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680597 Posts in 27600 Topics by 4068 Members - Latest Member: Dae Lims March 28, 2024, 03:03:33 PM
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1  Non Smiley Smile Stuff / Smiley Smilers Who Make Music / 'With Me Tonight' Behind the scenes/harmony breakdown on: May 26, 2021, 08:59:28 AM
Hey Smiley Smilers!

I'm just sharing another video from my UNCOVERED series, which is a behind the scenes/deep dive of the songs I cover over on YouTube. My latest is a Beach Boys so I figured I'd share here Smiley

I chat about a little history, why I love the song and jump into breaking down the harmonies!
Much love!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dh11jX_zNAk
2  Non Smiley Smile Stuff / Smiley Smilers Who Make Music / Re: With Me Tonight cover! on: May 26, 2021, 08:56:46 AM
Absolutely fantastic! One of the most relaxing songs on the Smiley album and one of my favorites. You again managed to capture the vibe and the texture of the original Smiley version, which is very impressive and not easy to do. You also got the vocal timbres of the band very accurate, especially with the inflections in the lead vocal - again not an easy feat. It sounds like a manually double-tracked lead, and if so, that really helped nail the vibe and overall sound. Great work as usual!

That song is a memory trigger for me too. Flashback to 1995 or so, and I was still obsessed with the Smiley/Wild Honey 2-fer while in my last semesters at college. I introduced a friend who later became a bandmate to the Smiley album, but unfortunately by then it was only a single disc reissue and the 2-fers were unavailable for the most part. So it was "With Me Tonight" and "Little Pad", those amazing melodies existing in those rather basic or even truly bizarre song forms (where's the chorus on either? lol), that caught his ear too, and I remember hearing him singing "With Me Tonight" and the "dit di-doo" wordless melody of Little Pad all the time. Great memories of great songs.

Thanks so much! Yes I do tend to double the vocals Smiley

I love that, I think Little Pad is also a priceless tune, so happy other people 'get it' and we can all relish in this beautiful work together! So many friends of mine I just wouldn't understand my love of these rare gems. Thanks for sharing your memories!  Cheesy
3  Non Smiley Smile Stuff / Smiley Smilers Who Make Music / With Me Tonight cover! on: May 14, 2021, 09:48:04 AM
Hey Smiley Smilers  Cheesy

I have a tier on Patreon for Beach Boys requests and the lovely Alex S. subscribed and requested this tune! Hope you enjoy my version:

https://youtu.be/MmvucI25L1w

Much love!
4  Non Smiley Smile Stuff / Smiley Smilers Who Make Music / Re: Surf's Up- Breakdown on: April 23, 2021, 10:36:40 AM
Absolutely looking forward to your future installments! And I'll repeat again, I think every fan should watch your breakdown of Surf's Up to get a new appreciation for the song and what went into the composition.

Amazing too that your recent uploads feature two of my favorites from the 70's: the Bee Gees' Night Fever, and a cover of Couldn't Get It Right by Climax Blues Band. Both are songs which I've put on many a mix tape back when that was a thing. The four big songs from the Bee Gees' Saturday Night Fever soundtrack are stone-cold classics, in at least two cases among the best pop songs of the past 50 years. Speaking of chord changes, and some real harmonic twists and turns, "How Deep Is Your Love". That is a tough one to play on guitar and sing, which is why I give major props to John Frusciante for doing it solo at concerts and really letting the brilliance of the song itself shine through. And "More Than A Woman" is one of the best recordings I've ever heard. Maybe future installments?

Thanks again for the great videos, looking forward to the next ones!

That's so kind, thanks for checking it out glad you got something out of it!!!

Oh man, those songs are such classics, I love LOVE '70s music! I mean, I love all oldies but the '70s was where it was at! How Deep is one of the most beautiful ballads honestly that and More Than a Woman (and about 20 others) are some of the best songs ever written. I'm a huge Bee Gees fan, they are as close to my heart as the BB's. ALSO- one of those 2 songs may be my next cover  Cheesy

Thanks again my friend!
5  Non Smiley Smile Stuff / Smiley Smilers Who Make Music / Re: Surf's Up- Breakdown on: April 11, 2021, 09:10:58 PM
That is a very cool and informative video! I'll be rambling a bit but a lot of thoughts happened as I was watching. I think the song Surf's Up is a perfect vehicle for breaking down something that sounds complex and multi-layered, because often when you break down a complex piece of music into segments, and elements, then almost compartmentalize all of those elements into individual parts, you can both decipher and analyze them on a much simpler level. Then the process becomes easier to understand. I do think the chords and chord progression of Surf's Up is pretty complex, maybe not taken as individual chords but rather how Brian loved to use his "slash chords" like Dm7/G to make a simple triad or chord structure *sound* more complex than it actually is. I also give chord progressions my own informal "guitar test"...where many of Brian's chords and chord voicings as heard on his deeper music like Surf's Up cannot be easily played using standard guitar chords. Yet on a piano keyboard, they lay out very neatly and are often a basic triad with a different bass note.

The way you went through the chord progression is alone worth a viewing for anyone interested in how Brian's chords created that ethereal texture everyone knows and loves in the song. As much as I love the later, more fully layered versions, I was always partial to the Inside Pop solo piano version and also the stripped down version on the '93 box set. The mark of a great song is when you can strip it down to the absolute basics of a single vocal and instrumental/chordal accompaniment and the song *still* has that compelling sound, texture, and overall impact. The layering which comes later only adds more goodness like the icing on a fantastic cake.

I think a similar effect in how something complex can be broken down and understood more easily happens with the music of Steely Dan. Just like you describe with Surf's Up, some of those Steely Dan songs and mysterious chord progressions sounded beyond my scope of understanding when I first started listening. Then when you get more knowledge of how music theory and harmony works, you can break down some of the Dan's thicker sounding chord progressions and realize things like one guy is playing a simple F triad on top and another guy is playing a G note in the bass while some instrument in the middle is hitting an E...and then you see how the parts create the effect of a super-thick jazz chord when it really isn't as complex as it sounds. The parts are individually simple, but taken as a whole and combined with everything else, the ensemble of notes creates that complexity.

I think that's the genius of Brian, one element of many. It's that ability to make the complex simple, and vice versa, so the building blocks are more simple musical components which sound amazingly complex and challenging when they're combined skillfully as Brian did in his best music.

I also really like the advice you gave about how to hear music on a deeper level, in terms of figuring out songs like Surf's Up and peeling away the layers. For my studies the course was called "Ear Training" and you had to either complete or test out of so many levels in order to graduate. We did the same things, similar exercises with transcriptions, identifying intervals, hearing chord progressions, clapping and notating rhythms, sight-singing melodies in solfege, etc. What seemed like sometimes pointless drills to me at age 18 or 19 were actually some of the best training my ears could have received, and I use it on a daily basis for what I do. I'd add to your advice that anyone so inclined should seek out any kind of ear training or any course similar to the aural skills program you mentioned, because it really, really does help any musician in terms of learning how to critically listen and how to translate music. I'd also add seeking out some music theory courses: In my day, it was almost all classically-based and taken from the Bach rulebook, both counterpoint and theory. But I did have some later courses where we began looking at popular music in these terms, and breaking down how and why a song used a specific chord or voicing and how it all tied in - And that's when it became more relatable to me. I still smile every time I hear that Picardy third at the end of Happy Together. I'd also add the advice that there is literally so much available online in 2021 for anyone interested to seek out, and any musician will benefit from even a basic understanding of these concepts so when they hear a chord like the Dm7/G in Surf's Up, they know what it is and how it got there to create that sound.

Just wanted to say thanks for another great video on Surf's Up, and for offering some very useful advice to musicians out there who are interested in how and why a massive song like Surf's Up sounds the way it does in terms of chord construction and the underlying theory behind it. Great stuff!



I love your whole commentary here! You clearly know your theory!

I must've picked up my writing style from learning and absorbing Brian's style because my entire life is slash chords  LOL but yes you've got it, on it's own so many parts are actually quite simple but put together definitely complex. And I don't play much guitar but I understand that these bizarre piano voicings don't always translate easily on the guitar!

I totally agree, the solo piano version is just so beautiful and puts a gentle spin on such a masterpiece.

Steely Dan is such a great comparison, boy they also did some crazy things! I watch Donald Fagen once talk about "Peg" and how it was based on a major take of the 12 bar blues and my mind was blown! They were the kings of complexity truly, a lot of jazz influence in their writing.

Ear training is something I still do today for fun, you can never stop learning and strengthening your ears/instrument I think. Definitely agree, there are lots of apps now for ear training which are so easily accessible. I do find lots of people listen to music a bit more passively which is why I always suggest getting a pair of head phones out and really listening to the music and trying to hear different instrumentation, definitely was something I did growing up without realizing how helpful it would be later on! I really appreciate your insights here and thanks so much for the kind words, hope you'll keep listening Smiley
6  Non Smiley Smile Stuff / Smiley Smilers Who Make Music / Surf's Up- Breakdown on: March 30, 2021, 11:35:18 AM
Hey friends!

I just thought I would share over here that I have a new YouTube series where I break down the covers I post and the first one I shared is of Surf's Up- chords, how I learned and heard different parts/harmonies, get real nerdy haha

If you're into that here is the link:
https://youtu.be/lBx3ieTZ8GI

Much love!
7  Non Smiley Smile Stuff / Smiley Smilers Who Make Music / Re: Surf's Up cover on: March 02, 2021, 08:43:16 PM
Fabulous. You made a very difficult song look effortless. Brava.

Thanks so much, that's so sweet  Cheesy
8  Non Smiley Smile Stuff / Smiley Smilers Who Make Music / Re: Surf's Up cover on: February 23, 2021, 04:18:49 PM
Absolutely terrific! Beyond the actual notes and the individual parts, you also captured the feel and mood of the original song, which many covers miss. I'd also say the outro of 'Til I Die ranks up there with the most magical of all time, and you already did that one so well too!

Thank you so much! I love this comment, I feel like my love for their music is so deep in my soul so I really get into it when I work on a BB cover, so happy to hear it translates and is capturing the mood!

'Til I Die is right up there too, what a beautiful piece of music!
9  Non Smiley Smile Stuff / Smiley Smilers Who Make Music / Re: Surf's Up cover on: February 23, 2021, 10:30:35 AM
Fantastic! That outro is phenomenal!

So glad to see that you're still doing Beach Boys covers.

I'll always make BB's covers, they are so close to my heart  Smiley Thank you so much, most magical outro ever!
10  Smiley Smile Stuff / General On Topic Discussions / Re: Brian Wilson Barry Gibb Instagram Exchange on: February 23, 2021, 08:32:41 AM
I love both of these men so much, Barry Gibb is such a genuine guy I hope they create something together that would be magic  Cheesy I recently watch the Bee Gees documentary on HBO and it reignited my love for the brothers Gibb. I think there is something so special about the harmonies of voices who are related. The Beach Boys and The Bee Gees were such talented families, what a legacy!
11  Non Smiley Smile Stuff / Smiley Smilers Who Make Music / Surf's Up cover on: February 23, 2021, 08:27:07 AM
Hey friends!

I've posted a new cover of "Surf's UP" over on Youtube  Cheesy This is one of my favourite BB's songs of all time, I'm often nervous to do my faves but the outro of this tune is a magical masterpiece and I thought it was time to give it a try.

Hope you enjoy, I loved making this one:
https://youtu.be/AP__x5SNrAY
12  Smiley Smile Stuff / General On Topic Discussions / Re: Surf's Up- Lyrics at the end on: February 18, 2021, 06:37:06 PM
One more- in the verses at the beginning of the song, is the BG vocal singing " my love my love" or "my god my god"??

It's actually "Bygone, bygone." But according to Stephen Desper via a post he made on this board some years back, it's actually "Michael, Michael" said in conjunction with/at the same time as "Bygone, bygone". I believe he said that Carl had mentioned that this was supposed to be a reference to the archangel Michael.

Thank you! That makes so much sense because my mind wanted it to be my but I was hearing a B and not sure at all what the word was haha awesome Wink
13  Smiley Smile Stuff / General On Topic Discussions / Re: Surf's Up- Lyrics at the end on: February 18, 2021, 04:24:49 PM
One more- in the verses at the beginning of the song, is the BG vocal singing " my love my love" or "my god my god"??
14  Smiley Smile Stuff / General On Topic Discussions / Re: Surf's Up- Lyrics at the end on: February 10, 2021, 05:57:11 PM
Kayla, Hope this means you're planning to add Surf's Up to your fabulous collection of Beach Boys covers!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WOPjNVuswxA&list=PLfq_RjFf-nzI5n-nJfQG7qVyTyL6rU659



OOOooohh just maybe  Azn Tongue
15  Smiley Smile Stuff / General On Topic Discussions / Re: Surf's Up- Lyrics at the end on: February 10, 2021, 12:39:04 PM
On the second repetition it's "child, whoa-oh-oh, father of the man".

I just listened to a vocal only take with headphones and I would agree it just sounds like whoa, I really thought I heard a lyric there lol Thanks!
16  Smiley Smile Stuff / General On Topic Discussions / Surf's Up- Lyrics at the end on: February 10, 2021, 11:54:54 AM
Hey all,

This might seem like a silly question but does anyone know exactly what Mike Love is singing at the end of Surf's Up? I hear "child, child, father of the man, child ~~~~~[something]~~~ father of the man"  it sounds to me like he's saying in that part 'vel of the- father of the man"

If anyone knows exactly what he's singing here I would SO appreciate it!

Cheers!
-Kayla
17  Non Smiley Smile Stuff / Smiley Smilers Who Make Music / New Music- Oldies Inspired on: November 11, 2020, 10:43:05 AM
Hi Smiley Smile friends,

It's been a while and I've been busy! I wanted to share my latest release here. My new single is called "Stealing from My Youth", it's an oldies inspired ballad pulling influence from my favorite artists of the '60s & '70s.

It also happens to be about my experience as an artist through this crazy year. We were in isolation at the beginning and it felt like the pandemic was stealing days away from my youth, this is one of a few songs I wrote this year.
The video is filled with retro outfits and the most beautiful vintage inspired stage.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FKyGnpHXXEw&ab_channel=kaylawilliamsmusic

Hope some of you will watch/listen and enjoy!
All the best  Cheesy
-Kayla
18  Non Smiley Smile Stuff / Smiley Smilers Who Make Music / Re: Cover of \ on: May 15, 2020, 09:10:07 AM
Hey friends!

It's been a while but I thought I would post I have a new cover of "In My Room" up:
https://youtu.be/WOPjNVuswxA

In this crazy quarantime I figured it would be silly if I didn't cover this gorgeous song, and way too appropriate that I recorded it back in my childhood room where I first discovered the BB's and all their beautiful songs <3 laugh
Hope you are all taking care, staying healthy and taking this time to dive deeper into some great music! I will likely be releasing some new music of my own soon too Smiley

Much Love!

Hi Kayla. It's been a while. That's one gorgeous version! Good to see so many appreciative comments in such a short time.

Don't forget to link your own music here when the time comes. Wink

Take care now!   

It has been a while! Thank you for your kind words Smiley

I have 3 original songs on Spotify currently and more to come, I'll be sure to share :D
19  Non Smiley Smile Stuff / Smiley Smilers Who Make Music / Cover of "In My Room" :) on: May 14, 2020, 07:09:33 AM
Hey friends!

It's been a while but I thought I would post I have a new cover of "In My Room" up:
https://youtu.be/WOPjNVuswxA

In this crazy quarantime I figured it would be silly if I didn't cover this gorgeous song, and way too appropriate that I recorded it back in my childhood room where I first discovered the BB's and all their beautiful songs <3 laugh
Hope you are all taking care, staying healthy and taking this time to dive deeper into some great music! I will likely be releasing some new music of my own soon too Smiley

Much Love!
20  Non Smiley Smile Stuff / Smiley Smilers Who Make Music / Re: Aren't You Glad cover on: May 26, 2018, 07:50:56 AM
I agree with Zach--great job!

In a way, it shows that it doesn't pay to do cover versions, otherwise you'd be a household name by now.

Your hardcore fans don't think that way of course--we have another beautifully crafted BB cover to cherish. Kudos, Kayla! :=) 

Yeah, I do it because I love it Smiley Thanks so much!!
21  Non Smiley Smile Stuff / Smiley Smilers Who Make Music / Aren't You Glad cover on: May 23, 2018, 07:33:25 AM
Hi friends!

I just posted a new cover of "Aren't You Glad", one of my faves off Wild Honey. It's just so light and you can't help but feel good listening to it Smiley Hope you enjoy!

https://youtu.be/4ME5sh5QVKg
22  Non Smiley Smile Stuff / Smiley Smilers Who Make Music / Re: \ on: November 26, 2017, 09:40:24 PM
We have this topic called "The Beach Boys are the only ones who can sing like the Beach Boys".

Here's more proof that that simply isn't so! Kudos, Kayla, another fantastic cover. :=)

Aww that's very kind- thank you!
23  Non Smiley Smile Stuff / Smiley Smilers Who Make Music / Re: \ on: November 26, 2017, 09:40:06 PM
That's a good one to showcase your range. Nice work.

Thank you!
24  Non Smiley Smile Stuff / Smiley Smilers Who Make Music / "Kiss Me Baby" A capella Cover on: October 22, 2017, 03:30:12 PM
Just posted a new a capella cover of the beautiful tune "Kiss Me Baby". I've always loved this songs especially in it's bare bones, vocals only state. I think this is one of the first songs I tried to figure out their harmonies and recreate way back in high school. Hope you enjoy :D

https://youtu.be/ZqgEJ4QvGWI

Ssmiley Ssmile Smiley
~Kayla
25  Non Smiley Smile Stuff / Smiley Smilers Who Make Music / Re: New single & music video- beyond excited! on: September 10, 2017, 08:03:58 PM
The song was written in a fairly dark place for me, a few months after a bad break up. It's a really powerful and emotional song for me and I think that translates.

Yes, it translates. What a gorgeous song with a gorgeous production and arrangement. I love it when the keyboard starts rippling just after 2:40! Hoping you're out of that dark place now.

I've got a couple of sites to link your single. Let's hope it takes off----you certainly deserve it, after all the wonderful music you've been making...

Thank you so much! I am indeed out of that head space and into good things Smiley This song has brought so much positivity and opportunity into my life that I don't regret what I went through Smiley
I would be so appreciative if you linked it! I really am working hard at promoting this song and any bit helps so thank you so much!

What a nice comment, you just made my day :D :D
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