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680599 Posts in 27601 Topics by 4068 Members - Latest Member: Dae Lims March 29, 2024, 02:11:13 AM
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126  Smiley Smile Stuff / General On Topic Discussions / Re: Dennis Wilson on: December 28, 2017, 02:18:23 PM
Popular music has a sad record of far too many premature deaths, and there is no-one there I miss more than Dennis Wilson. Clichés abound, the real surfer, the real Beach Boy, the soul of the band, but they are also very true. He was the Beach Boys, he really cared about the band more than anything else, I think.
127  Smiley Smile Stuff / General On Topic Discussions / Sweet Insanity - prospects on: December 27, 2017, 04:43:50 PM
Sweet Insanity from 1991 is Brian's second SMiLE, all those versions floating around.

Questions:

Were the master tapes really stolen?

Given that there was a Warner promo cassette acetate in 1991, why so many different (unofficial) versions?

Supposedly there are two iterations of the album, completed by Brian. What are the differences?

Is the Vigotone the best of the unofficial releases?

Is there even a remote possibility that Warner will eventually release the album in some form, perhaps a 2 CD deluxe?

128  Smiley Smile Stuff / General On Topic Discussions / Carl guest vocal, Beach Boys' children, and more on: December 22, 2017, 11:54:56 AM
One Christmas CD I regret parting with is "Hey Santa!" by Wendy and Carnie. This 1999 album features a guest vocal by Carl, and a vintage 1977 home recording with Brian on piano and the Beach Boys' children singing, "I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus". Fortunately, there are plenty available, it can be found cheap. On this note, I wish you all a very Merry Christmas!



129  Smiley Smile Stuff / General On Topic Discussions / Re: Who was the most spiritual of the Beach Boys? on: December 18, 2017, 05:09:47 PM
Wow, tremendous input in this thread, thank you all! What I started on a whim has turned into something really good and meaningful here. Whoever is the most spiritual of the BBs, and by now, I am convinced that their collective sound is what matters, it could be interesting to compare them with another musician who is always talking about spirituality, Carlos Santana. Before I became a BB fan, I was an avid fan of Santana, and the band is still way up there, in my book. But just as Brian can be difficult to interview with his terse yes/no replies, so can Carlos, in his own idiosyncratic way. Where the BB's for the most part keep their spiritual search and beliefs to themselves, preferring to let it shine through the music, Carlos is always talking about spirituality, spouting metaphors and talking cryptic. I don't doubt for a minute he means it and lives it, but the BBs quiet, humble way seems to me to be easier to absorb and admire.
130  Smiley Smile Stuff / General On Topic Discussions / Re: Who was the most spiritual of the Beach Boys? on: December 15, 2017, 09:36:41 AM
Okay, I understand why you find some of his behavior obnoxious. Please note I did concede that he could at times be a bully and a braggart, as I wrote before. And it's good to know that he is still respected for his contributions here, on this board, where it really matters. But go to any number of general music boards, the hatred of Mike there is way out of proportion. I like him, but agree he could have handled certain situations better.
131  Smiley Smile Stuff / General On Topic Discussions / Re: Who was the most spiritual of the Beach Boys? on: December 15, 2017, 07:11:13 AM
Let us give credit where credit is due.  Smiley

That was done...over and over...duly noted...signed, sealed and delivered...by almost everyone.  He contributed some fine lyrics, some excellent vocal harmonies in the mix, and a few pretty usable ideas to the whole successful process back in the first 3 or 4 years when Brian used Mike's talents to deliver the 'ying' needed to balance Brian's 'yang'.  The formula worked for the group from 1962-63 through 1966 as the band grew, in terms of its collective talent and popularity.  And they did so in leaps and bounds.  Mike helped to make that actually happen.  #1 in the UK for 1966.  First band to knock off the Beatles.

The audience, though, was changing...and maturing.  Brian wanted to move with that change.  Mike whined, resisted and rained on a parade which had a ton of places to go, things to do and people to see.  He's been whining ever since.  Spiritual people are not whiners, malicious, or vengeful.  They do not attempt to justify their shortcomings by blaming their ongoing path in life on  their insatiable need for "nourishment and revenge".  Mike does.  He did...he does...and he likely always will.

We've all given him credit along the way.  Really?  We've given him far more 'praise' than he ever really deserved.  That he chose to shine the spotlight on his own fractured soul...and what makes it 'tick'...is no one's fault but his own.  He had choices he could have made which would have held him in a far kinder sense of 'lighting'.  But he flipped a different switch and he continues to wiggle that toggle like it's a strobe light looking to upset the masses.  In that he has been entirely successful.

Well put. Sure he made wrong choices. Didn't they all? But what exactly did he nix? There was "Don't f**k with the formula" when presented with PS, there was his skepticism over VDP's SMiLE lyrics. VDP's words were good for that record, but let's be honest, "Over and over, the crow cries, uncover the cornfield?" as opposed to "Till her daddy took her T-Bird away"? Which one communicates more to people? He was afraid the new direction would be a disaster, he feared for his livelihood. Still, he went in there and sang his vocals, he went along. And in retrospect, he has stood up for those records. And he continued to provide good lyrics. "Do it again" has brilliant lyrics. Brian has come forward in so many interviews saying he'd like to get back with Mike, write songs, he'd do it in a heartbeat. Mike has been a bully and a braggart, but I think he's made significant contributions most of the way. His main mistakes have been, in my opinion, "Summer in Paradise" and scuppering more reunions after C50. But he also kept the band going, like a well-oiled machine, all those years. Would there even have been a Beach Boys without Mike? With such longevity? I seriously doubt it.  Smiley
132  Smiley Smile Stuff / General On Topic Discussions / Re: Who was the most spiritual of the Beach Boys? on: December 14, 2017, 11:23:42 PM
I am not trying to exonerate Mike, but I wouldn't bash him either. The man makes an effort, but has his shortcomings. I've tried to explain how he truly feels about his family, and some of that pain has come across in a negative way in the interviews. Don't forget he and Brian were very close in the early years, as was that whole family, dysfunctional or not. About the lawsuits, I don't recall them all, but I do know he was screwed out of songwriter credits and royalties, consciously or not, by either Murry or that whole BRI set-up. I think guitarfool's analysis is quite balanced, but I also feel Mike Love does not get enough credit for his significant contribution to The Beach Boys through more than 50 years. If nothing else, he wrote the "California myth" with those song lyrics. Let us give credit where credit is due.  Smiley
133  Smiley Smile Stuff / General On Topic Discussions / Re: Who was the most spiritual of the Beach Boys? on: December 14, 2017, 12:49:38 PM
Mike is an easy target, but I wouldn't denigrate him for making an honest effort to live a spiritual life, seek answers, and be in a state of healing. He never wrecked his life with drugs and fast living, but kept an even keel through the years, always supportive of The Beach Boys, even if he was at odds with some of the artier leanings of the Wilson brothers. Here is a man who saw his cousins' lives destroyed by drugs, and he is understandably affected by that. That is not the same as calling out the cousins on their destructive drug use in the many interviews he has given; I do think he is deeply saddened by the turn of events and needs to express that in interviews. He doesn't have the divine gift of Brian's, he is not as beatific and graceful as Carl, but he's been a solid anchor throughout, the bedrock of the band. Not many his age would be able to tour as hard as he is doing.
134  Smiley Smile Stuff / General On Topic Discussions / Re: Who was the most spiritual of the Beach Boys? on: December 13, 2017, 09:50:41 PM
Pure gold. Most informative, thanks for weighing in! Smiley
135  Smiley Smile Stuff / General On Topic Discussions / Re: Who was the most spiritual of the Beach Boys? on: December 13, 2017, 01:06:24 PM
Interesting replies, thank you all. By spiritual I meant some kind of awareness that there could be more between heaven and earth than what meets the eye, more than an organized faith, or righteous behavior, or inner peace.

I still think Mike comes out ahead here, a lifetime of TM, and at least an intention to live by certain teachings, even if he didn't succeed in that.

Brian has been mentioned as someone with a divine gift, his musical genius. I do think Brian is more conventionally religious, like most church-going folks.

Then there is Carl, I didn't know about his search for an answer to life, but certainly he was the most graceful of the three.

Sorry for being so vague, but at least it makes for an interesting variety of replies.
136  Smiley Smile Stuff / General On Topic Discussions / Who was the most spiritual of the Beach Boys? on: December 13, 2017, 06:08:00 AM
As you know, they had prayer sessions during the recording of Pet Sounds. And Brian talked about his "pocket symphonies to God" in the press. And Mike had his TM, and sat with the Maharishi in Bangor. So who was the most spiritual? Who was most in touch with the powers that be?

I think we can narrow it down to Brian and Mike, and of those two, I think Mike was the more devoted, more in touch with his spiritual side.



1968: Maharishi Mahesh Yogi with Mike Love from the Beach Boys
137  Non Smiley Smile Stuff / General Music Discussion / NEW Ronettes comp, feat three never before released tracks on: December 13, 2017, 05:57:00 AM
Holy grail!  Shocked

http://www.teensvillerecords.com/store/p39/The_Ronettes_-_Everything_You_Wanted_To_Know_About..._But_Were_Afraid_To_Ask_%28Special_Import%29.html
138  Smiley Smile Stuff / General On Topic Discussions / Re: This is it: The best single disc Beach Boys comp ever released on: December 07, 2017, 01:04:23 PM
I just listened to California Dreamin' again. It's true, the drums are brash, the bass drum is dominant, and the beat is faster, or at least more forceful. But somehow it fits, from the first thundercrack till the drums kick in, it works. A  faithful cover would not have been as exciting, or even necessary.
139  Smiley Smile Stuff / General On Topic Discussions / Re: This is it: The best single disc Beach Boys comp ever released on: December 07, 2017, 10:26:16 AM
Would be a perfect compilation without California Dreamin' on it. Also, this one has the best sounding Surf's Up I've heard on CD.

I love their take on California Dreamin'. It doesn't top the original, but it has an interesting arrangement, with superior guitar playing. That cover is the main/only reason why collectors would want "Made in the USA".
140  Smiley Smile Stuff / General On Topic Discussions / This is it: The best single disc Beach Boys comp ever released on: December 07, 2017, 08:56:57 AM
Okay, let's do this. Some of you may point to Endless Summer, for historical reasons or because of Steve Hoffman, others may prefer something a bit more comprehensive. As much as I like the obvious hits, I don't really need to hear things like "I Get Around" or "Fun Fun Fun" on a comp. They are everywhere. No, I like to go a bit deeper, without sacrificing quality.

"Warmth of the Sun" arrived in the mail today, and besides the thrill of some new mixes, the really startling thing here is the quality control: not hit after hit after hit, but still one masterpiece after another. Not too deep, but not too obvious either, just right. "Warmth of the Sun" is considered a follow-up, a companion piece, to "Sounds of Summer", aimed at the casual fan who needs a bit more. And of course, completists like myself. There is something for the laymen, something for the fans, three decades of songs, and everybody's happy.



141  Smiley Smile Stuff / General On Topic Discussions / Re: Surf music all star bands - yay or nay? on: December 07, 2017, 08:47:00 AM
In its heyday, surf music must have numbered scores of bands, maybe even more. Do any of you know of any other all star bands than the two we have discussed here? I don't mean tribute bands, but ones with ex-members from back in  the 60s. Challengers? Lively Ones? Rivieras? Anybody?
142  Smiley Smile Stuff / General On Topic Discussions / Re: Name an oldie you wish they had covered on: December 06, 2017, 09:38:00 AM
Songs our Daddy Taught us, contains that song, Down in the Willow Garden - it's all traditionals, the most beautiful thing they ever recorded.

Otherwise, any Cadence or Warner stuff, really.
143  Smiley Smile Stuff / General On Topic Discussions / Surf music all star bands - yay or nay? on: December 06, 2017, 09:36:10 AM
You may know some of them, Papa Doo Ron Ron or Surf City All Stars, or whatever they choose to call themselves. Ex-members of old surf music acts. Dean Torrence or David Marks might appear in one of those line-ups, if you are lucky.

Personally, I am all for it. Many of the bands from the 1960s are history now, so for surviving members, it's perfect. They make money, we get to see them. Should Dean Torrence just have retired after Jan died? Of course not.

I've even got one or two CDs by such bands.

144  Smiley Smile Stuff / General On Topic Discussions / Re: Your Top 3 Favorite Solo Albums on: December 06, 2017, 09:25:32 AM
Agree on the above, and tellingly, OCA is OOP now and quite pricey on the used market. 
145  Smiley Smile Stuff / General On Topic Discussions / Re: Name an oldie you wish they had covered on: December 06, 2017, 09:22:21 AM
They covered a fair number of them, and made them their own, but is there any oldie you wish they had covered, but never did?

How about Down in the Willow Garden, by Everly Bros.?
Don't think they could top it, but it's good for stacked harmonies.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xp_ivMnp0lM

Beautiful! I need to get into more Everly Brothers.

Yes, as you may know, Brian and Mike were big fans of Everlys. In their youth they'd go for a nighttime drive and Everlys would come on, on the AM dial. They'd pull over, and just sit there, and listen intently.  And of course, later they covered Devoted to you, on the Party album.
146  Smiley Smile Stuff / General On Topic Discussions / Re: Your Top 3 Favorite Solo Albums on: December 06, 2017, 08:37:10 AM
Interesting pick, OCA.
147  Smiley Smile Stuff / General On Topic Discussions / Name an oldie you wish they had covered on: December 06, 2017, 08:35:34 AM
They covered a fair number of them, and made them their own, but is there any oldie you wish they had covered, but never did?

How about Down in the Willow Garden, by Everly Bros.?
Don't think they could top it, but it's good for stacked harmonies.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xp_ivMnp0lM
148  Smiley Smile Stuff / General On Topic Discussions / Re: Your Top 3 Favorite Solo Albums on: December 06, 2017, 08:28:36 AM
POB
BW88
NPP
149  Smiley Smile Stuff / General On Topic Discussions / Re: Have you ever heard a Beach Boys song in a different language? on: December 06, 2017, 08:25:20 AM
Sloop John B in Danish, by pub rocker/folk singer John Mogensen:

http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x322fkn
150  Smiley Smile Stuff / General On Topic Discussions / Re: For the Girls on the Beach on: December 01, 2017, 10:21:56 PM
No exclusives, then. That's £45 saved.
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