Stephen Hawking

Never thought that humans can be vegetables. Interesting answer, though I don't know who it is.

http://lmgtfy.com/?q=Stephen+Hawking

http://lmgtfy.com/?q=Vegetable+urbandictionary
[/quote]
Thanks, SJB, I got what they stand for, kind of. (Never knew there's sth. created for lazy web surfers. Clever move from Google masters.)

It couldn't hurt "Lady Lynda," either.

Whether it's due to that classical intro or sth., I can't imagine "Lady Lynda" being done in a country-rock or folk-rock style.

[2]

This whole situation gets stranger & stranger. Now, after checking those threads SloopJohnB gave the links to, I can't say for sure if I'm for or against Denni. It's almost unbelievable to have 2 different people post in the same MB from the same computer. I mean why would anyone let someone from their friends or relatives log into the MB from their own computer, let alone under the same nick? Idk, if Denni knew that sherryluvsbrian isn't good, how she allowed her accessing to her computer? This is all very suspicious.

Not sure why you used that smiley coz it's obvious that Ringo isn't African American by nationality.

Uh....well....

I'll explain - usually, as you may know, people attach smileys to their posts to: A) show their attitude towards one or another subject; B) give tiny details to the subject. In case of Awesoman, it can't be the 1st option, because "Afro" (the official title of the smiley) means, well, "Afro", i.e. "African American" & nothing else. So, it seems logical to think that the poster added that smiley to describe the subject, in our case - Ringo. That's why I's kind of surprised to see that face next to him coz Ringo is white-colored.
But at the end of the day, maybe this was all unintentional. Maybe Awesoman just chose the wrong smiley, instead he wanted "3D" one, it hangs near "Afro", btw.
Hope my answer made sense.

This song has a kind of loping, Al Jardine melody that reminds me a little of California Saga ... I think the song would work great with a sort of holland-style country-rock production. I also think it would sound great in a postcard style production - I hope Al rerecords it some time.

Wow, that's some idea! I'd be jolly glad to hear CalCalling in a country-rock mode.

After hearing all the versions suggested here + covers of Bobby Rydell & The Seekers, I made the conclusion that the best one is the subject (Al & Richard's tandem), close 2nd - by Peter Paul & Mary. I agree with Mr. Stebbins, it's a very cool rendition, Mary sang the song tremendously. Also agree with him that the Weavers' original is weak, too slow & uninspiring. Though the worst cover is obviously Pavone's, language-wise.
Now, I very enjoyed Andy Kane's reggae-stylized version, mostly because of the jazz orchestration. As for the vocs, sure, Kane isn't a good singer, yet he's got cool lisping accent. Generally, the video is good, I liked it for its positivity & friendliness, not to mention - for funny & awkward dancing/walking. Thanks to Nicko1234 for this YT wonder, now I know yet another name in show business, never heard before of that human.

This is by FAR my favorite track on the 1985 "Beach Boys" album. Why it never got the PR it should have is beyond me.  Maybe AGD can clarify on this? I personally think it would have been a GREAT single and hit.

It's alright; the coolest thing about it though by far is that Ringo Starr drums on it.   

Not sure why you used that smiley coz it's obvious that Ringo isn't African American by nationality. Other than that, I agree with you. When I found out who drummed on CalCalling, I's just amazed. So good to know that Paul isn't the only Beatle-BBs fan. Or else it'd be a real bore. Surely Ringo is fun to have around in the studio. Fits the company of our "goofy" Boys.

For the record, I'd say I very enjoy hearing this song when I play the entire album. Especially considering it begins right after Bruce's mundane pseudo-ballad. In short, it's the most contagious song in the album. Sometimes I listen to it in isolation from the rest of the tracks for achieving optimistic mood.

You just click "name your price" and enter 0.00 and it will allow a free download!

Clever trick, didn't know that it can be done like that. Every time I see those words, I think I need to buy it. Thanks for the tip. And thanks for the song suggestions, will check them.

Uploaded with ImageShack.us

It's the 2nd time when I see you posting this picture. Have no idea what this odd gesture means.

Great find! Isn't it wonderful to discover a new vintage video of The BBs? There's a little of what surfaced from that era, you can count it finger-by-finger. And it ain't good.

What I like about this short interview the most is that Al's finally given a spotlight. Usually, from what I've seen, more attention is paid to others. And it ain't good again because he has perfect diction & is really able to articulate his mind. Therefore, deserves to be asked. But of course, I'm not interested in meditation, mantras & such - just glad to watch a 26-year-old Al saying something. As for Mike, well, we already know how well he can speak, plus he's visible in every video of the band. Still, nice to see him with Al being together like friends. Though at the end of the day, I'd love to see all the Beach Boys together.

Conclusion: the interview lasts only 50 seconds, while the whole video=9 minutes. That's a bit disappointing since the other stuff is whether old (the Friends & Wake the World clips) or highly unnecessary (footage of Maharishi walking & talking about TM (never liked his voice) combined with scenes of mountainous scenery). Instead of this rubbish we could get more interview bits. Otherwise, it's worth for those 50 or at least 31 (Al's time) seconds.
Thanks to sheknowsmetowell!

Hello, Mike! I checked your site & turns out the single cannot be downloaded for free, despite you clearly wrote that it CAN. Instead, the system requires to buy it. Maybe I see the wrong link? Anyway, I liked Copley Square, nice song with tasteful blues guitar licks and good vocals. Though tbh, it's not usually my type of music, am not into moody melodies. You've gathered enough stack of material so I'm sure you have some songs in major. The question is - what will you recommend to me from that collection, examples of such (upbeat) songs? Thanks in advance.

One addition: thematically, These Fifty States is excellent, great dedication to your land! I myself don't live in The USA, but I really love the country. And New York is in my Top-3 of American states. So you are lucky!

[J]

Thanks for the quick response, HH, that's good news! Re: Stevie - would you mind sharing your 1st take of Stevie (don't know who J is)? If not, I'll anyway look forward to hearing your 2nd (hopefully, final) take of the song (since you've said you'd like to try it again). I'd already heard Billy's cover, so it'd be interesting to compare both different versions of "Stevie". Keep working on The BBs!

But in his entire songwriting career, Al has only written *one* song for the Beach Boys that's actually in any way original. Other than All This Is That, everything else has been a minor rewrite of someone else's song. Al's an incredibly underrated singer, a surprisingly competent producer, and seemingly by far the nicest person out of the band members, and I like his solo album a *lot* -- but he's not so much a songwriter as a song rewriter.

Mr. Hickey, I get your point, however, I'm sure that in the whole history of music he isn't the only one who borrows sth. from other artists. It happens all the time. Even John Lennon said about it telling the music is the same, with some variations around the chords. So, at some level, one can notice similarities between different songs of different artists. And therefore, I stand to what I've stated. Though I completely agree with the rest of your post.

[extremely]

If Al is a better song-writer than Dennis then I'm George Clooney.

I know you are a huge Dennis fan & respect it, but that is YOUR opinion & I have MINE which differs from YOURS. That is, Al Jardine is the 2nd best songwriter. I like that his songs are filled with positivity, they're all catchy & accessible, plus I like folk music. In short, Al is extremely underrated.

I like Dennis & don't deny that he's got talent. There are a handful of gems in his catalog - both within & outside The BBs. Also, his vocals on Do You Wanna Dance, In The Back of My Mind, This Car of Mine, Surfers Rule, bridge of Girls on the Beach are the chief reasons why I like these songs. But generally, his music is a bit too downbeat & depressing to my taste & mostly I'm not a fan of his 70s voice.

I, without a doubt, prefer the released version of 'Big Sur'.

+1! Totally forgot to mention it. The other one sounds like a dull commercial music for Bounty chocolate, too slow.

Stephen Hawking

Never thought that humans can be vegetables. Interesting answer, though I don't know who it is.

I did the lead for Stevie! J has it, I think there was a harmony that never got filled?
Tbh, I'd like to try it again - I sang it sans one and a half front teeth...

Wow, that's bad to hear! Hope everything's OK now. Have a good SMiLE!

- Dennis is nowhere near the 2nd best songwriter of the group.

Then who is?

That's a tricky question but I dare say Al. I respect if you think otherwise or maybe that Dennis is the 1st best songwriter. After all, we express our own minds here.

2Disney Boy (1985): for awhile, I thought the same, that's why I didn't like Let Him Run before. Now it's the other way around, though I still will go with the 1998 version.

Why are you sorry ?

Yes, I don't understand if someone feels sorry about liking a certain song just because everybody hates it - that is only a taste matter. Especially when we talk about such a goodie as Waves of Love. There are much worse songs in the BBs catalog. The thread title is incorrect.

When I 1st heard the subject (I refer to the soundcheck version with somewhat muddily-mixed Carl) I absolutely liked it. Hands down one of the finest songs Al had written, also it's one of his strongest performances. On the other hand, Carl sounds terrible. But still, the melody sung by him is beautiful.

Re: adding the song to TWGMTR. Much as I have unfavorites on the new album, I won't trade any track of it with Waves of Love. It must be fresh (2012) & only with voices of surviving bandmates.

2HeyJude: your blog is jolly interesting, definitely shall read the rest. Btw, this is the 4th time when I see Smiley Smiler's musical blog, others being ovi's (former Sail On, Brian), warnakey's (he used to post here) and Mr. Hickey's. Of course, our opinions may differ, but it doesn't stop me from enjoying reading such stuff. Plus, it's really fascinating to know other people's takes on one or another thing.

[HAPPY BIRTHDAY, BRIAN!!!]

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, BRIAN!!!

Seems like Brian's fed up with boring cakes, so he decided to toss that one. Anyway, Happy Birthday, Mr. Wilson! Be good & go on making music!

Btw, it dawned on me that Brian could cover The Residents' "Birthday Boy", doing high-pitched spoken bits in the "Magic Transistor Radio" manner. I can easily imagine him repeating the "Happy, happy Birth-day to meee..." lines. 

Great topic idea, Wrightfan, thanks for bringing it up! Definitely one of the most interesting threads I've read on this forum. Agree with half of what's written here. Anyhow:

- I genuinely like every single BBs album starting from Surfin' Safari & counting Stars & Stripes.
- At My Window is not only the best Sunflower track, but also the best BBs song ever.
- Barbara Ann is a jolly good rollicking cover! Never tire of it. That said, the "Everybody say yeah – YEAAAH! YEAAAH – YEAH!.." addition is really unnecessary. To-and-fro dancing with legs is ridiculous.
- Don't know what it is about Brian's voice, but I like all the phases of it, including the worst ones: damaged, off-key, when he slurrs the words or whatever else. Rare case, because usually I am very strict & don't favor such kind of imperfections in other artists. There are only few exceptions of them.
- Sloop John B is the best song off Pet Sounds. No way it's out of place, it's in.
- It'd be very sad if Barnyard didn't exist. To me, it's one of the highlights of The Smile Sessions, dig it both with & without the vocs.
- Al Jardine is the best singer of The BBs in any decade, full stop.
- Carl isn't the voice of an angel – Brian is. If compare their 60s voices, Brian has much more innocent, charming & childlike tone, f.ex. in You Still Believe In Me.
- Guess I'm Dumb is nothing special, though I like Glen's voice in general.
- I don't think of skit tracks as fillers. Same as I don't mind spoken bits in the BBs songs.
- Wipe Out is jolly cool! The video is kinda too, especially the fighting intro & when The BBs do some disc jockey things such as vinyl-rotating.
- Mike's stage banters & choreography are often very entertaining.
- Mike isn't a villain & he certainly wasn't the main reason of Smile demise.
- Dennis is nowhere near the 2nd best songwriter of the group.
- Beaches In Mind is fantastic!
- Forever is severely overrated. I can name at least 3 DW songs better than it.
- Jack Rieley's lead on A Day In The Life of A Tree works very well. Besides, his narration in Mount Vernon & Fairway adds some color to the existing b/g music. Needless to say, I don't listen to Fairy Tale Music.
- "Beach Boys Concert" is a highly underrated live record.
- Every surf instrumental is fine by me. Minus Moon Dawg & studio version of Let's Go Trippin'.
- Marilyn is a good singer; I enjoyed her vocal contributions to the BBs tunes.
- I like every style change & new direction of the band. Even the disco version of Here Comes the Night is not that horrendous to my ears. 
- Don't get what's wrong with Jeff's voice, his falsetto is beautiful! And I surely like his lead on Why Do Fools Fall in Love.
- Modern rendition of Do It Again easily beats out the 20/20 original. Brian's middle-eight is superior than Carl's.
- Autotune is not as bad as most of the Smiley Smilers claim it to be. It's quite tastefully done on TWGMTR & 2012 live album.
- I'm glad that the new record doesn't feature Carl or Dennis's vocals.
- Like Brian himself, I prefer the 60s Dennis rather than the 70s. That's when his voice was at the top.

In this thread Mr. Desper gives some detailed well-written explanation as to why Mike changed the words in the subject:

http://smileysmile.net/board/index.php/topic,14463.25.html Reply #44. Good read, Mr. TM!

Additional addition to donald's sunshine songlist:

Wooden Shjips - Shine Like Suns
Sun Ra - Dancing in the Sun
The Yellow Balloon - Follow the Sunshine (alternate mono mix)
Mary Hopkin - How Come the Sun
Ray Conniff - Seasons in the Sun
Tame Impala - Sun's Coming Up
Tame Impala - The Sun
Sun Ra - Sun Song (of all these suggested songs it's the best one - very intriguing & beautifully arranged composition. Generally, that whole record is one of the best in Sun Ra's career)
Ramones - California Sun (nice uptempo cover)

The Roomates - In My Room (2 truncated versions combined together, I myself prefer the 1st, slower one):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RqGdZoOIEek

[all]

Love Al's Hammer remake. Here's to a full-on folkie album from Al!

All the guys are such prisoners of their musical legacy. More power to 'em when they break out of the shell and do what moves 'em.

Goodly said, Mr. Dah! Only one correction: Brian left off his shell to go solo very long time ago, back in 1988, as you must know but has forgotten for some reason. He continues to be a creative force. So, not all the guys are prisoned in cage w/o new musical ideas.

Am I the only huge Cowsills fan on here?

Huge - maybe. As for me, I'm a casual Cowsills fan. But what I like from their catalog I do like very much, e.g. We Can Fly (great sunny song!), Siamese Cat, Beautiful Beige, Father, Silver Threads & Golden Needles (outstanding vocal work!), Love American Style (ditto), The Fantasy World of Harry Faversham (dig the spectacle kind of singing-"narration"). In short, another good band undeservedly overlooked by the public & mass media.

No, you're not alone. I saw them live about a month or so ago, when they were inducted into the Rhode Island Music Hall of Fame. Great band! Still. It was such a treat to see them.

p.s. John Cowsill and Nelson Bragg made C50 a very special event, with their precision on percussion and their obvious passion for the music. 

Are there any original members left in the touring band?

Mike Love and Bruce Johnston ("principals" - defined by LiveNation)
Original - Mike
Veteran as of 1965 - Bruce.

From my understanding, seems to me bgas was asking about the original members of The Cowsills, coz you told the story about you going to their concert. I'm sure that everyone knows who are the original members of The Beach Boys. Actually, I'd be really surprised if such a simple fact was questioned. Esp. by one of the most knowledgeable fans/collectors like bgas.

I knew that Sheriff John Stone would be the 1st poster on this thread! Dig your famous "playlist disease" (& famous use of police smiley). OK, I'm next in the game:

I. 1. Loop De Loop
   2. Darlin'
   3. Break Away
   4. Never Learn Not to Love
   5. Wild Honey
   6. Let the Wind Blow
   7. Meant for You
   8. I Can Hear Music
   9. Wake the World
   10. Cottonfields
   11. Do It Again
   12. Time to Get Alone
   13. Little Bird
   14. Soulful Old Man Sunshine

II. 1. Funky Pretty
     2. Mrs. O'Leary's Cow
     3. Sail On, Sailor
     4. Goin' On
     5. Mona
     6. Back Home
     7. Sea Cruise
     8. Student Demonstration Time
     9. Pacific Ocean Blues
     10. I Just Got My Pay
     11. Got to Know the Woman
     12. Ding Dang
     13. Dreamer

Forgive me for suggesting rather imbalanced & inconsistent sequencing, it's just how I hear, plus I like unusual segues, mixture of tracks that don't go well together. That said, there are some cuts which I think tried to combine seamlessly. One of those examples - Playlist 1, tracks 9-->10; Playlist 2, tracks 8-->9-->10, 11-->12.

2zane7570: it's good that you notice & take various ideas from other artists' comps etc., but I'm no fan of Ding Dang (least fave on LY). If I were in your place, there'd be no way I'd add it in-between of every song on whichever self-made playlist. Just saying.