Now maybe I'm simplifying this too much, but what if the delay is something as simple as Mike holding back the release until the pandemic is over.
   He can tour then with the release to support? As a man fairly competent in business, could an argument be made that the Beach Boys would make their return tour from the pandemic a Feel Flows Tour?

kind of makes sense considering all the work already done...

 

It's quite possible that could be part of the thinking to hold the release for 2021. I mean, technically SURF'S UP and "Feel Flows" was both recorded* & released in calendar year 1971 and next year would be the 50th.

And, apologies if it has already been mentioned (I'm certain it likely has) but the Peter Jackson LET IT BE (Beatles) documentary was pushed to 2021 – most definitely due to the Covid-19 related "market constraints".

Anything is possible.

* Surf's Up (the song) tracks back to 1966

[one of my favorite movies ever]

First, it’s nice to talk with someone that shares my same enthusiasm about the picture. If I could use a potentially odd analogy, there are Beach Boys fans that waited 40 years to finally hear "SMiLE". While I can't claim to be among their ranks due to when I was born (1976); I can say that I waited years and years (like 15-20) to finally see a Wilson biopic on the screen. Dutifully following each development along the way. I cannot imagine being more pleased with the final product than I was in June, 2015 – and today.

So much of my appreciation of this movie stems from finally being able to show people “this is why I’m obsessed with The Beach Boys.” - knowing that I no longer have to explain why I’m obsessed, I can just easily let ‘Love and Mercy’ do the talking for me.

Right! I picture L&M being the kind of film that is rediscovered in 10-20 years. When someone says... "so why is PET SOUNDS" considered the CITIZEN KANE of pop albums"... just say – watch this.

When this first came out I got a lot of pushback from people when I pointed out what I thought were very specific character placements in certain scenes (Dennis sitting on the railing, Carl drinking a beer, and Brian laying in the sunlounger when they’re talking about the future), and to this day I absolutely stand by my thoughts regarding all of that.

I think you are right that any bit of nuance in the film is purposeful. Placement of characters in the scenes you mentioned and there are moments that elude back (shot of reflecting water and no Dennis during in the 'The Bed Montage' flashback); absolutely those are meant to be Easter eggs. There's quite a few actually.

Which leads me to my next point: while I love the biopic “Walk The Line” I am so glad that “Love and Mercy” didn’t go that same route. While very similar in redemption themes, “Love and Mercy” has so many of these seemingly quirky decisions regarding where to place characters, camera angles, almost perfect recreations of famous moments in beach boys history. The film is so unique in so many ways and it’s one of many reasons why it will likely always be one of my favorite movies ever.

Likewise!

The fact that all involved (Pohlad, Moverman, Ross, et al.) chose to take the road less traveled when deciding how to tell Brian's story all but ensures that L&M will viewed fondly for many years to come. If it had been like "Walk the Line" or "Ray" (both of which I think are fine, if vanilla, biopics) I would've been disappointed. Not even going to mention "Bohemian Rhapsody" which the Academy heaped with praise with multiple nominations – just completely baffling. That film bordered on parody.

It is, too, my hope that an extended version of this film comes out. Man I wish it had just come with the blu-ray copy when it was first released. I fear that it’s not popular enough of a movie to warrant a future special edition release. But I would be extremely happy to be proven wrong about that (maybe Criterion would be willing to take on such a project).

Speaking of an extended version of L&M, when the BD was released I was very pleased to see that it included the four deleted scenes. And as my web deep dives commenced in 2015-2016, I found other film stills from various sources that indicated additional scenes or moments that were filmed and left out of the theatrical film.

Unidentified Scene #1 – Brian - Past (Paul Dano) is listening to "Be My Baby" over and over on his stereo in his room.



Unidentified Scene #2 – Brian - Future (John Cusack) speaks with Landy (Paul Giamatti) about how to say goodnight to Melinda (Elizabeth Banks) after their first date.



Unidentified Scene #3 – Brian - Future (Cusack) receives intravenous drugs from Landy (Giamatti) Landy. Director Bill Pohlad looking on behind Giamatti.



Unidentified Scene #4 – Landy (Giamatti) and Brian - Future (Cusack) on the beach for a walk.



Unidentified Scene #5 – Same as #4. A brief moment of this can be glimpsed during the "The Bed Montage" flashback scene.



Unidentified Scene #6 – Possible flashback scene to Landy (Giamatti) during the "Bed Years". I think a moment or two from this scene is used during the "The Bed Montage" flashback near the end of the film.



Unidentified Scene #7 – Melinda (Banks) possibly at a restaurant. She doesn't wear this dress anywhere in the finished film.



Unidentified Scene #8 – Van Dyke Parks (Max Schneider) and Brian - Past (Dano) write a song, possibly "Surf's Up" or "Heroes and Villains".



Unidentified Scene #9 – Brian - Past (Dano) and Director Pohlad hanging out. Don't recognize the car being used in the film and I don't recall that exact combination of outfit for Brian - Past. Doesn't necessarily mean this portends a deleted scene but... possibly?



Unidentified Scene #10 – Brian - Past (Dano) and Marilyn (Drake) watch TV in their den. If I'm not mistaken this is where Brian - Past sees news of the fire on TV and is paranoid that the "The Elements: Fire" caused the fire.



Unidentified Scene #11 – Audree Wilson (Joanna Going), Carl Wilson (Brett Davern), Marilyn (Drake) and Dennis Wilson (Kenny Wormald) are at the end of Brian's bed, presumably in the 60's given the decor and their attire. Possibly from a flashback? Unsure.



Unidentified Scene #12 – Brian - Past (Dano) at the piano in the den of the Bel-Air house. I think it's likely that this is not a full scene, instead, simply flickering moments used in during the 'The Bed Montage' flashback. Although, it's possible that it was a more fleshed out scene that was truncated to be used in the flashback. Would love to know!



Miscellaneous Scene #1 – Very likely part of Unidentified Scene #1, with Brian - Past (Dano) listening to "Be My Baby" on his headphones while Marilyn (Drake) sleeps in the background.



I actually found this on the Japanese Facebook page, of all places, in the summer of 2015. I'm like 99% positive it depicts the scene described in 'Unidentified Scene #1'.

Miscellaneous Scene #2 – Completely unsure what this is from. It's a production still with nothing to orient you.



Back to my waiting 37 years for "SMiLE" analogy from some of the OG's... my fascination with L&M is not unlike other films I have found myself obsessed with through the years.

Malick's THE THIN RED LINE and Fincher's ZODIAC – to name a couple – I wanted to know everything I could about the production, screenplay, cinematography, sound design, editing... everything. L&M is in that company of films (quality wise), IMO.

[This]

On June 5th, 2020, LOVE & MERCY celebrated its 5th anniversary. This excellent article by Stephen Silver at Life Living Fearless chronicles just why and how the film was last decades best music biopic. I wanted to take this opportunity to write a few thoughts about how much I love this picture and what it means to me.

As a young child, growing up in the late 70s and early 80s, my parents were not unlike many nostalgic Silent Generation/Boomer parents with their love of early Beach Boys tunes. They were played in the car, on road trips, around the house on Sunday afternoons when "oldies" programs were featured on the radio. The music almost seemed like purely American traditional/lullabies that came from some time long before I was born. But in reality, the music I was hearing was only in many cases no more than 15 or 20 years old at that point.

When my adulthood approached in the mid 90s I watched the Don Was documentary I JUST WASN'T MADE FOR THESE TIMES. At that point in my life, some of my favorite music was what might now be called "Indie Rock" or, then, "Alternative Rock"; bands like Pavement, Guided by Voices or Sonic Youth. So, imagine my surprise when I saw non other than Thurston Moore (of Sonic Youth) appeared in the Was documentary heaping praise on the music of Brian Wilson. At this point in my journey of music appreciation I had already gone through a Phil Spector phase (when the BACK TO MONO box set came out). But I had never really reassessed The Beach Boys. To mean, they were still the band from my childhood that sang about cars, girls and California.

It was precisely at upon viewing that documentary and my later reappraisal of the catalog that my nearly Twenty-Five year (as of this writing) adoration and love of Brian and BB music began. At the time, I worked in a CD shop and had access to all kinds of books and early iterations of music databases. I read up on PET SOUNDS and the history of Brian's work with musicians Spector favored, etc. I can remember exactly where I was when I first played that album. I was at work, I had gone to the rack and grabbed that CD, bought it, opened it and played it in the store on the main system. "Love at first listen" is one way I would describe the experience – almost religious, is another. Like most everyone that has their "moment" discovering (or rediscovering) the music of The Beach Boys and Brian you follow all avenues and wherever they take you for that same transcendental evocation of tapping into something bigger. Even the childhood lullabies like "Fun, Fun, Fun" and "Surfin' U.S.A." seem to take on some more grandiose meaning after being "born again".

There have been a number of great books about The Beach Boys and Brian. "The Nearest Faraway Place", "Catch a Wave" to name a couple. I wanted someone to take that same "serious" approach to Brian's story, but on film. When someone has such a 'cinematic' life, as Brian has had, it begs to be properly captured as a feature film. There have, of course, been TV movies; ABC's "The Beach Boys: An American Family" from 2000 and the nearly equally uninspired "Summer Dreams" from 1990. What I was pining for was something like Haskell Wexler's 1976 film BOUND FOR GLORY (Woody Guthrie), Milos Forman's 1984 film AMADEUS (Mozart) or Francois Girard's 1993 film THIRTY TWO SHORT FILMS ABOUT GLENN GOULD – in other words... ART.

So, in 2006, my interest was piqued when I read this article Surf's up for Wilson bio. And, like I would come to get used to over the coming few years, more "white puffs of smoke" would emanate from the "Wilson Chapel" only to go nowhere. Finally in 2011, this article appeared, giving renewed hope: Beach Boy Brian Wilson's story will come to the screen, courtesy of the screenwriter of 'I'm Not There'. Only this time, more stories followed about a completed screenplay, casting and finally, filming.

As the film finally premiered in 2014 at the Toronto International Film Festival I was really tempted to try to find a way to go, but ultimately decided to wait for a general release in the U.S. I'm still grateful to those on this board that did attend TIFF in 2014 and shared their first hand accounts. The next 7-8 months were LONG. Finally, on June 5th, 2015... I was sitting in my seat at the very first showing at the AMC theater near me that Friday morning – something I almost never do – I took a day off from work to see a movie. Seeing Bill Pohlad's LOVE & MERCY, about one of my biggest heroes, was a solemn, emotional experience. The producers, screenwriter Oren Moverman and director Pohlad had managed to skillfully and artfully tell the story of Brian Wilson in a way that was both palatable for the masses but also crafty enough to be shown in art house theaters – that's a serious achievement for a two-hour motion picture. I did what I could only think to do... I went back to the counter out front and bought a ticket to see it again – IMMEDIATELY. While waiting for that 2nd showing I sat in the lobby and wrote (in the notes app of my iPhone) most of what I would later post on Amazon as my formal "review" (titled "The Life of Brian").

Over the course of its theatrical run I saw LOVE & MERCY a total of fourteen times. Sometimes I was focusing more on specific scenes, sometimes I was there to soak in the sumptuous Atticus Ross 'soundscapes'. But mainly, I wanted to take every opportunity I could to enjoy this magnificent film in the proper setting, while I still could. I think it's safe to say that I love this film deeply and equally – I love the music and the man.

Since we're at the 5th anniversary, I think it would be awesome if anyone would like to chime in with their own stories or anecdotes... favorite scenes or moments?

Stay safe, healthy... and Love & Mercy to you.

Not to get too far off topic, but since the issue of the Love & Mercy music was raised...There was a situation where BRI and all members could make money on mechanical rights, royalties, etc from both the film and soundtrack and subsequent releases on DVD and digital...without lifting a finger, without doing any work, without playing under a tent in Cape Cod in the dead of summer and with 100% humidity...and Mike still objected.

So using the example of Carl's interests siding with Mike's touring issues on the table of BRI, the Love & Mercy soundtrack deal was a case where a "yes" vote from that entity was a recurring payday without doing anything, including for Mike who had ownership interests in some of those songs which would pay out in perpetuity, and yet Mike objected. So the yes vote from the Wilsons was a similar no-brainer unless Mike was able to convince them somehow to vote no based on Mike's personal hang-ups or whatever justification he was using, and obviously they didn't go with Mike for what seems to be a rare 3 to 1 vote.

I loved LOVE & MERCY so much I pre-ordered two BD discs because I was paranoid it would go out of print immediately and I wanted a "backup". I feared MyKe would swoop in with an injunction or something. Probably irrational, but that was my fear. It also lead me, at least in some part, to go see the film fourteen times during its theatrical run. Obviously I loved the film so that was the main reason for my repeat visits to the theater.

And regarding the soundtrack, there was a slight delay in the release. Did we ever find out why? The film realeased on June 5th (2015) but the soundtrack didn't drop until August 14th. Was that Myke's doing as well? Or was that something else? I did note, upon close inspection, that some of the Atticus Ross soundscapes were ever so slightly different on the soundtrack than within the film.

I'm slow with reading threads on message boards... lifelong failing.

I do remember exactly the scenario you mentioned about Mike having an issue about the liner notes and the release being halted so it could be revised with his "elucidation" to use a Myke type word.

[OFFICIALLY]

We have historical precedent for historic/archival box sets being delayed, if that is indeed what could possibly happen here.

I'm sure I don't need to state the obvious but NOTHING HAS BEEN OFFICIALLY ANNOUNCED...

That said, in 1996, THE PET SOUNDS SESSIONS was to be released in the fall of that calendar year. How did I know? I read it in Ice Magazine one day in the CD shop I worked at.

In reality – it was delayed over 12 months and finally dropped in November, 1997.

Better late than never.

Anyone know when the new ESQ comes out?

(comment removed)

Oh that’s on there too. Disk 3 is entirely dedicated to every interview clip where Mike mentions that “HE” in fact came up with the hook

I need to know WHEEEEEEEEEEEN I can get it?

Nope, it’s going to cover the 1987-1992 period, with never before herd unreleased material from the summer in paradise sessions

Crud.

I was secretly hoping for box of nothing but every vocal take from the "Kokomo" session complete with backing tracks, and as a bonus to the first 5,000 sets sold: conversations about who didn't invite Brian.

Pardon my ignorance, but, will this likely cover the 1969-1971 era (Sunflower & Surf's Up) as indicated by this Redditor?

Brian's Twitter account featured this one recently. Wish there were more from the early 70s.

Brian's Twitter account featured this one recently. Wish there were more from the early 70s.

I think about this book often. There are better Beach Boys biographies, but no other will give you such an exhaustively perfect background of California life and the Wilson family history.

This book gives the casual fan such detailed history of California, surfing, cars, pop culture. It is tedious and at times downright boring - but it's not meant to be constantly exciting. History is sometimes boring but sometimes it is necessary to read the boring stuff to see why events happened the way they did. It immerses the fan into the world The Beach Boys grew up in, and for that I give it a 5/5.

My thoughts exactly. I finally purchased this book after wanting for a long, long time. Got a nice 1st Edition in wonderful shape (basically new).

I don't think my PM went through properly. I just decided to e-mail instead. I hope that's okay.

Jason

I have this

PM sent

Does anyone happen to have the VHS tape that A&E sold for a short time in 1999 and the early 2000s of the broadcast version of their "Biography" of BW? There are copies on Youtube but they are from perhaps not the best sources.

Was kind of hoping someone out there had the "official" VHS of it that would be suitable for making a digital copy?

PM me if you are just such a person.

Thank you for your help (I'll respectfully keep your name private)!

Hi All,

Sorry for bumping an old thread but I need some help. I finally got around to purchasing this for myself from Amazon ($80.99 USD, currently). Unfortunately, my set came with the uncorrected Disc 3. Kind of makes me wonder if they ever corrected them in the production run.

Anyway, I decided to email the two email addresses listed by Mark Linett in the Amazon review section. They got back to me and said that they "no longer have replacement discs" so they are "unable to replace this" for me.

I generally rip all of my CDs in AIFF format using dBPowerAmp (which supports AccurateRip). I wonder though, does anyone have this ripped in a lossless format (preferably FLAC) and would be willing to share?

I certainly would be grateful.

Thanks,
Jason

I'm not sure if this thread is 'tongue in cheek' or serious. 

No, there will never be sequel to LOVE & MERCY. I can't think of a single biopic that has ever had a sequel. The director, Bill Pohlad, said in an interview at the time of the release (something to the effect) ' This is an unconventional biopic. We wanted to focus on two distinct periods in BW's life and juxtapose them. Telling a conventional beginning to present story of this man's life never interested me. We wanted to get at his essence. Taking the path we did allowed us to achieve that, hopefully with satisfactory results. There may be another film about Brian (and the Beach Boys) but this was my vision of his story.

I'm probably not doing his original quote justice but that's how I remember him saying it. To me, LOVE & MERCY is the definitive film about BW and one of the finer biopics in memory. I DO wish that someday we could maybe get a Criterion like release that includes more extras (additional deleted scenes, etc).

That's something that would be truly special to fans of the film.

If we aren't counting all of LOVE & MERCY I would go with...

1. "Good Vibrations" from Cameron Crowe's VANILLA SKY.

2. "Wouldn't It Be Nice" from Hal Ashby's SHAMPOO

I attended the show in Columbus, Ohio tonight. This was my first time seeing Brian live and I'm so happy I did. I normally don't go to live shows, crowds give me the willies honestly.

The set list played was very close to the one listed above although "Help Me, Rhonda" was played during the first set. I was hoping to be surprised and hear something from LOVE YOU but I know that's a long shot.

Just being able to see Brian (and Al, Blondie, et al) was worth every penny. Being in the same building with the man and paying homage is what it's all about. The theater was rapturous in their love and adoration of Brian (and band).

I really do think "Love & Mercy" is now in my top 5 favorite BW songs. Hearing the various live performances of it over the years (through the power of YouTube and elsewhere) brought a much deeper appreciation for what a special piece of music it is. I smiled when Brian sang "I was sitting in a crappy movie with my hands on my chin". Yes, he actually said crappy.

Love & Mercy to all.

 

I hear you on the Beatles in Mono. That's one of the best box sets ever released. Along with the Dylan mono box.

As far as the Beach Boys go, the 2015-2016 Hybrid SACDs, released by Analogue Productions (Acoustic Sounds) are the best sounding Beach Boys' the digital domain. The mono mixes on those discs are the original, un-tampered with article. Mastered with care by Kevin Gray.

Surfin' Safari
Surfin' USA
Surfer Girl
Little Deuce Coupe
Shut Down Volume 2
All Summer Long
Today
Summer Days and Summer Nights
Beach Boys Party
Pet Sounds
Smiley Smile

http://store.acousticsounds.com/index.cfm?get=results&searchtext=beach%2Cboys&CategoryID=4&LabelID=507

It's hard to imagine these ever being bested.

Recently, the Charlie Rose website has been vastly overhauled and a database of some 20,000 hours (if I heard correctly) has been made available there. Like him or love him, he got some big names in pop culture an politics. I generally have always enjoyed his one-on-one interviews, personally.

When I heard this I instantly thought about the times that either the band, Brian and others related to the band have appeared. I couldn't help but share the info.

https://charlierose.com

I have hand picked a few that stood out in memory that I wanted to revisit, it's very nice to be able to do so now with the click of the keyboard/mouse.

Don Was (08/15/1995) - "I Just Wasn't Made for These Times":

https://charlierose.com/videos/12398

Brian Wilson and David Leaf (06/24/2005) - "Beautiful Dreamer"

https://charlierose.com/videos/10736

Brian Wilson (11/29/2005) - Discussing SMiLE and his Christmas album

https://charlierose.com/videos/10231

Beach Boys (05/18/2012) - Discussing BB50 Reunion

https://charlierose.com/videos/16650

Brian looks really sharp there.