I actually really like the disco version of "Here Comes the Night."

[JanBerryFarm]

I agree. It's quite good, for what it is.

And, IMO it's the best Disco song ever recorded. After all, it IS The Beach Boys.

[Freddie French-Pounce]

Nothing beats the 12" Blue Vinyl single!

[SMiLE Brian]

The beach boys trying disco was a mistake, Brian at his worst was a better leader Of musical taste.

[Myk Luhv]

Yeah, "Smart Girls" sure saw him adapting to rapping well alright!

[SMiLE Brian]

Yeah, "Smart Girls" sure saw him adapting to rapping well alright!

blame dr. Landy and his mind control.

[runnersdialzero]

Yeah, "Smart Girls" sure saw him adapting to rapping well alright!

blame dr. Landy and his mind control.

Anything bad that has ever happened can never be blamed on Brian. ;(

[Jason Penick]

Apologies to C-Man, but as I was researching something for this thread, I came across a post of his from an older thread on the same subject that I'd like to quote. I think it sheds quite a bit of light as to why this single was recorded, and is a hard to find quote that doesn't deserve to get buried:

Curt Becher (interviewed in November 1979 for the February & May 1980 editions of the BBFUN newsletter):  "We got together a year ago October (1978), and Bruce Johnston asked if I'd like to do a side with the Beach Boys and I said 'Sure', and he said to come down to Western Studios and meet the guys, and play for them California's 'I Can Hear Music'.  We had done a disco verson of 'I Can Hear Music'.  So I went down and played it for them and we talked a little bit and they said they would like to do it, so we started it I think a week later.  They were working on the L.A. (Light Album)...any Beach Boys nut would be familiar with the original version of 'Here Comes The Night'.  It was always one of my favorites, undiscovered - it was kind of like a secret Beach Boys tune that was really hot that not many people knew about, and we tried so hard to be true to what Brian had originally laid down.  We went back to the original tapes and just listened to the vocals by themselves, you know, separate the vocals and just listen to just elements in the track, the original track, to capture as much of the real essence of the record as we possibly could, even though it would be disco.  It wasn't a cheap shot...We had some great vocal sessions on 'Here Comes The Night'...Before I heard 'Here Comes The Night', I thought, 'Well, I'm not even sure they could do something like that'...It's almost a marathon singing that record.  And I was really impressed that they were so together and so hot...Whether you like it or not or whatever you think about 'Here Comes The Night', there's some incredible singing going on in that record...Not very many groups would be able to sing that way..."(on the possibility of recording with them again):  "No, I don't think so.  I'm not working with the Beach Boys right now on their new album.  The most that could happen on the new LP is that I told Bruce if he needs me, that I would be more than happy to mix for him because I mixed about half of the 'L.A.' album.  What I did with 'Here Comes The Night' was what I wanted - to make the Beach Boys more progressive, do different things, and update the sound.  'Here Comes The Night' was the first attempt at that and it was not well received.  I would love to work the guys more but our musical tastes are different.  I would want to do something progressive and I don't think they would want to do that right now.  That doesn't mean we don't respect each other or we don't get along.  It means they know what I would want to do if I were involved with the production.  I want to move into the future, with my concept of the future, and obviously they don't agree with it.  I can understand their decision.  It's fine." 

[D409]

It's great for those evenings when I want to put on my white suit, my medallion and a dab of the Old Spice for a night on the town and a few pina coladas  

[D409]

Like the vocal arrangements, though...even Carl's lead !

[Disney Boy (1985)]

I agree. It's quite good, for what it is.

And, IMO it's the best Disco song ever recorded. After all, it IS The Beach Boys.

Hmm I think I Feel Love by Donna Summer might just be slightly better...

[Alex]

I agree. It's quite good, for what it is.

And, IMO it's the best Disco song ever recorded. After all, it IS The Beach Boys.

Hmm I think I Feel Love by Donna Summer might just be slightly better...

You both have it wrong, Dance Dance Dance by Chic is the greatest disco song ever!!!

[hypehat]

I agree. It's quite good, for what it is.

And, IMO it's the best Disco song ever recorded. After all, it IS The Beach Boys.

Bitch, you is trippin.

[Cabinessenceking]

I can enjoy the single version enough to have it on my playlist (tho is skip it more often than not). I also place it distinctly after the good material of LA Light, between It's A Beautiful Day and Goin' On. It needs the right context, and must be at least 4 songs away from music such as Baby Blue etc.

[filledeplage]

HCTN '79 (LP) is a wonderful aural experience -  I've said before that I'd love to hear this track remixed for proper beefy surround sound – maybe Mr Desper could create a quad mix for us? – bouncing off the walls.

It might not be the Beach Boys a lot of folks wanted to hear then, but the track is pretty incredible.

Aesthetically, the 45 edit perhaps packs just about as much as most folk need into a shorter space of time but I don't hit the <<ff>> button when the LP track comes on, I just immerse myself in it.

John - I like it too, with BOSE headphones.  About 25-30 seconds in, it reminds me of dawn breaking.  It was a great adaptation of the original HCTN.  And great for the treadmill.  I don't expect anyone under 50 to get that.  It might even be considered a parody on disco as it was waning.  It all depends where you sit in life.

Bring it on! 

[runnersdialzero]

Has Brian ever commented on this version?

[runnersdialzero]

I'm taking on the full 11 minute version for the first time. I'm only two minutes in and I just want to say f*** you people for making me curious to listen to this.|

7 minute update: WHY ARE THERE MONKEY NOISES IN THIS. WHY AM I A FAN OF THIS BAND. WHJAH*TH#YH$)

[runnersdialzero]

I'm taking on the full 11 minute version for the first time. I'm only two minutes in and I just want to say f*** you people for making me curious to listen to this.|

7 minute update: WHY ARE THERE MONKEY NOISES IN THIS. WHY AM I A FAN OF THIS BAND. WHJAH*TH#YH$)

What monkey noises?

Clearly a trick to get me to listen to this again. It's not going to work.

Edit: f*** you for making me listen again. Monkey noises occur @ about 6:28. I'm going to guess this is to imply hot, hot monkey love between a guy and his gal once he comes home from work.

[hypehat]

I'm taking on the full 11 minute version for the first time. I'm only two minutes in and I just want to say f*** you people for making me curious to listen to this.|

7 minute update: WHY ARE THERE MONKEY NOISES IN THIS. WHY AM I A FAN OF THIS BAND. WHJAH*TH#YH$)

What monkey noises?

Clearly a trick to get me to listen to this again. It's not going to work.

Edit: f*** you for making me listen again.

 

[runnersdialzero]

I was just playin' around with the "f*** you" stuff sorryz.

Unless you meant the "hot, hot monkey love" part was rude. Sorry about that, too.

[Rocky Raccoon]

I was just playin' around with the "f*** you" stuff sorryz.

Unless you meant the "hot, hot monkey love" part was rude. Sorry about that, too.

Is Monkey Love a Mike Love based cartoon monkey in an upcoming animated series?

Also starring Owl Jardine, Lion Wilson, Moose Johnston, and David Barks!

[runnersdialzero]

I was just playin' around with the "f*** you" stuff sorryz.

Unless you meant the "hot, hot monkey love" part was rude. Sorry about that, too.

Is Monkey Love a Mike Love based cartoon monkey in an upcoming animated series?

Also starring Owl Jardine, Lion Wilson, Moose Johnston, and David Barks!

Words fail. This is my most favorite post of all time.

[I. Spaceman]

Dennis Dragon Wilson.

Too many references there.

[SufferingFools]

7 minute update: WHY ARE THERE MONKEY NOISES IN THIS. WHY AM I A FAN OF THIS BAND. WHJAH*TH#YH$)

Having used monkey noises in music myself, I can say that sometimes they just go there!  



I can't stand most of disco HCTN, but I admit those opening vocals (about 2:00-2:45) are pretty sweet.