Just hold on a minute. I suspect some of you you don't actually understand what being a journalist actually involves. This is a piece of polemic, no doubt designed to send some of the more sensitive BB fans into fits of apoplexy and to create a bit of stir. And on that basis, it's very much job done.

As for the points made, I have no interest in destroying or ripping down the legend of Brian Wilson; he is a genius, albeit flawed, and my all-time hero. Some of the author's points are lazy, yes, and the Pink Floyd analogy while seemingly apposite doesn't really fit but he is expressing a view, raising several points that have been argued back and forth on here since time immemorial.

However, being what I regard as something of a reasonable fellow, I like to hear points of view that sometimes differ from my own.; I don't have the need to read endless screeds telling me how brilliant Brian is. I already know that. As much as I struggle to comprehend it, some people sometimes have a different take on things to me. I actually agree with some things he says and disagree with others. I would assume (but of course I could be wrong) some of this is based on seeing the current touring versions of both bands, so his closing point as of 2016 is at least a valid one.

What  am I saying? Just don't get your knickers in a twist. It's an opinion 'article' not Hansard.

This article encapsulates the absolute worst way possible of trying to prove a legitimate point: that Mike and the other Boys should be appreciated for the rad contributions they made. I, for one, appreciate Mike's contributions, I will defend Kokomo, I will even defend some of Summer in Paradise, Cool Head, Warm Heart, not to mention all of his great collabs with Brian, etc... I think Mike is often overlooked and not regarded highly enough.

So for a fan such as myself, I go into the article with an opinion that already is appreciative of the many contributions Mike made to the band. And I read it, and it just seems like a desperate grab at trying to say a bunch of nonsense (and tear down Brian in the process), and it makes me want to rail on about what a piece of excrement the article amounts to.

Whatever point the article was trying to make, even if the author's heart is in the right place, is just misguided in its approach, and only fans the flames of ire. I'm sure it is possible to have an article written about Mike that praises his contributions, mentions that there are many ways in which he is underrated, etc, and doesn't turn into a moronic sh*tshow.

OK. So you think this piece was 'planted' by Mike to do Brian down?

Knickers not twisted.
Sad, your opinion of the job of a journalist: to be a polemicist. Happily not all news venues agree, though I'm afraid many do.
Murdochification.

Not at all Emily. I loathe Murdoch as much as the next right-minded person. I wasn't saying that ALL journalists are polemicists, but this one most certainly was, rather like a shock-jock – an opinion piece that would undoubtedly ruffle feathers and long-held views. There is nothing wrong in that. Dismantle and debate his views by all means – it's all publicity to him (the main intention I would suggest). That's a tactic used to stunning effect by certain politicians on both sides of the Atlantic, particularly at moment.

Just hold on a minute. I suspect some of you you don't actually understand what being a journalist actually involves. This is a piece of polemic, no doubt designed to send some of the more sensitive BB fans into fits of apoplexy and to create a bit of stir. And on that basis, it's very much job done.

As for the points made, I have no interest in destroying or ripping down the legend of Brian Wilson; he is a genius, albeit flawed, and my all-time hero. Some of the author's points are lazy, yes, and the Pink Floyd analogy while seemingly apposite doesn't really fit but he is expressing a view, raising several points that have been argued back and forth on here since time immemorial.

However, being what I regard as something of a reasonable fellow, I like to hear points of view that sometimes differ from my own.; I don't have the need to read endless screeds telling me how brilliant Brian is. I already know that. As much as I struggle to comprehend it, some people sometimes have a different take on things to me. I actually agree with some things he says and disagree with others. I would assume (but of course I could be wrong) some of this is based on seeing the current touring versions of both bands, so his closing point as of 2016 is at least a valid one.

What  am I saying? Just don't get your knickers in a twist. It's an opinion 'article' not Hansard.

Pretty much spot on in my opinion. I'd never seen Blondie before... so that was great and Al's voice really pleased me. I suppose I am so used to the classic BW band that I did miss DS and JF but there was plenty of oomph and Brian was certainly engaged. I talked to quite a few fans afterwards, nearly all of whom liked different things to me but then that's the joy of the BBs - we all get our own thing out of them. We all, without exception, seemed to be uplifted by the night.

Oh, and I am not the biggest fan of Mike Love by many a long stretch but I wandered into a pub in Camden last week and just about the entire bar, staff included, were singing and dancing to Kokomo, so I of course joined in. I hope nobody will hate me.

Now if you'd danced like Kate Bush and sent the beers flying, that might be something to get annoyed about.

I danced like John Stamos and not a precious drop was wasted.

The Smiley Smile Message Board
1996-2016
RIP

What?

Keep in mind who defended you when the majority of posters commenting to your own thread about hating Mike Love were accusing you of trolling, of deliberately stirring up the sh*t to cause problems, and demanding that the thread be locked/deleted. And I honestly don't remember, but there may have even been calls to ban the thread's author, one Iain Lee. I remember it well because knowing who you were and knowing your previous interviews and general fan enthusiasm for music like The Monkees (which I share), you were getting a raw deal and I was one who tried to show support. And you were not banned, the thread was not deleted despite calls to do so, and lo and behold the truth of who you really were did come out. Did anyone apologize for getting it wrong, or for suggesting things based on false or untrue information about you or your motives?

If not, join the club.    

I also hope my positive comments directed your way, as written to another board member who you know, reached you as well, because I basically said I hoped all was well with you especially with what you had been dealing with earlier this year, and hoped you would reconsider coming back to have a dialogue about your article, despite those accusing you of trolling and worse and the reactions it generated, some of which were very out of line.

So I'm hoping in light of the reality of my own support of what you went through being called a troll and worse and blamed for things you were not doing, you're not trying to pin the hypothetical death of this board on me personally, because that would be a real kick in the ass on many levels. And I was, honestly, 100% sincere in what I said and hoped would reach your eyes or ears as well.

Ok

No. It wasn't a dig at you. At all. But. This whole thread is an embarrassment to Beach Boys fandom. I came here to see what people thought of last nights Palladium show. Instead I have To wade through pages of off topic rants from various people. I could not care less about who is banned or why. I want to know if people dug Funky Pretty as much as me. That's it.

I never hid who I was on this message board. That's why I always use my real name on message boards. Always.

No. I never got your message. At least I don't think I did. Thank you though. It is appreciated.

And I'm fine. I can take a few people calling me a troll or whatever. I know I'm not. My question was a genuine one to try and unpick people's attitudes to Mike, a lyricist, performer and singer I happen to have a lot of respect for. I think Mike love is brilliant. I love Kokomo. Could not care less if that upsets people.

Seriously, you all need to chill. I agree with Enily, none of this should be in this thread. Or maybe it should. Really, I don't care. I just think a lot of people are looking silly. And it's stuff like this that scares ME away from contributing. I can't speak for others.  Only myself.

Anyway, now I've contributed more to this off topic theme. I apologise. So. Let's see if I can bring it back.

Last night was a joy. Loved seeing Brian at the Palladium. As I said, his voice was perhaps croakier than I've seen in the past, but he seemed to be into it. He made a few jokes and chatted to the audience. Al seemed to get a little upset that the autocue wasn't working for him on This Whole World but part of me dod think 'this song is over 40 years old, learn the words Al'

Still, his voice is incredible. He's lost a tiny bit of his higher register but he really has still got a great voice. Rhonda just rocked it. My son fell asleep during Pet Sounds (he's 6) so for the encore I was carrying a sleeping child while doing my best to dance.

And again, I feel blessed to have seen Blondie singing Sail On Sailor and a few more. The Flame period of BBhistorh is I think my favourite, not necessarily in terms of musical output but just because it seems like such a nuts time.

Darian was missed. I thought the band lacked a little oomph. But. That may just be me.

As always at a BB or BW gig, a great atmosphere before and during and I ended up chatting to a lot of people from around the world.

I was sat next to a French guy who was surprised at how little security there was.  He's used to seeing shows in Paris after those awful attacks where apparently everyone going into a venue now is patted down

A great night and my son made me spend a fortune on merch. Ooh. They were selling the "Help Me Rhond" t shirt that Brian wore in the 70's. Very cool piece of niche merch

Anyone else there? Would love to hear your thoughts.

Peace to everyone. I'm gonna keep quiet on everything else. Don't want to get trolled or booted off.

Pretty much spot on in my opinion. I'd never seen Blondie before... so that was great and Al's voice really pleased me. I suppose I am so used to the classic BW band that I did miss DS and JF but there was plenty of oomph and Brian was certainly engaged. I talked to quite a few fans afterwards, nearly all of whom liked different things to me but then that's the joy of the BBs - we all get our own thing out of them. We all, without exception, seemed to be uplifted by the night.

Oh, and I am not the biggest fan of Mike Love by many a long stretch but I wandered into a pub in Camden last week and just about the entire bar, staff included, were singing and dancing to Kokomo, so I of course joined in. I hope nobody will hate me.

1. Wouldn't It Be Nice
2. 'Til I Die
3. Surf's Up (just beating H & V)

I know I must have heard some of the surfing stuff before but the first time I consciously listened to the band was the summer of 1973.

The only music we had to listen to was a single cassette my brother had. On one side was the first Roxy Music album, the other was Beach Boys Greatest hits (the UK LP). I think when my brother taped it, he must have flipped the sides as I always remember 'Do It Again' as being the first track and so the first BB song I really listened to. As a result, although my obsession began much, much later, it has always remained one of my favourite BB songs, along with H & V.

I always found it curious as to why, for what was in effect a 1966-and beyond compilation (apart from a few non-surfing earlier ones), that 'Wouldn't It Be Nice' was not included.

Not very original but…

Intro: Do It Again

Outro: Cabinessence, Surf's Up, You Still Believe In Me, God Only Knows

Oh well... this is my first one, so go easy.

Maybe God Only Knows

Maybe Wouldn't It Be Nice

But it would have to be Surf's Up