Wow! How many instruments do you have in your apartment?

Wonderful performances.

Sadly, "ableism" has always been the name of the game when many (too many) people talk of Brian Wilson.

Truer words were never spoken.

It was a great interview, Mark.

I highly recommend this to anyone.

Any artist that would get their song on the show would likely only celebrate it. It’s a ton of exposure, and apparently even with the pennies that Spotify pays artists, at least Kate Bush is apparently bringing in some huge bucks.

But I can’t say much of any of the songs featured prominently in the show really reflect the artists a ton or are integral to the plot thematically. There are a few. Even the Kate Bush track could have easily been another song and still worked with the plot. The fact that the character listens to the song is what’s integral to the plot, more than the content of the song itself.

Artists being pleasantly surprised by the success this show’s exposure brings them is really more akin to an artist having a weird surprise hit, rather than the show really deeply delving into the thematic nature of the songs or the artist in question.

But yeah, this is easily the most exposure Al Jardine and Carl Wilson’s voices have seen in eons. The song has never left Mike’s setlist; I’m a bit surprised Al isn’t doing the song with Brian currently. But, especially prior to the BB’s social media picking up on the song’s success and upgrading the video on YouTube, etc., it wouldn’t have surprised me if Al had no idea about the song being in the show.

MATT: Dad, the BB version of California Dreaming was used on Stranger Things!
AL: Golly gee whiz, that’s great! *pause* What’s Stranger Things?
MATT: It’s a TV show on Netflix.
Al: Golly gee whiz, that’s great! *pause* What’s Netflix?

When I first read the 85 version I was shocked at how balanced it was. I kinda was expecting something like the Gaines book to be honest

Exactly.  Gaines was WAAAAAAAAAAAYYYYYYYYYYY harder on Mike than Leaf was.

Extraordinary! Apparently this is the culmination of a lot of research on Domenic's part, so much appreciated. Will probably have to rejig my Smile mix in light of this. Thanks!

A lot of his research had been done with Darian Sahanaja and Probyn Gregory as well.

I thoroughly pissed off about EH (there's an oxymoron if ever there was one)!  I was in an on topic discussion defending the book against some silly criticisms when one of the moderators took my posts down and emailed me to say I wasn't to post on that thread any more.  I told him posting on EH was a total waste of time.  I spent time and effort checking the content of my post for errors and accuracy, made sure it related to the book and pffft - it's gone.  I only started posting there to defend some absolutely silly criticism such as 'teachers shouldn't have enough time to write if they are doing their job properly' and 'young fans shouldn't approach artists after a show when they are tired and it's is a bad example to set to his current students'.

Sorry that my first post after a long time should be a moan!

I'm still reading the book (again after a long time) but it seems to me that it is exceptionally fair.  Obviously David's status has changed so now he has to limit himself in what he says but nevertheless it gives us insight into his work with Brian and concludes the SMiLE story with a happy ending.  I'm so glad to have it and read it again.  Covid was sucking the soul out of me and this has got me fired up again about the music.

That thread was a train wreck.

Obviously, I haven’t read the new edition yet, but I have both the 1978 and 1985 editions and I always thought it was a fair assessment of Brian’s story especially as it relates to the BB.  Is David biased? OK, sure. But he is still fair, I think, to the other members (much more fair than his critics are willing to admit).

The thing that is insulting about that thread is you had an admin responding to the OP saying “guys, we chased him off” with basically “good! He deserved it!”.  The rancor never should have gotten to that level and, by example, it was cheered on by aforementioned admin. You don’t like the mixes, fine.  But the dog piling got uncomfortably close to a cancellation attempt and that’s disturbing.

Speaking of Paul, the online comments I’ve seen about his recent show have been around the same level of Brian’s . This is kind of uncharted territory as this is the first generation of musicians to be active and still relevant at their age. I remember The Beach Boys and McCartney seeming old and washed up in the 80s… and they were way younger than generation who came after that are still active today. Look at someone like Metallica… those are guys around 60. Debuted on the 80s and still kicking multiple varieties of ass onstage. Chuck Berry stayed on til the end, but his recording career was comparatively brief. How many bands started adding auxiliary members as they got older, which wasn’t really a thing for following generations. Compare Dave Grohl in his mid 50s to pretty much anybody who debuted in the 70s at the same age. There might be a time where people Paul and Brian’s current age won’t age as “bad” onstage.

Yeah, Paul’s voice hasn’t been good for a number of years, but his bass, guitar, drums, and piano chops are still as good as ever. And people go to see him now for the spectacle, those songs, and to be in the same room as a legend.  Paul is probably the best example of what you’re describing. It’s like people are aging differently from generation to generation.

https://twitter.com/emilybrooksnews/status/1476714669293375490?s=21&t=dXN-MiaGjNvZrdHUlP-ZkA

Remember when this Twitter thread went viral?  Look at some of the responses. There is STILL a problem with how the BB are perceived. I know we fans think “who cares? Those snooty snobs are the ones missing out.” And maybe that’s true to an extent.

But this band DESERVES to be mentioned in the same breath as the Beatles.  In order to have a chance of that happening while it still matters, you can’t really emphasize the Mike Love-styled way they’ve presented themselves in the last several decades (even if fans are now OK with it). I’m sorry fans’ feathers got ruffled with how Howie explained it, but he was speaking truth. And it is this fresh mindset that resulted in Feel Flows.  I’d rather have that the way it is presented than not have it all. To think that some don’t want that kind of stuff because of biases or upset feelings kinda makes me sad.

Completely agree

I agree too. It is the truth that since the aftermath of Kokomo, the band name and image changed and became almost a multiple personality situation. And the mass media, marketers, and promoters often want to compartmentalize and homogenize a product in order to sell that product. After Kokomo you had the Beach Boys playing the hits on stage with dancers like a revue versus the image of the band who just saw Pet Sounds reissued on CD and which appealed to a different set of fans with different tastes. The GV box set with the Smile material and deeper cuts further split the image. After Mike got the license and Brian toured on his own, the divide was complete.

As much as it could have turned into one, the C50 tour could easily have become a sappy "Malt Shop Memories" affair, but miraculously it did not, and the music and the guys on stage together transcended all else. That WAS the same group who did Surfin Safari, Wouldn't It Be Nice, Sail On Sailor, and Kokomo on the same stage together for a brief moment in time. Everyone got what they wanted, in terms of the fans the way it seemed. No shmaltz, no cheese, no Malt Shop Memories nostalgia in 2012. And there was even new Beach Boys music to dig.

I'll still say that one of the issues for the brand, and I say that carefully, was how people outside the fan bubble we're in didn't know which Beach Boys they were getting, and a lot of great music had been buried and lost for years as a result.

The Feel Flows set was definitely an attempt to bring attention to that kind of music which had been lost through the years, and try to overcome the multiple personality issue that has been on the band's branding for decades.

I agree, if some don't want that kind of stuff due to biases or upset feelings (or perhaps jealousy), it's pretty sad.

And to be sure, the BB aren’t the only legacy act to have this duality: Paul McCartney has this to a certain degree (in concert, he is the Proxy Beatles delivering the crowd pleasing hits but off-stage he is the consummate artistic risk taker with his classical works, his work with Youth, and his studio albums). But certainly, the BB became the poster boys for this strange duality.

https://twitter.com/emilybrooksnews/status/1476714669293375490?s=21&t=dXN-MiaGjNvZrdHUlP-ZkA

Remember when this Twitter thread went viral?  Look at some of the responses. There is STILL a problem with how the BB are perceived. I know we fans think “who cares? Those snooty snobs are the ones missing out.” And maybe that’s true to an extent.

But this band DESERVES to be mentioned in the same breath as the Beatles.  In order to have a chance of that happening while it still matters, you can’t really emphasize the Mike Love-styled way they’ve presented themselves in the last several decades (even if fans are now OK with it). I’m sorry fans’ feathers got ruffled with how Howie explained it, but he was speaking truth. And it is this fresh mindset that resulted in Feel Flows.  I’d rather have that the way it is presented than not have it all. To think that some don’t want that kind of stuff because of biases or upset feelings kinda makes me sad.

"terrei" -

Stay down.

You're not going to out-wit me, you're not going to out-"mean" me.
You're flailing.

Stay down.

But he must unleash the wrath of the Almighty Maltshop Memories Nerds on us all!

I also heard the missing "s" in "wears" on the new GV track, FYI. I don't know how or why that could have happened, but again that's just my take.

After hearing Howie's interview posted above, I also don't understand what all the fuss is about. They're different mixes of classic tracks, at the end of the day. The level of anger directed at the mixes and the people who constructed them and the new set is beyond what I think most of us would have expected. But again it also reminds me of the level of hate directed at Brian's NPP album even before the full album came out. It goes beyond disliking the sound of a song or a song itself when the attacks get personal.

These personal attacks on Howie and Mark Linett seem more political or grudge-fueled than anything that would begin to resemble constructive criticism. It's pathetic to see people calling for their heads literally, unless some of this is about others wanting their jobs or old-fashioned jealousy that someone got a gig which others covet. I don't get it. But it's rotten to the core to see Howie and Mark getting attacked personally...again, consider the sources. And it's also sad to not see more prominent voices not speaking up in defense of these two men who did a hell of a lot of truly great stuff for the fans.

Speaking of, the level of hypocrisy and double-standards is off the charts regarding this recent leak of BRI vault material on YouTube that has been getting pulled down. So it's ok to celebrate and not pay for that, which is leaked "unbooted" vault material, but it's a cardinal sin to listen to BB's tracks streaming on YouTube or Amazon through official channels?

For f**k's sake.

Not to mention, it’s perfectly OK for a moderator of a BB board to not get called out when he says that he would boycott future product.  

I’m always stunned to hear that as popular as the show was in the US (at the height of its popularity in the early 90’s, it hit Top 10 in the Nielsen’s), that the series NEVER aired in the UK. Especially since many other hit US shows were hugely popular with British audiences.

Did he say anything that will piss off the other board? 😂

It’s only July!

I’m not sure what Al was expecting out of the sale to Iconic.

[M.I.U.]

Well, M.I.U. of course had the TV special, as did Keepin' The Summer Alive.

I remember the M.I.U. one was "Our Team" and the KTSA one was called "Goin' Platinum" or something.

I will say it doesn't seem like The Beach Boys were very well promoted from Smiley Smile through Holland. The labels just didn't seem to be doing it. However with everything from 15 Big Ones through That's Why God Made The Radio, every album outside of Love You got quite the push. I mean, any group that got a TV special, especially in the '70s and early '80s when there just weren't a ton of choices on the TV, you had to be happy.

Now, why Love You didn't get that push might've come down to the their new contract with CBS at the time, which I'm sure didn't make Warners very happy. And while I consider Love You a top Brian Wilson / Beach Boys album, I'm just not sure I can see a world where that thing ever sells a bunch, even with expert promotion.

Well, maybe one other album didn't get a ton of promotion, but I really can't speak on it. L.A. (Light Album)? I know they definitely did some personal publicity with personal signings and what not, but how heavily was it promoted? I mean, as their first record for CBS I'd assume they put a lot into it, but I honestly don't know / can't remember.

The BB hosted an episode of The Midnight Special specifically to promote LA.

Mike Satan and Brian Jesus Christ? The usual dramatic exaggeration.
Look, I am a Beach Boys fan since 1963, and hail from a "peripheral" country where I guess I am one of the 2/3 BB fans (not that I know anything about the supposed other 1/2). I could not care less about the ongoing, endless feud between "Brianistas" and "Mike Lovers". Or better, I only care about it because it makes, so often, following BB forums such a difficult and, in the end, unsatisfying experience.
But... I can't ever be neutral between Brian and Mike. I have nothing against Mike, I am a fan of his too (and particularly of his fantastic baritone/bass register)! But early in the '60s I learned that the genius who was writing almost all that sublime music was one Brian Wilson. And that without him, all this great, unique cathedral of music called the Beach Boys would never have happened. And that he accomplished this despite ENORMOUS personal problems.
This is the only reason I am a member of this forum, instead of the "other one". Because, in my humble foreigner's opinion, here people always remember that. In that other place? Sometimes. And I am sure that there I would be totally unwelcome, as a stoopid "Brianista".
But said this, I don't think that Mike is Satan, nor that Brian is Jesus Christ.

Well said.

This does have to do with the new SoS comp, but it also veers into slightly off-topic territory. This was the first thread I found relating to the EH forum here so I thought it was more appropriate to put here rather than gum up the SoS thread.

Per the EH forum, David Beard may attempt to set up a Zoom call for fans to discuss the SoS comp, and he’s going to invite the team (Mark, Alan, Howie, perhaps others) for them to hear from the fans. Just wanted to let people here know in case there was interest.

There have been some complaints about the project, but everyone has been mature and respectful to all who had a hand in the making of the set, so I can’t see any problematic issues arising with this. Given that Howie’s PR outreach with the podcast interview seemed to resonate well with fans, I think this Zoom call could be another great way for fans to show their respect to the guy. And since Mark’s recent mixes have been nothing but praised by certain fans, this just gives another way for those fans to express their appreciation of his efforts. Sounds like a real nice way for this wonderful fanbase to interact with a team they clearly respect.

Props to David Beard for taking the lead on this, thankfully someone like him is there with absolutely no agenda and just wants us all to come together for the sake of the music. Really awesome. Thanks David for being awesome like that.

PS, I really hope there is some moderation regarding foul language. I have a pet goldfish who has never heard a swear word in his life and I’d hate for him to be exposed to foul language and traumatize him. I also don’t allow him to glance at my MOJO mags with interviews with Mike Love because of this very reason. Thanks.

😂😂😂

What is with certain EH members and their concern trolling and tone policing towards HE?  I mean, you have certain usual suspects saying they won’t take part in that Zoom call if Howie is there because Howie swears??? Is that where we’re at as a society?

Who is lead guitarist on the current Brian Wilson tour ?  Is Rob Bonfiglio on the tour

He was when I saw him last Saturday, although the tour started with Randell Kirsch.

VDP's bitterness has turned me off his music quite a bit in recent years, apart from the Smile stuff and Orange Crate Art - too bad really.

Not trying to hijack Brian’s birthday thread, but prior to my own negative experience with VDP, I already wasn’t really a fan aside from those two projects and the melody of the song later remade for TLOS

Ever since TLOS, he has had a bug up his ass about Brian and I can’t figure out why. It’s very disappointing that he used Brian’s birthday to belittle him.  When Mike Love shows more class….

I would also agree that Van has gotten bitter over the years. Maybe because he never had Randy Newman-level success.

I’ve been told multiple times by people that I trust that the decision to tour is Brian’s.