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680597 Posts in 27600 Topics by 4068 Members - Latest Member: Dae Lims March 28, 2024, 09:59:14 AM
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1  Smiley Smile Stuff / General On Topic Discussions / Re: RIP Melinda Kay Ledbetter Wilson (1946-2024) on: January 31, 2024, 03:04:35 PM
Stunned at the news.  Condolences to Brian and his family. 
2  Smiley Smile Stuff / General On Topic Discussions / Re: Brian Wilson / Al Jardine Fall 2015 Tour Thread on: September 19, 2015, 07:48:59 PM
Row J- Orchestra 3 section in Cincinnati.  Very pleased with the seats.  Can't wait to see Brian and Al in November.
3  Smiley Smile Stuff / General On Topic Discussions / Re: Brian comments on possibilities of a BB reunion on: October 01, 2008, 06:15:45 AM
I think Brian's reputation has taken a hit since he became a solo artist. In many people's eyes (except on BB/BW message boards), the creative genius or hit-making songwriter tag has left him. But he will always have that aura about him, that potential to come up with something great. People still want to be around him, in some way be a part of his world. And I'm telling you, all it will take is a simple phone call to anyone - including The Beach Boys - and they will come running. Now, I've already admitted that it will take some negotiating to get to that point. But, if it ever does, there will be a reunion. The ball is in Brian's court.

I could not disagree with you more.  If anything, Brian's reputation has been enhanced over the past 10 years.

He's reclaimed his music.
He's reclaimed his legacy.
All Star Tribute to Brian Wilson
Musi-Cares
Songwriters Hall of Fame
UK Rock Hall of Fame
He overcame his demons and presented Smile live after 37 years and then released it
Kennedy Center Honors
That Lucky Old Sun

With all due respect, had he stayed with the Beach Boys, he'd be nothing but a prop, a sideshow circus bear trotted out by Mike and then shoved back to the side.  Carlin's book pretty well illustrates how the group felt about Brian during the Stars and Stripes era. 

Brian doesn't need the Beach Boys; the Beach Boys don't need Brian. 
4  Smiley Smile Stuff / Brian Wilson Solo Albums / Re: That Lucky Old Sun on: September 10, 2008, 07:10:22 PM
[

1. That Lucky Old Sun / Morning Beat 3.5   Love and Mercy 5

2. Good Kind of Love 4  Walkin' the Line 3.5

3. Forever She'll Be My Surfer Girl 3.5  Melt Away 4

4. Live Let Live 4.5  Baby Let Your Hair Grow Long 3

5. Mexican Girl 2.5  Little Children 2.5

6. California Role 3.5  One For The Boys 3

7. Oxygen to the Brain 3  There's So Many 3.5

8. Been Too Long 5  Night Time 3

9. Midnight's Another Day 5  Let It Shine 2

10. Goin' Home 4  Meet Me In My Dreams Tonight 4

11. Southern California 5  Rio Grande 4


end result: TLOS 43.5  BW88  37.5
5  Smiley Smile Stuff / General On Topic Discussions / Re: Official TLOS Album Reviews on: September 10, 2008, 08:07:26 AM
I've listened to TLOS constantly driving across the country and back over the last week and here's my two cents on it.

It's an easy 4 stars out of 5.  The 2nd most consistant Brian Wilson solo production (Smile being #1).  The songs I thought were kind of weak live (Mexican Girl, Oxygen) sound much better.  My only quibble with the recorded songs is that I preferred the chugging guitar in Going Home live vs. the finished production. 

The only other quibble I have with TLOS is that Brian's voice at times seems to be way out front.  Otherwise, the band's background vox are spot on.  I still contend that Midnight's Another Day is Brian's best song dating back to the mid-60's.  His vocals are strained at times yes but consistant with someone pushing his late 60's.  Not a distraction in the least.

All in all, nothing dishonest or omnious about TLOS.  It's a nice CD from an artist in the twilight of his career- a fitting coda to a long, long run and everything you could ask for in a Brian Wilson CD.
6  Smiley Smile Stuff / General On Topic Discussions / Re: Mike's most productive years on: August 16, 2008, 03:40:51 PM
And how could you gloss over Mike's rap masterpiece 'Summer of Love?'  Mike's always prided himself on having his fingers on the pulse of the audience.  He delivered a catchy suave-ish tune right out of the Usher/Babyface playbook that gave the Beach Boys much needed 'street cred.'
7  Non Smiley Smile Stuff / General Music Discussion / Re: If Kurt Cobain Covered Caroline No... on: August 15, 2008, 09:11:20 AM
It could have been worse.  It could have been some guy singing like Ted Nugent doing I Write the Songs.
8  Non Smiley Smile Stuff / General Music Discussion / Re: If you could bring a dead rock star back to life on: August 15, 2008, 08:58:52 AM
Townes Van Zandt
9  Smiley Smile Stuff / General On Topic Discussions / Re: Paley Sessions, your opinions... on: August 06, 2008, 11:16:00 AM
All good songs. Andy has always been a really good songwriter. I love the Paley Brothers' music. There are those that know Andy personally that claim that, in his bitterness, he overstated his contributions to those sessions. But either way, I just like the songs, the performances and the productions. Both songwriters are of interest to me, but of course, Brian Wilson much more.

Andy also produced Jerry Lee Lewis's Young Blood back in 1995. 
10  Smiley Smile Stuff / General On Topic Discussions / Re: Brian's Wild Solo-Artist Ride on: August 04, 2008, 09:54:22 AM
Did Johnny Cash's voice 'carry' his last four CD's...I know, apples and oranges.

I guess I don't get hung up on this as much as others.  I would argue that Brian's voice sounded perfectly fine on Imagination...cue AGD's 'Koff...koff...pro-tools'...and on Smile.  I would also agree that the presentation of Brian's voice on BW88, OCA, a couple of the one-offs he did in the mid-90's, and GIOHM left much to be desired.

Again, Brian's 66 years old and to my ears sounds exactly as I imagine a 66 year old Brian Wilson should sound.  He's never going to sound like he's 24 again but yet it appears to be the benchmark of comparison.  Brian's voice most certainly can carry a whole CD- especially if he's interested, inclined, and inspired...see Smile.  And hopefully TLOS.   

Put the 30 plus songs from a hypothetical Brian solo compliation that I came up with up against anything released by McCartney, Rod Stewart, John Fogerty, and other comtemporaries of his era still active over the past 15 or so years and I think they would acquit themselves just fine...IMO.

Short of singing a duet with Shania Twain, he's never going to have a #1 record or sell a massive amount of product ever again.   And that's okay.     Yes, I believe that Imagination was put out with the hopes that it would be a hit.  Unfortunately, it didn't work out that way.  I still maintain that had South American been the lead-off single that it could have been a sleeper hit a la Kokomo but that's neither here or there.   

In the end, the bulk of the past 15 years has been about Brian reclaiming his music, overcoming his past failures and demons, and reestablishing his musical legacy.   And in large measure, he's succeeded.  He went on the road and toured when no one thought he could/would.  Musicares.  Songwriter's Hall of Fame.  Performing Smile.   Releasing Smile finally after 37 years.  Smile reaching the top 15 at age 62.  Kennedy Center Honors.  And now, the final chapter- TLOS.   Through a positive and stable support system and music, Brian made it out of the wilderness and came back, damaged and all, which is nothing short of a miracle...see Roky Erickson...Arthur Lee...

And after listening to POB and Bambu over the past month, it's a shame that Dennis couldn't do the same.
11  Smiley Smile Stuff / General On Topic Discussions / Re: Paley Sessions, your opinions... on: August 04, 2008, 08:55:58 AM
Hindsight is always 20/20, but if you took the best of the Paley music...

Gettin' In Over My Head
It's Not Easy Being Me
This Song Wants to Sleep With You Tonight
Soul Searchin'
Desert Drive
My Mary Anne
Slightly American Music

...and combined it with the best of the Imagination material...

Your Imagination
She Says That She Needs Me
South American
Where Has Love Been
Cry
Lay Down Burden
Dream Angel

...the result would have been a pretty nice CD.

12  Smiley Smile Stuff / General On Topic Discussions / Re: Did Brian really say that? on: July 25, 2008, 08:30:43 AM
My recollection of the Uncut piece that it was a complete, one-sided hack job.   
13  Smiley Smile Stuff / General On Topic Discussions / Re: BW's contributions to music on: July 23, 2008, 04:30:55 AM
3. A minor footnote will be the Smile Era. Even though the music was not heard by the masses, it WAS legendary for many years in the music field, and influenced enough artists/musicians who tried to emulate some of the music in the ensuing years.

A minor quibble here.  Smile did reach #13 in 2004.   Obviously, enough of the masses heard it and certainly appreciated it. 

Otherwise, you make some good points.
14  Smiley Smile Stuff / General On Topic Discussions / Re: Lowest point in the BB career? on: July 21, 2008, 11:34:48 AM
IMO- yes.  It's not special but it's a nice song that received a little bit of airplay pre-BB 85.
15  Smiley Smile Stuff / General On Topic Discussions / Re: Lowest point in the BB career? on: July 21, 2008, 10:38:40 AM
Vis a vis In My Car.  Good tune with overly busy production.  However, I love the bridge part (Dance, Dance, Dance with me baby now)  the best.

You could put together a very good Beach Boys 80's, 90's retrospective:

Come Go With Me
Goin' On
Keepin' the Summer Alive
Livin' with a Heartache
East Meets West (w/Four Seasons)
Getcha Back
It's Gettin Late
Where I Belong
Rock and Roll to the Rescue
California Dreamin'
Wipe Out
Kokomo
Still Crusin'
Somewhere in Japan
In My Car
Summer in Paradise (live version on MOM CD)
Don't Worry Baby (w/Lori Morgan)
Little Duece Coupe (w/James House)

Extras:
Runaway
Soul Searchin'
You're Still a Mystery
16  Non Smiley Smile Stuff / General Music Discussion / Re: The 80 min. Compilation CD on: July 17, 2008, 08:03:18 AM
A Texas Country compilation- good for traveling and such.

1. Sunset Boulevard- Charlie Robison
2. Barlight- Charlie Robison
3. My Hometown- Charlie Robison
4. Merry Christmas From the Family- Robert Earl Keen
5. Gringo Honeymoon- Robert Earl Keen
6. Beer, Bait, and Ammo- Kevin Fowler
7. 100% Texan- Kevin Fowler
8. Hey Baby, Where You've Been- Hayes Carll
9. Wish I Didn't Stay So Long- Hayes Carll
10. 12 Bar Blues- Bruce Robison
11. Wrapped- Bruce Robison
12. You're Not the Best- Charlie Robison
13. Amarillo Highway- Robert Earl Keen
14. Desperate Times- Charlie Robison
15. Indianola- Charlie Robison
16. Jackpot- The Derailers
17. Bar Exam- The Derailers
18. Loving County- Charlie Robison
19. Lies, Lies, Lies- The Derailers
20. New Year's Day- Charlie Robison
21. El Cerrito Place- Charlie Robison
22. Dreadful, Selfish Crime- Robert Earl Keen
23. Furnace Fan- Robert Earl Keen

SP, I gotta admit, this CD is over my head! I'm not familiar with those artists. Although I love travelin' CD's...

SJS, let's just say this stuff isn't the usual warmed over pop crap you hear on country radio.
17  Smiley Smile Stuff / General On Topic Discussions / Re: Lowest point in the BB career? on: July 16, 2008, 05:10:04 AM
No, the song itself wasn't Summer of Love cringeworthy bad.  But Still Crusin' was Kokomo with cars.
18  Smiley Smile Stuff / General On Topic Discussions / Re: Lowest point in the BB career? on: July 16, 2008, 04:46:33 AM
I would argue "Kokomo" ended the Beach Boys, because it ruined Mike Love as a writer.

What I mean to say is, Mike was writing craptastic material before that, but he also came up with occasionally interesting -- well, passable -- stuff..."Rock And Roll To The Rescue" was proof that the Mike/Melcher team didn't have to blow chunks.  Then "Kokomo" goes to #1, Mike finally has his validation, and what does he do next?  An entire album of "Kokomo Part II, III," etc.  Everything Mike did after that reeked of trying to recapture lightning -- he wasn't even subtle about it.  And that's why SUMMER IN PARADISE and STILL CRUISIN' to a lesser extent are so awful.  It's not just that Mike was trying to be commercial -- he was also being cynical or worse, didn't know any better.  And people can smell that.  They don't buy it.

The proof to me is that the follow up to the Beach Boys' biggest single ever only went to #93 on the charts.  Do you realize how bad a song has to suck to not chart higher than that following a #1?  And that even though the Beach Boys charted regularly throughout the '80s, they never charted again after that.  So yeah, "Kokomo" was a low point.  Mike lucked into a #1 single and then spent the rest of their brief recording career trying to repeat the formula in the most clueless and obvious way possible.

I completely agree.  I was working in New Hampshire the summer Still Crusin' came out and there was anticipation about the BB's next single after Kokomo.  It came on the radio to great fanfare and afterwards I thought "that was it?"  Here's the galling part, after scoring a #1 single the best the Beach Boys could do was offer a record that was half new songs and the rest the repackaging of their classic hits.  What the hell? 

I wouldn't go so far to say that it's a low point, but Still Crusin' to me was a collossal let down.  It was like they threw a few songs together, packaged with a few classics, and just put it out just to say they had a new record out.  Total missed opportunity.
19  Non Smiley Smile Stuff / General Music Discussion / Re: The 80 min. Compilation CD on: July 15, 2008, 11:46:19 AM
A Texas Country compilation- good for traveling and such.

1. Sunset Boulevard- Charlie Robison
2. Barlight- Charlie Robison
3. My Hometown- Charlie Robison
4. Merry Christmas From the Family- Robert Earl Keen
5. Gringo Honeymoon- Robert Earl Keen
6. Beer, Bait, and Ammo- Kevin Fowler
7. 100% Texan- Kevin Fowler
8. Hey Baby, Where You've Been- Hayes Carll
9. Wish I Didn't Stay So Long- Hayes Carll
10. 12 Bar Blues- Bruce Robison
11. Wrapped- Bruce Robison
12. You're Not the Best- Charlie Robison
13. Amarillo Highway- Robert Earl Keen
14. Desperate Times- Charlie Robison
15. Indianola- Charlie Robison
16. Jackpot- The Derailers
17. Bar Exam- The Derailers
18. Loving County- Charlie Robison
19. Lies, Lies, Lies- The Derailers
20. New Year's Day- Charlie Robison
21. El Cerrito Place- Charlie Robison
22. Dreadful, Selfish Crime- Robert Earl Keen
23. Furnace Fan- Robert Earl Keen
20  Smiley Smile Stuff / General On Topic Discussions / Re: Lowest point in the BB career? on: July 15, 2008, 07:59:50 AM
Oh...BB low point.  Queen Mary concert-1981.  Brian hauled in front of a large crowd and TV audience and forced to sing when he was in no condition or shape to do so.  Awful.
21  Smiley Smile Stuff / General On Topic Discussions / Re: Lowest point in the BB career? on: July 15, 2008, 07:56:44 AM
First off, I like both Getcha Back and Kokomo.  Good enjoyable pop songs and both got the Beach Boys back on the charts.  

As for South American, the reason it didn't have a chance had nothing to do with whether Mike or Carl sang on it.  The reason South American never had a chance is because Giant never released it as a single, period.  And the reason for that (purely my speculation here) is because Your Imagination didn't perform as well on the charts as they hoped.

In fact, I'll take it a step further and suggest that South American should have been the lead off song in the first place.  Without getting into the ridiculous Mike v. Brian dynamics, South American would have been a nice summer single in the same vein as Kokomo and Getcha Back and probably would have attracted more airplay than Your Imagination did...IMO.  

I'll take it even further and state that if the idea was to get Brian back on the charts, then they should have done an entire record with Buffett in 1998.   Brian's melodies with Buffett's lyrics?  The best of both worlds combined into one.  A Wilson-Buffett collaboration would have been an event.   It would have garnered  more attention and resulted in more airplay and sales...again IMO. 
22  Smiley Smile Stuff / General On Topic Discussions / Re: brianwilson.com - New TLOS VIdeo on: July 02, 2008, 06:48:02 PM
I totally agree.  Brian had to overcome 37 years of bad memories, emotional hurdles, and self-doubt about the music to be able to get back on that horse and push Smile to the finish line.  I don't care if Brian didn't spend every single second in the studio with Darian and Mark.   In the final analysis, when everything was said and done, Brian had to give the final okay for the whole project to proceed. 

If Brian didn't want it to happen, it wouldn't have happened.  Brian was in the ultimate position to sabotage the whole project.  But, thanks to a stable, positive support system backing him up every step of the way, he sung his ass off, the music sounded great, and I have a copy of Smile in my CD collection that I play on a regular basis- something I never thought I'd ever have.

And yes, I agree that the performance on the DVD had a little more energy to it. 

Smile is no more a fraud than Summer In Paradise masquerading as a Beach Boys record.
23  Smiley Smile Stuff / General On Topic Discussions / Re: brianwilson.com - New TLOS VIdeo on: July 01, 2008, 07:42:03 PM
BW 88: B
IJWMFTT: B
OCA: C+
Imagination: B
Live at the Roxy: B
Pet Sounds Live: B-
GIOMH: C-
Smile: A+++  One for finishing it after 37 years.  Two for actually recording it.  Three, for being by far the best solo work Brian's done. 
WIRWFC: A
TLOS (live): A
24  Smiley Smile Stuff / General On Topic Discussions / Re: brianwilson.com - New TLOS VIdeo on: July 01, 2008, 12:08:10 PM
One of my favorite parts in Carlin's book was the passage about Brian coming in to sing on Orange Crate Art.  Before the first song, Brian wonders aloud what he was doing there and Parks tells him it's because he can't stand the sound of his own voice- which apparently made sense to Brian. 
25  Smiley Smile Stuff / General On Topic Discussions / Re: brianwilson.com - New TLOS VIdeo on: July 01, 2008, 08:46:42 AM
Look, I'll agree with the proposition that BW88, Imagination, and GIOMH weren't produced very well.  

But WIRWFC and Smile?  I strongly disagree.  And based on what I've heard, TLOS looks very promising as well.

As for the songs, again not to belabor the point, but I strongly believe there's enough strong songs that you could put together a very good compiliation of Brian's solo music.

Let's Go to Heaven In My Car

BW 88:  Love and Mercy, Melt Away, Meet Me In My Dreams Tonight, Rio Grande

IJWMFTT: Do It Again, This Song Wants to Sleep With You Tonight

OCA:  Orange Crate Art, Sail Away

Imagination: Your Imagination, She Says That She Needs Me, South American, Lay Down Burden, Cry

Live at the Roxy: This Isn't Love

BWPS: Caroline, No, I'm Waiting for the Day

GIOMH: Gettin' In Over My Head, City Blues, Desert Drive

Smile: Good Vibrations, Gee/Heroes & Villians, Surf's Up, Song for Children/Children is the Father of the Man

WIRWFC: The First Noel, Christmasy, What I Really Want for Christmas

What Love Can Do

TLOS: That Lucky Old Sun/Morning Beat, Midnight's Another Day, Going Home, Southern California

Bonus: It's Not Easy Being Me, Proud Mary, Spirit of Rock and Roll (non-Hallmark version)

Again, 30 plus quality, good songs.  Considering Brian's career has been marred by fits and starts  combined with the damage Gene Landy did, I think he's done pretty damn good.   Does it stand up to what Brian did with the Beach Boys?  Of course not.  Does the bulk of McCartney's solo work stand up to what he did with the Beatles?  On balance, no.  But it doesn't lessen my listening experience to BW's and McCartney's solo work one iota.
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