The hipness image of the Beach Boys

[ontor pertawst]

So who gets to be the Tesla of rock?

[blank]

So who gets to be the Tesla of rock?

Gene Vincent?

[Summer_Days]

So who gets to be the Tesla of rock?

Tesla?

[ivy]

So who gets to be the Tesla of rock?

Sun Ra

[Joshilyn Hoisington]

Yeah, Panda Bear just sounds like some guy whining over music that sounds like farts.

Hey, now, no need to be so generous--Panda Bear is nowhere near as good as you make it sound like, here.  I mean, I'm all for giving the guy the benefit of the doubt, but sometimes you just gotta call it what it is.

[ontor pertawst]

I'm gonna have to go with Sun Ra just because he's Sun Ra. Rock? Shrug. Space is the place!

[SMiLE Brian]

A Sun Ra biopic would be out of this world....

[ivy]

I've read snarkers snark that Panda Bear sounds like two different Beach Boys records playing at the same time. And then I read someone say that Panda Bear sounds like a skipping Beach Boys record played at the same time as the Lion King soundtrack. If you combine the two (two different Beach Boys albums playing, one skipping, plus the Lion King soundtrack) you get as close to the science truth as can be achieved.

As far as animal-named hipster bands that I've been able to ignore for years and that have the Beach Boys mentioned in most of their reviews, I prefer Grizzly Bear.

[pixletwin]

As far as animal-named hipster bands that I've been able to ignore for years and that have the Beach Boys mentioned in most of their reviews, I prefer Grizzly Bear.

Yes. Grizzly Bear are very good! I love Colorado and Two Weeks. Very BB influences group and yet very much their own outfit.

[runnersdialzero]

Animal Collective's most BBs-sounding song: "College" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XuYMsDwl2xw

This is atrocious. Sorry Aegir, u kno i luv u. What's up with the inflection in the prominent middle voice? "UHHH UHHH UHHH *UHHHH* UHHHH." I hear vocals like this all the time anymore, and every time, I wonder if the person is just trying to sound like the most pretentious asshole ever. I cannot stand anything by this guy solo or by Animal Collective and I don't get the common comparison to the Beach Boys at all. This stuff feels so anti-everything the Beach Boys were about at any given point in their career and anti-anything that makes music worthwhile, to me, sans the very rare fleeting moments where things approach (but don't become, generally due to sheer annoyance and being overly repetitive) sonically interesting, which should serve your compositions and not merely be the sole item of substance in all your God damn songs.

</oldmanrantfroma26yearold>

</maybei'dgetitifididdrugs>

</fuckhashtags>

</aimlessinternetassholery>

</annoyance>

[DonnyL]

Animal Collective's most BBs-sounding song: "College" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XuYMsDwl2xw

This is atrocious. Sorry Aegir, u kno i luv u. What's up with the inflection in the prominent middle voice? "UHHH UHHH UHHH *UHHHH* UHHHH." I hear vocals like this all the time anymore, and every time, I wonder if the person is just trying to sound like the most pretentious asshole ever. I cannot stand anything by this guy solo or by Animal Collective and I don't get the common comparison to the Beach Boys at all. This stuff feels so anti-everything the Beach Boys were about at any given point in their career and anti-anything that makes music worthwhile, to me, sans the very rare fleeting moments where things approach (but don't become, generally due to sheer annoyance and being overly repetitive) sonically interesting, which should serve your compositions and not merely be the sole item of substance in all your God damn songs.

</oldmanrantfroma26yearold>

</maybei'dgetitifididdrugs>

</fuckhashtags>

</aimlessinternetassholery>

</annoyance>

yeh that stuff is junk. one of the only hip-ish retro-pop-beachboys-whatever groups that seems to strike me now and then is Ariel Pink:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OiBVGHigpTk

and of course, I'm biased but I think my friend Kelley is the best songwriter out there right now:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m1Cgqxq2zrs

[Jukka]

Wow, this Kelley guy! You're right, this is great stuff! So much music to choose from, which album would be a good starting point? Cos let me tell you, this stuff is really, really good, at least the couple of songs I've listened, following the YouTube links. Talented guy, that beardo.

Extra points for the drum and piano sounds on that song you linked. That kick drum booms beautifully and naturally, no trigging to be heard (or then technology has really evolved).

[Alex]

With all the AC and Grizzly Bear shout outs, I've gotta step in and give a mention to Camera Obscura...very 60s-esque, yet still modern sounding. Definitely some strong BBs, Spector, Motown, and even C&W (along with the C-86/twee/jangle/indie) influences.

Return to Send Her:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zo6VaY8HC7w

If Looks Could Kill:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N40pkMg7Z8k

French Navy:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O3CkfvYMCWM&feature=fvwrel

My Maudlin Career:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xpxyIymzzA4

Eighties Fan (even cops the Be My Baby drumbeat):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ulnzKT1yrm4

[PaulTMA]

I've read snarkers snark that Panda Bear sounds like two different Beach Boys records playing at the same time. And then I read someone say that Panda Bear sounds like a skipping Beach Boys record played at the same time as the Lion King soundtrack. If you combine the two (two different Beach Boys albums playing, one skipping, plus the Lion King soundtrack) you get as close to the science truth as can be achieved.

As far as animal-named hipster bands that I've been able to ignore for years and that have the Beach Boys mentioned in most of their reviews, I prefer Grizzly Bear.

Animal Collective sounds more like someone has eaten nothing but Skittles for 32 years, then spunked onto the playable side of a CD copy of The Smile Sessions disc 4, which is played simultaneously with the best of Dario G - except with worse vocals.

[runnersdialzero]

I've read snarkers snark that Panda Bear sounds like two different Beach Boys records playing at the same time. And then I read someone say that Panda Bear sounds like a skipping Beach Boys record played at the same time as the Lion King soundtrack. If you combine the two (two different Beach Boys albums playing, one skipping, plus the Lion King soundtrack) you get as close to the science truth as can be achieved.

As far as animal-named hipster bands that I've been able to ignore for years and that have the Beach Boys mentioned in most of their reviews, I prefer Grizzly Bear.

Animal Collective sounds more like someone has eaten nothing but Skittles for 32 years, then spunked onto the playable side of a CD copy of The Smile Sessions disc 4, which is played simultaneously with the best of Dario G - except with worse vocals.

I lawled and lawled, quickly realized the tone of the post seemed familiar, looked at the name, and lawled more. +1 erectionzzzz~~~

[Catbirdman]

one of the only hip-ish retro-pop-beachboys-whatever groups that seems to strike me now and then is Ariel Pink:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OiBVGHigpTk

and of course, I'm biased but I think my friend Kelley is the best songwriter out there right now:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m1Cgqxq2zrs

Oh man, Ariel Pink! Genius. Before Today was my favorite album of [whatever-year-that-was;clearly-I'm-getting-old], and there's a new one coming out soon, right? TBH I never heard much of a Beach Boys vibe in his music, but rather, intriguingly, a Mike Love First Love vibe - particularly in the track "Can't Feel My Eyes." Live, he and the Graffiti were amazing.

Just on the strength of association (and the fact that I generally agree with DonnyL's aesthetics), I will definitely check out that Kelley person when I'm not at work and have a chance to listen.

[Magic Transistor Radio]

In the 60s, I think the coolest band was the Velvet Underground. Not saying the best. Some recent bands/musicians I like are the Fleet Foxes, Beach House, Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros, MWard and Admiral Radley.

[Letsgoawayforawhile]

In the 60s, I think the coolest band was the Velvet Underground. Not saying the best. Some recent bands/musicians I like are the Fleet Foxes, Beach House, Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros, MWard and Admiral Radley.

You should check out Good Old War if you haven't. Beautiful three part harmonies.

[DonnyL]

Wow, this Kelley guy! You're right, this is great stuff! So much music to choose from, which album would be a good starting point? Cos let me tell you, this stuff is really, really good, at least the couple of songs I've listened, following the YouTube links. Talented guy, that beardo.

Extra points for the drum and piano sounds on that song you linked. That kick drum booms beautifully and naturally, no trigging to be heard (or then technology has really evolved).

'Below the Branches' is the best starting point, though his last record 'To Dreamers' is my favorite. you really can't go wrong with Kelley though -- his talent is scary.

yeh he recorded most of his stuff on a Tascam 388.

[DonnyL]

With all the AC and Grizzly Bear shout outs, I've gotta step in and give a mention to Camera Obscura...very 60s-esque, yet still modern sounding. Definitely some strong BBs, Spector, Motown, and even C&W (along with the C-86/twee/jangle/indie) influences.

Return to Send Her:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zo6VaY8HC7w

If Looks Could Kill:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N40pkMg7Z8k

French Navy:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O3CkfvYMCWM&feature=fvwrel

My Maudlin Career:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xpxyIymzzA4

Eighties Fan (even cops the Be My Baby drumbeat):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ulnzKT1yrm4

i like some of their stuff too !

[DonnyL]

one of the only hip-ish retro-pop-beachboys-whatever groups that seems to strike me now and then is Ariel Pink:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OiBVGHigpTk

and of course, I'm biased but I think my friend Kelley is the best songwriter out there right now:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m1Cgqxq2zrs

Oh man, Ariel Pink! Genius. Before Today was my favorite album of [whatever-year-that-was;clearly-I'm-getting-old], and there's a new one coming out soon, right? TBH I never heard much of a Beach Boys vibe in his music, but rather, intriguingly, a Mike Love First Love vibe - particularly in the track "Can't Feel My Eyes." Live, he and the Graffiti were amazing.

Just on the strength of association (and the fact that I generally agree with DonnyL's aesthetics), I will definitely check out that Kelley person when I'm not at work and have a chance to listen.

yeh, that Mike Love 'First Love' vibe ... I think maybe that's called 'Yacht Rock' now?!? I just heard that term the other day.  this new 'Mature Themes' album sounds very interesting so far --  check that link if you haven't.

[homeontherange]

I'm disappointed in you guys hating on Animal Collective. They're honestly very good (one of the few modern bands that I really like) and I think Avey Tare is one of the greatest songwriters on earth right now (Gustav Ejstes in Dungen being number 1).
You should try to listen to them without thinking they're pretentious hipsters trying to sound cool, because they're not. They're just trying to write honest music, and you can definitely hear that, especially with Avey's songs. Some of his best songs have that Brian mid-60s feel where it seems like the melody just popped out from his heart and you're like "why hasn't anyone written this perfect melody before?".
I don't know, it's hard to explain, but I think it's kinda easy to tell which songwriters truthfully write melodies from their heart and soul and don't TRY to sound like something cool, or something they like. I think it's a hard thing to do and only some very gifted songwriters are able to.
Animal Collective have a way of confusing people to think that they're pretentious douchebags, but if you truly get into their music you find that it's the absolute opposite.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OvIryVxmyy0 - This is one of my favorites. Listen twice or more to find the song underneath the mess. The melodies are incredible.

[EgoHanger1966]

I just listened to the link of Kelley Stoltz that was posted above somewhere, and damn if I didn't absolutely LOVE it from the first listen. So many artists try to achieve that sound influenced by the Beach Boys and Beatles, and so few pull it off, and this guy just nailed it. From the garage sounding, 60s-tuned snare to those vocal harmonies, and some Beatles guitar and grit - stunning. Must buy everything he has released!

[DonnyL]

I just listened to the link of Kelley Stoltz that was posted above somewhere, and damn if I didn't absolutely LOVE it from the first listen. So many artists try to achieve that sound influenced by the Beach Boys and Beatles, and so few pull it off, and this guy just nailed it. From the garage sounding, 60s-tuned snare to those vocal harmonies, and some Beatles guitar and grit - stunning. Must buy everything he has released!

Glad to spread the word! Please buy as much of his stuff as you guys can, and send an email to Sub Pop telling them how much you think he's a genius and can't wait for another album ...

[homeontherange]

I just listened to the link of Kelley Stoltz that was posted above somewhere, and damn if I didn't absolutely LOVE it from the first listen. So many artists try to achieve that sound influenced by the Beach Boys and Beatles, and so few pull it off, and this guy just nailed it. From the garage sounding, 60s-tuned snare to those vocal harmonies, and some Beatles guitar and grit - stunning. Must buy everything he has released!

Glad to spread the word! Please buy as much of his stuff as you guys can, and send an email to Sub Pop telling them how much you think he's a genius and can't wait for another album ...

I liked it a lot too! Cool song!