Well, having a remarkably short attention span, I do take breaks from anything and everything, including this music - unless it pops up, and then I can't help but enjoy it.  Beyond that, I'd say that when it gets too personal - when one gets too involved with anything beyond the music, it can get tougher yet, for awhile.  The breaks from listening get longer.

But the music always wins because it's that remarkable - at least it has been for the past 50 years.  

As far as the swipe at Brian's solo career...Yawn...Few, if any will bite at this point, because it's such a boring little game by now.  Trust me, we "defensive" Brian fans don't care.

My experience was that Jerry Schilling was a genuinely nice human being.  Given that, he probably wasn't inclined to trash the people whom he loved.  Telling the truth about someone -  in context - can work if it's done with care.  It's just hard to get across to people in a world that is just waiting to jump on any public figure's seeming failings.  So the context and the care are hard to convey.  At worst, I suspect he was just careful about what he said, given that reality. 

I only had one brief conversation with him about Elvis and he was quite forthright and said it in a loving context.  How to get that across in writing is a real bi*ch.

Diggin' Al's interview a TON...the honesty and clarity leaves other 'spokepeople' in the dissipating wake of reality.

Love Alan's straightforwardness. Not loving the interviewer's research quite so much.

AGD - Given your research efforts, I suspect pretty much any author will fall short.  They're cranking articles out to meet a deadline (I know the feeling) and in the world of the internet, that's like, yesterday.  But the interview is great.  

I like being old.  I say exactly what I think after lots of experience without worrying too much about my employer, since I'm an independent contractor.  Al probably doesn't have to worry about what he says at all, given his very fine chops.  Good for Al!  If people don't like it, they'll let him know, and he can care...or not.

Oh, and Emily, you seem to be very cool and smart - love your comments.

Diggin' Al's interview a TON...the honesty and clarity leaves other 'spokepeople' in the dissipating wake of reality.

Exactly.  It's really not complicated...The guy was there, working with both Mike and Brian over the years, and that's pretty much all the living originals, isn't it?  The rest of us didn't live it from that point of view.  Most of us weren't tossed the ball from quarterback Brian on top of singing with him.  Those who were in the various BB "realms" can speak to certain things - Ed Roach with Dennis comes to mind, among others.  But other than that, we mostly go on what experience we've had (if any) and our opinions, which are worth, well...

Tough call because he's so diverse...We have the remarkable "Smile" - as was pointed out above - something like that is normally a major disappointment, as people have built the fantasy so large in their heads, but it was a sublime experience to hear completed...dumbfounding.

Then again, over the decades, he's stacked his own vocals so superbly for various artists (my personal favorites are "Adios," "Delirious Love," "Hand on My Shoulder" with Blondie, and "Orange Crate Art" (possibly the train sound on "San Francisco" is my favorite).  I think "Hand on My Shoulder" may win for me in that group, but Brian and Ronstadt?  Jeez!

TLOS and Gershwin were both stunning efforts.

And now we have the Suite from TWGMTR and NPP as the icing on the cake...too many special moments to pick one.  I can't even pick a SONG from the Suite and NPP... 

Do I have to choose?  Brian's work is a series of remarkable moments, so I pick the whole series.

That's my story and I'm sticking to it.

I'm remembering hearing Bill Pohlad speak in Minneapolis (and in videos I've seen) when he spoke of the obsessive types who would pick this stuff apart.  He was smiling - well, maybe even chuckling a bit.  He's an artist.  He doesn't care about ridiculous, utterly unimportant detail, but he knew that there would be people here (and elsewhere, no doubt) worried about it.  After the amazing studio detail he provided and the intense work he did to make this film real, yet emotionally powerful and accurate, while telling a coherent story...um, no wonder he just smiled about the detail-obsessed.  I guess everyone needs their niche...  

I love Dennis's music like the rest of you.  I REALLY don't understand the need to compare him to his brother Brian.  Dennis was the first to speak of Brian's unsurpassed gifts and never wavered from that view.  I respect him enough, in addition to my own ear, to enjoy both without needing to compare.  Sometimes I'm in the mood for Denny's emotional intensity.  Often, I'm in the mood for Brian's transcendent brilliance.  They're both about love, so why compare?  Good for them for their powerful effect on all of us.  If there is a thin veil between those who have passed on and those still here, I'd imagine Dennis and Carl are both thrilled that brother Brian is creating new stuff with dignity, grace and love.

If it were just a fan video, why did it get posted and pulled down on Mike's FB page?

Plus if it were just a fan video, where did he get those audio and video sources?

I'm not very Facebook saavy but can't anyone share anything to your timeline until you delete it?

From sources available to the public which you haven't found yet?

Since the question was asked, it depends on how the FB page is setup.  If it's a group/celebrity page, you can normally post comments to posts done by whomever manages the page, but you don't originate posts there.  You need admin access for that.  I've admin'd a few such pages, - certainly not Mr. Love's - but it would be foolish to give access to just anyone on a celebrity page.

I just hope no one gets suspended ,like that time with Brian, for all of these claims that Mike might have used Autotune. We don't need that so close to the Holidays. (thousand yard stare)

Cam - Who got suspended? Give me a name.

No one I hope.

So what was your point, Cam?  I'm trying to follow this...

Ah, you beat me to it! Thanks!

http://www.awardscircuit.com/oscar-predictions/2014-oscar-predictions-best-original-song/

Just behind Furious 7 and 007 Spectre, "One Kind of Love" from Love and Mercy is predicted to be in the running for Best Original Song according to a prediction by AwardsCircuit.com.

I haven't heard the other contenders, but "One Kind of Love" is truly a standout on No Pier Pressure - has beautiful harmonies, great instrumental track. And it fits like a glove in the theme of the movie Love and Mercy. I think it has a good shot at the win.

That's great - thanks!

Maybe someone's been inspired by the brash success of the Donald Trump candidacy and thought this would work?  It's quite a curiosity, isn't it?  My what a person misses when tied up on writing deadlines...

Um, what?

Don't worry about it, Marty.  By your posts I assume that you're one of the true believers who couldn't imagine anything else but that this video was created by a fan with professional talents.  And what amazing footage.  A fan who honestly believes that today's touring BBs are the same as the 2012 BBs and the 1964 BBs. You guys just keep on doing your thing...I'll just keep smiling...I'm no one's attorney so it isn't my problem.

Maybe someone's been inspired by the brash success of the Donald Trump candidacy and thought this would work?  It's quite a curiosity, isn't it?  My what a person misses when tied up on writing deadlines...

This idea came to me the other day and I think it has some potential because there is a real dramatic story there, unlike the earlier Beach Boy "juke box" musical which flopped. I guess this does the Jersey Boy thing in reverse. I think some really interesting things could be done with the story.

I like the idea Gerry...a lot, actually.

I took a a look at the book. It claims Landy came back pretty fast after he was let go in late 1976, and that by '79 or so, Brian was still with Landy but evading his handlers to score drugs. There's also a picture dated 1974 with the Netherlands as a locale, with group members including Bruce, two years after he left. I've got my concerns.

Don't know the person, but if that's what he's saying, he's certainly clueless about the late 70's/early 80's. My guess is, he didn't interview anyone who was around then - certainly no one who knew anything.

Who ISN'T writing a book?

I definitely saw Brian playing the drums on Wanderer while Denny sang lead during the 1964 summer tour, so I would imagine it was true in Sacramento as well.

Off topic, but similar...

I just read the saddest story about Mickey Rooney's last years, being mentally/physically abused and financially raped by his wife and stepson. Some of their despicable actions sound almost exactly like classic Landy. How lucky we are that Brian escaped.

http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/features/mickey-rooneys-final-years-833325

And looks like Rooney's evil stepson had a mullet just like Landy too...

"...Mark says he learned Rooney had a breakdown while in Australia filming 1998's Babe: Pig in the City, after which his stepfather was prescribed strong medication. He says, "They put him on these brain psych meds and things, and my mom was administering them — and she didn't know what she was doing." Adds Charlene, "[Jan] said, 'I have to keep him high to be onstage, and I have to keep him quiet and subdued when he's at home.' " (Jan denies this.)..." 

Gee, that sounds familiar.

And yet people here keep defending Landy...

It's all so odd...well, if these people are really fans of Brian Wilson...;-)

Thank you Debbie! As I sit here watching Glen Campbell's documentary the more I realize the gift we ALL have that these guys (Brian and Al especially) are still out there. Take the opportunity that you can get and make your memories happen before they are to late.

So true...how lucky we are to have just had this artist in our lifetime - what a joy!

I never got over the Leonard Bernstein special performance by Brian, so while I love the whole thing, his vocal still floors me...

I've never done one and won't, and like you I think it is "a tiny bit weird". Not targeting the BBs or Brian but do a lot of artists need the money? I would have no problem with members of fan clubs and the like getting a chance for a close up experience but to go along just because you have deep pockets does not sit well for me. The artists appear more money grabbing than they may be and the customer often has a negative experience. 

As with everything else a well-known, famous musicians might do, it's impossible to know how much they *need* that extra revenue from meet-and-greets. My guess is that they typically don't need to do 20 meet-and-greets to actually turn any profit of any sort. It's just extra revenue. As Wirestone mentioned, an outside firm probably often if not usually administers the program. But the artist obviously signs offHn it, and they clearly don't care that they do indeed come across as just "money grubbing" in some cases (obviously one's opinion as a fan and their outlook on economics, etc. will dictate whether they feel it's actually "money grubbing").

I think the meet-and-greet thing is similar to the ticket price phenomenon. Many artists just sort of have their managers/agents/promoters just do whatever the industry standard is. I remember McCartney one time being asked about excessive ticket prices, and he said his people just look at what top tier bands/artists charge, and they just set his price somewhere in the vicinity of that. Same with the meet-and-greets. The promoter for the tour says "Hey, we have a company that does this VIP package thing that many bands do. Wanna add that on? All you have to do is let them watch the soundcheck, and then set aside some time for photos and autographs, and you get X% of that up-charge."

To try and put a positive spin on the VIP since some are dwelling on the negatives. I can understand people having high expectations. I pretty much knew what the meet & greet would be going in. It happened to be a much greater experience then I thought it would be.

I got to shake their hands and tell them all thank you. They signed multiple items for me (even though it said one small item) Blondie had a huge smile on his face as I thanked him. I shook Brian's hand and thanked him for all he and Melinda have been doing for mental health awareness (which is a cause very near and dear to me) he said Thank you very loud with a huge smile and then said "Well I had to do it!" the handler took pictures of everything so I have this all to remember forever. I didnt go in expecting to be best friends with any of them. I just wanted to pay my respects to my favorite song writer and let him know what he means to me, whether or not it matters to him i don't know. It is something I will remember though. I don't think he was put in a situation that was out of his comfort zone ( the meet and greet probably lasted 15 to 20 minutes altogether)

The sound check was about six full songs while they worked out technical bugs and bantered while we were flies on the wall. One song they didn't play at the show which was a surprise (You Still Believe In Me.) we got to sit where ever we wanted and take as many photos or videos. I met Billy Hinsche after sound check and had him sign my sheet music. Everyone was super nice and I didn't get any vibes if discontent for their fans. The show was stellar. The only issue was how Brian's piano was angled. I was directly in front of Al in the third row and was difficult seeing Brian's face while he sat at the piano.

Otherwise I would recomend this experience as long as you understand what it is you are purchasing. I am not a wealthy person at all and saved up. To me experiences are worth more then money. To me this was well spent and I will do it again next year if I get a chance!

Thanks for that - wonderfully put!  "Reasonable expectations" is the key.  I think it's probably natural that when an artist has impacted our lives in a powerful way that we secretly hope that when we meet them that they'll sense this closeness and feel the same way about us. It's natural, but not likely, and as grownups, it's good to know that's nearly impossible.  The person has not only just met you, but he/she/they are "at work" and are focused on that situation.  However, they'll see that smile on your face, hear your "thanks" and sign what you bring and you get that and a photo as a memory.  I think those things - great memories - are more valuable over time.  It certainly isn't a demeaning process.  The artists knows you thought enough of them to pay the big bucks. Good for you!

Also worth mentioning is that, given what Landy did to Brian, if they actually had to pay Landy and Morgan anything to get their names off those songs, it’s frankly a little extra kick in the nuts to Brian and his family that Landy made a little extra money later in the 90s off that. Granted, it may well have been Brian and his lawyers that initiated that process. But in the big picture, it’s just another extra heinous aspect of Landy’s legacy.

I can only hope maybe Brian’s lawyers were able to low-ball them by letting them know they could litigate the issue to get their names off of those songs based on all of that criminal, fraudulent activity.

Or maybe all they had to do is say they'd drop filing criminal charges against Landy if he took his name off of some bogus claims for credit?  No one knows what happened - here anyway, obviously - but I don't think Landy/Morgan were in a great negotiating position at that point. The Attorney General of CA was obviously not impressed with him. 

Anyone who has ever had a conversation with Brian may well find something from that conversation in one of his songs.  Not everyone is inclined to monetize every word of an interaction with a successful artist.  Some people value friendship over greed.  What do you think the odds are that Landy was one of those so inclined to claim credit for anything and everything? Does that mean he deserves credit in some of your minds?

Again, I keep wondering why this is such an issue.  No one here knows what happened.  Why the wringing of hands over this?  Brian's bio is coming out soon, so let's consider all this after he has his say.

Was the full extent of his personality and abuse a publicly-known issue? Or were people who personally knew him among the only people who were aware?

I suppose the same question might apply to Joe Jackson... although in his lifetime, the internet was invented, and virtually no one is unaware of his questionable parenting skills.

Leave me out of it!

Yeah, seriously. Joe Jackson doesn't even have kids. Who do you think you are questioning his hypothetical parenting skills?

You, of course, aren't serious Emily?  Different Joe...or am I just missing YOUR boat?  'I'm Bugged at My Old Man' gave me a heads up as soon as I heard it.  I mean THAT was a very UNUSUAL song to record and release back then.  And the Beach Boys doing it?  Way, WAY odd.  I mean like hello!!!!  And then there's 'In My Room'.  Why would a young, talented musical genius like Brian Wilson feel compelled to write that song using those lyrics?  It was scary.  He wasn't a 5 or 6 year old any longer.  It was ODDDDDD.

There was something rotten in Denmark and Brian made it obvious to anyone who was paying attention back in 1963/64.  I can't figure out how Murry didn't sit up and take notice that his 'fathering skills' were being held up to the light.  We're having fun, Fun, FUN but when the lights go out I'm crapping my drawers?  Ya, Ya Ya...Yeah!!!!

I was completely kidding. I was making an obviously completely failed reference to Joe Jackson the slightly punky new wave jazz musician whom I believe is childless.
I am among the many who are baffled why so many people give Murry Wilson a pass because, "hey, would we have Surfin' USA without him?" I am completely comfortable passing a negative judgment on Murry Wilson's parenting.
Edited to add: perhaps I would've been more successful if I left the photo of Joe Jackson in the post, but I thought that I'd be taking up too much space if I did that.

Emily - I got the joke - you're clearly not a fool!  But I guess it's good that it's been clarified...

The only thing I would say about Murry is that corporal punishment was far more acceptable when the Wilsons were raised, so not much would have been done about the abuse, sadly.  How tragic for Audree and the kids.  His behavior wasn't that unusual, sadly.

As my posts have indicated, I don’t think Landy’s name being removed is an issue at all. But for the sake of historical accuracy, as Wirestone mentioned, it appears the settlement agreement removing Landy’s name from the song credits took place *after* Brian was separated from Landy. The 1995 “IJWMFTT” CD still had Landy’s name.

Also, I don’t think there has been any disagreement on *how* Landy’s name was removed. On either the ’88 BW CD or the ’85 album two-fer CD, there is a little note explaining the removal of Landy’s name. Even those advocating for Landy’s name to be kept on don’t seem to be disagreeing with the mechanism by which his name was removed, or the legal legitimacy of it.  

Clearly, you weren't someone arguing the legal issue.  There are some here who don't seem to be able to let the "Landy contribution" issue drop, from any perspective - that is what I find puzzling.  What's the investment there?  Why?  

Landy did not co-write or work on songs in any traditional sense whatsoever. He wormed his way into the process by drugging the hell out of Brian and sucking the very air Brian was breathing. He had no business ever being around a piano or a recording studio or what have you with Brian anywhere in sight. He deserves jack.

Based on the original "lyrics" he wrote for "Black Widow", I heartily agree. Not to mention his mix of the 1988 album which was literally laughed out of the room when the suits heard it.

I agree with you guys (am also intrigued about that mix). Wirestone is perfectly on point above: "He was essentially a hostage-taker, a terrorist-therapist. Removal of his name from those songs is not only defensible, but as I said earlier, a moral necessity."

Again I'll say, there are plenty of credible sources one can cull from, both in print and on the web, to find out who did what on the album...these sources will not go away. But giving a criminal thug who terrorized and abused Brian official recognition for his "work" on the album is morally reprehensible.

The deal with Landy as a "treating provider" (and I include his whole crew) is that the minute Landy wanted to "change careers" he needed to relinquish his "treatment duties" and another treatment provider brought in.  The conflict of interest is just too great.  His prime duty is to his patient. 

Once he engaged in the business aspect, he (and his agents) should  likely have withdrawn from his care.  But, somehow he got away with this out in the open. It seemed to be an open secret.  He was photographed at the board with Brian.  He developed a company with Brian.  And, hindsight is 20/20 but somehow he evaded prosecution.

Thanks, FdP...Given that the Landy/Morgan credits were there and then were removed during the litigation/settlement period in the process of Landy's removal, it seems fairly obvious that this has already been settled in a legitimate court of law, and the court of SS doesn't have much jurisdiction in this argument.  I guess the great mystery is that a group of posters here seem to want to "re-value" Landy both as a therapist and as a composer/producer.  It's a subject that's been revived, over and over, from every angle.  One might suppose that there's a reason.  I feel fairly certain that I don't want to know what it is.

One of my favorite interviews these days, but given the love Brewer has for Brian's music, that makes sense.  I think it's pretty obvious that Brian doesn't suffer fools gladly when being interviewed in the sense that he just loses interest and gives automatic answers.  People who know their stuff can often get great comments.  I'm looking forward to his new bio...when Brian's good in interviews, he's great.