Recent Posts

Darlin' or Surf's Up currently

There are many for me, but most recently it's been the H&V background vocals montage from the Smile Sessions.

I have something to say about your fundraising campaign but I still need to find the right words. When I do, I'll post it in the Welcome thread.

Nope. This is too important to tuck away; it needs saying here, out in the open:

You see, folks, I'm a little confused. Are there really just six people in the world who would like this series to continue? There are over 50 subscribers to Joshilyn's YouTube channel. There have been well over 10,000 views of her video-related topics on Smiley alone, to say nothing of the warm and encouraging comments along the way.

I find this hard to reconcile with the number of donations so far. For a message board with a heck of a reputation in Beach Boys Land one would expect a little more commitment from its members. If this falls through, we all stand to lose, including Joshilyn herself.

This series is literally making history. As HeyJude points out on their Facebook page (see HJ's signature) the "Power Mower" project is in all likelihood unique. In my opinion it’s the best thing that has happened to BB fandom in years. Just look at the list of goodies Joshilyn has lined up for future videos. Please don't let this golden opportunity go to waste. If the funding process stops now (despite a magnificent first donation), we'd be throwing that opportunity away, maybe for ever.

Please, folks, help push the amount raised so far into four figures--that would be a wonderful start.

It would be a tragedy if JH's "Power Mower" project were to be allowed to founder, particularly when we can do something about it now. Let's face it--we may never see its like again.

Are Beatles fans just...geekier?  I know, I know, these people have been doing it longer than I have, just gotta give it time.  It's just interesting how the internet works, and interesting how fandoms work.

For instance, here is a video that came out just two weeks ago:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SAg-DYlcbhg

It is the isolated transcription performance of the percussion on the Beatles' "And I love Her."  It's done by the wonderful folks at Ably House--I love their videos.  It has 2500 views.  That is my goal for my videos.  Maybe it's the silly Beach Boys/Beatles "Competition" thing that I'm falling prey to.  But I really want to show the world how smart and brilliant the Beach Boys music is.  Frankly, the parts are often way more interesting that what was happening on Beatles records (which of course means nothing in the overall effect of the final track, necessarily.)

Anyway--just some thoughts.

The Beatles musicality has been written about virtually since they started - dissertations have been written on the topic, there are entire DVDs worth of material about it, documentaries, books...

The biggest difference between the two bands? The Beatles had a very high standard, where most songs would be a 9/10.
The Beach Boys had some higher highs, but also, many lower lows than the Beatles.

Don't be put off though, the vast amount of people listening to the bands aren't musicians and never will be.

Very busy with work right now (and the odd spot of lobbying). Back at full strength later.

I noticed this at another forum yesterday (thank you, that man) but because of one thing and another never got round to mentioning it here.

Yesterday was the birthday of Alan Boyd, who has so much to answer for in Beach Boys Land. Many belated happy returns, sir!

Here's another '80s duet, JK. "What Have I Done to Deserve This," by the the Pet Shop Boys with Dusty Springfield. Great song. I remember watching the video when I was a kid and being enamored of the dancers' glittery costumes and big feather headdresses.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wn9E5i7l-Eg

Can't say I've ever been a Culture Club fan, but that duet you posted really nicely showcases George's voice. But that Gaye/Terrell song you shared was gorgeous!

Thanks, bc. Given the right material (as here) Dusty was unbeatable!

And that Gaye/Terrell duet gets me every time. Motown could deliver the most heartbreaking "middle eights".

As to snobbery in Opera, there was a post on the Metropolitan Opera FB page urging patrons who attend the matinee performance today to stay after it ends. There will be a discussion session featuring some of the cast, possibly the conductor, etc.
Believe it or not, there were a couple of posts criticizing this, saying this is how Opera is being "dumbed down" nowadays. According to them , Opera is for the elite and not what one referred to as the "great unwashed." Thought he was kidding but from his later replies he and the other guy were serious.
 I'm thinking about my "unwashed", just getting by Grandmother , who treasured her 78rpm Enrico Caruso records.

That's sick! I remember the under-gardener at our local manor house, a very basic kind of a chap, was a great fan of light opera.

Sick, and supremely insulting. "Dumbed down" my left leg. I wonder if you met these types face to face whether they'd be so gosh darn cocky.

Thank you for lobbying on my behalf, JK.  And thanks to those that have donated.

Regardless of the donation stuff, I am very interested in exploring the state of Beach Boys fandom.  Why is it that the Beatles versions of what I'm doing is so wildly popular--several channels with hundreds of thousands of subscribers, thousands of comments, massive engagement...

Are Beatles fans just...geekier?  I know, I know, these people have been doing it longer than I have, just gotta give it time.  It's just interesting how the internet works, and interesting how fandoms work.

For instance, here is a video that came out just two weeks ago:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SAg-DYlcbhg

It is the isolated transcription performance of the percussion on the Beatles' "And I love Her."  It's done by the wonderful folks at Ably House--I love their videos.  It has 2500 views.  That is my goal for my videos.  Maybe it's the silly Beach Boys/Beatles "Competition" thing that I'm falling prey to.  But I really want to show the world how smart and brilliant the Beach Boys music is.  Frankly, the parts are often way more interesting that what was happening on Beatles records (which of course means nothing in the overall effect of the final track, necessarily.)

Anyway--just some thoughts.

I feel you're more likely to find yourself in uncharted territory when trying to fathom out Brian's arrangements. (I experienced this myself not too long ago!) I don't get that feeling nearly so much with The Beatles (again, with all due respect).

And you're welcome, JH. There can never be too many lobbyers on behalf of your wonderful venture. I hope others are linking it like crazy all over the Internet!

PS: One major shout-out to Wata!   

Oddly, mine was the cover of Under the Boardwalk from SIP. So while I know it’s terrible, I have a strange fondness for it.
 

Don’t you mean ‘Udder The Boardwalk’?

(Herd....ok...I’ll get my coat) 

I've seen a lot of mean-spirited posts on this site over the years, but that one feels like the absolute worst.

Seriously?

No offence intended. Apologies if taken.

https://youtu.be/dqLRd4neGGE