad still bugs me about it to this day.

Apparently I started to learn how to use the record player just after I learned to walk.  My parents thought it was so cute they would bring people over to show people my dj skills.  I started with just the power on and auto play functions.  Time moved on and unfortunately after learning how to hit the reset button and even later learning how to put records on the spindle I became a serious problem to my dads great collection and turntable. 

I guess I had my definite favorites (Beatles, Frankie Valli and The Beach Boys) and when I was done with one record I would just put another record on top of the last one that finished, and then kept stacking them up until there were six or seven full length records on the spindle at once.  Then I would pull off the records and throw them on a pile on the floor, then walk on a bunch more records while trying to find the next good one and start again.  If I liked a particular song I would just drag the needle and scratch the record till the right song came on.  I'm told that listening to music while playing Lego was my favorite thing to do up until age eight or nine and by that time (even though I was told many times to be careful and take care of the records and record player) I had killed hundreds of records (many of which were replaced more than once) as well as burning out serveral turntable motors and dozens of record needles.

Hey Wee Helper,

Congrats on the soon to be new addition.  My wife and I are expecting our first too (March 2nd is the due date).  I am also trying to figure out a music collection protection plan and I am very worried about it...

Hopefully there will be two new well educated Beach Boys fans entering the world soon though!

As for the options:
b, c, d (I do this when the cds just come in slip cases and are easily scratched - as much as I love the deluxe POB first edition fold out packaging those cds sleeves are murder to the cd surface), e and f.

In fact I quite often buy BB related cds that I have multiple extra copies of stuff I already have.  I think I have a OVER a HUNDRED extras or doubles of BB or BB related cds.  My wife often says I have a serious BB/BW obsessive compulsive disorder.  I suspect that I am not the only one though...

I have been enjoying the NPR live TLOS.  Brian sounds energized and great.  I bought TLOS on cd and on vinyl and it is great (especially the vinyl - I listen to the vinyl version that I ripped to mp3 on my Ipod) but I like this live version a lot.  Someone on the blueboard said they synched it (as well as the Brian Smile live) to their ipod.  Admittedly I am not good with technology, but is their something I am missing here?  I have gone to the Itunes store and looked up the NPR podcasts and I can't find the Brian stuff anywhere?  Is it because I am Canadian?  I would really love to have this in the highest quality audio either on cd or mp3 so I can put it on my Ipod.  Can anyone help me out.  Thanks in advance.

Good article, even if the is a mistake or two...

I get excited anytime I hear Brian has been in the studio.  Even if it is just a cover song.  I look forward to his his Christmas offerings, soundtrack and compilation offerings.  As many others have said it would be great if Brian embraced the idea of recording whenever he felt like it and just released a song or two or more via itunes or other internet means.  Wouldn't it be nice if Brian would release an ep every month.  No record company pressure, no expectations to create Smile Volume 2 no big promotional appearances and signings neccessary.  I think if someone explained to Brian that this is a viable way to release music nowadays he might like the idea.

I love this song too.  Great melody.  As much as I enjoy the late 70's version,  last year I had a chance to hear a work in progress of the new version Al has done, and I truly think it is even better!  The new track has a better feel instrumentally, more majestic that really supports the lyric.  I hope 2009 will see Al finally release his album.  I would also love an official release of the 70s track.  Empty the vaults - my credit card is ready!

Yes, I would love for a release of The Beach Boys version of Wouldn't It Be Nice To Live Again also.

Though I have purchased and listened to Adam Marsland and The Chaos Band great Carl and Dennis tribute cd I still haven't heard their version of the song.  I'm sure it is great like the rest of the cd but I want to hear the Beach Boys version first (fingers crossed).  I ripped all of the songs on that cd EXCEPT WIBNTLA to my ipod.

Hope it does happen (and soon - but I am not holding my breath).

Thanks C-man.

Your writing is wonderful, and your efforts are appreciated.  I started reading the first paragraph, stopped, cracked a bottle of wine and read it twice.

Great stuff!

Thanks for the nice free gift Al and Co!!!  Loaded it onto my ipod right away!

Much appreciated.

The song is pleasant enough, but the selling point for me is Al's great vocals.  That guy still sounds so good vocally.  I will happily buy Al's new cd when it comes out (hopefully soon...) and look forward to hearing more solid and satisfying vocal work.

Merry Christmas Al and family!

Thanks for the helpful info Luther!  Much appreciated.

I take it with your opinion of current BB new release offerings that you won't be attending the show (not that there is anything wrong with that)  If I am wrong and you will be attending, find me and say hello (I will be the very sleep deprived 34 year old with a rum and coke in hand)!

Cheers,
Rich

I am going to the Minneapolis show (State Theatre) I've never been to Minneapolis before (I live in Calgary Alberta, Canada).  I only chose this show because it was on a Saturday and I wouldn't have to miss work.  Flying out Friday night and leaving Sunday morning.

I saw all of Brian's Hollywood Bowl shows a few months ago and they were great but I wanted to see a full TLOS show as I think the album is great.  I have an extra ticket if anyone wants to buy it (third row just off center) for face value.  But you will have to sit next to me!


Any Minneapolis folk here?  Are there any good cd shops near the State Theatre?  Is the State Theatre far from the airport?  If any BB/BW geeks want to get together for a bite or a drink and chat about all things BB/BW - I'm game.

Hey RobMac,

Jack away!  Poor Baby is a brilliant tune.  The accapella break is jaw-droppingly good.  Like the Beach Boys  - the Cowsills could really deliver great vocal arrangments and performances.

Hey Love and Mercy!

Nice to see a fellow Calgarian on the board.  Are you going to the Cowsills show on Friday night here?  Should be great.  I miss Billy Cowsill (saw him live about 25- 30 times here - one of the best live singers EVER - scary good), but even if John Cowsill doesn't make it (I think he will be in Danville, KY) I hear Bob, Paul an Susan Cowsill put on a great show.  Can't Wait!

I agree, it really is great to have Scott and John posting here!  Bring the whole band by!  You guys put on such a great show.  And I love it when the setlist gets adventurous.

Cheers,
Rich Panteluk

Re- Honkin' Down The Highway

I saw Al perform this track three times in Vegas earlier this year.  Wonderful to hear it live.  The first night they flubbed the structure of the song (only slightly).  All the vocalists were cracking up as they hadn't rehearsed it that much.  Al talked about Brian coming in and helping out with vocals on the new studio version.  Sounds liked they both enjoyed themselves.

I hope Postcard does come out soon as I am looking forward to it.  I know Al has taken some shots for the retreads on the cd, but am I the only one that thinks the new version of Lookin' Down The Coast is killer?  I love it.  Great production.  This new version has a majestic sound that is IMHO much better than the already good 70's version of the track.  I am not a big fan of the new Help Me Rhonda, but Don't Fight the Sea has me excited too.  Nothing wrong with a little Carl Wilson vocal.  Nice.  Trisha Campo was kind enough to let me hear the then unreleased Dennis Wilson POB/Bambu as well as a bunch of Al's new cd and I think Postcard from California will be an enjoyable listen.  No revolutionary new musical statement or new ground breaking effort, but does it need to be?  His vocals are still top drawer, great stuff.  Bring it on!

Hey Jonas,
To see where it is screening just click on the link I sent you and look in the top right hand corner fo the yellow box that says upcoming screenings.

Hey Compost,

Agreed, it is nice to see other Calgarians on the board.  Go see the flick on Sunday at Eau Claire.  You won't be disappointed.  The director Denny made it seem like he may not be able to get much distribution or a dvd deal, so it may be your one and only shot.

Cheers!

Last night I went to the Canadian premiere of Denny Tedesco's (Son of guitarist Tommy Tedesco) documentary called The wrecking Crew at the Calgary International Film Festival.

Fantastic movie!  For many reasons. Not only is it a loving tribute to his father's life's work, the movie manages to tell the story of these musicians in a way that even those who are not musicologists and uber fans would find funny, heart warming and very entertaining.

I am a big music geek and have read Hal Blaine's book, studied liner notes and have become very aware of who did what on which records but this movie still had a bunch to teach me.  The movie gave me a greater appreciation for the work ethic, talent and humor of these people.  Wonderful footage (both old and new) of the participants. 

Obviously the parts relating to Brian's work were a highlight for me.  Brian's filmed praise for the musicians was a joy to watch as was hearing from MANY of the session guys (and gal) what is was like to work for Brian (very different to their reactions to working with Phil Spector).  Some great footage of surviving Wrecking Crew members playing their classic parts.  Wonderful interviews with Cher, Glen Campbell, Lou Adler, Carol Kaye, Hal Blaine, Mickey Dolenz, Gary Lewis, Tommy Tedesco, Earl Palmer, Don Randi, Plas Johnson, and many many more.

You owe it to yourself to go and see a screening of this movie if it is anywhere near you.  Check the website and tells others.  I really hope this movie gets picked up and distributed to a wider audience.  I want a dvd release with lots of bonus out-takes.  This labour of love took Denny over a decade to put together and shouldn't just be seen as a small niche film. 

One of the greatest parts of last night's movie experience is that Denny Tedesco was there and did a Q & A session afterward.  He had some great additional info to give and mentioned the recent passing of Earl Palmer and Larry Levine.  When asked his biggest regret regarding filming he mentioned not getting Phil Spector interview before Phil's legal trouble.  He said he was real close to getting an interview as Hal Blaine's daughter was working for Phil at the time.

The movie is playing again on Sunday in Calgary and I think I am going again.  It was that good!  The next screenings are in San Diego, Idaho, Vancouver, and Mill Valley (with a live performance featuring Hal Blaine, Don Randi, Chuck Berghofer).

When I talked to Denny after the screening and Q & A session I told him how much I enjoyed the film he asked me to spread the word and post it on all the message boards - so here it is.

Website:
www.wreckingcrew.tv/index2.html

Speaking of Jan and Dean...
Many moons ago there was a great thread on one of the BB/ BW board that listed all of the tracks that Brian participated in (whether it be just writing, or writing and singing etc.).  Is there anyone who might have tht info handy and can post it here.  I'd love to have a look again.

The only Jan and Dean I have is the two cd All The Hits (from surf city to drag city) comp.  It sounds pretty good.  Is the mono stuff really better than the stereo version.  Some of these stereo versions sound great to me.

I'll be at all three shows.  Woo Hoo! Can't wait.  My seats aren't great but I'll be there!

I have the itunes bonus tracks and would love to discuss them if someone would be willing to discuss the Best Buy bonus tracks with me.  I have ordered the best buy version but it hasn't arrived yet.

These AOL sessions are sooooo good.  Live or not I love it.  Beautifully done.

Can anyone pm me if they know how to save this stuff?  I would love to put the video on my ipod or even just the audio.  I want to keep this stuff.  Please help I am a techno moron.  I would gladly pay for this stuff if Brian's people would make it available for purchase.

Just wanted to say thanks Steven for coming by and posting.  Your insights are most welcome and I just loved reading your last post about Landy and Alice Cooper.

Bravo.  More please!

Brian Wilson  - That Lucky Old Sun  Review

I bought That Lucky Old Sun on vinyl on the day of release because I couldn’t wait for the cd release on Sept 2.  And even though I already have a great turntable I splurged on a new USB record player so I could make a cd of it and put some high quality 320 KBPS mp3s on my ipod, and enjoy listening to this album in a multitude of formats everywhere I go.

The album cover looks great (it was a joy to see on the shelves, and an easy find on the morning of Aug 19) and is on beautiful thick 180 gram vinyl.  The back picture of Brian in black and white shadow with sunlight up above is classy and dignified (where I found all of the pictures of Brian of GIOMH to be less than tasteful).  Nice to have the lyrics and album credits on the inner sleeve too.

I have listened to the album more than ten times (complete from start to finish) and I think it is (excepting Brian Wilson Presents Smile) Brian’s most cohesive solo release so far.  Some incredible moments; it rocks in places, soothes in others, and has moments of heartbreaking beauty.  There may be some other songs of Brian’s solo career that I may feel are perhaps stronger or better songs, but this album functions so well as one complete thought, I feel it is also his most consistent album as a solo artist.

I’m sure much thought went into the sequencing of this album, and that is why after a couple of listens on vinyl, using my USB turntable I didn’t rip up the album into separate tracks, instead I spliced side 2 right after side 1 and now TLOS is a one track cd in my car and one mp3 track on my ipod.  Just listening to one track or putting it on shuffle doesn’t seem right.

Track By Track review:

That Lucky Old Sun –
Like much of the album, Brian’s leads are single tracked and he sounds great.  Some of Brian’s previous leads have gotten a bit muddy through overdubbing and generous use of reverb but that doesn’t happen on this record.  In fact I might even say that the cd could use a bit more reverb or echo on the vocals (as is the Beach Boys and Brian’s norm).  But I enjoy the vocals on this whole album, Brian’s articulates and emotes very well.  A bit of a different sound, but very natural, bare and emotional.  The backing vocals and strings sound full and give the listener a strong into to the cd.  The maumamayama segue, like many of the between segments really make the album seamless and contributes to the whole being more than the sum of its parts.

Morning Beat-
This song rocks!  Great performance from everyone and wonderful production.  Tremendous groove.  Love the backing vocals and Brian sounds like he is happy to deliver a bit of rock n’ roll here.  An extra verse added to this song from the live show and demo – good stuff. The production touches i.e. - gently strummed guitars and voices humming are great.  The clip clop percussion is great too!  The full rock stops after “I’ll listen” at the end are a highlight for me.

Room With A View-
I have heard that some are not a big fan of the narratives.  Fair enough, different strokes for different folks.  But I like them a quite a bit.  First off the music underneath them is great and they remind me of the Mount Vernon and Fairway.  I also love the wordplay of Van Dyke Parks.  Brian sounds really good reading them but I think it may have been nice to let Van Dyke do the narration.  I love the way he talks.  The words further explore the LA theme.  They fit very well with Scott’s lyrics and I feel the album benefits from having both Scott and Van Dyke’s lyrical presence.

Good Kind Of Love-
Nice strings.  Love the female vocal presence here.  I could have used a bit more Taylor in the final mix but it still sounds great.  One fussy complaint is that on a few places on the album I would have liked to hear the backing vocals louder in the mix.  The Beach Boys used to have the harmonies just or almost as loud as the leads and there are times on Brian’s solo material when I wish Brian’s leads and the backing vocals were similarly blended.  Love the piano playing.  Very much a Brian Wilson signature plunky sound (regardless of who is playing them).  Soothing instrumental break.  The album notes say this is a Brian Wilson solo composition.  Great song.

Forever She’ll Be My Surfer Girl-
Simple but “so sweet” a song.  This is much improved from the demo (which I quite liked to start with).  Love the arppegiated guitar part that comes in on the second verse, a pleasant surprise.  I love the bridge on this song – so sweet indeed.

Venice Beach-
This is my favorite of the narrative sections. The words are very evocative.  For anyone who has been there – don’t these words really evoke the spirit of Venice beach?  They certainly remind me of the place I have been several times.  Venice beach is a pretty crazy place and to this day is still is “poppin’ like live shrimp dropped on a hot wok” and those “hucksters, hustlers and hawkers” are still there.  I can picture Dennis Wilson fitting right in when he lived on Venice Beach.

Live Let Live-
I have heard some like the other set of lyrics that are on the Arctic Tale soundtrack but though I enjoy both sets of lyrics I prefer these ones.  Apparently they are both Van Dyke’s lyrics.  The performance of this song on the final album is much, much better than the demo version.  Brian, Scott, Darian, Paul and the fantastic band did a great job of fleshing out the demos and making them sparkle in finished form.  I love Brian’s vocal on this song.  Great strings on the outro.

Mexican Girl-
Not my favorite song the record by any means but I like the spirit on this recording.  From the clapping, creative percussion, mariachi horns, Spanish guitar (fits better here than it did on the songs on the imagination cd), character voices who hoot and howl and laugh; the band really nail the Mexican vibe.  Scott does the Spanish part well but I miss Brian’s go at it as heard on the live versions.

Cinco De Mayo-
Once again the narrative section makes the transition from one song to another so smooth it is hard to tell when the song actually ends.  The words ease us from Mexican topics into movie roles.

California Role-
I love Scott’s vocal on this song.  The music and the vocals take us to a bygone  Hollywood movie making era.  Much of the music on this album is not just typical rock n’ roll.  So many styles (music hall, classical touches, mariachi, pop etc.), sometimes even changing mid song.  Nice ukulele work from Jeff.  Great clarinet work from Paul.
I dig the reprise of TLOS here.

Between Pictures-
The music sounds very Mount Vernon-ish to me (in a good way).

Oxygen To The Brain-
Another song to add to Brian’s collection of heath / exercise songs (Poor Old Body To Move, H.E.L.P., Life Is For The Living etc).  I like how the song transitions from ballad to up-tempo a couple of times.  Great bridge.

Can’t Wait Too Long-
Wonderful job of recording this one as it is so faithful to the Beach Boys recording it is tough to tell them apart.  Beautiful vocals and track.

Midnight’s Another Day-
Gorgeous song and my favorite on the album (and I’m sure many others as well).  Thanks Brian and Scott – I will be listening to this song for many years to come.  Heartbreakingly beautiful piece – the melody, subject matter, vocal arrangement, strings – everything.  I agree with those who have said the demo had a better crescendo moment “make me feel so alone” when the backing vocals explode behind the lead vocal.  The demo sounded more desperate and I enjoyed hearing Brian’s falsetto behind his own lead.  But the final album version still has that haunting moment though it is more restrained.  This final version does have many things going for that the demo did not.  The string arrangement is stunning (The triplets after the second “make me feel so alone” are so beautiful).  The other backing vocals sound smoother with the band being used more.  Great churchy organ.  I also didn’t realize that the line is:
When there’s no morning without “u”
I always thought it was:
When there’s no morning without “you”
Nice word play Scott!  I like that even better!

That Lucky Old Sun reprise-
Nicely ties the work together.

Going Home-
Might be my second favorite on the album (or maybe it is Morning Beat, or Good Kind Of Love, or Southern California).
This song seriously rocks and this recording trumps the demo or any live version by a long shot.  It has different backing vocals than the demo (I like them better).  Nice bass vocals Brian “Home Home Bee Doo Bee Doo”!  This song has a growl and an energy that is infectious.  I previously thought the lyric was:
Homesick, the sun shines nowhere else
But I was wrong and I like the actual lyric better:
Homesick, this son shines nowhere else
(Makes me glad I will be seeing him at all 3 shows at the Hollywood Bowl!)
Many people have said how much they enjoy the “At 25 I turned out the light” line and it is great but that is my least favorite part.  I can’t wait for that part to be done so the band can get back to rockin’ out again.  There is a funny synth line that is not on the demo or any live versions that I have heard.  They could have let Taylor go further with her wailing at the end of the song like they do live but that is a minor concern.  Rock on Brian!

Southern California-
I have heard others say that this was one of their favorites but from the demo and live versions I had heard, it was not a favorite of mine.  It is now!  Brian’s lead is much stronger than I have heard on the live versions.  The additional verse and bridge (especially the bridge) are stunning both lyrically and musically.  I hope when he plays it live he will include the new additions.
The new bridge:
“Oh, it’s magical
Living your dreams
Don’t want to sleep, you might miss something
Oh, it’s magical
I’m glad it happened to me
Nodded off in the band room
Woke up in history”

I’m glad it happened to you too Brian!

The return of the Maumamyama as well as the little bonus Roll Around Heaven snippet is a nice way to end the record.

To sum up,
This album is great.  Way better than we should possibly expect from Brian at this stage in his career.  But great it is.  Nice work Brian!  Thanks to Scott, Van Dyke, Darian, Paul and Mark Linett and to Brian’s wonderful band for all of their contributions and for making it all sound so good. 
What a joy to listen to. 
Love you Brian!

I think the both the audio and video are great.  Really good.  I'm no "Brian can do no wrong" blueboarder, but this bodes very well for the album.  I'm not really interested in the debate on how "live" this is (might be a comp or perhaps just the album version of the song with synched video) and I will leave this to others.  Not many live videos are 100% live and most go through a fair amount of post production anyway. 

But isn't this recording of the song MUCH, MUCH better than the demo?  I sure think so.  I am getting more and more excited about this release.

I agree with some others who have mentioned a bit of disappointment with the album version of MAD versus the demo.  I will reserve final judgement until I get the pristine sounding version in my sweaty palms, but from what I have heard of the album version of MAD I concure that the vocal swell that comes at "makes me feel so alone" doesn't touch the demo.  In the demo version it almost sounds as if the vocals are going to burst through the speakers and very desperate.  Gorgeous moment.  That moment is not nearly as rewarding on the album version.  But that doesn't mean the album version is without it merits.  I love the strings and some of the other touches in the album version quite a bit more than the demo.  At least I already have a high fidelity cd copy of the MAD demo, so all is cool.

This new version of FSBMSG is heads and shoulders better than the demo.  If this is an indicator of quality control, I suspect I will enjoy most of the album versions of the TLOS much better than the demos (and I quite like the demos).  Bring it on!

Hey Aegir,

I quite like that Randell Kirsch song too, so I would certainly excuse you for putting it on the reunion album.  Simple but very beautiful.  There are several great songs on that Under God cd, but my personal faves are The "Oh" song, the BW track (nothing earth shattering but it puts a smile on my face and Bri seems like he is into it).  That Paul Steele track lead me to check out his other stuff. His song, In a Coma, may be the best new song of 2008.  Check it out if you haven't already.  Sorry for the off- topic post