the latest from my now ex-gf when talking about the new tour -

 " But, aren't they all dead? ".

Im finally glad we broke up.

Sorry if this has been linked elsewhere but this seems to me in direct reply to yesterdays hoopla concerning this. And it promises a new live album/dvd (thankyou GOD).

- http://www.billboard.com/news/beach-boys-talk-another-album-together-1007435152.story#/news/beach-boys-talk-another-album-together-1007435152.story

I always heard it as Brian, and it did confound me as well. He does very distinctive though, I admit I a psyched to see this live, so I hope they keep this for Sydney. I think its heaps cool David Marks is doing it!

[Yeah, because seeing a bunch of old geezers in 3-D]

Personally I hope Joe Thomas does his "other" job and records the Beach Boys live at ,say Hollywood Bowl(I know they played already!),Red Rock amphitheartre ,Wembley or...Sydney (for my own reasons..lol). And would it be too much to ask for them too shoot in 3D?? That would be awesome..I think we need more live releases!

Yeah, because seeing a bunch of old geezers in 3-D would make the whole thing that much more exciting...

But seriously, here's hoping some documentation (DVD/Blu-Ray/CD) of these concerts is forthcoming...

Sad, but if this is your opinion of the Beach boys than I can only wonder why you are here.Please no offense. Most can only hope to wish to be that active and great at 70. They are an inspiration. 3D would only make the feeling of the concert more interactive and "real"...Besides I want something mixed properley for multi-channel and is lossless. A DTS MSTR mix would sound amazing in my opinion, and learning Joe Thomas is part of the company for the tour only makes this more likely to me.

Happy Birthday Bruce! (this is one day i wish I could remember my Beach Boys Britain log-in!!). Hope I look so great when Im 70!

I often wondered when Al started touring a few years ago with Brian, that maybe at that point, if he stayed a change in the licensing of the names "The Beach Boys" was needed, and I don't think many would have complained if Brian had at that point reclaimed the name and legacy for himself. I could imagine Carl's estate going along with this too, but again, its all speculation on our parts.

I really think we just need to focus on the positive though, here and now and let the future take care of itself. I still am just so happy that I get to see this The Beach Boys show in Sydney and pray everything holds togther until then, and to be honest, little stories like this scare me, in that it does feel "the pot is being stirred". You just dont want anyones feelings/ego's getting hurt and thus jeapordising what we now have.

I must say though, I have always been happy seeing a Mike & Bruce Beach Boys show. The sound and quailty honestly surprised me by how good it was (even after being spoilt with Brian's band), and as some-one here already posted, for the vast majority of the "lay" fans, they really don't know or care about the intricacies of the tour line-ups. Its sad,but Mike has already proven that. You need middle aged white guys in hawain shirts and if the sound is there, then that is good enough, and let's not forget its Mike's distinctive lead vocal that distinguishes alot of the big hits.

 I think he has done a great job of keeping the "brand" out there and earning money. Let's not forget this is the only life Mike has known, he obviously love's it, and has been doing this since (taking the band out performing as lead man) 1964 with Brian's blessing. And at the end of the day,he is promoting the beautiful music of Brian & the Beach Boys, so where is the harm? Please let's not begrudge him and just celebrate what we have now. As others have said, this would not have even had happened without Mike sacrificing ALOT. Though I think they are all heroes doing the tour.Anyway, thats my 2 cents.

Ryan

I love the track and regarding the songs, don't really hear the similarities in melody, though the one of reunion which obviously fits is a recurring theme. Everytime I hear Beaches in Mind though I hear in my head the early rumoured working * lyrics..

                          Peaches in Wine
                          Man there's been too much crime

*This is a lie.

Back to topic, and I know I have said the same I think in at least 2 other threads, but I rate this as their best overall since Pet Sounds, slightly above Sunflower. And I agree with what someone else said too, give this a few years to garner the respect and see if it has legs. Im sure it will.

Even Pet Sounds at the time gained many mixed reviews and wasnt a huge commercial success, and every album since that time has been panned by some (including those who consider themselves hardcore fans).

I once got Brians autograph by asking a roadie if he would mind (very nicely) seeing if Brian might sign something for me during the break ( I had a bass player magazine with him on the cover), later that night, I was lucky to get most of his bands on that same cover. Naturally I have it framed now.

[You're $400 meet and greet ticket buys you about 8 to 10 seconds.]

Love the new album. Exceeded my expectations. Brians writing seems the real achievement in my opinion. He has given us so much over these last 10 years or so.  Thank you to he and Joe Thomas for writing such beautiful music. I hear many similarites with the Imagination album which I've always liked. There is not a bad song on the album though Beaches in Mind is probably my least favorite. On the other hand, I think Mikes Daybreak over the Ocean is one of the 2 or 3 best songs. I really like all the vocals on Isnt it Time. I'm seeing their show June 29 at Darien Lake NY. Cannot wait. Meet and Greet ticket. Hope i get a chance to ask a question to them

jet without wings

Have your question ready and get it in quick. Then smile...

That's right. You're $400 meet and greet ticket buys you about 8 to 10 seconds. (according to one VIP posters experience, here)

Thats $1250 here in Australia with no soundcheck! (only $100 + per second for the privelege...)

Anyone know if they are coming to Australia? I would love it. Also what are the reports on them so far like?

[but I am starting to think that That's Why God Made the Radio is one of their very best albums!]

Well the only that I find cool about that song is well I only live a couple streets away from Pacific Coast Highway so I kind of know how it feels to cruise down it ..
The song sounds not bad but not as good as you guys make it seem...it's the weakest song from the suite..What is it about the song that you guys find so amazing?

PCH connects From There to Back Again with Summer's Gone.

Starting with Strange World I find the last 4 songs to be heartbreakingly beautiful!  Can't "explain" it to you.

And.......I know this sounds totally insane........... but I am starting to think that That's Why God Made the Radio is one of their very best albums!

 I agree, and on repeated listening I haven't changed my mind as it is STILL growing but Im happy to declare it again, i think TWGMTR is the best album since Pet Sounds as it slightly outranks Sunflower for me, and as many of the beautiful moments on all the other albums, this one is the most consistent with overall song quality.

 In my opinion, five all time classics(2,3,10,11&12), another three(5,6&9) very close to that standard for me and the others excellent songs with some brilliant moments or harmonic elements in each, not to forget the beautiful prelude. In fact, I probaly cant even place those songs below the last 3 I mentioned as they are all crafted amazingly well and most of all, are catchy.It's like Brian & Mike have finally found the compromise on the "formula". They were both right and this album proves it.Also, none seem to "grate" on me or feel like filler. In am still gobsmacked!

Personally I hope Joe Thomas does his "other" job and records the Beach Boys live at ,say Hollywood Bowl(I know they played already!),Red Rock amphitheartre ,Wembley or...Sydney (for my own reasons..lol). And would it be too much to ask for them too shoot in 3D?? That would be awesome..I think we need more live releases!

Ive seen you tube of God Only knows from perth. All I can say I'm glad that he pulled it togther so much, especially when you compare to knebworth 2 years later...amazing difference.

Does anyone doubt, that if they are still healthy enough that there wont be a 50th anniversary for Pet Sounds in a couple of years?? I can't wait!

Im listening to it yet again, as i truly love it. Unlike all of Brian's solo efforts (will be honest Im still looking for TLOS), there was always something I found annoying, and also moments of greatness. I  and i am still yet to hear the weak or annoying track(s) on this album. The songs I didnt think we are as good as the classics (TwGMTR &the suite), well are completely growing on me. Shelter for example sounds like the classic Beach boys late 70s stuff to me. there are moments that take me to every period of the Beach Boys.

A couple of other random comments. I love Mike's bass vocal on Isn't it time, and I love the line from Spring Vacation "Harmony boys,is what we believe in".It gets a smile every time hearing that. I love the harmonies in DOTO, especially the one near the end sounding lots like Carl "bring my baby back ..", also the ending. Simple but wonderful. Also, the clear & confident piano chords of Pacific Coast highway. Just wonderful. The best Brian in ,oh I don't know how long..

ps. I also hear the spirit of Dennis all over this album,especially in the opener and the theme of the suite seems like a follow up of Pacific ocean blue. Also reading Joe Thomas interview, and with the quality of the suite, I believe we have the genesis of a new "smile" lost album legend? Notice how he said another ,i think 6-8 in the vault from this suite, and would love to see them alltogether...hmmm,sound's familiar!

ummm Tony, did you get my email? Im worried...

will send you a picture to your email..

I get more and more excited for Sydney. Our Prayer! My god. You are true.

How come no-one here seems to care about Stamos? On facebook on the 50th anniversary page it says he played the whole set(s)...

Hi Tony,
Say no more mate, really! I have already sent you my email. I am still hurting from missing a similar get-together in 08, but I was lucky enough to hang with you guys at Brian's concert in the park. (note : I have since given up the drink!)Looking forward to hearing back from you.  
ps. I have sent Mike a request via facebook to keep Little deuce Coupe & Getch back in the set-list for Sydney. Can other's from here help me with the same request??

I really almost don't want to say this one ...but I will (and pre-apologise if some find it in bad taste)

Forever - erm, no,in this case about 14 years.

Sorry.

At my Window - also a lie, i'm at my computer (as are you).

I would love to hear Brian doing Love & Mercy just once with the Beach Boys. Also I think Lay down Burden would have even more emotional impact with the Beach Boys doing the backing.

 Can some-one ask Mike? Maybe they can swap out Kokomo on the encore for a traditional Love & Mercy finish? 

That Same Song. - not true. They are different. i listened.
Love is a Woman - enough said.

Bill Wyman, Charlie Watts, Ronnie Wood and Brian Jones are all more known names than the majority of The BBs though.

I'd even add Mick Taylor to that list. He is a god among rock/blues guitarists..I really want to mention Stu as well...

Also, as to the original post question, I think it come's down to how well Jeff Fosskett slips into that Carl role,vocally and as band leader. Some have mentioned before how close Brian seems to him and depends on him. I really suspect that he is a (maybe the) major major reason why we get to enjoy the Beach Boys now in 2012.I'm sure he make's Brian comfortable and gives him the confidence to pull this off. I wouldn't be opposed at all to him officially joining the band at all as I think everyone owes a great debt of gratitude, and with his band history & current role,it fits & is right.

On a different note, did anyone else see Brian & MIke on The Factor? Brian was classic, when asked if he thinks of his deceased brothers Carl & Dennis during the new show's, he replied,dead-pan "yes,twice."...

I really think Mike is making a lot more money than previously..

When was the last time The Beach Boys sold out The Hollywood Bowl? Or be able to charge (and get!) $1250 for a v.i.p ticket?? From what I gathered, before this tour,in the USA at least, they were on the county fair/casino circuit? And have been for many years?

Personally I would love for them to continue as they are now, but like most, cant see it happening,mainly due to the limitations of Brian & age. Which is why we need to appreciate this very real magical time for what it is!

John Stamos. Thats it.